How to Hard Reset an iPad Pro

To hard reset an iPad Pro without deleting data, use the force-restart button sequence for your model. If you forgot the passcode or need to return the iPad Pro to factory settings, you must erase it, which removes its content and settings.

Hard Reset vs. Factory Reset: What's the Difference?

A hard reset usually means a forced restart: the iPad Pro shuts down and starts again even when the screen or controls are frozen. A forced restart does not erase your apps, photos, accounts, or settings.

A factory reset, also called Erase All Content and Settings, removes personal data and returns the iPad Pro to its setup screen. Use a factory reset when you forgot the passcode, are troubleshooting a serious problem that restarting did not fix, or intentionally need to erase the device.

• For a frozen or unresponsive screen, try a forced restart first.
• For a forgotten passcode, erase the iPad Pro and set it up again.
• For a responsive iPad that needs a clean reset, erase it through Settings.

What Should You Do Before Resetting an iPad Pro?

Connect the iPad Pro to power or make sure it has enough charge to complete the process. If the device responds, back it up to iCloud or a computer before performing a factory reset.

Have the Apple Account email address and password previously used on the iPad Pro. Apple may call this an Apple ID on older screens. You may need those credentials after erasing the device because of Activation Lock.

A forced restart does not remove data. A factory reset permanently erases the data stored on the iPad Pro, and information that was not backed up may not be available to restore.

How Do You Force Restart an iPad Pro?

The correct hard reset iPad Pro sequence depends on whether the device has a Home button. The top button is the physical button on the top edge of the iPad Pro.

For an iPad Pro without a Home button:

1. Press and quickly release the volume button closest to the top button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
3. Press and hold the top button.
4. Keep holding until the Apple logo appears, then release the top button.

For an iPad Pro with a Home button:

1. Press and hold the Home button and the top button at the same time.
2. Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears.
3. Release both buttons and allow the iPad Pro to restart.

If the screen stays frozen, connect the iPad Pro to power and try the exact sequence again. Quick presses on models without a Home button must be separate; do not hold either volume button. If repeated attempts fail, use recovery mode or seek official support.

How Do You Factory Reset an iPad Pro from Settings?

Use Settings when the iPad Pro is unlocked and responding. Back up anything you want to keep before continuing.

1. Open Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Select Transfer or Reset iPad.
4. Select Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Review the information shown, then select Continue.
6. Enter the iPad passcode or Apple Account password if requested.
7. Confirm the erase and wait for the setup screen to appear.

Do not choose Erase All Content and Settings if you only want to restart a frozen iPad Pro. This option removes personal content rather than simply restarting the system.

How Do You Reset an iPad Pro When You Forgot the Passcode?

A forgotten passcode cannot be removed with a forced restart. The iPad Pro must be erased, after which you can create a new passcode and restore an available backup.

If the locked screen offers Forgot Passcode? or Erase iPad, the iPad Pro must have a working network connection, Find My must already be enabled, and you must know the Apple Account password.

1. Select Forgot Passcode? or Erase iPad on the locked screen.
2. Select the option to start the device reset, if shown.
3. Enter the Apple Account password.
4. Confirm that you want to erase the iPad Pro.
5. After it restarts, follow the setup instructions.

You can also erase the iPad Pro from the Find My app on another Apple device. Open Find My, select Devices, choose the locked iPad Pro, select Erase This Device, and complete the onscreen steps.

If neither option is available, use recovery mode with a Mac or Windows PC:

1. Turn off the iPad Pro and connect it to the computer with a compatible cable.
2. For a model without a Home button, quickly press the volume button closest to the top button, quickly press the other volume button, then hold the top button. For a model with a Home button, hold the Home and top buttons together.
3. Keep holding through the Apple logo until the recovery-mode image of a computer and cable appears.
4. Locate the iPad Pro in Finder on a Mac or the Apple Devices app on Windows.
5. Choose Restore when offered Restore or Update, then wait for the erase and installation to finish.

What Happens After an iPad Pro Factory Reset?

Activation Lock is an anti-theft feature tied to Find My and the Apple Account previously used on the iPad Pro. If Activation Lock appears during setup, enter that Apple Account and password; erasing the device does not bypass the lock.

During setup, choose an iCloud backup or a computer backup when the restore options appear. Sign in when prompted, select the appropriate backup, and keep the iPad Pro connected to power and Wi-Fi while its data and apps return. Without a backup, set up the iPad Pro as a new device.

What Should You Do If the iPad Pro Reset Doesn't Work?

If the iPad Pro will not charge, show the Apple logo, enter recovery mode, or appear on a connected computer, check the cable and power source and try the model-specific steps again. Avoid repeating an erase while a restore is already in progress.

Open {site} and use the official iPad support options if the device remains unresponsive, recovery mode repeatedly fails, or a hardware button does not work. Apple can also explain the approved account-recovery process if you cannot sign in for Activation Lock.