How to Reset an Apple iPad to Factory Settings

To reset an Apple iPad to factory settings, open Settings, select General, Transfer or Reset iPad, and Erase All Content and Settings. This permanently removes the iPad’s apps, accounts, settings, and locally stored data, then returns the device to the setup screen.

Before You Reset Your iPad

A factory reset erases the information stored on the iPad. Unbacked-up photos, files, messages, app data, and settings cannot be recovered through the reset process.

• Back up the iPad to iCloud or a trusted computer if you may need its data later. Confirm that the backup finishes before erasing anything.
• Know the iPad passcode and the password for the Apple Account signed in on the device. An Apple Account is the account used for iCloud and other Apple services.
• Keep the iPad connected to power and a reliable Wi-Fi network until the erase finishes.
• If the iPad uses an eSIM, decide whether to keep or erase it when prompted. Erasing an eSIM may require help from the cellular carrier to reactivate service.
• Unpair connected accessories and transfer any information that is not included in the backup.
• If the iPad belongs to an employer or school, contact its administrator before resetting it. Device-management restrictions may control whether it can be erased or set up again.

Activation Lock is an anti-theft feature that links an iPad to the Apple Account used with Find My. Erasing an iPad does not provide a way around Activation Lock. The linked account credentials may be required during or after the reset, especially if the device is being prepared for another person.

How to Factory Reset an iPad in Settings

Use this Apple iPad reset to factory settings procedure when the iPad works and you can unlock it:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General.
3. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPad.
4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. Do not select Reset if the goal is to erase the device; the options under Reset can change settings without removing personal content.
5. Review the information that the iPad says will be removed, then tap Continue.
6. Enter the screen passcode or Apple Account password if requested.
7. Choose whether to keep or erase the eSIM if that choice appears.
8. Confirm the erase and wait. The iPad may restart more than once before showing the Hello screen.

Do not interrupt the iPad while it is erasing. If the battery is low, connect the device to power before starting.

How to Reset an iPad Without the Passcode

If the iPad is unavailable, disabled, or its passcode is forgotten, Apple’s recovery-mode process can erase the passcode and all other data. You need a Mac or Windows PC, a compatible cable, and an internet connection.

1. Disconnect the iPad from the computer and turn it off. On an iPad without a Home button, hold the top button and either volume button until the power slider appears. On an iPad with a Home button, hold the top button until the slider appears.
2. Connect the powered-off iPad to the computer with the cable.
3. For an iPad without a Home button, quickly press and release the volume button nearest the top button, quickly press and release the other volume button, then hold the top button. For an iPad with a Home button, hold the Home and top or side buttons together.
4. Keep holding through the Apple logo. Release the button only when the recovery-mode image of a computer and cable appears.
5. Open Finder on a current Mac or the Apple Devices app on Windows. Older supported systems may use iTunes.
6. Select the iPad, then choose Restore when offered Restore or Update. Restore downloads the required software and erases the iPad.
7. Wait for the restore to finish, then follow the setup prompts on the iPad.

If the software download takes long enough for the iPad to leave recovery mode, let the download finish. Turn off the iPad and repeat the recovery-mode button sequence.

What to Do If the Reset Does Not Work

• If Erase All Content and Settings is unavailable, check for a work or school management profile, parental restrictions, or Screen Time restrictions. The organization or person controlling the restriction may need to help.
• If the computer does not recognize the iPad, reconnect the cable, try another compatible cable or USB port, and restart both devices. Update macOS, Apple Devices, or iTunes where applicable.
• If recovery mode shows the passcode screen instead of the computer-and-cable image, turn off the iPad and repeat the model-specific button sequence.
• If a restore download or installation fails, confirm that the computer has a stable internet connection and enough available storage, then try again.
• If Activation Lock appears after erasing, enter the Apple Account credentials previously linked to the iPad. For a device linked to another person, that owner must remove it from their account. Do not use services or software claiming to bypass Activation Lock.

Set Up, Restore, or Give Away the iPad

The Hello screen means the factory reset has completed. Choose the next step based on who will use the iPad:

• To start fresh, complete Setup Assistant and choose the option to set up without transferring apps and data.
• To recover saved information, choose an iCloud backup or a backup stored on a Mac or Windows PC. Sign in with the Apple Account associated with that backup.
• To give the iPad to someone else, stop at the Hello screen. Confirm that the device no longer requests your Apple Account and remove it from your list of trusted devices if necessary.

Do not continue through personal setup for a new owner. That person should select their own language, network, Apple Account, security settings, and restore options.

Get Official Apple Support

If you still cannot complete the reset, open the company’s official website and use the iPad Support section. Apple provides instructions for forgotten passcodes, recovery mode, backups, Apple Account password recovery, Activation Lock support requests, and service options.

Use Apple’s account-recovery process if you cannot remember the linked Apple Account password. If Activation Lock belongs to someone else, contact the previous owner; if the iPad is managed by a business or school, contact its administrator. Apple may request proof of ownership for an Activation Lock support request.