How to Reset an iPad Pro

To reset an iPad Pro that is frozen, force-restart it with the buttons; this does not erase your data. To return an iPad Pro to factory settings, open Settings and choose Erase All Content and Settings, which permanently removes the device’s content.

What is the difference between a soft reset and a factory reset?

A soft reset means restarting the iPad Pro without deleting apps, photos, accounts, or settings. Use a normal restart when the screen still responds, or force-restart the iPad Pro when it is frozen, shows a blank screen, or ignores taps.

A factory reset means erasing the iPad Pro and returning it to its original setup state. Use a factory reset when you need a fresh start, when troubleshooting has failed, or when the device will be handed to someone else.

• Soft reset: Restarts iPadOS and keeps your information.
• Factory reset: Deletes personal information, apps, accounts, and settings.
• Reset All Settings: Restores system settings without deleting personal content. This separate option appears under Settings, General, Transfer or Reset iPad, and Reset.

What should you do before resetting an iPad Pro?

Prepare before an iPad Pro reset whenever the device remains accessible. A force restart does not erase data, but a backup is essential before a factory reset.

1. Back up the iPad Pro to iCloud or a computer. Confirm that the backup completed before erasing anything.
2. Make sure you know the device passcode and the password for the Apple Account signed in on the iPad Pro. Apple Account is the current name for the account previously called an Apple ID.
3. Connect the iPad Pro to power or confirm that it has enough charge to complete the process.
4. Keep the device connected to Wi-Fi if you expect to create or restore an iCloud backup.
5. If the iPad Pro uses an eSIM, review the erase screen carefully. It may let you keep or erase the eSIM; erasing it can require help from the carrier to reactivate cellular service.

How do you soft reset an iPad Pro?

To soft reset an iPad Pro that still responds, hold the top button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider, wait for the device to turn off, and then hold the top button until the Apple logo appears.

To force-restart 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 other volume button.
3. Press and hold the top button.
4. Release the top button when the Apple logo appears.

For an older iPad Pro with a Home button, press and hold the Home button and the top button together. Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears, then release them.

A force restart does not remove personal information. If the iPad Pro still will not turn on, leave it connected to power before trying again.

How do you factory reset an iPad Pro in Settings?

A factory reset erases all content and settings from the iPad Pro. Do not begin until any information you want to keep has been backed up.

1. Open Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Select Transfer or Reset iPad.
4. Select Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Review the information that will be removed, then select Continue.
6. Enter the iPad passcode or Apple Account password if prompted.
7. Confirm the erase and wait for the iPad Pro to restart.

Do not interrupt the erase process. When it is complete, the Hello screen appears and the iPad Pro is ready for setup.

How do you reset an iPad Pro when you are locked out?

Resetting a locked iPad Pro erases its data, including the forgotten passcode. A backup made before the lockout may be restored afterward.

If the lock screen shows Forgot Passcode? and the iPad Pro has an active Wi-Fi or cellular connection, Find My was enabled, and you know the Apple Account password, follow the prompts to start the device reset. Enter the Apple Account password and confirm that you want to erase the iPad Pro.

If that option is unavailable, use recovery mode with a Mac or Windows computer:

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

If the software download finishes after the iPad Pro leaves recovery mode, let the download complete and then repeat the recovery-mode steps.

What should you do after resetting an iPad Pro?

After an iPad Pro factory reset, follow the instructions on the Hello screen. Choose the language and region, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with the Apple Account associated with the device.

Select an iCloud or computer backup during setup to restore saved information. If no usable backup exists, set up the iPad Pro as a new device. Apps and cloud-based information may continue downloading after the main setup is complete, so keep the device connected to power and Wi-Fi.

Create a new passcode when prompted. If Activation Lock appears, enter the Apple Account credentials previously associated with the iPad Pro; erasing the device does not remove Activation Lock.

Where can you get help if an iPad Pro reset does not work?

If the iPad Pro remains frozen, cannot enter recovery mode, or produces an error during restoration, open {site} and go to iPad Support. Look for help with a frozen iPad, forgotten passcodes, recovery mode, or restore errors.

Have the iPad Pro available and note any message or error number shown on the device or computer. Official Apple Support can explain the next verified troubleshooting or service step.