How to Reset an iPad: Every Method for 2026

July 9, 2026

To fully erase your iPad and restore it to factory settings, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad and tap Erase All Content and Settings. This will permanently delete your personal data, apps, and accounts, making the device ready to sell or set up as new.

To factory reset your iPad, the easiest method is wiping it directly from your Settings menu. If your device is locked, unresponsive, or you cannot access the screen, you will need to connect it to a computer and use Recovery Mode to restore it.

How to factory reset an iPad

Before You Begin (Crucial Steps)

Back Up: Ensure your important files and photos are saved securely using an iCloud Backup or via your computer.
Turn off Find My: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPad and toggle it off (you will need your Apple Account password).

Method 1: The Settings App (Fastest Method)

Best for: When you know your device passcode and can access the normal iPad interface.

Open Settings on your iPad.
Tap General.
Scroll to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset iPad.
Select Erase All Content and Settings.
Enter your iPad passcode when prompted, then your Apple Account password.
Confirm by tapping Continue.

Once the progress bar completes, your iPad will restart to the “Hello” setup screen.

If your iPad is glitching or unresponsive but you don’t want to lose data, a force restart acts as a soft reset.

If your iPad has a Face ID or a top power button: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button. Next, press and hold the Top Button until the Apple logo appears.
If your iPad has a Home button: Press and hold both the Home Button and the Top/Power Button simultaneously until you see the Apple logo.

Method 2: Reset an iPad Without a Passcode Using Recovery Mode

Best for: Bypassing a forgotten passcode or fixing a frozen, unresponsive iPad.

Connect your iPad to your computer via cable and open Finder (Mac) or the Apple Devices/iTunes app (Windows).
Enter Recovery Mode by using the button sequence for your model:

No Home Button: Quickly press Vol Up, then Vol Down, and hold the Top button until the recovery screen appears.
With Home Button: Hold both Home and Top/Side buttons until the recovery screen appears.
Select Restore when the pop-up appears on your computer.

Once complete, your iPad will show the setup screen as if it were brand new, and the old passcode will be gone entirely.

Pro Tip

Before starting any reset method, plug your iPad into power and make sure it stays above 50 percent charge throughout the process. A reset or restore that gets interrupted by a dead battery partway through can leave your iPad stuck in an incomplete state, which is far harder to fix than simply waiting a few extra minutes for it to charge first.

Method 3: Reset an iPad Remotely Using iCloud

If you do not have access to a computer or the iPad itself, you can erase it remotely, as long as Find My iPad was enabled and the iPad has an internet connection.

On another device, go to icloud.com/find and sign in with the Apple ID linked to the locked iPad
Click All Devices at the top and select the iPad you want to erase
Click Erase This Device
Follow the on screen prompts to confirm
After a few minutes, the iPad will be back to factory settings

This method is especially useful if the iPad is lost, stolen, or physically inaccessible but still connected to WiFi or cellular data.

Method 3: Finder / iTunes (Standard Computer Method)

Best for: Clearing data when you can still connect to a computer.

Turn off Find My iPad in Settings.
Connect your iPad to your computer and open Finder/iTunes.
Select your device, go to General/Summary, and click Restore iPad.

Method 4: Hard Reset (For Freezing/Minor Glitches Only)

Note: This does not erase your data, but forces a restart to resolve bugs.

Quickly press Volume Up, then Volume Down.
Hold the Power/Top button until the Apple logo appears

Important Note on Activation Lock

If Find My iPad was turned on before the reset, the device may ask for the original Apple ID and password after the reset completes. This is called Activation Lock, and it exists purely as an anti theft feature. If you run into this screen unexpectedly, our detailed guide on iPad could not activate explains exactly what is happening and how to resolve it.

Should You Back Up Before Resetting?

Always back up first if there is any chance you want the data again. iCloud backups happen automatically if enabled under Settings, then your name, then iCloud. You can also connect the iPad to a computer and back it up manually through Finder or the Apple Devices app before starting any reset method above.

Resetting an iPad Before Selling, Returning, or Reassigning It

If you are preparing an iPad to sell, give away, or return after a short term hire, a full factory reset through Method 1 above is all you need, provided Find My iPad is turned off beforehand under Settings, then your name, then Find My. This removes your personal data completely and clears the device for its next user.

If you regularly need iPads for short term projects, exhibitions, or events instead of buying new devices outright, our iPad rental Dubai service delivers fully configured, pre reset devices ready to use straight out of the box, with full support included for the duration of your hire.

For large scale product launches, exhibitions, or interactive displays, our giant iPad hire service is also worth exploring if you need something bigger than a standard tablet screen.

Related iPad Guides

While you have your iPad open, these related guides might help with other common issues:

If your iPad has frozen instead of needing a full reset, try our guide on force restart an iPad first
Before resetting, check check iPad battery health to see if a reset might actually help performance
If pop ups are blocking your screen before you can even reach Settings, see unblock pop ups iPad
Setting up a new or freshly reset iPad, learn connect Apple Pencil iPad for note taking and design work

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I completely reset everything on an iPad?

To completely reset an iPad, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings. This removes your apps, photos, settings, and personal data, restoring the device to its factory state. If Find My iPad is enabled, you’ll need to enter your Apple ID password before the reset can be completed.

How do you turn off a 2026 iPad?

On iPads without a Home button, press and hold either Volume button and the Top button until the power-off slider appears, then drag the slider to turn off the device. On iPads with a Home button, press and hold only the Top button until the slider appears.

How do I restart an iPad without the volume button?

If your iPad’s volume buttons aren’t working, open Settings > General > Shut Down to power off the device, then press and hold the Top button to turn it back on. If the device is unresponsive, you may need to connect it to a computer and use recovery mode if a normal restart isn’t possible.

How do I restart an iPad A16?

To restart an iPad with the A16 chip, press and hold either Volume button and the Top button until the power-off slider appears. Slide to power off, wait a few seconds, then press and hold the Top button again until the Apple logo appears. This safely restarts the device without affecting your data.