942 942 people found this article helpful Updated on September 4, 2022 Reset your iPad to factory settings to remove your personal information
What to Know
This article explains how to reset an iPad to factory defaults for devices running iOS 9 or higher, and offers tips on wiping the device completely.
How to Reset the iPad to Factory Default
After you've performed a backup, you are ready to erase all content on the iPad and reset it back to factory default by following these steps:
In Settings, tap General on the left-side menu.
Scroll to the end of the General settings and tap Reset.
Tap Reset All Content and Settings to erase your iPad.
You'll need to confirm your selection twice. Because this option will set your iPad back to the factory default, Apple wants to double-check your choice. If you have a passcode lock on the iPad, you will also have to enter it to continue.
Your iPad will erase and restart, ready for someone to set it up again.
How to Erase All Content on the iPad
Erasing all of the settings and data are erased from the iPad keeps your personal information safe. It's also a troubleshooting tool that can solve problems by deleting offending apps or settings. Before doing a full wipe of the iPad, try clearing the settings and resetting the network settings. You can do both of these processes on the same screen you use to reset the iPad.
The process of resetting should include turning off the Find My iPad feature.
Other Ways to Reset the iPad
The Reset menu contains several options if you don't want to clear the iPad entirely.
If you're giving your iPad to a family member who's going to use the same Apple ID, you might choose the first option: Reset All Settings. This option leaves the data (music, movies, contacts, etc.) on the tablet but resets the preferences. You can also try this if you are having problems with the iPad and aren't quite ready to go through with a full wipe.
If you're resetting the device because you're having trouble connecting to your Wi-Fi or having other issues with internet connectivity, first try Reset Network Settings. This option will clear out any data stored on your specific network and could help clear up the issue without the need to do a full restore.
Choosing to Erase All Content and Settings is typically the best option for most situations. This ensures that all data is removed, which includes information for your iTunes account. If you are selling the iPad on Craigslist, eBay, or to a friend or family member who will be using a different iTunes account, erase all content and settings.
FAQ
How do I reset an iPad without a password?
To reset an iPad without a password, you can sync your iPad to a computer to put it in Recovery Mode and access the Restore capability. Alternatively, go to iCloud.com and find the iPad under your devices. Next, select Erase iPad, and follow the prompts.
How do I reset an iPad Mini?
To reset an iPad Mini, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad. Select Erase All Content and Settings. You'll see an explanation box; tap Continue. Enter the iPad Mini's passcode; wait for a backup to complete, or tap Skip Backup. On the final confirmation page, tap Erase iPad.
How do I reset a disabled iPad?
If you can't fix a disabled iPad and must reset it, your easiest course of action would be resetting it via iCloud. Go to iCloud.com, log in, and locate the iPad in your list of devices. Select Erase iPad, and follow the prompts to factory reset the iPad. You'll lose all the iPad's contents, but you'll be able to access it.
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Buying a new iPad is exciting. You get to look forward to unboxing it, playing with all the new features and tweaking the settings until everything is just right. Before you get too excited, though, you must confront the unavoidable question of what to do with your old iPad. If it's still in working condition, you have several options, like selling it or repurposing it -- maybe into a baby monitor. But first you need to erase and factory-reset it.
By erasing your iPad and giving it a factory reset before you give it away or sell it, you're protecting any sensitive personal data that could be left on your device. Taking just a few seconds to do this can save you a lot of time and stress. Here's exactly how to wipe your iPad and protect yourself when switching around devices.
Before you erase, be sure to back up
If you want to keep the data that's already on your iPad before you erase and reset it, you will first need to back up your iPad. There are a couple of ways you can back up your iPad via Mac and Windows PC, but the easiest way is by using iCloud.
You can back up using iCloud by going to Settings > your name at the top of the page > iCloud > iCloud Backup. Next, choose "Turn on iCloud Backup." Once you've enabled iCloud Backup, your iPad should back up automatically once a day when your iPad is connected to power, connected to the internet and locked.
Using Apple's iCloud is the easiest way to back up an iPad.
Screenshot by Mary-Elisabeth Combs/CNETIf you want to manually back up your iPad you will follow the same steps as above but once you get to iCloud Backup select "Back Up Now." You can view previous backups by going to Settings > your name at the top of the page > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups.
Click Back Up Now in iCloud settings to start saving immediately.
Screenshot by Mary-Elisabeth Combs/CNETA helpful tip for backing up your devices: Make sure whatever you are backing up is connected to both your home internet and a power source. This ensures that you aren't draining your battery or your data while you back up your devices.
Apple makes it pretty easy to wipe an iPad from the settings menu.
Screenshot by Mary-Elisabeth Combs/CNETTime to erase
Now that you've saved your data, it's time to erase your device. Like backing up your iPad, there are two ways to erase your device: with your Mac or Windows PC, or on your iPad. Again, the easier option is to reset directly from the iPad.
To erase your device go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad and then tap "Erase All Content and Settings."
Now that all of your personal data is safely backed up and your iPad is completely wiped, you can fully revel in the joys of selecting a new iPad or other tablets.
Speaking of that new iPad or tablet, check out CNET's recommendations for iPads and for Android tablets.