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Choose the iPad reset that matches the problem: restart it for routine glitches, force-restart it if it is frozen, reset all settings to troubleshoot without deleting personal content, or erase it to return it to factory settings. A factory erase deletes content and settings, so back up first if you may need your data.

Choose the right kind of iPad reset

“Reset” can mean actions with very different effects. Use this guide to choose based on whether the iPad responds, whether you need to keep its content, whether you know the passcode, and whether you can use a computer.

Action When to use it What happens to personal content
Restart (soft reboot) The iPad responds and you want to try the least disruptive fix. Not erased.
Force restart (hard reset) The iPad is frozen or will not respond to normal shutdown. Not erased; this restarts the iPad.
Reset All Settings You want to troubleshoot settings while keeping personal content. Data and media are not deleted; settings return to defaults.
Erase All Content and Settings You want to remove content and settings and restore factory settings. Deleted. Back up first if you want to restore it later.
Computer recovery restore You cannot erase the iPad in Settings, such as when you have forgotten its passcode. Deleted, including the passcode.

How to restart an iPad normally

A normal restart is the least destructive first step for many issues, including Wi-Fi or Bluetooth problems. Apple recommends restarting before resetting settings for system-feature issues. The button sequence depends on whether your iPad has a Home button.

iPad without a Home button

  1. Press and hold either volume button and the top button until the power-off slider appears.
  2. Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for the iPad to turn off.
  3. Press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears.

iPad with a Home button

  1. Press and hold the top button until the power-off slider appears.
  2. Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for the iPad to turn off.
  3. Press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears.

Turn off from Control Centre in iPadOS 18 or later

You can also open Control Centre by swiping down from the top-right corner, then press and hold the Power button. Release it, drag the power-off slider, and wait 30 seconds. Turn the iPad back on by pressing and holding the top button until the Apple logo appears.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

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MoKo for iPad (A16) 11th Generation Case, iPad 10th Gen Case, Navy Blue
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How to force-restart an iPad that is frozen

Use a force restart when the iPad is unresponsive and you cannot shut it down normally. It restarts the device; it is not a factory erase.

iPad without a Home button

  1. Quickly press and release the volume button nearest the top button.
  2. Quickly press and release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button. Release it when the Apple logo appears.

iPad with a Home button

  1. Press and hold the top button and Home button together.
  2. Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

If the iPad still will not restart, use Apple’s guidance for an iPad that is frozen or will not turn on.

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How to reset iPad settings without losing data

If a settings problem persists and you want to keep personal content, choose Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings. This returns settings such as network, keyboard dictionary, location, privacy, and Apple Pay settings to their defaults. Apple says data and media are not deleted.

Afterward, you may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi, pair Bluetooth devices, and adjust preferences. Apple describes resetting all settings as rarely necessary, so try a normal restart first for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or similar system-feature issues. Do not choose Erase All Content and Settings if your goal is to keep your content.

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How to factory-reset an iPad from Settings

Back up the iPad first if you may want to recover its content. Then open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings. Enter the passcode or Apple Account password if prompted, and confirm the erase. Apple says this securely erases personal information, content, and settings and restores factory settings. See Apple’s instructions to erase iPad.

If your iPad has an eSIM

During the erase flow, a cellular iPad with an eSIM offers a choice to erase or keep the eSIM. If you erase it, contact your carrier to reactivate the cellular plan.

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How to erase an iPad with a Mac or Windows computer

If you can use a computer, connect the iPad with a USB or USB-C cable that fits its connector. On a Mac, use Finder; on Windows, use Apple Devices. Older macOS or Windows setups may use iTunes. Select the iPad and choose Restore iPad. Apple’s iPad User Guide says that if Find My is enabled, you must sign out before clicking Restore.

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How to erase an iPad without its passcode

If you have forgotten the passcode, Apple recommends trying Passcode Reset first where it is available, then using the no-computer reset path if your iPad supports it. If those options are unavailable, use a Mac or Windows PC to put the iPad in recovery mode and restore it. You need a compatible cable and an internet connection. This process deletes data and settings, including the passcode; Apple estimates that it can take up to 60 minutes overall.

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Put the iPad into recovery mode

  1. Turn off the iPad and connect it to the computer.
  2. Without a Home button: Quickly press and release the volume button closest to the top button, then quickly press and release the farthest volume button. Hold the top button until the computer-and-cable recovery screen appears.
  3. With a Home button: Connect the iPad and hold the Home button and top or side button until the recovery screen appears.

Restore it from the computer

  1. Open Finder on a Mac or Apple Devices on Windows. Older systems may use iTunes. Select the iPad.
  2. When offered Restore or Update, choose Restore. The computer downloads software and begins restoring the iPad.
  3. If the download takes more than 15 minutes and the iPad exits recovery mode, let the download finish. Turn the iPad off and repeat the steps to enter recovery mode, then continue the restore.

Apple’s forgotten-passcode recovery instructions cover the current procedure.

How to restore an iPad from a backup

After erasing, restore during iPad setup. For an iCloud backup, choose From iCloud Backup, sign in to your Apple Account, and select a backup by date and size. Keep the iPad connected to Wi-Fi; apps and other content can continue restoring in the background after setup.

For a computer backup, connect the iPad to the computer that stores it and use Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes as applicable. An encrypted computer backup requires its password. If a backup requires a newer iPadOS version, update the iPad when prompted before restoring. Apple’s backup restoration instructions explain both routes.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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