How to reset an iPad

💡 Need to know

• Most iPad problems don't require a factory reset—A simple restart or force restart is often enough.
• Force restarts do not erase data—Your photos, apps, messages, and documents remain safe.
• Reset all settings is different from a factory reset—It restores settings without deleting your personal files.
• Factory resets erase everything—Make sure your data is backed up before using this option.

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You're halfway through a show, game, or late-night scrolling session when your iPad® suddenly decides it's done cooperating. The screen freezes. Taps don't register. Maybe it's stuck on the Apple logo or staring back at you with a black screen. Whatever the symptom, it's easy to assume the worst.

In reality, many unresponsive iPads can be brought back to life with a few simple troubleshooting steps. At Asurion, we help people troubleshoot frozen iPads every day, and one of the most common mistakes we see is jumping straight to a full reset when a simple force restart would have solved the problem. Here's how to figure out which type of reset your iPad actually needs and how to do it safely.

Understanding the different types of iPad resets

Not all iPad resets do the same thing. There are four main types of iPad resets, and each one serves a different purpose.

• Soft reset: A standard restart that turns your iPad off and back on again.
• Force restart: aka a hard reset, this forces an unresponsive iPad to reboot without erasing your data.
• Reset all settings: Returns system settings to their defaults without deleting apps, photos, or files.
• Factory reset: Erases all content and settings and returns the iPad to its original out-of-the-box state.

Not sure which one you need? Start with the guide below.

Which type of iPad reset do you need?

Before you get started, however, make sure you've recently backed up your device. Need help? Here's a detailed guide on how to back up your iPad.

Method 1: How to soft reset an iPad

A soft reset will help troubleshoot your tablet without the risk of losing data or erasing your iPad's settings. You're basically just turning your iPad on and off. A simple restart can fix more than you think. Give it a try:

For iPads without a Home button:

1. Press and hold the Top button and either volume button at the same time until the power slider appears on the screen.
2. Drag the slide to power off slider to the right.
3. Wait 30 seconds for the screen to go completely black.
4. Press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPads with a Home button: Press and hold the Home button and the Top (Power) button until the power off slider appears onscreen.

Method 2: How to hard reset an iPad

If your tablet is frozen or unresponsive, a hard reset (often called a forced restart) might do the trick. Here's how it works:

For iPads without a Home button: Press and release the volume up button, press and release the volume down button, then press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPads with a Home button: Press and hold the Top and Home buttons at the same time until the Apple logo appears.

Method 3: How to reset all settings on an iPad

If your iPad is having persistent Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, keyboard, display, or other settings-related issues, resetting all settings may help. Unlike a factory reset, this option does not delete your personal data.

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad.
2. Tap Reset.
3. Select Reset All Settings.
4. Enter your passcode if prompted.
5. Confirm the reset.

Your iPad will restart and restore settings to their defaults while keeping your apps, photos, and files intact.

Method 4: How to factory reset your iPad

Still no luck? If you tried everything else and your iPad isn't working like it should, you may have to restore your device to factory settings. This will erase any data you haven't saved and return it to factory defaults, so be sure to back up your iPad before resetting your device.

1. Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad.
2. Select Erase All Content and Settings.
3. Tap Continue.
4. Enter your passcode and Apple Account password if prompted.
5. Wait for the reset process to complete.

Once finished, the iPad will restart and display the "Hello" setup screen. Again, this process will completely wipe your tablet, so it should always be your last resort.

How to reset an iPad without the passcode

If you've forgotten your iPad passcode or see an "iPad Unavailable" message, you won't be able to reset the device through Settings. Instead, you'll need to use a computer to put the iPad into Recovery Mode and restore it. You'll be asked for your Apple Account information, so have that handy.

For iPads without a Home button

1. Connect the iPad to your computer.
2. Press and quickly release the volume button closest to the top button.
3. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
4. Press and hold the top button.
5. Keep holding after the Apple logo appears until the Recovery Mode screen appears.

For iPads with a Home button

1. Connect the iPad to your computer.
2. Press and hold the Home button and top button together.
3. Continue holding until the Recovery Mode screen appears.

Restore the iPad

• On a Mac: Open Finder® and select your iPad.
• On a Windows PC: Open the Apple Devices app.

When prompted, select Restore and follow the on-screen instructions.

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FAQ

Will resetting my iPad erase everything?

It depends on the type of reset. A soft reset, force restart, and Reset All Settings do not erase personal data. A factory reset does.

What's the difference between a force restart and a factory reset?

A force restart simply reboots the device without affecting your data. A factory reset erases all content and settings.

Why is my iPad frozen and won't turn off?

Software crashes, low storage, failed updates, and app conflicts are some of the most common causes.

When should I use Reset All Settings?

Use it when you're experiencing persistent settings-related issues involving Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, notifications, display preferences, or system behavior.

Why is my iPad stuck on the Apple logo?

This usually points to a startup issue, failed update, or corrupted software. If a force restart doesn't help, additional recovery steps may be needed.