How to reset iPad

Start fresh with your Apple tablet.
By Kimberly Gedeon  on 
iPad Air and Apple Pencil on a carpet
If you need to reset your iPad, we've got your back. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Curious about how to reset an iPad? You've come to the right place.

Whether you want to start completely anew with factory settings, or you plan on reselling your Apple tablet, knowing how to reset your iPad is imperative. Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to reset your entry-level iPad, iPad Air, or iPad Pro.

How to reset iPad

To reset your iPad, check out the following short guide:

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  1. Go to Settings.

Arrow pointing to Settings app on iPad
Credit: Appetize.io
  1. Tap on General.

  2. Tap on Reset.

Arrow pointing to Reset option iPad
Credit: Appetize.io
  1. Tap on Erase All Content and Settings.

  2. If prompted, enter your passcode.

Note: If you're concerned about losing valuable information, we highly suggesting backing up your iPad data to your iCloud account.

Be sure to check out our step-by-step guide on how to reset iPhone, too.

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Kimberly Gedeon
East Coast Tech Editor

Kimberly Gedeon is a tech explorer who enjoys doing deep dives into the most popular gadgets, from the latest iPhones to the most immersive VR headsets. She's drawn to strange, avant-garde, bizarre tech, whether it's a 3D laptop, a gaming rig that can transform into a briefcase, or smart glasses that can capture video. Her journalism career kicked off about a decade ago at MadameNoire where she covered tech and business before landing as a tech editor at Laptop Mag in 2020.


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