How to Reset iPad: Three Methods

If your iPad is frozen or unresponsive, you may need to force restart it. This will force your device to turn off and back on, which can fix minor software glitches and freezes. If you can’t start your iPad again using the Sleep/Wake button, you may need to reset it. This will turn the iPad to turn off and back on, but it won’t delete any of your data or settings. You should only factory reset your iPad as a last resort, as it can erase lots of data and settings. Thus, you should have a backup in place.

Also, if a specific app troubles you, you may want to try deleting and reinstalling it first. With all that said, here are different ways to reset iPad and start anew or sell it.

Note. Due to similarities between iOS and iPadOS, our iPhone reset guide can be useful if read in parallel.

Method 1: Soft reset your iPad

Here are some troubleshooting steps to check if your iPad is slower than usual. If you’re still having difficulties, you may need a more extensive iPad reset. Now:

1. Hold the Power/Lock button down for 10 seconds to reset the device.
2. Swipe the “slide to power off” button to the right.
3. After the iPad shuts down, press and hold the Power/Lock button until the Apple logo appears.

Method 2: Force restart an iPad tablet

There are two ways to restart an iPad forcefully, but you should use either if your device isn’t operating. The first option is appropriate for most iPads because they have Home buttons at the bottom of their screens and will turn off as follows:

1. Hold down the Power and Home buttons simultaneously until the iPad shuts down.
2. The iPad should restart automatically. If the Power button does not work, press it again.
3. If your iPad doesn’t have a Home button, you can use the Power button alone to force restart it.

In case the steps above don’t work at first, you’ll need to act quickly. Do this:

1. Press and release the Volume Up key.
2. Press then release the Volume Down key.
3. Hold the Lock/Power button for three seconds until the “power off” screen appears.
4. To turn off the iPad, slide to the right. Allow your iPad to shut down.
5. Keep pushing the Power button until it turns on.

Method 3: Factory reset your iPad device

At this point, we’ll teach you how to reset an iPad and erase all personal data. This technique is the same on all iPads and is the best method to deal with your problem when nothing else works or if you want to give away or sell your iPad. It’s somewhat extreme, so double-check that the procedures outlined above don’t work. When you do, follow these steps:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Go to the General section and scroll down.
3. Tap Reset.
4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Select a backup or erase option.

Wait for the iPad to restart. On the initial setup screen, it should let you download data from iCloud or another device.

Use a computer to perform iPad factory reset

If your iPad doesn’t turn on, you can use a Mac or Windows computer after connecting it via a cable. Here’s how:

• Mac 10.15 and later: Go to Finder → choose your iPad → Pick General → Select Restore iPad.
• Mac lower than 10.15: Open iTunes → Click the iPad icon in the top left corner → Select Summary under iPad → Choose Restore/Restore iPad.
• Windows: Identical to the method above, but via the iTunes for Windows app.