How to take ipad back to factory settings

Q: How do I reset my iPad to factory settings without passcode?

If you cant remember your passcode when you try again, you need to use a computer to put your iPad in recovery mode. This process deletes your data and settings, including your passcode, giving you access to set up your iPad again. After you erase your iPad, you can restore your data and settings from backup.

Whether you’re selling or giving away your iPad, having issues, or just want a fresh start, there are a variety of reasons you may need to reset it. Let’s take a look at how to factory reset iPad and erase everything on it.

Table of Contents Show

How to factory reset iPad and erase all content
In iPadOS 15
In iPadOS 14 and earlier
Read more tutorials from 9to5Mac:
How do I wipe my iPad clean and start over?
Does a factory reset delete everything on iPad?
How do I reset my iPad to factory settings without passcode?

Keep in mind to factory reset iPad you’ll need to be connected to a WiFi or cellular network and know your Apple ID password if you have Find My iPad enabled.

Also, make sure you have your iPad backed up or have your important information saved somewhere before you erase your device (Settings > Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup). Read more on that in our guide here. We’ve also got a detailed walkthrough on factory resetting your Mac.

Before going through the process of erasing your iPad, you can sign out of the App Store and iCloud but that happens automatically as part of the reset process with iPadOS 15.

Related: Should you buy the new iPad Air or the 11-inch iPad Pro? Here’s how they compare

How to factory reset iPad and erase all content

In iPadOS 15

Open the Settings app and then choose General
Swipe down to the very bottom and tap Transfer or Reset iPad
Tap Erase All Content and Settings, enter your passcode (if you have one)
Follow the prompts

In iPadOS 14 and earlier

Tap on Settings and then tap on General
Swipe down to the very bottom and tap on Reset
Tap Erase All Content and Settings, enter your passcode (if you have one)
Tap Erase iPad, Tap Erase iPad again to confirm
Enter your Apple ID password and tap Erase in the top right corner

At this point, all the information on your iPad has been erased and you should see the iOS welcome screen like when you first purchased your iPad. You’re good to hand your device to someone else, trad it in, restore from a backup, or set up your iPad as new.

Here is a screenshot walkthrough of how to factory reset your iPad (if you don’t have a passcode set or have Find My iPad turned off, you won’t see those steps in the reset process):

Now choose the second option from the top, Erase All Content and Settings. Decide if you’d like to do another backup or factory reset your iPad now.

Now enter your passcode if required and tap Erase.

Now you’ll be asked to enter your Apple ID password if you’re still logged in and have Find My iPad turned on. After entering it, tap Erase in the top right corner.

The process sometimes takes a few minutes to complete but your iPad factory reset should be complete shortly.

How do I wipe my iPad clean and start over?

Tap Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device] Then tap Erase All Content and Settings.

Does a factory reset delete everything on iPad?

Yes. It will all be deleted. But ... if you restore to factory settings and then restore from your backup afterward, all of your app data and game saves will be back in place on the device. You must have a current backup that contains all of those settings, data and saves.

How do I reset my iPad to factory settings without passcode?

If you can't remember your passcode when you try again, you need to use a computer to put your iPad in recovery mode. This process deletes your data and settings, including your passcode, giving you access to set up your iPad again. After you erase your iPad, you can restore your data and settings from backup.