iPads occasionally need a reset to fix common issues like freezing, slow performance, or app crashes. Understanding the different types of resets available for your iPad can help you resolve problems without unnecessary data loss. A soft reset simply turns your iPad off and on again, while a factory reset erases all content and returns the device to its original settings.
When troubleshooting an iPad, it’s best to start with the least invasive option first. A soft reset or restart won’t delete any data and often solves minor glitches. If that doesn’t work, a force restart (hard reset) can help when your device is frozen and unresponsive.
Factory resetting should be your last resort as it wipes all content from your device. This option is ideal when preparing to sell your iPad or when facing persistent software issues that other reset methods can’t fix. Always back up your important data before performing a factory reset to avoid permanent loss.
iPad Restart and Reset Instructions
Whether your iPad is frozen, unresponsive, or you simply want to start fresh, knowing how to properly restart, reset, or restore your iPad can solve a range of issues. Below are step-by-step instructions for restarting, performing soft and hard resets, and completing a factory reset on your iPad.
🔄 1. Regular Restart (Reboot Your iPad)
Image: Apple.com Use this if your iPad is working fine but you want to refresh its system.
For iPads with Face ID or No Home Button:
- Press and hold the Top button and either Volume button until the Power Off slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off the iPad.
- Wait about 30 seconds for the iPad to fully shut down.
- Press and hold the Top button again until the Apple logo appears.
For iPads with a Home Button:
- Press and hold the Top (or Side) button until the Power Off slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off the iPad.
- After the device turns off, press and hold the Top (or Side) button again until the Apple logo appears.
⚡ 2. Soft Reset (When iPad is Frozen but Responsive)
A soft reset forces the iPad to reboot without affecting data.
Steps for All iPads:
- Press and hold the Top (or Side) button and either Volume button (for Face ID models) or just the Top/Side button (for Home Button models).
- When the Power Off slider appears, slide it to turn off the iPad.
- Wait for the screen to go completely black.
- Press and hold the Top (or Side) button until the Apple logo appears.
This is useful if your iPad is sluggish or acting strangely.
🚨 3. Hard Reset (Force Restart When Completely Frozen)
If your iPad is unresponsive or stuck on a black or frozen screen, a hard reset forces it to reboot.
For iPads with Face ID or No Home Button:
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears.
For iPads with a Home Button:
- Press and hold both the Home button and the Top (or Side) button simultaneously.
- Keep holding until the Apple logo appears, then release both buttons.
No data will be lost during a hard reset.
🏭 4. Factory Reset (Erase Everything and Restore to Default)
A factory reset wipes your iPad clean, returning it to its original settings. Backup your data before proceeding.
Steps to Factory Reset:
- Backup Your iPad:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
- Or connect your iPad to a computer and back it up using Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).
- Erase All Content and Settings:
- Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Confirm by tapping Erase Now.
- The iPad will restart and display the Hello screen, as if it’s brand new.
Use this option if you’re selling your iPad, experiencing major software issues, or want a fresh start.
💡 Troubleshooting Tips:
- iPad Not Turning On After Reset? Plug it into a charger and wait a few minutes.
- Stuck During Factory Reset? Force restart the iPad (use the Hard Reset method).
- Forgot Your Passcode? Use Recovery Mode via a computer to restore your iPad.
By following these steps, you can troubleshoot common iPad issues and perform necessary resets. Whether it’s a quick reboot or a full factory restore, these instructions cover everything you need to know!
Key Takeaways
- Soft resets solve minor issues without data loss while factory resets erase everything and restore original settings.
- Force restarting helps when an iPad is frozen or completely unresponsive to normal touch controls.
- Always back up your iPad before performing a factory reset to preserve your photos, apps, and personal information.
Understanding the Different Types of iPad Resets
iPads occasionally need resets to fix performance issues, unresponsive apps, or prepare for selling. Each reset type serves a specific purpose with varying impacts on your device’s data and settings.
Soft Reset
A soft reset is the simplest way to restart your iPad without deleting any data. Think of it as turning your device off and on again. This method helps resolve minor issues like app freezes, slow performance, or battery drain.
To perform a soft reset, press and hold the top button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider to shut down the iPad. After the device turns off completely, press and hold the top button again until the Apple logo appears.
For newer iPad models without a Home button, you can also go to Settings > General > Shut Down. This alternate method achieves the same result without using physical buttons.
A soft reset often fixes temporary glitches without any data loss, making it the safest first step when troubleshooting iPad problems.
Hard Reset
A hard reset (also called force restart) is necessary when your iPad becomes completely unresponsive. This method forcibly restarts the device’s system when the screen freezes or the iPad won’t respond to touch.
For iPads with a Home button: Press and hold both the Home and top buttons simultaneously for about 10-15 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
For iPads without a Home button: Quickly press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button, and finally press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears.
Unlike a soft reset, a hard reset bypasses the normal shutdown procedure. It’s particularly useful when the iPad screen is frozen or when buttons aren’t responding normally. This method doesn’t erase any data but forces all processes to stop and restart.
Factory Reset
A factory reset completely erases all content and settings from your iPad, returning it to its original state. This is the most drastic reset option and should be used when:
- Selling or giving away your iPad
- Fixing severe software issues
- Removing all personal data
- Starting fresh with a clean system
Before proceeding:
- Back up your iPad using iCloud or a computer
- Sign out of iCloud (Settings > [your name] > Sign Out)
- Turn off Find My iPad
To factory reset:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset (or Transfer or Reset iPad on newer iOS versions)
- Select “Erase All Content and Settings”
- Enter your passcode if prompted
- Confirm your decision
After completion, your iPad will restart as if it were new out of the box. You’ll need to go through the setup process again, where you can either restore from a backup or set up as a new device.
Preparing to Reset Your iPad
Before resetting your iPad, taking a few preparatory steps can save time and prevent data loss. Proper preparation ensures all your important information is preserved and your device has sufficient power to complete the process.
Backing Up Data
Backing up an iPad should always be the first step before any reset procedure. Users can choose between two primary methods: iCloud or computer backup via iTunes or Finder.
To backup using iCloud, connect to Wi-Fi, then go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap “Back Up Now.” This process saves photos, app data, device settings, and messages securely to Apple’s servers.
For those preferring a computer backup, connect the iPad to a Mac or PC. On macOS Catalina or later, open Finder and select the iPad from the sidebar. On Windows or older Mac systems, launch iTunes and click on the iPad icon. Then click “Back Up Now” to store a complete backup locally.
Verify the backup completed successfully before proceeding with any reset. Recent backups appear with date and time stamps in the backup section.
Ensuring Power Supply
A reset process requires adequate power to complete properly. Interruptions during a reset can potentially damage the operating system or leave the iPad in an unusable state.
The iPad should have at least 50% battery charge before beginning any reset procedure. Ideally, connect the device to a power source using the original charging cable and adapter throughout the entire process.
For longer procedures like factory resets that erase all content and settings, keeping the iPad plugged in is essential. These operations can take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the model and amount of data.
If performing a hard reset on an unresponsive device, first try connecting it to power for at least 10 minutes. This step can sometimes resolve issues without needing a full reset.
How to Perform a Soft Reset
A soft reset is the gentlest way to restart your iPad when it’s experiencing minor issues like slow performance, frozen apps, or battery drain. This method doesn’t delete any data and simply turns your device off and back on again.
Using Buttons to Restart
The most common way to perform a soft reset is using the physical buttons on your iPad. For iPads with a Home button, press and hold both the Sleep/Wake button (located on the top or side of your device) and the Home button simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
For newer iPad models without a Home button, the process is slightly different. First, press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
This method forces your iPad to restart even if it’s frozen or unresponsive. It clears the device’s temporary memory without affecting your stored data or settings.
Restarting Through Settings
You can also restart your iPad through the Settings app when your device is still responsive. Tap on the Settings icon on your home screen, then select “General” from the menu on the left side.
Scroll down to the bottom of the General settings page until you see the “Shut Down” option. Tap on it, and a slider will appear at the top of the screen that says “slide to power off.”
Drag the slider from left to right to turn off your iPad. After your device powers down completely, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until you see the Apple logo to turn it back on. This method is ideal for routine maintenance or when your iPad is working normally but needs a refresh.
How to Perform a Hard Reset on an iPad
A hard reset is a quick solution for when your iPad becomes unresponsive or freezes. This process forces your device to restart without deleting any data or settings, making it a safe troubleshooting step for various technical issues.
Initiating Hard Reset with Physical Buttons
The hard reset procedure varies depending on which iPad model you own. For iPads with a Home button, press and hold both the Power button and Home button simultaneously for about 10-15 seconds. Continue holding until the Apple logo appears on screen.
For newer iPad models without a Home button (like iPad Pro 2018 and later), the process is different. First, quickly press and release the Volume Up button. Then quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Top button until the device restarts and the Apple logo appears.
Don’t release the buttons too early. The screen will go completely black before the Apple logo appears, signaling that the reset is working properly.
When to Use Hard Reset
A hard reset should be used primarily when your iPad is frozen or unresponsive. Common scenarios include:
- Apps that freeze and won’t close
- Screen that becomes completely unresponsive to touch
- System-wide slowdowns or glitches
- iPad that won’t wake from sleep mode
This method shouldn’t be your first solution for every problem. Try a normal restart first by powering off your iPad using the power button and slider. Only use a hard reset when regular methods fail.
Hard resets won’t erase any data, but performing them too frequently might indicate deeper issues with your device. If you find yourself needing to hard reset regularly, consider checking for problematic apps, updating your iPadOS, or contacting Apple Support.
How to Factory Reset Your iPad
Factory resetting your iPad erases all content and settings, returning it to its original state. This process is useful when selling your device, fixing persistent issues, or starting fresh with a clean system.
Factory Reset via Settings
The simplest way to factory reset an iPad is through the Settings app. This method works when your iPad is functioning normally and you have access to the interface.
- Back up your iPad to iCloud or your computer before proceeding
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings
- Enter your passcode if prompted
- If you have an Apple ID, you’ll need to enter your password to turn off Find My iPad
- Tap Erase iPad to confirm
Your iPad will restart and begin the erasing process. This typically takes a few minutes. Once completed, you’ll see the setup screen as if the device were brand new.
Factory Reset Using iTunes
If your iPad is experiencing problems or you can’t access Settings, you can use iTunes on a computer to perform a factory reset.
First, connect your iPad to a computer with iTunes installed. For newer macOS versions, use Finder instead of iTunes. Put your iPad in recovery mode by quickly pressing and releasing the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and finally holding the Top button until you see the recovery mode screen.
On your computer, you’ll see a prompt to Restore or Update the iPad. Select Restore to erase all content and install the latest iOS.
The restoration process may take some time to complete. Your iPad will restart automatically when finished. Once done, you can set it up as new or restore from a backup.
Factory Reset via iCloud
If you don’t have physical access to your iPad, you can remotely erase it using iCloud and Find My iPad. This method is particularly useful if your device has been lost or stolen.
Visit iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID. Click on Find iPhone (which works for all Apple devices). Select All Devices at the top and choose your iPad from the list.
In the device info window, click Erase iPad. You’ll be asked to confirm and enter your Apple ID password. The iPad will be erased the next time it connects to the internet.
For additional security, Apple support recommends enabling two-factor authentication on your Apple ID before using this method. After erasing, your iPad will remain linked to your Apple ID until you remove it from your account.
Recovering Your iPad After Reset
After resetting your iPad, you need to restore your data or set it up as a new device. The process varies depending on whether you have a backup available and how you want to configure your device.
Restoring from a Backup
Restoring an iPad from a backup is straightforward. When you reach the Apps & Data screen during setup, select “Restore from iCloud Backup” or “Restore from iTunes Backup” depending on where your backup is stored.
For iCloud backups, you’ll need to sign in with your Apple ID and select the most recent backup. The restoration process begins automatically and will take several minutes depending on your internet speed and backup size.
iTunes backups require connecting your iPad to the computer you used for backup. Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later), select your device, and choose “Restore Backup.” Pick the most recent backup and wait for the process to complete.
Remember that restoring from a backup will replace all content on your iPad with the data from your backup. Your apps, settings, and other data will appear exactly as they were when the backup was created.
Setting Up as a New iPad
If you prefer a fresh start or don’t have a backup, setting up as a new iPad gives you a clean slate. This is ideal when selling your device or fixing persistent software issues.
During the initial setup, when you reach the Apps & Data screen, select “Set Up as New iPad.” You’ll then walk through several configuration screens where you can set up your Wi-Fi connection, create a passcode, and configure Face ID or Touch ID.
Next, you’ll be prompted to sign in with your Apple ID. This allows you to download previously purchased apps and use services like iCloud, Apple Music, and the App Store.
You can choose which iCloud services to enable, including Contacts, Calendars, and Photos. Consider enabling iCloud Backup to ensure your data is saved automatically in the future.
After setup, you’ll need to manually download apps, adjust settings, and reconfigure preferences according to your needs.
Troubleshooting Common Reset Issues
When resetting an iPad, users may encounter various obstacles that prevent the process from completing successfully. These issues range from unresponsive devices to post-reset complications that can frustrate even experienced users.
iPad Not Responding to Reset
If an iPad doesn’t respond to reset attempts, several troubleshooting steps can help resolve the issue. First, users should check the battery level – a depleted battery may prevent the device from restarting properly. Connecting the iPad to a power source for at least 15 minutes before attempting the reset again often solves this problem.
For stubborn cases, users can try a force restart by:
- iPad models with Home button: Press and hold both the Home and Power buttons simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears
- iPad models without Home button: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then Volume Down button, then press and hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears
If these methods fail, checking for physical damage or connecting to a computer with iTunes/Finder might provide additional reset options. Sometimes button damage may require service from Apple Support.
Reset Functionality Is Grayed Out
Users sometimes find that reset options in Settings are grayed out or inaccessible. This typically happens due to restrictions or configuration profiles installed on the device. To address this issue, check if Screen Time restrictions are enabled by going to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Corporate-managed iPads or school devices often have Mobile Device Management (MDM) profiles that prevent users from performing resets. In these cases, contacting the IT administrator is necessary.
Another common cause is an active Find My iPad setting. Apple requires this feature to be disabled before performing a factory reset. To turn it off:
- Go to Settings > [your name] > Find My
- Tap Find My iPad and toggle it off
- Enter your Apple ID password when prompted
Low storage space can also cause reset functions to be unavailable. Deleting unused apps or large files might resolve this limitation.
Problems After Reset
After completing a reset, users might encounter various issues. A common problem is the iPad getting stuck on the Apple logo screen. If this occurs, connecting the iPad to a computer and using recovery mode can help complete the reset process.
Some users experience activation problems, especially with secondhand devices that may still be linked to previous Apple IDs. This “Activation Lock” requires the original owner’s credentials. For legitimate purchases with this issue, proof of purchase may help Apple Support remove the lock.
Data restoration challenges also frequently arise after resets. If iCloud or iTunes backups won’t restore properly, users should verify their Apple ID credentials and ensure they have sufficient iCloud storage. Outdated backups or incompatible iOS versions can also prevent proper restoration.
Network connectivity issues post-reset may require manually reconnecting to Wi-Fi networks or resetting network settings. For persistent problems, a second reset might be necessary, though users should try less drastic solutions first.
Frequently Asked Questions
iPad reset procedures can vary depending on your device model and the specific issue you’re facing. These common questions address the most typical reset scenarios iPad owners encounter, from simple restarts to complete factory resets.
What are the steps to perform a soft reset on an iPad?
A soft reset is the simplest way to resolve minor performance issues. To perform a soft reset on any iPad model, simply turn the device off and back on again.
For iPads with a Home button, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until the power off slider appears, then swipe to power off. Wait about 30 seconds, then press and hold the Sleep/Wake button again until the Apple logo appears.
For iPads without a Home button, press and hold either volume button and the top button simultaneously until the power off slider appears, then swipe to power off. After waiting 30 seconds, press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears.
How can I factory reset an iPad if I’ve forgotten the password?
If you’ve forgotten your iPad passcode, you’ll need to use recovery mode to reset it. First, connect your iPad to a computer with a USB cable.
For iPads with a Home button, press and hold the Home and Top buttons simultaneously until you see the recovery mode screen. 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 recovery mode screen appears.
Once in recovery mode, select “Restore” on your computer. This will erase all content and settings on your iPad, including the passcode, so you’ll need your Apple ID and password to set up the device again.
What is the procedure to hard reset an iPad without using the Home button?
For newer iPad models without a Home button, press and quickly release the volume up button, then press and quickly release the volume down button. Immediately after, press and hold the top button until the device restarts and the Apple logo appears.
This hard reset forces the iPad to restart when it’s frozen or unresponsive. It doesn’t delete any data but clears the device’s temporary memory to resolve performance issues.
Can you guide me through a factory reset using the physical buttons on an iPad?
A factory reset using physical buttons involves putting your iPad into recovery mode. First, connect your iPad to a computer with iTunes or Finder open.
For iPads with a Home button, press and hold both the Home and Top buttons simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the recovery mode screen appears. For iPads without a Home button, press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button, and finally press and hold the top button.
When the recovery mode screen appears on your iPad, select “Restore” on your computer. Your iPad will download the latest iOS version and reset to factory settings, removing all data and settings.
What should I do if my iPad does not respond to a hard reset attempt?
If your iPad doesn’t respond to a hard reset, first ensure the device has sufficient battery charge by connecting it to a power source for at least 15 minutes.
Try the hard reset procedure again, making sure to follow the exact button sequence for your iPad model. If it still doesn’t respond, connect your iPad to a computer and attempt to restore it through iTunes or Finder.
If all else fails, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. Hardware issues might be preventing your iPad from responding to reset attempts.
How do I initiate a hard reset mode on my iPad?
A hard reset (forced restart) differs from a factory reset and doesn’t erase your data. For iPads with a Home button, press and hold both the Home and Top (or Side) buttons simultaneously for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
For iPads without a Home button, press and quickly release the volume up button, then the volume down button, and finally press and hold the top button until you see the Apple logo.
This process forces your iPad to shut down and restart, which can resolve issues like freezing, app crashes, or unresponsiveness without deleting any content.
