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How to factory reset an iPad
In This Article
If you’re thinking of selling, trading, or giving away your iPad, the first and most important thing you need to do is perform a factory reset.
This will wipe your tablet clean and restore it to the state it was in when you first turned it on. It’s good for the next owner, and it’s very good for you from a data security standpoint.
Here, then, is how to factory reset an iPad.
What we used
The Short Version
Step1
Check your iCloud Backup
First things first, head into the Settings app and tap your Apple ID at the very top.
Step2
Make sure your iPad is backed up
Tap iCloud, and check that iCloud Backup is set to the On position. Enter iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now if you want to bring that backup completely up to date.
Step3
Reset your iPad
Open Settings and tap General. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPad, followed by Erase All Content and Settings.
Step4
Authenticate
You’ll now be presented with a screen listing all of the items that will be removed from your iPad. Hit Continue, then enter your device password and Apple ID password for authentication.
FAQs
Everything stored on your iPad will be wiped, including your apps and data, your Apple ID, your Find My iPhone protection, and all of your Apple Wallet accounts.
If you’ve forgotten your passcode or Apple ID password, tap the Forgot Password option below the entry field in the relevant password entry screen and follow the instructions.
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Jon is a seasoned freelance writer who started covering games and apps in 2007 before expanding into smartphones and consumer tech, dabbling in lifestyle and media coverage along the way. Besides bein…
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Why trust our journalism?
Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
