Returning your iPad to its factory settings is a crucial step when you're selling it, giving it away, troubleshooting persistent issues, or simply want a fresh start. This process effectively wipes all your data and settings, making it as if you just unboxed it. But before you dive in, there are some essential preparations to make!
Let's get started on this journey to a clean slate for your iPad!
Step 1: Back Up Your Precious Data – Don't Skip This!
Alright, before we do anything else, how would you feel if all your photos, documents, and app data vanished forever? Not great, right? That's why backing up your iPad is the single most important step. This ensures you can restore your content to a new iPad or even back to this one if you change your mind later.
There are two primary ways to back up your iPad:
Sub-heading 1.1: iCloud Backup
This is often the easiest and most convenient method, as it happens wirelessly.
- Ensure Wi-Fi Connectivity: Make sure your iPad is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. This is crucial for a successful iCloud backup.
- Plug in for Power: It's highly recommended to plug your iPad into a power source. Backups can take time, and you don't want your battery to die midway.
- Navigate to Settings: Go to the "Settings" app on your iPad.
- Tap on Your Apple ID: At the very top of the Settings menu, you'll see your name and Apple ID profile picture. Tap on it.
- Select 'iCloud': From the options, tap on "iCloud."
- Choose 'iCloud Backup': Scroll down and tap on "iCloud Backup."
- Initiate Backup: If "iCloud Backup" is toggled off, turn it on. Then, tap on ***"Back Up Now"***. You'll see a progress bar indicating the backup's status. Be patient, as this can take a while depending on the amount of data you have and your internet speed.
Sub-heading 1.2: Computer Backup (Mac or PC)
If you prefer a local backup or have limited iCloud storage, backing up to your computer is an excellent alternative.
- For Mac (macOS Catalina or later):
- Connect Your iPad: Plug your iPad into your Mac using a USB cable.
- Open Finder: Locate and open "Finder" on your Mac.
- Select Your iPad: In the Finder sidebar, under "Locations," you should see your iPad listed. Click on it.
- Trust the Device: If prompted, "Trust This Computer" on your iPad and enter your passcode. On your Mac, click "Trust."
- Choose Backup Options: In the Finder window, under the "General" tab, select "Back up all of the data on your iPad to this Mac."
- Encrypt Local Backup (Recommended!): For added security, especially for passwords and health data, check the box for "Encrypt local backup." You'll be prompted to create a password for this backup – do not forget it!
- Start Backup: Click on "Back Up Now."
- For Mac (macOS Mojave or earlier) or PC:
- Connect Your iPad: Plug your iPad into your computer using a USB cable.
- Open iTunes: Launch the iTunes application.
- Select Your iPad Icon: In iTunes, you'll see a small iPad icon near the top left corner. Click on it.
- Choose Backup Options: In the "Summary" section, under "Backups," select "This Computer."
- Encrypt Local Backup (Recommended!): Similar to Finder, check the box for "Encrypt local backup" and set a memorable password.
- Start Backup: Click on "Back Up Now."
Step 2: Sign Out of Your Apple ID (iCloud, iTunes & App Store)
This step is absolutely critical to avoid Activation Lock, which could prevent the next owner from using the iPad.
- Go to Settings: Open the "Settings" app.
- Tap on Your Apple ID: Tap on your name at the top.
- Scroll Down to 'Sign Out': Scroll to the very bottom of your Apple ID settings and tap on "Sign Out."
- Enter Your Apple ID Password: You'll be prompted to enter your Apple ID password to confirm. This is a security measure to ensure you're the legitimate owner.
- Keep Data (Optional): You might be asked if you want to keep data like Contacts or Safari data on your iPad. Since we're factory resetting, it generally doesn't matter what you choose here, but you can opt to "Don't Keep" if you want to be extra thorough.
- Confirm Sign Out: Tap "Sign Out" again to confirm.
Step 3: Erase All Content and Settings
This is the actual factory reset process. Once you start this, there's no turning back!
- Go to Settings: Open the "Settings" app.
- Tap on 'General': Scroll down and tap on "General."
- Scroll to 'Transfer or Reset iPad': Scroll to the bottom of the General settings and tap on "Transfer or Reset iPad."
- Tap on 'Erase All Content and Settings': This is the option you want. Tap on it.
- Confirm and Continue: You'll see a screen explaining what will be erased (apps, data, Apple ID, etc.). Tap "Continue."
- Enter Passcode: You'll be prompted to enter your iPad's passcode.
- Confirm Erase: A final warning will appear, confirming that this action cannot be undone. Tap "Erase iPad" (or "Erase iPhone" if it were an iPhone).
Your iPad will now begin the erasing process. This could take a few minutes. You'll see the Apple logo and a progress bar. Once it's complete, your iPad will restart and display the "Hello" screen, just like it did when it was new.
Step 4: Verify the Reset (Optional, but Recommended)
While the "Hello" screen usually indicates a successful reset, it's a good practice to briefly verify.
- Go Through Initial Setup (Briefly): Tap "Hello" and go through a few initial setup screens (language, region).
- Check for Data: If you see any of your personal data or accounts, the reset wasn't successful, and you'll need to repeat Step 3. However, if it asks you to set up as a new iPad or restore from a backup, you're good to go!
- Power Off: Once you've confirmed, you can simply power off the iPad.
Congratulations! Your iPad is now completely wiped and restored to its original factory settings.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to back up my iPad before factory reset?
You can back up your iPad to iCloud via Settings > Your Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now, or to a computer using Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows/older Mac) by connecting your iPad and selecting "Back up all data."
How to sign out of Apple ID on iPad?
Go to Settings, tap on your name (your Apple ID), scroll down, and tap "Sign Out." You'll need to enter your Apple ID password to confirm.
How to factory reset iPad without passcode?
This typically requires connecting your iPad to a computer and putting it into Recovery Mode. This will allow you to restore the iPad via Finder or iTunes, which also wipes the device.
How to erase iPad when I forgot my Apple ID password?
If you've forgotten your Apple ID password, you'll need to reset it via iforgot.apple.com before you can sign out of your Apple ID and factory reset the device.
How to restore an iPad from a backup after a factory reset?
During the initial setup process after a factory reset, you'll be given the option to "Restore from iCloud Backup" or "Restore from Mac or PC" (if you connect it to your computer).
How to check if my iPad is factory reset properly?
After the reset, your iPad should display the "Hello" screen, prompting you to set up the device as if it were new. If you see any personal data or accounts, the reset was not successful.
How to factory reset iPad without losing photos?
You cannot factory reset an iPad without losing photos unless you have already backed them up to iCloud Photos, Google Photos, or transferred them to a computer. The factory reset wipes all data.
How to prepare iPad for sale after factory reset?
After factory resetting, ensure you've signed out of your Apple ID (to disable Activation Lock). You can then clean the device and prepare it for its new owner.
How to factory reset a disabled iPad?
For a disabled iPad (locked out due to too many incorrect passcode attempts), you must connect it to a computer and put it into Recovery Mode. Then, use Finder or iTunes to restore the device, which will also factory reset it.
How to find my iPad after factory reset?
Once an iPad is factory reset and you've signed out of your Apple ID, it can no longer be tracked using Find My iPhone/iPad, as it's no longer associated with your account.
