Whether you're selling your iPad Pro (M4/M2/M1), troubleshooting a software issue, or starting fresh — a factory reset erases everything and returns your device to its original state. This covers iPad Pro (M4/M2/M1), iPad Air (M2/M1), iPad 10th/9th gen, and iPad Mini (7th/6th gen).
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPad → Erase All Content and Settings
Back up before you reset. This permanently deletes all photos, messages, apps, and settings. There's no undo. Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now
Reset from Settings
The standard method — works when your device is responsive and you know your passcode.
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPad → Erase All Content and Settings
Enter your passcode → account password → confirm
Your device erases and restarts to the setup screen. Takes about 2–5 minutes.
Recovery Mode
Use this if your iPad is frozen, unresponsive, or you forgot your passcode. You'll need a Mac or PC.
Connect to a computer with USB-C or Lightning
Open Finder (Mac) or Apple Devices (Windows)
Face ID iPad: Volume Up (quick) → Volume Down (quick) → hold Top button
Home button iPad: Hold Home + Top button together
Keep holding until the recovery screen shows up → Click Restore
Reset settings only — keep your data
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPad → Reset → Reset All Settings
Resets Wi-Fi, display, and preferences. Apps and data stay. Worth trying before a full erase.
Force restart — no data loss
Face ID iPad: Volume Up → Volume Down → hold Top button. Home button iPad: Hold Home + Top button. Wait for the Apple logo.
Just a reboot. Nothing is erased. Try this first if it's frozen.
Will a reset fix my problem?
If it's software — slow after an update, apps crashing, random reboots, storage full — a reset will probably fix it. If it's hardware, it won't.
Software — reset helps
Sluggish after an update
Apps crashing or freezing
Random reboots
System data eating storage
Preparing to sell
Hardware — needs repair
Cracked screen or LCD bleeding
Apple Pencil not charging
Bent iPad Pro
Battery swelling
Charging port damage
Quick test: reset, set up as new (skip the backup restore), and see if the problem returns. If it does — it's hardware.
eSIM
Most modern iPads support eSIM alongside a nano-SIM tray. iPad Pro M4 Cellular uses eSIM only.
Common questions
Will resetting unpair my Apple Pencil?
Yes. Re-pair by attaching magnetically (2nd gen+) or plugging into the port (1st gen).
What's the difference from iPhone reset?
Almost nothing. The menu says "Transfer or Reset iPad" instead of iPhone. Everything else is the same.
How long does it take?
The erase takes 2–5 minutes. Restoring from a backup adds 10 minutes to over an hour.
Still not working after a reset? It's probably hardware. We do free diagnosis at FIXSTORY — no appointment, no pressure.
(424) 270-4369 · 800 S Flower St, Suite B, LA 90017 · Walk-ins welcome