Are you having trouble fixing issues with your iPad? Is it operating so slowly that you find it difficult to use? Or are you preparing to sell it and would like to maintain your privacy? It might be time to factory reset your device if the response to any of these questions is yes. But how do I reset my iPad without losing everything?
Here’s our guide on how to reset your iPad to factory settings as well as how to back it up and restore it.
How do I reset my iPad without losing everything?
All of the data on your iPad, including apps, pictures, videos, contacts, messages, notes, browsing history, settings, and more, will be deleted when you perform an iPad factory reset. All that will be left is the original Apple-preloaded software and apps. Why, then, should you give your iPad a factory reset?
There are principally two causes. The first is whether you intend to gift or sell your tablet. Resetting your iPad to factory settings is a simple way to erase everything at once, as you don’t want your personal information to fall into the wrong hands.
If your iPad has a major problem, you might also need to perform a factory reset. Force restarts can address a lot of common issues; thus, they should only be used as a last resort, but they might be required if all other options have been exhausted. However, you should back up your data so you can restore it to your smartphone at a later time before you reset your device to factory settings.
How to back up your iPad
The simplest way to back up your iPad is with iCloud. Here’s how to do it:
- Link your gadget to the internet.
- Navigate to [your name] > Settings > iCloud.
- Select “Back Up Now” under “iCloud Backup.”
- Continue using WiFi until the backup is complete. Follow the instructions to purchase additional storage if your device indicates that it does not have enough iCloud storage space to finish the backup.
How to factory reset your iPad
You can return your iPad to factory settings after it has been backed up. Remember that a reset will erase all of your data, so you should only do this if you’re trying to solve a serious problem or are selling your device.
Make sure you exit the Find My app before you begin. Then, using a Mac or PC, or even directly on your iPad, follow these instructions to finish a factory reset.
To complete a factory reset on your iPad:
Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Enter your passcode if prompted.
To complete an iPad factory reset from your Mac or PC:
If you’re using a Mac running macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier or a PC, you’ll use iTunes® to factory reset your iPad.
- Launch iTunes.
- Use a cord to connect your gadget to your computer. If asked, enter your passcode.
- In the top-left corner, click the iPad icon.
- In the column on the left, choose Summary.
- To ensure this, click Restore again after selecting Restore iPad.
For a Mac running macOS Catalina 10.15 or newer, you’ll use the Finder® to factory reset your iPad.
- Launch the Finder.
- Use a cord to connect your gadget to your computer. If asked, enter your passcode.
- In the left column, under Locations, click on your device.
- Go to the top of the window and select General.
- To ensure this, click Restore again after selecting Restore iPad.
How to factory reset your iPad without the passcode
As a security and anti-theft measure, Apple included the need to input the password used to activate the iPad. Even though this is a tremendously useful security feature, losing the password indicates that something is wrong. We can help you, but there’s one very significant drawback to be aware of: if you follow this article’s instructions, all of the iPad’s data will be erased. This process is generally what you want if your intention is to reset the iPad to its original configuration (maybe because you are selling it). In case you need to troubleshoot, you will need to restart the iPad and have the option to restore it from a recent backup, if you have one.
These methods work in both situations—when you don’t have the iPad passcode required to unlock the tablet and when you don’t have your Apple ID password.
You can still finish a factory reset if you can’t get into your iPad because it won’t start or is frozen. There are two methods that don’t require a passcode:.
How to factory reset your iPad in recovery mode:
- Open iTunes on a PC or a Mac running macOS Mojave 10.14 (be sure it’s updated to the current version). Launch the Finder on a Mac running Catalina 10.15 or later.
- Use a cord to connect your gadget to your computer.
- Incorporate recovery mode into your iPad. On iPads without a Home button, press and hold the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons for a brief period of time. Holding down the top button will cause the recovery mode screen to appear. In the event that your iPad has a Home button, simultaneously press and hold the Home and Top buttons to bring up the recovery mode interface.
- On the left side of your iTunes or Finder window, select your iPad.
- Press the Restore button.
If you’re signed in to the Find My app, you may run into an issue removing your activation lock. If this is preventing you from resetting your iPad, our experts can help.
How to restore your iPad from a backup
After you’ve completed a factory reset, you can restore your information to your iPad from a recent backup using either iCloud or a computer.
How to restore your iPad from iCloud:
- To set up your device, follow the instructions until you see the Apps & Data screen.
- After selecting “Restore from iCloud Backup,” enter your Apple ID to access iCloud.
- Select an iCloud backup from the list when you click Choose Backup. There should be a date and size on each one. It can ask for an update to your program.
- To recover your purchases and apps, enter your Apple ID when required.
How to restore your iPad with iTunes:
If you have a Mac running macOS Mojave 10.14 or a PC, you can use iTunes to restore your iPad.
- Launch iTunes.
- Use a cord to connect your gadget to your computer. If asked, enter your passcode.
- In the top-left corner, click the iPad icon.
- Choose “Restore Backup.”
- After making your desired backup selection, click Restore.
- Once your iPad has restarted, wait for it to sync with your computer before disconnecting it.
How to restore your iPad without iTunes:
If you have a Mac running Catalina 10.15 or newer, you can use the Finder to restore your iPad.
- Launch the Finder.
- Use a cord to connect your gadget to your computer. If asked, enter your passcode.
- In the left column, under Locations, click on your device.
- Choose “Restore Backup.”
- After making your desired backup selection, click Restore.
- Once your iPad has restarted, wait for it to sync with your computer before disconnecting it.
Ways to reset an iPad without losing everything
What to Know
- From iPad: Turn off and connect the cable to the iPad; hold down the Home/top button; connect to the computer; click Restore.
- From the web: Log in at iCloud.com > Find iPhone > Devices > the iPad > Erase.
Effective Methods to Reset iPad without losing everything
You might want to factory reset your iPad if you are locked out and have forgotten the passcode. Few people are familiar with the efficient and simple process of factory resetting an iPad without a passcode. Be at ease! The three best methods for factory resetting your iPad are covered here, along with step-by-step instructions and a tutorial video. They’ll be of assistance to you.
Way 1: Factory Reset iPad without losing everything
There are requirements that must be met in order to use the official methods of factory resetting an iPad, such as those offered by iTunes and iCloud. For this reason, we advise using the alternate method: An amazing piece of software called Tenorshare 4uKey iPad Unlocker can quickly factory reset your disabled or locked iPad.
- Download and install the 4uKey software on your PC or Mac. Click on Start after running the program.
- Then, connect the iPad to your computer with a USB cable, and the software will detect the device automatically.
- Now, you will be prompted to download the firmware, select a download location, and then click “Download” to proceed.
- After the firmware is downloaded, you can click “Start Remove” to start removing the forgotten passcode.
- After the procedure is complete, the passcode will be removed, and your iPhone will be reset.
Way 2: Reset iPad to Factory Settings without losing everything Using iTunes
One of the methods Apple uses to factory reset an iPad is iTunes. The only requirement is to link the iPad to iTunes, which is a difficult task to accomplish. Read the instructions below if you’re not familiar with the term or just don’t know how to wipe or factory reset an iPad without a passcode:
- To use iTunes or open the Finder on your Mac, you must first connect your iPad to your computer.
- Once your iPad has been synced with iTunes, you can click the device icon and select “Restore iPad” from the Summary screen.
- You will now need to enter recovery mode on your iPad if iTunes is unable to detect it. After that, iTunes will prompt you to restore the device after detecting it in recovery mode.
- Just be patient as iTunes resets your iPad to factory defaults.
Way 3: Wipe iPad without losing everything using iCloud
Resetting the iPad’s factory settings without using iTunes is another option. The primary function of the iCloud website is to assist you in remotely wiping and factory resetting your iPad. My iPad should not be fully locked until it is enabled.
So, if you’re wondering how to reset my iPad factory default without a passcode, just have a look at the instructions below:
- Enter your Apple ID to access your iCloud account by visiting iCloud.com.
- Press “Find iPhone.” Once “All Devices” is selected, choose your iPad from the list.
- From the menu, select “Erase iPad” now. The gadget will be entirely reset to its factory settings throughout this procedure.