How to reset an iPad to factory settings: step-by-step instructions

There are several ways to reset your iPad to factory settings. The choice of a specific option depends on the features of the model and type of operating system on the computer. Step-by-step instructions and recommendations for copying the necessary data can be found in the presented material.

Step 1: Create a backup

Before you figure out how to reset your iPad to factory settings, you should consider saving your data. As a rule, the gadget stores photos, videos and other important files that need to be copied. You can do this in 2 ways - through Finder or iTunes (the instructions are the same) or in iCloud.

Via Finder or iTunes

Resetting your iPad to factory settings starts with backing up all or your most important data. One easy way is to open the free iTunes or Finder app.

The step-by-step instructions are as follows:

1. Connect the gadget to the PC and go to iTunes. If you have the Apple operating system (macOS) installed, you should go to the Catalina service, and on modern models - Finder.
2. Allow the device to be trusted and, if necessary, also enter your password.
3. When an application opens, for example, iTunes, you should go to the overview menu or go to the “Basic” line.
4. Here you can find a button to create a backup. Also, if necessary, you can save the data that remains in the Activity and Health applications.Moreover, you first need to check the box with the command to encrypt the backup copy. You will also need to create a password and remember it.
5. Next, you need to wait until the program saves, following simple prompts. After this, you can safely reset your iPad to factory settings.

Via iCloud

Another option is to save the data in the cloud, i.e. in iCloud. You can do this while connected to the Internet by following these instructions:

1. Click on the desired icon.
2. Go to the section related to settings, then follow the “Username” link and go to the iCloud cloud. If the device is an earlier version, this can be done through the settings section. Next, it will be clear how to reset the iPad.
3. It is important to make sure that all switches are in the active position, as in the screenshot.
4. Scroll to the very bottom of the page and click on “iCloud Backup”. Next, you need to make sure that the switch with a backup copy in the cloud is also set to the active position.
5. Before resetting your iPad to factory settings, you must click on the backup button and follow the program prompts until the process is complete.

Step 2: Reset settings

Now it's time to figure out how to set up your iPad. Resetting it to the basic settings (factory settings) is very simple:

1. Go to the settings section and select “General” from the menu.
2. Next comes the “Reset” item, after which you need to use the “Erase settings and content” option.
3. Confirm the action and wait until the process ends.
4. If you receive a request to disable the “Find My iPhone” function, you need to agree in the settings section, then go to “Username” and iCloud.

How to reset a gadget in recovery mode

It also happens that the phone stops turning on or freezes during the download process.This threatens the loss of personal data, that is, the question of how to reset the iPad does not arise in this case. However, you can save files if you have previously created appropriate backups. To restore, proceed as follows:

1. Connect the gadget via USB to the computer and allow access.
2. Launch iTunes (if you are using macOS, open Finder or Catalina).
3. Put the phone into recovery mode. Moreover, for each model, instructions on how to reset an iPad to factory settings will have its own characteristics.

If it's an iPad that doesn't have a Home button, you'll need to press and release the button immediately to increase the volume. After that, click on the top button and hold it until the recovery mode turns on.

In the iPhone 8 version, as well as X and on more modern gadgets, resetting the iPad to factory settings occurs a little differently. Here, too, you first need to quickly click on the sound boost key, and then press and hold the button on the side. Do this for a few seconds before activating recovery mode.

If we are talking about the iPhone 7 or 7 Plus model, then the way to reset the iPad is different. In this case, immediately press the button on the side and hold your finger for several seconds until the desired mode is activated.

On iPad models that have a Home key, the instructions on how to reset the iPad to factory settings are different. In this case, you need to press 2 buttons at the same time - “Home”, as well as the side key (on many devices it is located on top). Moreover, they need to be held for several seconds until recovery is activated.

Regardless of the features of the model, further instructions are the same:

1. A small window will appear on your computer that says “Restore.”
2. You need to click on this button and then go all the way according to the system prompts.
3. When the process is completed, the data from the gadget will be completely deleted. At the same time, the settings will be reset and will become exactly the same as they were originally during production.

From this review it is clear how to reset an iPad. The method itself is quite simple and does not take much time. But before you start, you need to save certain files and check the content, which probably contains useful content. Moreover, creating and periodically updating a backup copy is also desirable in other cases, since no one is immune from freezing and other breakdowns of the gadget.