iPad reset (video) or restart

Sometimes it is necessary to reset an iPad, such as when your iPad has crashed or something else is wrong with it. Restarting the iPad is then always the first thing you can do. Moreover, this is convenient because it closes all processes that are active (in the background), but also allows you to perform an update or install a new app. Restarting can be done simply via the power button and the slider. Does the tablet still not respond? Then you will have to reset the iPad anyway. You can read all about it in this article.

Hard reset, soft reset, forced reboot. Which is what?

Is the iPad no longer responding at all? Then you can’t escape resetting the iPad. But because one reset is not the other, we want to first clear up some ambiguities. Some call it a hard reset ( hard reset), the other a soft reset (soft reset) and yet another calls it a forced restart (forced restart). But basically they are all talking about the same thing and most importantly, your data will not be erased so a backup is not necessary. Therefore, this is the ideal way to fix your stuck iPad or other software problems.

iPad back to factory settings

Do you want to erase data from the iPad? Then restore your iPad to factory settings. In that case you will delete all files from the internal storage, and the same settings will remain as when the tablet left the factory. This does require a backup. This full reset is useful, for example, if you want to sell or recycle your iPad. You can read how to restore the factory settings of your iPad later in this article or in the article ‘ iPad back to factory settings’ in the Knowledge base of ThePhoneLab

Follow these steps to perform the reset:

Models without an in-screen home button, such as the iPad Pro starting in 2018 and the iPad Air starting in 2020

1. Briefly press and release the volume up button.
2. Briefly press and release the volume down button.
3. Then press and hold power button.
4. Release the power button when you see the Apple logo. This can take up to 20 seconds.

Models with in-screen home button (home button)

1. Press and hold the home button (home button) and the top power button (or side button) at the same time.
2. Release both buttons when you see the Apple logo. This can take up to 20 seconds.

Unable to reset your iPad and need help? Check out this video where our specialist Nathalie shows you how to do it.

iPad reset/restore/delete

Did you read the above and think correctly: by reset I did mean erasing all data? If so, we are now going to explain to you how to do that!

First, it is good to establish what the purpose of erasure is. Are you planning to sell or give your iPad to someone and is it still working well? Then follow these steps:

Step 1: Make sure all data has been properly transferred to your new iPad or stored in the iCloud.

Step 2: Log out of iCloud, the iTunes Store and App Store. If you do not do this then the new user will not be able to use the iPad.

• • If you are using iOS 10.3 or higher, open ‘Settings’ > at the top click on ‘[your name]’. Scroll down and tap “Log Out. Enter your Apple ID password and tap “Disable.
  • If you are using iOS 10.2 or below, open “Settings” > “iCloud” > “Log off. Tap “Log off” again. Then tap ‘Remove from iPad’ and enter the Apple ID password. Then go to ‘Settings’ > ‘iTunes Store and App Store’ > ‘Apple ID’ > ‘Log off’.

Step 3: Go back to “Settings” and tap “General” > “Transfer or reset iPad” > “Delete all content and settings. If you have “Find My iPad” enabled, you may need to enter your Apple ID and password. If you use an eSIM in your device, choose the option to clear your device and the eSIM profile when prompted.

Enter the device access code or Restrictions access code when prompted. Then tap “Delete iPad.

Your iPad will now show the Apple logo for a few minutes and finally display the “Hello” screen. After this, the new user can set up the iPad to his or her liking.

Do you no longer have the iPad or is it no longer usable?

Step 1: On a browser, log into iCloud.com/find or the Find My app on another device, select the device in question and click “Delete. After the device is deleted, click “Delete from account.

Note: The iPad will now erase itself the next time it is connected to WiFi. So this is not the most secure method when the iPad is not connected. So always prefer the above method.

iPad reset without Apple ID

Unfortunately, resetting an iPad without an Apple ID is a lot harder to do. Actually, this is positive because it ensures that in case of theft or loss, your iPad cannot simply be taken into use by someone else. This also makes it less interesting to steal an iPad or other Apple product. However, it is annoying when you are in good faith but you simply no longer have access to your Apple ID, for example, because the Apple ID is from an old work email address, or your old xs4all email no longer exists.

The only option left then is to try to restore the old Apple ID. Have you tried everything and can’t get access? Then, unfortunately, there is no other way to bypass the iPad activation lock.

iPad reset without code

Want to reset your iPad, but forgot the code? Then you can reset the tablet using a computer or through the Apple ID. The downside to this is that you need a recent backup to avoid losing data. Learn more about the iPad access code in our Knowledge Base.

iPad does not boot at all or I have another problem

The iPad no longer does anything or does not boot up at all? Then put it on a working charger for an hour (test this first by charging another device with it so you can be sure it’s not the charger’s fault). Also try another outlet just to be sure. Doesn’t a battery icon appear on the screen within this hour? Then unfortunately it is necessary to visit a repairman, at ThePhoneLab we are happy to help you. Read our blog about iPad not starting up here .

Go to a branch of a professional repair shop (for example, ThePhoneLab – check here for a branch near you), where they can start a repair right away. At ThePhoneLab, we do a diagnostic to find out what the problem is with your iPad. A diagnosis is always free of charge. After this you are not obliged to move on to repair, but of course you can! Make your appointment here: