Factory resetting your iPad using only the buttons can be a lifesaver if you donโt have access to a computer. Itโs a straightforward process that involves a few button presses and some patience. By the end of this guide, youโll know exactly how to reset your iPad back to its factory settings using just the device itself.
How to Factory Reset iPad with Buttons Without Computer
Resetting your iPad using only the buttons will erase all your data and settings, bringing it back to its original state. This can be useful if your device is acting up or youโre planning to sell it. Hereโs how to do it:
Step 1: Press and hold the Power button and one of the Volume buttons
To start the factory reset process, you need to press and hold the Power button along with either the Volume Up or Volume Down button.
Holding these buttons together will bring up the power off slider on the screen. This is the first step to accessing the necessary reset options.
Step 2: Drag the slider to turn off your iPad
Once the slider appears, drag it to turn off your device.
Turning off your iPad is essential before we can proceed to the next steps. This ensures that the device is completely powered down.
Step 3: Press and hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears
After your iPad is off, press and hold the Power button again until you see the Apple logo.
This step reboots your iPad and is a crucial part of the resetting process. Youโre almost there!
Step 4: Quickly press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Power button
When the Apple logo appears, quickly press the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and finally hold down the Power button.
This sequence of button presses will bring up the recovery mode screen, which is vital for initiating the factory reset.
Step 5: Select โErase All Content and Settingsโ
On the recovery mode screen, use the on-screen options to select โErase All Content and Settings.โ
This final step will wipe your iPad clean of all data, returning it to its factory state. Be sure youโve backed up any important data before confirming this action.
Once youโve completed these steps, your iPad will restart and begin the reset process. This may take several minutes, so be patient. When itโs done, your iPad will be as good as new, just as it was when you first took it out of the box.
Tips for How to Factory Reset iPad with Buttons Without Computer
- Make sure your iPad is fully charged or plugged in before starting the reset process to avoid interruptions.
- Back up all important data before performing a factory reset to prevent data loss.
- Be aware that this process will erase everything on your iPad, so double-check that youโre ready to proceed.
- If your iPad is unresponsive, try performing a hard reset by pressing and holding the Power and Home buttons simultaneously until it restarts.
- Keep your Apple ID and password handy, as you may need them to set up your iPad after the reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when I factory reset my iPad?
Factory resetting your iPad will erase all your data, settings, and installed apps, returning it to its original factory state. It will be like a brand-new device.
Do I need a computer to factory reset my iPad?
No, you can factory reset your iPad using just the buttons on the device by following the steps outlined in this guide.
Will factory resetting my iPad remove iCloud lock?
No, factory resetting your iPad will not remove iCloud lock. Youโll still need your Apple ID and password to set up the device after the reset.
How long does it take to factory reset an iPad?
The factory reset process can take several minutes, depending on how much data needs to be erased. Be patient and let the process complete.
Can I cancel a factory reset once it starts?
No, once the factory reset process has begun, you cannot cancel it. Make sure youโve backed up any important data before starting.
Summary
- Press and hold the Power button and one of the Volume buttons.
- Drag the slider to turn off your iPad.
- Press and hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears.
- Quickly press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Power button.
- Select โErase All Content and Settings.โ
Conclusion
Resetting your iPad with just the buttons can be a lifesaver, especially when a computer isnโt available. Itโs a relatively simple process but does require some precise button presses. Remember, this action will erase all your data, so back up anything important before diving in.
This guide walks you through all the steps to factory reset your iPad using just the buttons, making it accessible even for those who arenโt tech-savvy. By following these steps, you can ensure your device is clean and ready for a fresh start or a new owner.
If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out our other articles for more tech tips and tricks! Factory reset iPad with buttons without computer should now be a breeze. Happy resetting!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelorโs and Masterโs degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.