How to Safely Erase Your iPad Before Selling or Recycling

Step by step

1. 2 min

   Back up your current data

   Open Settings and tap your name at the top of the sidebar. Select iCloud, then tap iCloud Backup and choose Back Up Now to ensure your data is saved to the cloud.

   Note: Ensure your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi for this process.
2. 1 min

   Sign out of iCloud and the App Store

   Return to the main Settings menu and tap your name. Scroll to the bottom of the page and tap Sign Out. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted to turn off Find My iPad and remove your account data.

3. 1 min

   Initiate the erasure process

   Navigate to Settings, tap General, and select Transfer or Reset iPad. Tap Erase All Content and Settings to launch the factory reset assistant.

   Note: This action permanently deletes all files, photos, and apps.
4. 30 sec

   Confirm with your passcode

   Enter your iPad device passcode if prompted by the system. The device will perform a final verification to ensure all security locks are disabled.

5. 2 min

   Complete the factory wipe

   Tap Continue on the confirmation screen to allow the iPad to restart and wipe its internal storage. The Apple logo will appear while the cryptographic keys are destroyed and the operating system is reset to default.

   Note: Do not power off the device during this phase.
6. 30 sec

   Verify the reset

   Once the process is complete, the iPad will display the Hello screen in multiple languages. If you see this screen, the device is successfully erased and ready for a new user.

   Note: Press the power button or home button to turn off the device once the Hello screen appears.