How to Hard Reset Your iPad[Step-by-Step Instructions]

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By Jenefey Aaron

2025-08-13 / Reset iPhone

iPads are built to run smoothly, but like all devices, they can sometimes face issues like frozen screens, sluggish performance, or complete lockouts. In such cases, knowing how to hard reset iPad can be the quickest fix. However, not all reset methods are the same. From a simple soft reset to more advanced options like DFU mode, each method comes with different levels of complexity, data impact, and success rates.

Part 1. How to Hard Reset iPad – Things You Should Know First

1. What Is Hard Reset?

A hard reset is a way to force your iPad to restart when it’s not responding. It’s different from a normal restart because you don’t need to use the screen or menus it works through button combinations. This method doesn’t erase your data, but it refreshes the system and clears temporary glitches, and you can also call hard reset as force restart, they are the same meaning.

Whether you’re using the latest iPad Pro or an older model, a hard reset is quick, safe, and often the fastest fix for sudden freezes or crashes.

2. What Issues Hard Reset Can Solve in 2025?

  • Hard reset iPad when frozen and the screen won’t move
  • iPad stuck on Apple logo hard reset situations
  • Touchscreen not responding at all
  • Apps freezing or crashing repeatedly
  • Black screen with the device still powered on
  • Random restarts or performance glitches

A hard reset is often the first step before trying more advanced solutions. It’s quick, safe, and worth trying whenever your iPad suddenly stops working normally.

3. What is differences between reset methods?

swiper icon Please swipe to view
Soft Reset
Hard Reset / Force Restart
Reset Settings
Factory Reset
Recovery Mode Reset
DFU Mode Reset
Success Rate
Data Loss
Ease of Use
Very Easy
Easy
Easy
Moderate
Moderate
Advanced
Time Required
1 minute
1–2 minutes
2–3 minutes
5–10 minutes
10–15 minutes
15–20 minutes

Part 2. How to Hard Reset Your iPad [Simplest & Comprehensive]

When an iPad stops responding, freezes, or runs into sudden glitches, a hard reset can quickly bring it back to normal. The process varies slightly depending on the model older iPads with a Home button use one method, while newer ones without a Home button use another. The following steps cover both, making it easy to perform a how to hard reset iPad iOS 26 on any model.

1. How to Hard Reset iPad with Home Button

Older iPads and some standard models include a physical Home button, making the hard reset process straightforward. This method forces the device to restart instantly, clearing temporary glitches without deleting your data.

Lets see How to hard reset ipad with home button:

  • Hold down the Top (Power) button and the Home button at the same time.
  • Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  • Release the buttons and allow the iPad to restart normally.
  • with button

2. How to Hard Reset iPad without Home Button

Newer iPad models, such as the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air, have no physical Home button and rely on a quick button sequence instead. This approach is just as effective and works perfectly for the most recent how to hard reset ipad without home button process.

  • Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
  • Swiftly depress and release the Volume Down button.
  • Press and hold the Top (Power) button until the Apple logo appears.
  • Release the button and wait for the iPad to restart.
  • without home button

3. Unable to Restart Without Password? ReiBoot Fixes All iPad Issues!

When your iPad is stuck, frozen, or refuses to restart without a password, Tenorshare ReiBoot offers a safe, reliable solution. Known as the No.1 iOS and iPadOS system repair tool, ReiBoot can fix over 150 system issues such as an iPad stuck on the Apple logo, recovery mode, boot loop, or black screen without losing your data.

It works smoothly with iOS/iPadOS 26 and supports all iPad models, making it the go-to option when standard restart methods fail.

Key Features of ReiBoot

  • One-Click Repair: Fix common iPad issues instantly with minimal effort.
  • No Password Required: Reset or repair your iPad even when you can’t unlock it.
  • No Data Loss: Keep your files, apps, and settings intact with Standard Repair.
  • Broad Compatibility: Supports all iOS and iPadOS versions, including the latest iOS/iPadOS 26.
  • Multiple Repair Modes: Choose from Standard Repair, Deep Repair, or DFU Mode for different problem levels.

How to Use ReiBoot to Fix iPad Problems

  • Download ReiBoot on your computer. Open it and plug in your iPad using the original Apple cable. Once ReiBoot finds your iPad, click Start Repair.

    launch reiboot
  • Select Standard Repair. This option fixes most problems like a frozen screen, stuck Apple logo, or endless restarts without erasing your data.

    reiboot standard repair for ituen error 1110 fix
  • Click Download to get the latest iPad software (about 5GB). If your iPad isn’t detected, ReiBoot will help you put it into Recovery Mode or DFU Mode.

    download firmware
  • After downloading the firmware file, you need to tap "Start Standard Repair" to start system recovery immediately.

    start standard repair
  • Wait 4–5 minutes for the process to complete. Your iPad will restart, working normally and with your data safe.

    repair successfully

4. Reset iPad on Settings

Resetting your iPad directly from the Settings menu is one of the simplest ways to restore it to factory condition no computer or third-party software required. It works perfectly for all models, including the iPad Air 11, and is a quick way to wipe everything and start fresh.

Before starting, keep these points in mind:

  • Turn off Find My to avoid needing the iCloud password during the reset.
  • Have your iPad’s lock screen passcode ready.
  • Back up your data if you want to save files, apps, and settings before erasing.

How to hard reset ipad ios 26:

  • Head over to your iPad’s Settings app.
  • Scroll down and tap General, then choose Reset.
  • Hit Erase All Content and Settings.
  • erase all content
  • Type in your lock screen passcode when it asks.
  • If Find My iPad is switched off, it won’t ask for your iCloud password it’ll just move ahead.
  • Sit back and wait a few minutes while your iPad wipes clean and goes back to its factory setup.
  • i>

5. Reset iPad via iTunes or Finder

Sometimes you get locked out of your iPad maybe the passcode was entered wrong too many times, or you just forgot it. In these cases, you can hard reset a locked iPad using iTunes (on Windows or older macOS) or Finder (on newer macOS). This method works even if your iPad is frozen, stuck on the Apple logo, or unresponsive.

When Find My iPad is turned off, you can reset without entering your iCloud password. If it’s on, you’ll need your Apple ID and password after the reset.

Here’s how to hard reset when iPad stuck on Apple logo hard reset:

  • Connect your iPad to your computer with a USB cable, then open iTunes or Finder.
  • Put your iPad into Recovery Mode:
    • With Home button: Press and hold the Power + Home buttons together until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
    • With Face ID: Press and quickly release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Power button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
  • On your computer, iTunes or Finder will detect your device in Recovery Mode. Click Restore ipad.
  • restore ipad
  • Wait for the process to finish, then set up your iPad as new.

6. Reset iPad through iCloud

If your iPad is lost, stolen, or you simply don’t have it in your hands, iCloud’s Find My feature can wipe it remotely. This is great for protecting your personal data, especially if you can’t access the device directly.

To use this method, make sure:

Here’s how to hard reset a locked ipad​ through iCloud:

  • On a computer or another device, go to icloud.com and log in with your Apple ID.
  • hard reset icloud
  • Click Find iPhone (yes, it works for iPads too).
  • Select All Devices, then choose your iPad from the list.
  • Click Erase iPad and confirm.
  • erase ipad

Part 3. Troubleshooting If Hard Reset Doesn’t Work

Don't panic if a iPad stuck on Apple logo hard reset and not working. You can still try these solutions before going to a professional.

1. Update the iPad iOS

Outdated software can cause all kinds of glitches, including problems with restarting. Installing the latest iOS update can often solve the issue.

  • Make sure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.
  • Tap the Settings app on your home screen.
  • Scroll down and tap General.
  • To check for Updates and tap Software Update.
  • hard reset via setting
  • If an update is available, tap Download and Install. Follow the prompts until your device restarts.

2. Disable Invoking Siri Using Side Button

In some cases, pressing and holding the side button may trigger Siri instead of a restart, which can interfere with the hard reset process. Disabling this option can help.

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Scroll down and tap Siri & Search.
  • Under Press Side Button for Siri, toggle the switch off.
  • ipad setting
  • Try the hard reset again to see if it works without launching Siri.

Part 4. FAQs About How to Hard Reset iPad

Q1. Will a forced restart solve a "slow charging" problem?

Not. A forced restart can clear temporary glitches, but slow charging is usually caused by issues like a faulty cable, a weak power adapter, a dirty charging port, or battery health problems — not something a reboot alone can fix.

faq comment

Q2. Will a hard reset help with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth problems?

Sometimes. If your connection suddenly drops or refuses to connect, a hard reset can refresh the system and clear small hiccups. If it keeps happening, you may need to reset network settings or update your software.

Q3. Can I hard reset if the screen is broken or unresponsive?

Yes. You can hard reset using the physical buttons, even if the screen isn’t working.

Q4. Can I hard reset my iPad while it’s charging?

Yes, it’s safe to do so. The process won’t damage the battery or charging circuit.

Q5. Will hard reset interrupt my downloads or updates?

Yes, if you hard reset during a download or update, the process will stop. In the case of a software update, you might have to restart it from the beginning.

Conclusion:

Hard resetting your iPad can quickly solve many common issues, from freezing to unresponsiveness. However, when a hard reset iPad when frozen doesn’t work, it’s time to use a professional tool like Tenorshare ReiBoot. It offers a safe and easy way to fix iOS problems without losing data, making it the ultimate solution for anyone wondering how to hard reset iPad and get it working smoothly again.

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