Get Set For Sale: How to reset your iPad to factory settings

1) It keeps your data safe

2) So whoever you sell it to can use it

It is possible to reset your iPad but your data will still be on the device and your Apple ID account can be still connected which will deem the device unusable for its new owner, so for security and convenience reasons, it’s crucial to make sure it’s done properly.

Back up your iPad: Preparing Your iPad for a Factory Reset With A Backup

Before we jump into the steps to reset your iPad, there are a few crucial steps you need to take to ensure a smooth transition. Let’s start with the most vital one: backing up your data.

The Importance of Backing Up Your Data

The key to a stress-free factory reset lies in safeguarding your data. Regardless of whether you’re looking to sell your device or if you want to recycle it, by creating a backup, you ensure that none of your photos, videos, apps, or important files get lost in the process. A backup is your safety net, so you can seamlessly restore your digital life after the reset if necessary.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Backup:

Creating a backup on your iPad is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi: Ensure your iPad is connected to a Wi-Fi network to avoid using cellular data during the backup, as it’ll drain your data.
2. Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your iPad, which looks like a gear icon.
3. Tap Your Name: Scroll down and tap on your Apple ID/name at the top of the Settings menu.
4. iCloud: In the Apple ID menu, tap on “iCloud.”
5. iCloud Backup: Scroll down and tap on “iCloud Backup.”
6. Backup Now: Finally, tap “Backup Now.” Your iPad will start backing up your data to iCloud. Be patient; the time required depends on the amount of data.

With your data safely backed up, you can proceed with the factory reset, knowing that everything important is securely stored in iCloud.

Logging Out of Your iCloud Account and Disabling Find My iPad:

Before initiating the factory reset, it’s also worthwhile disconnecting your iPad from your iCloud account. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings: Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Your Name: Scroll down and tap on your Apple ID/name at the top of the Settings menu.
3. Sign Out: Scroll to the bottom and tap “Sign Out.” You’ll need to enter your Apple ID password.
4. Disable Find My iPad: After signing out, return to the main Settings menu and tap “Find My” at the top. Turn off “Find My iPad.”

By logging out and disabling Find My iPad, you ensure a seamless factory reset without any iCloud-related hiccups.

With these important preparatory steps completed, you’re now ready to take the plunge and reset your iPad to factory settings! We’ll guide you through each step in the next section.

Getting your iPad set for sale is actually straight-forward, what you need to do is two things, erase your device and disconnect it from your Apple ID.

Here’s a five step guide:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to General
3. Click”Erase All Content and Settings”
4. Follow the prompts to confirm
5. That’s it you’re all done!

We recommend that once this is done, wait for a little while and just double-check that the iPad has been removed from your iCloud account. You can do this by following the below steps.

There might be some times when the above isn’t possible. Maybe your iPad is broken or you’ve unpaired your watch, but it’s still connected to your Apple ID. This can sometimes happen but thankfully you can still unpair it from your iCloud account.

1. Go to icloud.com
2. Log in and visit the Find My page
3. Select All Devices and tap on the device you want to remove
4. Tap Erase, and a message will pop up to confirm that you want to Erase the device
5. Once done, you can then click Remove from Account which will remove your device from your iCloud account.
6. Select Confirm and that’s it – job done.