How to Backup and Reset Your iPad

Ready to sell your iPad? Protect your data first by performing a backup and factory reset. Here’s how to backup and reset your iPad.

How to backup an iPad

You can backup your iPad with iCloud or iTunes, but note that Apple plans to discontinue iTunes on Mac computers in Fall 2019 (Windows users will still be able to use iTunes). iPad iCloud backup

• Connect your iPad to a WiFi network
• Browse to SETTINGS > YOUR NAME > ICLOUD (or just SETTINGS > ICLOUD)
• Enable iCloud Backup, if needed, then tap BACK UP NOW

iPad iTunes backup

• Connect your iPad to your computer and launch iTunes
• Click IPAD > SUMMARY
• Optionally, select ENCRYPT IPAD BACKUP if you want to encrypt your backup (you’ll need a password to restore it later)
• Click BACK UP NOW

Once the backup is complete, you can proceed to erase your iPad data.

How to backup & reset any Apple device

Reset an iPad to factory settings

You can factory reset your iPad via the settings menu or iTunes, but first you need to turn off Activation Lock/Find My iPad and sign out of iCloud and the App Store. Here’s how. On iOS 10.3 or later:

• Browse to SETTINGS > YOUR NAME > ICLOUD > FIND MY IPAD
• Turn off FIND MY IPAD
• Browse to SETTINGS > YOUR NAME > ICLOUD
• Enter your Apple ID password and select TURN OFF

On iOS 10.2 or earlier:

• Browse to SETTINGS > ICLOUD > FIND MY IPAD
• Turn off FIND MY IPAD
• Browse to SETTINGS > ICLOUD
• Select SIGN OUT (enter your Apple ID password)
• Browse to SETTINGS > ITUNES & APPLE STORE > APPLE ID > SIGN OUT

Now, you can wipe your iPad data.

Reset iPad via settings

• Browse to SETTINGS > GENERAL > RESET
• Select ERASE ALL CONTENT AND SETTINGS (enter your passcode if prompted)
• Select ERASE

Reset iPad via iTunes

• Connect your iPad to your computer and launch iTunes
• Click IPAD > SUMMARY
• Click RESTORE IPAD and confirm

If your iPad is disabled or you forgot your passcode, you can still reset it via iTunes and Recovery Mode. Reset iPad via Recovery Mode

• Connect your iPad to your computer and launch iTunes
• Press and hold the HOME and POWER buttons until the iTunes logo displays on your iPad screen
• In iTunes, click RESTORE

Once your data is erased, you can safely sell your iPad.