Practical Methods to Reset iPad, iPad min and iPad Pro

You are here:

Home
Support
Renee iPassFix
Practical Methods to Reset iPad, iPad min and iPad Pro

15 January 2024 Amanda J. Brook Senior Product Manager

Summary
Learn how to reset iPad to factory settings for troubleshooting or preparing it for sale. Discover methods for both normal and forced initialization in this comprehensive guide.

Table of contents CONTENTS

1. About initializing the iPad device

2. Preparations before initializing the iPad device: 1. iTunes backup; 2. iCloud backup

3. Common initialization method of iPad / iPad mini / iPad pro: Method 1: Initialize the device in the settings; Method 2: Initialize the device with iTunes

4. How to Force Initialize iPad/iPad mini/iPad pro: Method 1: Initialize the iPad device after entering recovery mode; Method 2: Enter the DFU mode to initialize the iPad device; Method Three: Use iCloud to Remotely Erase iPad Devices

5. The general method of initializing iPad devices——Renee iPassfix

I. About initializing the iPad device

ipad initialization , means to reset and restore the device to its factory initialization state. It is also a troubleshooting tool to fix problems by removing all problem programs. Initializing an iPad / iPad mini / iPad Pro device will completely delete all data such as photos, videos, music, applications, and contacts. Initialization is equivalent to turning it into a brand new device. Therefore, in order to prevent data loss, please make a backup before initializing the operation.

Initializing an iPad device can be used in the following situations:

Your iPad may freeze, crash, or struggle with basic tasks like opening apps and taking photos.

You might experience performance issues with your iPad, including significant slowdowns and lag.

If your iPad is compromised by malware, you could notice unusual behavior.

It’s essential to clear personal data and files from your iPad before selling or giving it away to protect your privacy.

Implement lost iPad protection to prevent the theft of personal information.

This overview should give you an understanding of the importance of initialization and backup creation. Prior to initializing your iPad, iPad mini, or iPad Pro, certain preparatory steps are necessary.

Hot Topic - ADsRenee iPassFix – Professional Recovery Software for iOS Devices

Remove Passcode Delete the passcode for iOS devices even locked out.

Fix iOS System Failure Recover frozen iOS devices from DFU mode, recovery mode or other system problems.

Factory Reset One click to restore iOS devices to factory status.

Full Support to iOS Devices Compatible with all models of iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

Well Compatibility Fully compatible with the latest version of iOS.

Remove Passcode Delete the passcode for iOS devices even locked out.

Well Compatibility Fully compatible with the latest version of iOS.

Full Support to iOS Devices Compatible with all models of iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

Free Trial Free Trial Free Trial 800 users have downloaded and fixed their devices!

II. Preparations before initializing the iPad device

If you have important data in your iPad / iPad mini / iPad Pro, please back up the data before initializing the device. Back up iOS device data, usually through iTunes and iCloud. The difference between iCloud and iTunes backups is the file type, storage capacity, and whether or not a network connection is required.

1. iTunes backup

iTunes backup must be performed on a computer, and the backed up data will be stored on the computer. Its storage space depends on the available space on your computer, and you can choose between encrypted and non-encrypted backups.

Steps to use iTunes backup:

① Connect the iPad device to the computer. On a Mac computer with MacOS Catalina 10.15, open the Finder. On a Mac with MacOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier, or on a Windows computer, open iTunes.

② If a message appears asking for the device password or asking you to “Trust this computer“, please click “Trust” and follow the steps displayed on the screen.

③ If you want to store the “Fitness Record“, “Health” and “Keychain” data in the device, you need to encrypt the backup and set an encryption password. If you do not need to store Activity, Health, and Keychain data, you can make unencrypted backups. Just click “Back Up Now“.

Note: If you choose an encrypted backup, you need to keep the password safe, otherwise you will lose access to the backup. If you forget your backup password, you can click here for help.

④ Finally, wait for the backup to complete. After the backup process is complete, you can check to see if the backup completed successfully.

2. iCloud backup

iCloud is the type of our network disk, the data is stored in the cloud, and the backup and restoration of the data depends on the Wi-Fi network. The maximum storage space for iCloud backup is 2T, the first 5G is free, and you need to pay for capacity beyond 5G. Also, iCloud backups do not contain “Health” data.

Steps to use iCloud backup:

① Connect your iPad device to a Wi-Fi network.

② Go to “Settings” > “[your name]” and tap “iCloud”.

③ Scroll down to find and click “iCloud Cloud Backup”, then turn it on. Once opened, tap “Back Up Now.” Stay connected to Wi-Fi until iCloud backup is complete.

You can view the progress and confirm that the backup is complete. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. Under “Back Up Now,” you’ll see the date and time of your last backup.

III. Common initialization method of iPad / iPad mini / iPad pro

Under normal circumstances, you can easily initialize the device by simply following the normal initialization method.

Method 1. Initialize the device in the settings

The easiest way to initialize an iPad device is directly in its settings.

The specific operation steps are as follows:

① Click “Settings” > “General” > “Reset”; then select “Erase All Content and Settings”.

restore iphone from itunes backup hard reset iphone how to factory reset iphone without password

② Enter your lock screen password or Apple ID password as prompted. Finally, wait for initialization to complete. The exact waiting time depends on the size of the data on the device.

Method 2: Use iTunes to initialize the device

In addition to initializing the iPad / iPad mini / iPad Pro device in the settings, you can also use the iTunes software to achieve it.

The specific operation steps are as follows:

① On a Mac computer with MacOS Catalina 10.15, open the Finder. On a Mac computer with MacOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier, or on a Windows computer, open iTunes. Then, connect the iPad device to the computer via a USB cable.

② If a message appears asking for the device password or asking you to “Trust this computer“, please click “Trust” and follow the steps displayed on the screen.

③ After your device is connected to the computer, please click Device and “Summary/General” in iTunes. Then tap “Restore iPad” or “Restore iPhone“.

④ Then click “Restore” again to confirm. Subsequently, the data in the iPad will be wiped and the system files will be reinstalled. After successful initialization, the device will reboot.

The above general initialization method is applicable to the case that the iPad device can be unlocked normally, but if the password is forgotten, how to initialize it? Continue to read the following content, you will get a satisfactory answer.

IV. Method to Force Initialize iPad / iPad mini / iPad pro

When initializing the iPad, the most common problem is that the password cannot be initialized due to forgotten password, or even the device is disabled due to multiple incorrect password input. In this case, you can only force-initialize the device, and three ways to force-initialize the device will be introduced below.

Method 1: Initialize the iPad device after entering recovery mode

If you have synced your device with iTunes before, you can connect it to iTunes without unlocking the device, and you can initialize the device directly with iTunes. However, if you’ve never synced with iTunes before, the only way to initialize your iPad is through recovery mode, so read on for how.

The specific operation steps are as follows:

① First, please download and install the latest iTunes on your Windows computer or Mac computer.

② Open iTunes, keep the iPad connected to the computer, and follow these steps to force restart the device. Be careful not to release the buttons when you see the Apple logo, wait until the recovery mode screen appears before releasing:

● iPad Pro with Face ID: Press and release the “Volume +” key, then the “Volume -” key; then press and hold the power button until the iPad Pro is in recovery mode.

● iPad / iPad mini with a Home button: Press and hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button at the same time. Keep pressing both buttons until you see the recovery mode screen.

The screen after the iPad device enters recovery mode will show:

③ iTunes will recognize the iPad device in recovery mode and display the recovery or update option on its interface. Just click “Restore” and wait for iTunes to restore your iPad. After the restoration is complete, you can get an initialized iPad / iPad mini / iPad Pro.

In some cases, your device’s system may be damaged so badly that it may not be able to initialize using Recovery Mode. If you encounter accidental quitting of iTunes during recovery mode, or the waiting time for recovery is too long, please try to initialize the iPad device through DFU mode.

Method 2: Enter DFU mode to initialize iPad device

DFU mode can help you quickly initialize iPad / iPad mini / iPad Pro devices, but the operation will be relatively complicated.

The specific operation steps are as follows:

Enter DFU Mode on iPad:
For iPad Pro with Face ID:

Connect to a computer with iTunes.

Press/release the Volume + button.

Press/release the Volume - button.

Press/hold the Power button until the screen turns black.

Press/hold the Power and Volume - buttons together.

Release the Power button after 5 seconds but continue holding Volume - for 10 seconds until iTunes detects the device.

For iPad/iPad mini with Home button:

Connect to a computer via USB.

Press and hold the Home and Power buttons simultaneously.

Release the Power button after 10 seconds but continue holding the Home button until iTunes detects the device.

After DFU Mode:

Click “Restore iPad” in iTunes.

Click “Restore” again to confirm.

Wait for the initialization process to complete.

If the iPad is not present or is lost, use the iCloud service for remote initialization instead of using recovery or DFU mode. To do this, execute the following command:
Find My iPhone > Select the device > Erase iPad

Method 3: Use iCloud to remotely erase iPad devices

If your iPad / iPad mini / iPad Pro device has “Find My iPad” turned on, then you can use iCloud to initialize the device. iCloud can remotely wipe the device with one click, resetting it to the factory state. If you accidentally lose your iPad and there are important personal privacy data in the device, you can delete all the data (including ApplePay bank cards) through iCloud. But to use this function, you must first ensure that your device is powered on normally and connected to the network, otherwise it will not be wiped immediately.

The specific operation steps are as follows:

① Open the computer/mobile browser, log in to iCoud.com, and enter the correct Apple ID and password.

② Click “Find My iPhone” under “iCloud Settings”, and then enter the password.

③ Click “All Devices” and select your iPad. Finally, tap “Erase iPad”. This will delete all remaining data on the device, including passwords.

A comparison between the three methods of mandatory initialization:

	recovery mode	DFU mode	iCloud
Difficulty of operation	generally	Disaster	easy
advantage	● The operation is relatively simple ● Ability to permanently delete device profiles and data	● Advanced repair function, which can solve problems that cannot be repaired by recovery mode. ● Ability to permanently delete device profiles and data	● Easy to operate ● Lost mobile phone can also be operated, no need for other tools
shortcoming	● When the equipment failure is serious, it may be impossible to enter ● Entry steps are more complicated	● It is very difficult to enter the DFU mode, and it is easy to fail to enter	● Disabled if Find My iPad is turned off ● The device must be online to perform

V. The general method of initializing iPad devices—— Rene.E Laboratory password reset

If you’ve forgotten your passcode and locked yourself out of your iPad, you don’t need iTunes or iCloud to reset it. Use Renee iPassfix to factory reset your iPad, iPad mini, or iPad Pro with ease. This guide will walk you through the steps to initialize your iPad when it’s locked with a passcode and requires trust confirmation.

Renee iPassfix is a versatile and comprehensive Apple repair tool that can reset your iPad with just one click, even if it’s suffering from a system failure. It enables you to quickly unlock a disabled iOS device and bypass the lock screen password. The software is user-friendly and can remedy a variety of iOS system issues without any technical expertise. It boasts strong compatibility, supporting the latest iOS devices and system updates.