What does reset do for my devices
Does reset erase all information
iPhone SE, iOS 16
Question marked as
A reset of your iPad is generally not something that you will routinely need to perform. A reset is usually only required if you have a problem that cannot be otherwise resolved.
There are many types of "reset", some of which reset settings of only some of type or another. Others are more invasive and will cause data to be erased.
It is always good practice to ensure that you have a backup of your iPad before performing a reset of any type - as, with benefit of having a backup, you can restore your data and settings if something should go wrong:
How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support
Those types of reset that erase data should be obvious. By example:
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content & Settings
This type of reset will, as clearly described, erase everything from your iPad.
Other types of reset are non-destructive of data - and will simply reset various elements of iPad functionality:
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset >
- Reset All Settings
- Reset Network Settings
- Subscriber Services
- Reset Keyboard Dictionary
- Reset Home Screen Layout
- Reset Location & Privacy
None of these will impact your locally stored data.
A further type of reset, a "factory restore" (a.k.a., reset to factory settings) is performed using a Windows PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac computer (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of macOS):
Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support
The Factory Restore will erase everything - and will reinstall a fresh copy of the most recent version of iOS/iPadOS that is supported by your iPad.
You may see some references to a "hard reset". This is not a term used by Apple in context of iPad - and does not appear within its documentation. The term "hard reset" usually refers to a Forced Restart - this being exactly as the term implies; performing the Forced Restart simply restarts an iPad - and is non-destructive of data:
Force restart iPad - Apple Support
