Hardware
How To Erase All Data And Factory Reset The iPad
Whenever you sell your electronics to a reseller (or even return an item to the store after having used it), you should always be sure to erase the data from it completely. You can’t count on the reseller or the store employees to do it for you.
It looks like the iPad 3 will be announced in just a few weeks and probably available soon after that. So now’s the time to think about reselling your iPad or iPad 2 so you can put that money toward the new model.
Whenever you sell your electronics to a reseller (or even return an item to the store after having used it), you should always be sure to erase the data from it completely. You can’t count on the reseller or the store employees to do it for you.
Erasing data from the iPad is easy, as is backing up that data to transfer to your new tablet.
First, back up the data, even if you’re not going to get a new iPad.
How To Back Up Your iPad
Step 1: Open iTunes, then connect the iPad to your computer with the USB cord. The device will appear in the sidebar on the left.
Step 2: Click on the iPad’s name to bring up the information window. Scroll down until you see the Backup section.
You can back up your iPad’s data to your computer or to iCloud. I do both just in case something goes wrong with one or the other.
If you back up to your computer you can protect that data with a password. Just don’t forget it!
Step 3: Once you choose where to backup, right-click on the iPad’s name in the sidebar and choose Back Up from the menu.
Step 4: iTunes will begin transferring data including images, videos, apps, purchases, etc.
When the backup is complete, unplug the tablet. You’re now ready to erase it.
How To Erase Data And Factory Reset The iPad
Step 1: Go to the Settings app. Scroll down to the bottom of the General settings area to find Reset.
Step 2: There are several options in this menu. The one you want is “Erase All Content And Settings.”
Step 3: The iPad will ask you to confirm that you want to do this. Tap Erase.
The iPad will delete all of the data on it, restart, and be just as it was out of the box. Be sure to turn it all the way off before shipping or returning it.
When you get your new iPad you can restore the data and apps from your old one by right-clicking and choosing “Restore From Backup.”
