To factory reset an Amazon Fire tablet, you must erase all personal data, downloaded content, and files from the device, which also deregisters it from your Amazon account. This process restores the tablet to its original factory settings, often resolving slow performance or glitches, or preparing the device for a new owner.
Before you factory reset your Amazon Fire tablet
A factory reset permanently deletes all personal data, downloaded content, and files from your Amazon Fire tablet. The device will be deregistered from your Amazon account after the reset. Before proceeding, back up any important files you want to keep, such as photos or documents, by transferring them to a computer or cloud storage. All purchased content from Amazon, apps, books, videos, and music, can be re-downloaded from the cloud after you log back into your Amazon account, so you will not lose those purchases. This reset is a final step for fixing persistent issues or preparing the tablet for sale, gifting, or recycling.
How to factory reset via device settings
Use this method when your tablet is functional and you can access the settings menu.
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification panel, then tap the Settings gear icon.
- Scroll down and select Device Options.
- Tap Reset to Factory Defaults.
- Read the on-screen warning that all data will be erased, then tap Reset or Erase Everything to confirm the action.
- Wait for the tablet to complete the reset process. It will restart and prompt you to set it up as new.
How to factory reset via the recovery menu
Use this alternative method when the tablet is unresponsive or you cannot access the device settings. Note that the button combination to enter recovery mode may vary: some models require pressing and holding the Power and Volume Up buttons simultaneously, while others use Power and Volume Down. Continue holding until the Amazon logo or Android Recovery screen appears.
- Turn off the tablet completely.
- Press and hold the Power button and the appropriate Volume button (Up or Down) simultaneously until the Amazon logo appears, then release the Power button but continue holding the Volume button until the Recovery Mode screen is displayed.
- Use the Volume buttons to navigate the menu and highlight wipe data/factory reset.
- Press the Power button to select wipe data/factory reset.
- Confirm the action by using the Volume buttons to highlight Yes, delete all user data (or a similar option), then press the Power button to select it.
- Wait for the reset process to complete, then use the Volume buttons to highlight Reboot system now and press the Power button to restart the tablet.
Troubleshooting reset problems
Unresponsive tablet
If your tablet becomes unresponsive during the reset, perform a hard reset by pressing and holding the Power button for about 20-30 seconds to force a restart. Then attempt the factory reset again.
Stuck in a boot loop
If the tablet gets stuck in a boot loop during or after the reset, try performing a hard reset as described above, then retry the factory reset via the recovery menu. If the problem continues, further troubleshooting may be needed.
Recovery menu access issues
If you cannot enter recovery mode using the specified button combination, try the alternative volume button (Up instead of Down, or vice versa) as the correct combination depends on your tablet model.
If you need to unlock your Amazon tablet after the reset, simply log back into your Amazon account during the setup process. For a factory reset kids Fire tablet, the same steps apply, just ensure you back up any child profiles or content you want to keep before resetting. To reset Amazon kid tablet, follow either the settings or recovery method, and after the reset, you can re-download all purchased Amazon content from the cloud.
