[3 Ways] How to Clear iPad to Sell or Give to Someone Else

Your old iPad carries a lot of private information. It needs to be wiped clean before you give it to other people. Follow this guide to know how to clear iPad to sell.

Lena

By Lena / Updated on February 1, 2024

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How to clear iPad for sale.

I have used my iPad Air for 3 years there is a lot of data on it. Today, my new iPad Pro has arrived so I think I should sell the old iPad for some cash. As I said, I have a lot of private information on it. I would like to know the ultimate way to wipe my iPad clear. Any suggestions?

- Question from Apple Community

iPad is a good choice for entertainment. You could have a good experience watching videos and playing games. Apart from recreation, you could also install social media apps on it to communicate with your friends and family. Therefore, iPad has stored lots of your important data over the years.

iPad

Apple announces its new products every year. After you switch to a new iPad, you may need to sell or give your old iPad to another person.  Then you need to do something with the important data on it.  The following sections will tell you how to prepare iPad for trade in.

Preparation: How to Backup iPad Data Efficiently

If there is too much vital data on your iPad, you can first back up your iPad to avoid data loss. You can choose iCloud mentioned in Part 1 or the professional iPad/iPhone data backup software mentioned in Part 2 to make it.

If you don't need to create an iPad backup, then you can skip to the next section to erase your iPad data directly.

Part 1. Backup Your iPad with iCloud

You have the option to back up your iPad through iCloud by navigating to Settings > your name (at the top) > iCloud > iCloud Backup. Turn on iCloud Backup, and your iPad will automatically back up daily when connected to power, internet, and locked.

backup with icloud

For manual backup, follow the same steps, selecting Back Up Now in iCloud Backup. Access previous backups in Settings > Your name > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups.

Part 2. Backup iPad to PC with Professional FoneTool

When it comes to backing up iPad data on Windows PC, FoneTool will be your best helper.

🌟FoneTool's Highlights:

yes Fast backup speed makes the process efficient.
yes Only a USB connection keeps all data safe.
yes Selective/full backup feature helps you back up iPad as you like.
yes All iPad/mini/Pro/Air models are supported.

Step 1. Download, install and launch FoneTool. Connect your iPad to computer via a USB cable.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7
Secure Download

Step 2. Click Phone Backup > Go to Selective Backup to back up your photos, videos, music, contacts and messages > Tap on Get Started to continue. (Or you can go to Full Backup to back up all iPad data.)

Custom Backup

Step 3. Click each icon to choose the data you need to back up >  Tap on OK.

select files to backup

Step 4. If you need to, you can change the backup settings from the Backup Storage Path > Click Start Backup to begin the task.

start to back up

Once the backup is finished, now you can wipe all your iPad data with no worry. If you only need to remove Apple ID from iPad without password, just find ways in this useful guide: [Full Guide] How to Remove Apple ID from iPhone. It is also available for iPad models.

How to Clear iPad to Sell Directly

On your iPad, you could wipe it without installing any tools. 

1. Unlock your iPad and open the Settings app.

2. Locate and select General sections.

3. Tap Reset > Select Erase All Content and Settings and enter your passcode to wipe iPad.

If you have enabled Find My feature on this iPad, you will be asked to enter your Apple ID and password to disable it. After the process is completed, this iPad needs to be activated before it can be used again.

Erase All Content and Settings iPad

How to Erase iPad to Sell with iTunes

If you need to use a computer to erase your iPad, then iTunes is available. It is an often-used application of Apple users. All your Apple devices could share the same iTunes content via the same Apple ID. This time, you could use iTunes to quickly restore your iPad.

It is not saying that you need to restore iPad from a previous backup. There is another option in iTunes to reset iPad. It could be also used to fix some issues when your iPad is frozen or help you downgrade iOS. Similarly, this will totally delete all the content on iPad. 

1. Go to Apple Support to download and install the latest iTunes on your computer.

2. Open iTunes and connect iPad to computer with a premium USB cable. Waiting for some time to let iTunes recognize your iPad.

3. After the device icon appears in the upper-left corner, click it.

4. Select the Summary section in the sidebar and then click Restore iPad.

Restore iPad

The Best Way to Wipe iPad before Selling

What is the best way to permanently erase your iPad from Windows PC? You may need the professional iPad/iPhone eraser - FoneTool to make it. It allows you to easily factory reset iPad with or without the Home button.

FoneTool
Easy iPad Data Cleaner
  • Wipe some or all iPad/iPhone data efficiently.
  • The easy-to-use interface makes all tasks quick.
  • Deep erase technology lets all deleted data can't be recovered.

Step 1. Download and launch FoneTool > Connect your iPad to the computer via a reliable USB cable.

Step 2. Go to Toolbox > Select Data Eraser.

Erase iPhone

Step 3. Click Get Started under Erase all data.

Erase all data

Step 4. View all on-screen notes and check the box you need > Click Erase Data to clear your iPad.

Begin Erase

Conclusion

There is a lot of private information on your old iPad. This guide has introduced how to clear iPad to sell to make sure the buyer will never get your information in any way.

Before you delete all the data on iPad, you need to see whether there is any data you need. Contacts, photos, or other data might be still useful so you need to save them or you might regret later. Use iCloud or FoneTool to backup iPad or transfer data to your new iPad. Then you can let it help you clear iPad for sale.

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