To factory reset an Amazon Fire tablet, open Settings > Device Options > Reset to Factory Defaults to start the reset. This removes downloaded content and deregisters the tablet from your Amazon account, so save anything you need before proceeding.
The short version
- Use Settings when you can access the tablet.
- Use Recovery Mode when Settings will not open.
- From Amazon Kids, switch to the adult profile first.
- Try Reset Your PIN if a forgotten lock code is the only problem.
- Save needed content and safely eject portable storage before erasing.
| Method | What it does | Time | Use it when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settings | Starts a full reset | A few minutes to start | Settings opens |
| Recovery Mode | Starts a reset with buttons | A few minutes to start | Settings is inaccessible |
| Amazon Kids profile switch | Reaches adult reset controls | Under a minute | You are in a child profile |
| Lock screen PIN recovery | Changes your lock code | A few minutes | You forgot the lock code |
Times cover starting each method. The erase itself and the setup afterward take longer, so keep the tablet charged.
Save your content before erasing
A factory reset deletes downloaded content, including in-app purchases, and restores the tablet's original factory settings. Save copies of anything you need before choosing either reset method, especially files you cannot replace. Apps you added yourself are removed too, so if you used Google apps, you will need to install the Google Play Store on a Fire tablet again afterward.
Save any contacts or calendar entries you need before erasing. Check that your saved copies are available somewhere other than the tablet before continuing.
If your microSD card is set up as portable storage, open Settings > Storage to remove it safely before the reset. Avoid pulling out a card configured as internal storage, since that type is not intended for removal.
Reset through Settings
Swipe down twice from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings, then tap the Settings icon. Tap Device Options, followed by Reset to Factory Defaults, to start the factory reset.
Read any on-screen prompts before agreeing to erase your content. Once the reset is complete, the tablet is deregistered from your Amazon account; register it again if you plan to keep using it. If you cannot sign in at that step, recover your Amazon account first.
Use Recovery Mode when Settings will not open
Power off the tablet before starting. On most Fire tablets, press and hold Power and Volume Down together to open Recovery Mode.
When the recovery options appear, use the volume buttons to move to Wipe data/factory reset. Press Power to select it, then confirm the reset when prompted.
If that shortcut does not open recovery, contact Amazon Customer Support for help with your model. Recovery is another route to erasing the tablet, so the same content-saving precautions apply.
Switch out of an Amazon Kids profile
Tap the adult-and-child icon at the top right to open the parent menu. Choose Switch Profile, select the adult profile and enter the device PIN or password.
After switching, use the Settings reset steps above. Switching profiles alone does not perform a factory reset, so stop after the switch if you only wanted to return to the adult profile.
Recover a forgotten PIN without erasing
If you only forgot the lock screen PIN or password, try changing it before deciding to erase the tablet. You need an internet connection and your Amazon account password for this recovery option.
From the lock screen, enter the wrong PIN or password five times. Choose Reset Your PIN from the notification, enter your Amazon account password and tap Continue.
Enter a new PIN or password, then tap Finish. If you still want a factory reset after regaining access, return to the Settings method above.
Understand what deregistration leaves behind
Deregistering the tablet by itself leaves personal information such as photos and sideloaded documents on the device. Do not treat removing the tablet from your account as a complete erase before handing it to someone else.
The deregistration option for a lost or stolen device also leaves that personal information behind. If you have the tablet and want to erase its downloaded content, use a factory reset rather than deregistration alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deregistering a Fire tablet erase everything?
No, photos and sideloaded documents remain on the tablet after deregistration. Use the factory reset option when you need to erase downloaded content before passing the tablet on.
Do I need to download software to factory reset a Fire tablet?
No, you can start the reset from the tablet's Settings or Recovery Mode. Both documented methods use controls already on the device, so there is no reset tool to download.
Can I factory reset a Fire tablet without opening Settings?
Yes, use Recovery Mode and select Wipe data/factory reset with the volume and power buttons. The Power plus Volume Down shortcut applies to most Fire tablets, so seek model-specific help if it fails.
Does a factory reset remove my Amazon account from the tablet?
Yes, completing the factory reset deregisters the tablet from your Amazon account. You need to register the device again to use it afterward.
Does resetting my lock screen PIN erase the tablet?
The Reset Your PIN process changes your lock screen credential instead of starting a factory reset. It requires an internet connection and your Amazon account password, so try it first if a forgotten code is your only problem.