A
Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016)
Reset & recovery guide · Tablet · iOS 9.3.2, upgradable to iPadOS 16.7.12
Tablet

Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016) — Hard Reset, Factory Reset & Recovery Mode Guide

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Hard Reset via Recovery — Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016)

Optimized for iPad Pro 9.7 (2016) (iOS 9.3.2, upgradable to iPadOS 16.7.12)

⚠️ Part A below is a safe restart with no data loss. Only continue to Part B if you actually want to erase everything.
Part A — Force Restart (does NOT erase data)
1
Press and hold both the Home button and the Top (or Side) button together until the Apple logo appears, then release. This fixes a frozen screen or unresponsive apps — it's a restart, not an erase.
⚠️ Warning: Proceeding with Recovery Mode Restore will permanently erase all data, photos, and settings from your device.
Part B — To actually erase, via Recovery Mode
1
Connect the device to a computer with a cable. Open Finder (Mac) or Apple Devices/iTunes (Windows).
2
Press and hold both the Home button and the Top (or Side) button together — but this time, don't release when the Apple logo appears. Keep holding until you see the computer/cable connection screen.
3
On the computer, select "Restore" (not "Update"). This is the step that erases everything.
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Factory Reset from Settings — Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016)

Optimized for iPad Pro 9.7 (2016) (iOS 9.3.2, upgradable to iPadOS 16.7.12)

⚠️ Permanently deletes personal data. Make sure backups are saved.
1
Open Settings on your Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016).
2
Tap "General" then "Transfer or Reset iPad".
3
Tap "Erase All Content and Settings".
4
Enter your passcode or Apple ID password if prompted.
5
Tap "Erase" to confirm — your Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016) restarts as new.
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Enter Recovery Mode — Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016)

Optimized for iPad Pro 9.7 (2016) (iOS 9.3.2, upgradable to iPadOS 16.7.12)

✅ Safe to enter — this does not erase any data.
1
Connect your Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016) to a computer with a cable.
2
Force restart while connected: hold both the Home button and the Top (or Side) button together.
3
Keep holding until you see the recovery-mode screen (a cable/computer icon).
4
Use Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) to Restore or Update.
5
Choosing "Update" instead of "Restore" reinstalls the OS without erasing data.
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Enter DFU Mode — Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016)

Deep firmware-level recovery for when Recovery Mode doesn't work

⚠️ DFU mode is a deeper, riskier recovery state than Recovery Mode — only use it if Recovery Mode didn't work, or a computer told you the device needs to be restored and normal recovery failed.
1
Connect the device to a computer with a cable. Open Finder (Mac) or Apple Devices/iTunes (Windows).
2
Press and hold both the Home button and the Top (or Side) button together for 8 seconds.
3
Release the Top (or Side) button, but keep holding the Home button for another 5–10 seconds.
4
Check the screen: if it's completely black, DFU mode worked. If the Apple logo appeared, you held the Top/Side button too long — start over. If a "connect to computer" screen appeared, you held Home too long after releasing — start over.
To exit DFU mode without restoring anything, just force restart the device using the Force Restart steps in the Hard Reset section above.
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Activation Lock Help — Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016)

Optimized for iPad Pro 9.7 (2016) (iOS 9.3.2, upgradable to iPadOS 16.7.12)

For legal owners only. Do not use on lost or stolen devices.
1
Apple devices use Activation Lock (tied to your Apple ID) instead of Android's FRP.
2
If locked out, go to Settings > [your name] and sign out, or verify ownership via iCloud.com/find.
3
Contact Apple Support with proof of purchase if you can't access the original Apple ID.
4
Once verified, Activation Lock is removed and you can set up your Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016) again.

Why reset your Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016)?

A hard reset on the Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016) fixes boot loops, forgotten PINs and persistent lag. Using Volume Up + Volume Down + Power, you can access recovery mode and wipe the device back to factory condition. Always back up your data first, as a reset cannot be undone.

Frequently asked questions

Will a hard reset delete everything on my Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016)?

Yes. A hard reset (also called a factory reset) erases all apps, photos, messages, and accounts, returning the Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016) to its out-of-box state. Back up anything you want to keep before starting.

Does resetting the Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016) remove the SIM lock or carrier lock?

No. A hard or factory reset only clears data and settings — it doesn't remove a carrier/SIM lock, which is tied to the device's IMEI at the network level. You'd need to contact your carrier for an unlock.

How long does a factory reset take on the Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016)?

Typically a few minutes, though it can take longer on older or heavily used devices as more stored data has to be wiped.

Will I need my Apple ID after resetting the Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016)?

Yes, if Find My iPhone was enabled. Activation Lock ties the Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016) to your Apple ID, so you'll need that password to finish setup after a reset.

Can I factory reset my Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016) without the password?

Yes — the reset methods above don't require your lock screen password, since they bypass the normal login screen entirely.

How do I format my Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016)?

"Formatting" and "factory resetting" mean the same thing for the Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016) — both erase all data and restore default settings. Use whichever method above matches your situation.

How do I reset my Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016)?

Use the Hard Reset method above if your Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016) is frozen or won't respond, or the Factory Reset method if the screen still works normally — both are covered step by step on this page.

Other Apple reset guides

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