How do I factory reset a locked Lenovo tablet when recovery shows the wrong screen?
Answer
Power off the tablet, then use Lenovo’s volume-and-power recovery sequence to open the Android recovery menu. Highlight Wipe data/factory reset with the volume keys and confirm with Power. If only a Meta page appears, repeat the exact key timing or try the model’s alternate boot-key combination.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Factory reset permanently deletes apps, photos, downloads, and other data stored on the tablet.
- Stop if a screen asks you to pay a fee or install unknown unlock software.
Follow these steps
Power off completely
Hold Power until the tablet shuts down fully. Wait several seconds so it is not still in a partial reboot state.
You should see: The screen is black and the tablet does not respond until you start the recovery key sequence.
Enter Android recovery
Hold the Volume Down and Power buttons together (or the combination listed for your Lenovo model) until a recovery or boot menu appears. Release when you see recovery options, not the normal lock screen.
You should see: You see an Android recovery menu, or at least a boot menu where recovery can be selected.
Select Wipe data/factory reset
Use the volume buttons to highlight Wipe data/factory reset, then press Power to select it. Confirm the wipe when asked, and wait for the tablet to finish and reboot.
You should see: The wipe completes and the tablet restarts to the initial setup screens.
If only a Meta page appears
If the sequence opens a Meta page with no Recovery or Wipe option, power off again and retry with the exact timing for your model’s full hardware-key reset. Note the first line on that Meta screen if it still appears after several careful attempts.
You should see: Either Android recovery appears with Wipe data/factory reset, or you have the Meta screen text needed to identify the correct key sequence.
Not sure this is the right page? Check here
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Extra tips
What to look for: An Android recovery menu that lists Wipe data/factory reset, versus a Meta page or other screen with no Wipe option.
Before you change anything: Back up anything important first if the tablet still unlocks another way. Confirm the exact Lenovo model printed on the device or box. Factory reset erases apps, photos, and accounts stored on the tablet. After reset, you may need the previous Google account for Factory Reset Protection.