How to Reset Your Graphing Calculator to Factory Settings

What resetting your graphing calculator does

Resetting a graphing calculator clears all the data you've stored — programs, lists, matrices, and variables — and returns the calculator to the state it left the factory. The reset does not erase the operating system itself, so the calculator will still work after. You might reset because a program is crashing, you want to clear old work before sharing the calculator, or you're troubleshooting an error that won't go away.

The exact steps depend on which calculator you own. The most common graphing calculators in schools and workplaces are the TI-84 Plus, TI-84 Plus CE, Casio fx-9750GII, and HP Prime. Each has a different menu path to reach the reset function. This guide covers the most widely used models.

Key Takeaways

A factory reset erases all your stored programs, lists, and variables but leaves the operating system intact so the calculator still works.
TI-84 models use the 2nd + MEM menu; Casio models use the SHIFT + 9 menu; HP Prime uses the Settings app — the path is different for each brand.
You can back up important programs to a computer before resetting if your calculator connects via USB or a link cable.
A soft reset (turning the calculator off and on) fixes many temporary glitches without erasing your data.

Resetting a TI-84 Plus or TI-84 Plus CE

Press 2nd, then + (the plus sign). This opens the Memory menu. Use the arrow keys to scroll down to Reset and press Enter. The calculator will show you two options: All RAM and Defaults. Choose All RAM to erase your data but keep the operating system. Choose Defaults to reset both your data and the calculator's settings (like contrast and language) to factory state.

After you select, the calculator will ask you to confirm. Press Enter again. The reset takes a few seconds. When it finishes, you'll see a blank home screen. Your calculator is now in the same state as when it came out of the box.

If you want to keep a program or list, connect your TI-84 to a computer using the USB cable that came with it (or a compatible link cable). Use TI Connect CE software (free from Texas Instruments' website) to transfer files to your computer before you reset. After the reset, you can transfer them back.

Resetting a Casio fx-9750GII or similar Casio model

Press SHIFT, then 9 (the number key). This opens the Reset menu. The calculator will show options like Initialize or Reset All. Select Initialize All or Reset All depending on your model's wording. Press EXE to confirm.

Casio calculators will ask you to confirm a second time with a yes/no prompt. Press Yes or 1 (the exact key varies by model). The reset will complete in a few seconds, and the home screen will appear blank.

Casio calculators do not have a standard USB backup method like TI models do. If you need to save a program, take a photo of the code on the screen or write it down before you reset. Some third-party software exists to transfer Casio files, but it is not officially supported by Casio.

Resetting an HP Prime

Press the Home key (usually in the top left). Scroll down to find Settings and press Enter. Look for an option called Reset or Restore. Select it and choose Factory Reset or Clear All. The calculator will ask you to confirm. Press Yes.

The HP Prime will restart and show the setup screen you see when the calculator is brand new. Walk through the language and time zone setup, and you're done. The reset is complete.

HP Prime calculators can connect to a computer via USB. You can use the HP Connectivity Kit (free software from HP's website) to back up programs before you reset, then restore them afterward.

When to do a soft reset instead

Before you do a full factory reset, try turning the calculator off and back on. Press 2nd + On (or hold the power button for a few seconds on some models) to turn it off completely. Wait 10 seconds, then press On to turn it back on. This soft reset clears temporary memory and fixes many glitches — frozen screens, calculation errors, or programs that won't run — without erasing any of your work.

A soft reset is also the first step if your calculator is running slowly or a program keeps crashing. Many problems go away after a soft reset, so you won't lose your data unnecessarily.

What happens to your data after a reset

After a factory reset, all user-created programs, lists, matrices, and variables are gone. You cannot undo a reset, so if you did not back up your work, it is lost. The calculator's built-in functions and apps remain — you can still graph, solve equations, and do statistics. Only the things you typed in or created are erased.

If you realize you need something after a reset, there is no recovery option. This is why backing up before you reset is worth the extra step if you have programs or data you might need later.

Backing up your calculator before you reset

For TI-84 models, download TI Connect CE from Texas Instruments' website and install it on your computer. Connect your calculator to the computer with the USB cable. Open TI Connect CE, select your calculator, and choose which files to transfer to your computer. Save them in a folder you can find later. After you reset the calculator, you can transfer the files back the same way.

For HP Prime, download the HP Connectivity Kit from HP's website. The process is similar: connect the calculator, open the software, and back up the files you want to keep. After the reset, restore them.

For Casio calculators, there is no official backup software. Your best option is to photograph the screen or write down the program code by hand before you reset. Some users share Casio programs online in text format, so you might find a copy of a program you created if you remember its name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my calculator erase the operating system?

No. A factory reset clears only the data you created — programs, lists, and variables. The operating system that runs the calculator stays in place, so the calculator works normally after the reset. If you want to update the operating system to a newer version, that is a separate process done through the manufacturer's software.

Can I undo a reset after I've done it?

No. Once you confirm a factory reset, the data is gone and cannot be recovered. This is why backing up important programs to a computer before you reset is important. If you did not back up, the only way to get the program back is to recreate it by hand or find a copy online.

How long does a reset take?

A factory reset usually takes between 5 and 30 seconds, depending on the calculator model and how much data is stored. The calculator will show a progress bar or message while it works. Do not turn off the calculator during a reset — wait for it to finish completely.

My calculator is stuck on a blank screen after I reset it. Is it broken?

Probably not. After a reset, some calculators show a blank home screen until you press a key or navigate to an app. Press Home or Enter to see if the calculator responds. If the screen stays blank and the calculator does not respond to any button presses, try a soft reset by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then turning it back on.

Do I need to reset my calculator if I'm just selling it or giving it away?

Yes, if the calculator contains any personal information, programs you wrote, or data from homework or tests. A factory reset ensures the new owner gets a clean calculator with no trace of your work. It takes only a few minutes and is worth doing before you hand over the calculator.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.