What a Samsung TV reset does and when to use it

A factory reset clears all your settings, apps, logins, and stored data from your Samsung television and returns it to the state it left the factory. This is useful when the TV is freezing, apps are crashing, you are selling or giving away the device, or you want to start fresh after months of customization.

A reset does not fix hardware problems like a broken screen or failed power supply. It also does not repair network issues caused by your router or internet service. If your TV won't turn on, has no picture, or makes unusual sounds, a reset will not solve those problems.

There are two types of reset: a soft reset (power cycle) that clears temporary memory, and a factory reset that erases everything. Most issues resolve with a soft reset. Use a factory reset only when you have tried a soft reset and the problem persists, or when you are preparing the TV for someone else to use.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft reset takes 30 seconds and fixes most freezing and crashing problems without erasing your apps or logins.
  • A factory reset erases all your settings, apps, and logins, so back up any important information before you start.
  • On most Samsung TVs made after 2016, you access the reset menu through Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset.
  • If your TV is frozen and you cannot reach the menu, unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
  • After a factory reset, you will need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and log back into streaming apps.

How to do a soft reset (power cycle)

A soft reset clears the TV's temporary memory without erasing your settings or apps. This fixes most freezing, lag, and crashing problems and takes less than a minute.

Unplug the power cable from the back of the TV or from the wall outlet. Wait 30 seconds — this allows the TV's capacitors to fully discharge. Plug the cable back in and turn the TV on. The TV will take a few seconds longer than usual to start up, which is normal.

If the TV is frozen and you cannot use the remote, unplug it anyway. You do not need to turn it off first. After 30 seconds, plug it back in and press the power button on the TV itself (not the remote) to turn it on.

How to do a factory reset using the menu

A factory reset erases everything on your TV. Before you proceed, write down any usernames or passwords you use for streaming services, because you will need to log back in after the reset.

On your remote, press the Home button (it looks like a house icon). Navigate to Settings, then Support, then Self Diagnosis. Select Reset. The TV will ask you to enter a PIN — the default is 0000 unless you set a custom PIN yourself. Enter the PIN and select Reset again.

The TV will display a warning that all data will be erased. Select Yes to confirm. The reset process takes 1 to 3 minutes. The TV will restart automatically and display the initial setup screen, the same one you saw when you first turned it on.

If you cannot find Self Diagnosis in the Support menu, your TV model may use a different path. Try Settings > General > Reset instead. If neither path exists, check your TV's model number (usually on the back or in Settings > About) and search the Samsung support website for your specific model.

Factory reset when the TV is frozen or unresponsive

If your TV is frozen and the menu is not responding, you cannot use the on-screen reset method. Instead, use the physical reset button on the TV itself.

Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your TV — it is usually recessed and requires a straightened paperclip or similar tool to press. With the TV plugged in, press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The TV will power off and restart, and the setup screen will appear.

If you cannot find a physical reset button, unplug the TV for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. While it is starting up, press and hold the power button on the TV itself (not the remote) for 10 seconds. This forces a reset on some Samsung models. If the TV still does not respond, the problem may be hardware-related and a reset will not fix it.

What to do after a factory reset

After the reset completes, the TV will show the initial setup screen. Select your language and country. When prompted, connect to your Wi-Fi network — you will need your network name and password.

The TV will ask whether you want to sign in with a Samsung account. This is optional but recommended, because it lets you restore some settings and app preferences if you reset again in the future. If you skip this step, you can add the account later in Settings > General > Samsung Account.

After setup, your streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, etc.) will be available but you will need to log in to each one. Open each app and enter your username and password. Some apps may take a few minutes to fully load after a reset.

Differences between Samsung TV models and reset paths

Samsung has made televisions for decades and the reset process varies slightly by model year and TV type (LED, QLED, The Frame, etc.). Most TVs made after 2016 use the Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset path described above.

Older Samsung TVs (2015 and earlier) may use Settings > General > Reset or a different menu structure entirely. If you own an older model and the standard path does not work, the fastest way to find the correct steps is to search "Samsung [your model number] factory reset" on the Samsung support website or to check the manual that came with your TV.

Samsung Smart TVs that run Tizen (Samsung's operating system) and those that run Google TV have slightly different menu layouts, but both support factory reset through the Settings menu. If you are unsure which system your TV runs, go to Settings > About and look for "Operating System" or "Software Version."

When a reset does not fix the problem

If your TV still freezes, crashes, or displays errors after a factory reset, the issue is likely hardware-related or caused by your network connection, not software.

Check that your Wi-Fi signal is strong by moving closer to your router or checking your router's settings. If apps crash only when streaming video, the problem is usually your internet speed or the app itself, not your TV. Try the app on a phone or tablet to confirm.

If the TV freezes during normal use even after a reset, or if it will not turn on, the power supply, processor, or display may be failing. Contact Samsung support with your model number, or take the TV to a repair shop. Attempting another reset will not help in this case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove viruses or malware from my Samsung TV?

A factory reset will remove any malicious apps or files you downloaded, but Samsung TVs are not common targets for viruses in the way computers are. If your TV is behaving strangely, a reset is worth trying, but the problem is usually a buggy app or a network issue, not malware.

Can I undo a factory reset?

No. A factory reset permanently erases all your settings, apps, and logins. If you have a Samsung account linked to your TV, some app preferences and settings may restore automatically when you log back in, but your personal data will not return. Do not reset unless you are certain you want to erase everything.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset process itself takes 1 to 3 minutes. After the TV restarts, the initial setup takes another 5 to 10 minutes depending on how fast your Wi-Fi connection is. Do not unplug the TV during this time.

Do I need a Samsung account to reset my TV?

No. You can reset your TV without a Samsung account. However, if you have one linked to your TV, some settings and app preferences may restore after you log back in, which saves time during setup.

What if I forgot my PIN for the reset menu?

If you set a custom PIN and forgot it, you cannot access the reset menu through Settings. Use the physical reset button on the back of the TV instead, or unplug the TV for 30 seconds and hold the power button during startup. If neither method works, contact Samsung support with proof of ownership.