The three ways to reset your Samsung TV, and when to use each one

A Samsung smart TV can be reset in three different ways, depending on what problem you're trying to fix and whether your remote is working. A soft reset (power cycle) clears temporary glitches without erasing your settings or apps. A factory reset wipes everything—apps, logins, picture settings, all of it—and returns the TV to the state it left the factory. A forced reset is a last resort when the TV won't respond to the remote or menu buttons.

Most people need a soft reset first. If that doesn't work, a factory reset is the next step. A forced reset is rare and should only be attempted if the other two have failed.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft reset (unplugging for 30 seconds) fixes most temporary problems like freezing, app crashes, or picture issues without erasing your settings.
  • A factory reset erases all your apps, logins, and custom settings and returns the TV to its original state—use this only if soft reset doesn't work or before selling the TV.
  • To factory reset, go to Settings > General > Reset, enter your PIN (default is 0000), and confirm; the process takes 5 to 10 minutes.
  • If your remote is lost or broken, you can factory reset using the physical buttons on the TV itself, though the location varies by model.
  • After a factory reset, you'll need to set up the TV again from scratch: language, network, Samsung account, and apps.

Soft reset: unplugging your TV for 30 seconds

A soft reset clears the TV's temporary memory without touching your saved settings, apps, or logins. This fixes most common problems: the picture is frozen, an app keeps crashing, the TV won't respond to the remote, or the sound cuts out.

Unplug the TV from the wall outlet. Wait 30 seconds—this gives the TV time to fully discharge. Plug it back in and turn it on. The TV will take a moment to restart, which is normal. Check whether your problem is gone.

If the soft reset works, you're done. If the problem returns after a few days or hours, or if it doesn't work at all, move to a factory reset.

Factory reset through the Settings menu

A factory reset erases everything on your TV: all apps you installed, your logins to Netflix or other services, your picture and sound settings, your network password, everything. The TV returns to the exact state it was in when it left the factory. Use this when a soft reset hasn't fixed the problem, or before you sell or give away the TV.

On your remote, press the Home button (it looks like a house). Navigate to Settings using the arrow buttons. Go to General, then Reset. The TV will ask for a PIN; the default is 0000. Enter it and press OK. The TV will ask you to confirm—select Yes. The reset will take 5 to 10 minutes. The TV will restart on its own when it's done.

After the reset, the TV will walk you through setup again: choose your language, connect to your Wi-Fi network, and sign in to your Samsung account if you want to use Samsung apps. You'll need to read and log into Netflix, YouTube, or any other apps you use.

Factory reset using the physical buttons on your TV

If your remote is lost, broken, or not responding, you can factory reset using the buttons on the TV itself. The location of these buttons varies by model—they're usually on the back, the bottom edge, or the side of the TV.

Look for buttons labeled Menu, Home, or Settings, or small buttons near a power symbol. Press and hold the Menu or Settings button for 10 to 15 seconds until a menu appears on screen. Use the other buttons to navigate to Settings > General > Reset, then enter the PIN (0000) and confirm. The reset will take 5 to 10 minutes.

If you can't find the buttons or don't know which ones to press, check your TV's model number (usually on a sticker on the back or bottom) and search for "[Your Model Number] physical buttons reset" online. Samsung's support site has diagrams for most models.

When to call Samsung support instead

If a soft reset doesn't fix the problem and a factory reset doesn't help either, the issue is likely hardware—a failing power supply, a broken HDMI port, or a problem with the display itself. A factory reset won't fix hardware problems.

Contact Samsung support through their website or call the number on your TV's manual or warranty card. Have your TV's model number ready. If your TV is still under warranty, Samsung may repair or replace it at no cost. If it's out of warranty, they can tell you what repair will cost.

If the TV won't turn on at all, won't respond to any button or remote, or shows no picture even when you know it's receiving a signal, those are also hardware issues that a reset can't solve.

What to do before you sell or give away your TV

Before you hand over your TV to someone else, factory reset it to erase your logins, your viewing history, and any personal information. This protects your Samsung account and any streaming services you use.

Go to Settings > General > Reset, enter the PIN (0000), and confirm. After the reset completes, the TV is ready for the new owner to set up with their own account and apps. You don't need to do anything else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset fix a TV that won't turn on?

No. If your TV won't turn on at all, the problem is hardware—a power supply failure, a broken power button, or a blown fuse. A factory reset only works on a TV that turns on and responds to the remote or buttons. Contact Samsung support or a TV repair shop.

Do I lose my Netflix login if I factory reset?

Yes. A factory reset erases all apps and logins. After the reset, you'll need to read Netflix again and sign in with your Netflix username and password. Your Netflix account itself is not affected—your watch history and saved shows are still there when you log back in.

What if I forget my PIN during a factory reset?

The default PIN is 0000. If you changed it and forgot it, you'll need to contact Samsung support with proof of ownership (receipt or warranty card). They can help you reset the PIN or perform the reset remotely.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset itself takes 5 to 10 minutes. The TV will restart on its own when it's done. Don't unplug the TV during this time—let it finish completely.

Can I undo a factory reset?

No. A factory reset is permanent and cannot be undone. If you've erased something you needed, you'll have to set it up again manually—reinstall apps, log back into accounts, and adjust your picture and sound settings.