How to Reset a Samsung TV to Factory Settings

The Two Ways to Reset Your Samsung TV

A factory reset wipes your Samsung TV back to the state it left the factory—erasing all your apps, logins, saved networks, and settings. You can do this two ways: through the on-screen menu (the safer choice if your TV still responds to the remote) or by holding the physical reset button on the TV itself (the option when the remote is lost or the TV is frozen).

The menu reset takes about five minutes. The physical button reset takes under a minute but requires you to locate and hold a small recessed button on the back or bottom of your TV. Both methods produce the same result: a completely blank TV that asks you to set up language and network connection when it restarts.

Key Takeaways

Use the menu reset (Settings > General > Reset) if your remote works and your TV responds normally, because it is the most straightforward path.
Use the physical reset button on the back or bottom of the TV if the remote does not work or the TV is frozen and unresponsive.
A factory reset erases all apps, logins, and custom settings but does not delete files stored on an external USB drive.
After reset, your TV will ask you to choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi before you can use it again.
The reset button is usually recessed and requires a straightened paperclip or similar tool to press—do not use your finger.

Reset Through the Settings Menu (Recommended)

Start with this method if your TV turns on and responds to the remote. Pick up your Samsung remote and press the Home button (the house icon). This opens the main menu on your screen.

Navigate to Settings using the arrow buttons on your remote. The Settings icon usually looks like a gear. Once you enter Settings, scroll down to find General (on some models it may be labeled System). Press Enter to open it.

Look for an option called Reset or Factory Reset. Select it and press Enter. Your TV will ask you to confirm—this is your final note to back out. Select Yes or Confirm. The TV will go dark, restart, and then display the initial setup screen asking for language and Wi-Fi connection. This entire process takes three to five minutes.

Reset Using the Physical Button on Your TV

If your remote is missing, broken, or your TV does not respond to button presses, use the physical reset button. This button is recessed (sunk into the plastic) so you cannot press it with your finger—you will need a straightened paperclip, a ballpoint pen with the tip removed, or a similar thin, blunt tool.

Locate the reset button on your TV. On most Samsung models, it is on the back panel near the power cord connection, or on the bottom edge of the TV near a corner. Look for a small hole labeled Reset or Factory Reset. If you cannot find it, check the manual that came with your TV or search the model number on Samsung's website.

With your tool ready, press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. You may see a light blink or hear a sound. Keep holding. After 15 seconds, release the button and step back. The TV will power off, restart on its own, and display the setup screen. Do not unplug the TV during this process.

What Happens After the Reset

Once your TV restarts, it will display a welcome screen in the default language (usually English). You will be asked to select your language, then to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Have your Wi-Fi password ready.

After you connect to the network, the TV may check for software updates. Let this finish—do not turn off the TV. Once updates are complete, you will see the home screen with no apps installed except the built-in ones (like Samsung TV Plus or the app store). All your previous logins, saved passwords, and custom settings are gone.

You can now read apps again, sign back into streaming services, and adjust picture and sound settings to your preference. Your TV is now in the same state as when it first arrived from the factory.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not unplug the TV while it is resetting. Even if the screen goes dark or stays dark for longer than you expect, leave it plugged in and give it at least five minutes to complete the restart. Unplugging during reset can corrupt the TV's software.

Do not use your fingernail or a sharp object to press the reset button. A fingernail will not fit into the recessed hole, and a sharp tool (like a needle or knife) can damage the button or the circuitry behind it. A straightened paperclip or ballpoint pen is the right choice.

Do not assume the TV is broken if the screen stays black for 30 seconds after you press reset. This is normal. The TV is restarting its software. Wait at least two minutes before deciding something went wrong.

When to Reset Your Samsung TV

Reset your TV if it is running slowly, apps are crashing, or the remote is not responding to button presses. A factory reset often fixes these problems because it removes any corrupted settings or conflicting apps.

Reset before selling or giving away your TV. This erases all your logins and personal information so the new owner starts fresh. It also removes any apps you paid for, so the new owner will need to read and set up their own accounts.

Reset if you are troubleshooting a persistent problem and Samsung support has asked you to do so. Always try unplugging the TV for 30 seconds first—this soft reset sometimes fixes issues without erasing your settings.

What a Factory Reset Does and Does Not Erase

Erased: all downloaded apps, all saved logins and passwords, all custom picture and sound settings, all paired Bluetooth devices, all saved Wi-Fi networks, your watch history and recommendations on streaming apps.

Not erased: files stored on an external USB drive connected to the TV, the TV's software version (the reset does not downgrade or upgrade the operating system), any content stored in Samsung Cloud if you had that service enabled (you would need to sign back in to access it).

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset fix a frozen or unresponsive TV?

Often yes, but only if you can access the reset button. If the TV is completely frozen and the remote does not work, the physical reset button is your only option. Press and hold it for 15 seconds. If the TV still does not respond after restart, the problem may be a hardware failure rather than a software issue.

Can I undo a factory reset?

No. A factory reset is permanent. Once you confirm the reset, all your apps and settings are gone. If you have a backup of your TV settings stored in Samsung Cloud, you can sign back in and restore some settings, but this is not automatic—you have to set it up beforehand.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset itself takes one to two minutes, but the full restart and setup process takes five to ten minutes depending on your TV model and whether it needs to read software updates. Let the TV sit undisturbed during this time.

Do I need to be connected to Wi-Fi to reset my TV?

No. You can reset your TV without Wi-Fi. However, after the reset is complete, you will need to connect to Wi-Fi to read apps and sign into streaming services. The TV will prompt you to connect during the initial setup.

What if I forget my Wi-Fi password after the reset?

You can skip the Wi-Fi connection during setup and add it later. Go to Settings > General > Network > Wi-Fi and enter your password then. If you do not know your Wi-Fi password, check your router (usually printed on a sticker on the back) or contact your internet provider.

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.