What a factory reset does and when you need one
A factory reset wipes your Samsung TV back to the state it left the factory — clearing all your apps, logins, saved networks, and settings. It does not fix a broken screen or repair hardware damage, but it will clear out software problems like apps that crash, a TV that won't turn on, or settings that got stuck in a bad state.
You should reset your TV if you're selling it or giving it away (to remove your personal data), if you're troubleshooting a problem that started after you installed an app or changed settings, or if your TV is running so slowly that basic functions lag. A reset is also the standard first step before calling Samsung support, because it rules out software as the cause.
The reset process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and your TV will restart several times. You'll need to set up your network connection, Samsung account, and apps again afterward, so have your Wi-Fi password ready.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset clears all apps, logins, and settings but does not fix hardware problems like a broken screen or power failure.
- You can reset through the Settings menu on your TV remote, or by holding the power and volume buttons if the TV won't respond to the remote.
- The reset takes 10 to 15 minutes and your TV will restart multiple times during the process.
- After reset, you'll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi, sign into your Samsung account, and reinstall any apps you want to use.
Reset through the Settings menu (standard method)
This is the easiest path if your TV responds to the remote and you can navigate the menus. Press the Home button on your Samsung remote to open the main menu, then scroll to Settings (usually a gear icon on the left side). Go to General, then scroll down to Reset.
Select Reset and the TV will ask you to confirm. It will warn you that all data will be deleted — this is normal. Enter your PIN if prompted (the default is usually 0000 or 1111, but check your TV's manual if neither works). The TV will restart and begin the reset process. You'll see a Samsung logo and progress bar. Do not unplug the TV during this time.
Once the reset finishes, the TV will boot into the initial setup screen, the same one you saw when you first bought it. You'll be asked to choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign into a Samsung account. You can skip the account step if you want, but you'll need it to read apps later.
Reset using the physical buttons (if the remote doesn't work)
If your TV won't respond to the remote or the menu is frozen, you can force a reset using the buttons on the TV itself. Locate the power button and volume down button on the back or side of your TV (the exact location varies by model — check the back panel or the manual). Make sure the TV is powered on.
Press and hold both the power button and the volume down button at the same time for 10 to 15 seconds. You should see a menu appear on screen asking if you want to reset. Select Yes or OK using the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select. The TV will restart and begin the reset.
If no menu appears after 15 seconds, release the buttons and try again. Some Samsung models require you to hold the buttons for up to 20 seconds. If the TV still doesn't respond, it may have a hardware problem and you should contact Samsung support.
What happens during and after the reset
The reset process itself is automatic once you confirm. Your TV will go black, show the Samsung logo, and display a progress bar. This can take 5 to 10 minutes. The TV may restart two or three times — this is normal and expected. Do not turn off the TV or unplug it during this time, as an interrupted reset can leave the TV in an unusable state.
Once the reset finishes, the TV will boot into the setup wizard. You'll choose your language, agree to terms, and connect to your Wi-Fi network. You'll then be asked to sign into a Samsung account or create one. If you don't have a Samsung account, you can create one here using an email address, or you can skip this step and create an account later through the Settings menu.
After setup is complete, your TV will be blank except for the default apps that came with it (like Samsung TV Plus, a free streaming service). Any apps you installed before the reset are gone and must be reinstalled from the Samsung App Store. Your saved passwords, bookmarks, and watch history are also cleared.
Reinstalling apps and logging back in
Once your TV is set up, you can reinstall the apps you use. Press Home on your remote and look for the Apps or App Store icon (usually a grid or shopping bag). Open it and search for the app you want — Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and most others are available. Select the app and choose Install. The app will read and install automatically.
After installation, open the app and log in with your account credentials. You'll need to remember your usernames and passwords for each service. If you've forgotten a password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the app's login screen or go to that service's website on a computer to reset it first.
If you use a Samsung account, you can sign back into it through Settings > General > Samsung Account. Signing in will restore some settings and may restore access to apps you purchased, depending on your account history.
When a reset doesn't solve the problem
If your TV still won't turn on, still crashes, or still won't connect to Wi-Fi after a factory reset, the problem is likely hardware-related rather than software. A reset clears software issues, but it can't fix a power supply failure, a broken Wi-Fi chip, or a failed display panel.
At this point, contact Samsung support. Have the model number of your TV ready (usually on a sticker on the back or in Settings > General > About This TV). Samsung support can walk you through additional troubleshooting steps or arrange a repair or replacement if your TV is still under warranty. If your TV is out of warranty, a repair typically costs between $100 and $300 depending on the problem, though this varies by region and repair center.
Preparing your TV before selling or giving it away
If you're selling or giving away your TV, a factory reset is essential to remove your personal data. The reset clears your Samsung account login, any streaming app logins, your Wi-Fi password, and your watch history. However, it does not remove data from external devices connected to the TV (like a Roku stick or external hard drive), so disconnect those first.
After the reset completes and the setup wizard appears, do not complete the setup. Instead, turn off the TV and leave it for the new owner to set up. This ensures they can set up their own account and network connection from the start. If you do complete the setup, the new owner will need to factory reset it again to remove your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset fix my TV if it won't turn on?
No. If your TV won't power on at all, the problem is almost certainly hardware — a failed power supply, a blown fuse, or a damaged circuit board. A factory reset only works if the TV can turn on and respond to input. If your TV won't power on, check that the power cable is plugged in firmly, try a different outlet, and wait 30 seconds before trying again. If it still won't turn on, contact Samsung support.
Do I lose my streaming apps and logins when I reset?
Yes. All apps are deleted and all logins are cleared. You'll need to reinstall each app from the Samsung App Store and log in again with your account credentials. Your watch history and saved preferences within each app are also cleared, though some services may restore them if you log back in with the same account.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No. A factory reset is permanent and cannot be reversed. If you've reset your TV and want to restore your previous setup, you'll need to manually reinstall your apps and log back in. There is no backup or recovery option.
How long does a factory reset take?
The reset process itself takes 5 to 10 minutes, and the TV will restart several times. The initial setup wizard after the reset takes another 5 to 10 minutes depending on how quickly you connect to Wi-Fi and set up your account. Plan for 15 to 20 minutes total from start to finish.
What's the default PIN for the reset confirmation?
The most common default PINs are 0000 and 1111. If neither works, check your TV's manual or the sticker on the back of the TV. If you've changed the PIN and forgotten it, you'll need to use the physical button reset method instead, or contact Samsung support for help.