The two ways to reset your Samsung TV

You can reset your Samsung TV to factory settings in two ways: using the remote control through the Settings menu, or using the physical reset button on the back of the TV. The remote method is faster and works on all Samsung models made in the last decade. The physical button method works if your remote is lost or broken, but you'll need to locate the small recessed button on the TV's rear panel.

Both methods erase all your settings, saved passwords, installed apps, and personal data. After a factory reset, your TV will restart as if it just came out of the box. You'll need to set up your language, network connection, and streaming accounts again from the beginning.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings menu reset (using your remote) takes about five minutes and works on all recent Samsung TV models.
  • A factory reset erases all apps, passwords, and custom settings, so only do this if you're troubleshooting a serious problem or preparing the TV for someone else.
  • The physical reset button on the back of the TV is a small recessed hole you press with a straightened paperclip or similar tool if your remote doesn't work.
  • After reset, your TV will boot up as new and ask you to choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi before you can use it.

Resetting through the Settings menu with your remote

This is the standard method and works on Samsung TVs from 2015 onward. Press the Home button on your remote to open the main menu. Navigate to Settings (the gear icon) and select it.

In Settings, scroll down and look for General or System depending on your TV's age. Open that section. You'll see an option labeled Reset or Factory Reset. Select it. Your TV will ask you to confirm—this is your final note to back out. Choose Yes or OK. The TV will restart and begin the reset process, which takes two to five minutes. The screen will go black, show the Samsung logo, and then display the initial setup screen.

Using the physical reset button if your remote is missing

Every Samsung TV has a small recessed reset button on the back panel, usually near the power cord connection or along the bottom edge. You cannot press it with your finger—you need a straightened paperclip, a ballpoint pen with the tip retracted, or a similar thin object.

Unplug the TV from the wall outlet and wait 30 seconds. Locate the reset button on the back (it may be labeled "Reset" or straightforward be an unlabeled hole). Press and hold the button with your tool for 10 to 15 seconds while the TV is unplugged. Plug the TV back in. It will restart and display the factory reset setup screen. This method takes longer than the remote method but produces the same result.

What happens after the reset completes

Your TV will boot up and show a welcome screen asking you to select your language. Choose your language and proceed. Next, you'll be asked to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Select your network name and enter your password. The TV will then ask whether you want to sign in to a Samsung account—this is optional but recommended if you use Samsung's SmartThings app or want to restore purchased apps later.

After these steps, your TV is ready to use. All your previous apps are gone, so you'll need to reinstall them from the Samsung App Store if you want them back. Your streaming service logins (Netflix, Hulu, etc.) are also erased, so you'll need to sign in again on each app.

When to reset your Samsung TV

A factory reset solves certain problems: if your TV is running very slowly, apps are crashing repeatedly, or the TV won't connect to Wi-Fi despite correct passwords, a reset often fixes these issues. It also clears out old apps and cached data that may have accumulated over years of use.

Do not reset your TV just to clear the home screen or remove one app—you can uninstall individual apps without resetting. Do not reset if you're trying to fix a picture quality problem; that usually requires adjusting picture settings, not erasing everything. If your TV won't turn on at all, a reset won't help—that's a hardware issue and you should contact Samsung support or a repair technician.

Backing up before you reset

Samsung TVs don't have a built-in backup system like phones do, so there's no way to save your settings before a reset. However, you can take photos of your current setup with your phone: take a picture of your home screen showing which apps you have installed, and note down any custom picture or sound settings you've adjusted. After the reset, you can reinstall the apps and manually re-enter your preferred settings.

If you use a Samsung account, your purchased apps and some settings may be tied to that account. Sign in to your Samsung account after the reset, and the TV may automatically restore apps you bought through the Samsung App Store. Streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu won't restore automatically—you'll need to sign in to each one separately.

Troubleshooting if the reset doesn't work

If you've completed a factory reset and your TV still has the same problem, the issue is likely hardware-related rather than software-related. A reset erases all software and settings, so if the problem persists afterward, it points to a failing component inside the TV.

Contact Samsung support through their website or call their customer service line. Have your TV's model number ready—you'll find it on the back of the TV or in the Settings menu under About This TV. Describe the problem clearly and mention that you've already performed a factory reset. Samsung can walk you through additional troubleshooting steps or discuss repair or replacement options if the TV is still under warranty.

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've installed, but it won't protect you going forward. After reset, be cautious about which apps you install and only read from the official Samsung App Store. If your TV keeps getting infected, the problem may be your home Wi-Fi network rather than the TV itself—consider changing your Wi-Fi password and checking your router's security settings.

Can I undo a factory reset after I've started it?

No. Once you confirm the reset, the process begins and cannot be stopped. The TV will erase all data and restart. If you change your mind before confirming, straightforward press the back button on your remote to cancel and return to the Settings menu.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset process itself takes two to five minutes. After that, the initial setup (choosing language, connecting to Wi-Fi, signing into accounts) takes another five to ten minutes depending on your internet speed and how many accounts you set up.

Do I need to unplug my TV during a factory reset?

No. If you're using the remote method, leave the TV plugged in and powered on—the TV will restart on its own. Only unplug the TV if you're using the physical reset button method on the back panel.

Will my Samsung TV lose its picture settings after a factory reset?

Yes. All picture settings, sound settings, and channel lists return to Samsung's defaults. If you've customized brightness, contrast, color, or sound levels, you'll need to adjust them again after the reset. Take photos of your current settings before resetting if you want to match them afterward.