The three ways to reset a Samsung Smart TV
A Samsung Smart TV can be reset in three ways, depending on what you need to fix and whether the TV will turn on. A soft reset (power cycle) clears temporary glitches without erasing anything. A factory reset wipes all settings, apps, and accounts but keeps the TV usable. A hard reset returns the TV to the exact state it left the factory, including the initial setup screen, and is rarely necessary.
Most problems — frozen screens, apps that crash, Wi-Fi that drops — are solved by a soft reset. If the TV is sluggish, won't connect to your network, or you are selling it, a factory reset is what you need. A hard reset is only for when the TV will not respond to any input at all.
Key Takeaways
- A soft reset takes 30 seconds: unplug the TV for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for the Samsung logo to appear.
- A factory reset erases all your settings and apps but keeps the TV functional; access it through Settings > General > Reset on most Samsung models.
- You will need your Samsung account password if you want to sign back in after a factory reset, so write it down before you start.
- A hard reset requires holding the power button on the TV itself (not the remote) for 10 to 15 seconds while the TV is plugged in.
- After any reset, the TV will ask you to select your language and connect to Wi-Fi again, just like when it was new.
Soft reset: power cycle your TV
A soft reset clears the TV's temporary memory without erasing your accounts, apps, or settings. It fixes most common problems: apps freezing, the remote not responding, the picture cutting out, or the TV becoming slow.
Unplug the TV from the wall outlet. Wait 30 seconds — this matters, because the TV needs time to fully discharge. Plug it back in and wait for the Samsung logo to appear on the screen. The TV will take 1 to 2 minutes to fully start up. Do not unplug it again during this time.
If the TV still has the same problem after a soft reset, move to a factory reset.
Factory reset: erase settings and apps but keep the TV working
A factory reset removes all your saved Wi-Fi networks, app logins, picture settings, and downloaded apps. It does not break the TV — it straightforward returns all settings to Samsung's defaults. Use this if the TV is running slowly, you cannot connect to Wi-Fi, you are selling the TV, or you want to start fresh.
On the remote, press the Home button (the house icon). Navigate to Settings, then General, then Reset. The TV will ask you to enter a PIN; the default is 0000 unless you changed it. Select Reset and confirm. The TV will restart and show the initial setup screen, the same one you saw when you first turned it on.
If your TV model does not have a Home button, press the Menu button instead and follow the same path: Settings > General > Reset. Some older Samsung models may label this section Restore Defaults or Factory Reset instead of Reset.
After the reset completes, you will need to select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign into your Samsung account again. Have your Samsung account email and password ready before you start the reset.
Hard reset: force the TV to restart when it will not respond
A hard reset forces the TV to shut down completely and restart, even if the remote does not work and the screen is frozen. Use this only if the TV will not turn on, will not respond to the remote, or is completely unresponsive.
Keep the TV plugged in. Locate the power button on the TV itself — it is usually on the bottom right or bottom center of the frame, not on the remote. Press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds. The TV will go dark and then restart. Wait 2 to 3 minutes for it to fully boot up.
If the TV still does not respond after a hard reset, the problem is likely hardware-related and the TV may need service.
What happens to your apps and accounts after a reset
A soft reset does not touch your apps or accounts — everything stays exactly as it was. A factory reset removes all downloaded apps and signs you out of every account, including Netflix, YouTube, your Samsung account, and any others. The TV will still have the built-in apps that came with it (like Samsung TV Plus), but third-party apps you downloaded are gone.
After a factory reset, you can read your apps again by signing into your Samsung account. Netflix, YouTube, and other services will remember your watch history and preferences because that information is stored on their servers, not on the TV.
Resetting a Samsung TV that will not turn on
If your TV will not turn on at all, start with the hard reset. Keep the TV plugged in, find the power button on the TV frame itself, and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds. If the TV still does not respond, check that the outlet works by plugging in another device — a lamp or phone charger — to confirm power is reaching it.
If the outlet works but the TV does not turn on after a hard reset, the problem is likely a failed power supply or other internal hardware failure. This is not something a reset can fix, and the TV will need to be serviced or replaced.
Resetting a Samsung TV before you sell or give it away
Before selling or giving away your TV, perform a factory reset to remove all your personal information. This erases your Wi-Fi passwords, streaming app logins, and Samsung account connection. The new owner will see the initial setup screen when they turn it on, just as if it were brand new.
Do not rely on just signing out of your accounts — a factory reset is the only way to be sure your information is removed. After the reset, leave the TV at the setup screen. The new owner can then complete the setup with their own information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset delete my photos or files?
A factory reset does not affect photos or files stored on external USB drives or cloud services. It only removes apps and settings stored on the TV itself. If you have photos saved directly to the TV's internal storage (which is rare), those will be erased.
Do I need to unplug the TV for a factory reset?
No. A factory reset done through the Settings menu does not require unplugging. The TV stays plugged in and restarts on its own. Only a hard reset requires the TV to stay plugged in while you hold the power button.
What is the default PIN for a Samsung TV factory reset?
The default PIN is 0000. If you set a custom PIN and forgot it, you may not be able to complete a factory reset through the menu. Contact Samsung support with proof of ownership, or perform a hard reset instead.
How long does a factory reset take?
A factory reset usually takes 5 to 10 minutes from start to finish, including the restart and the time for the TV to fully boot up. Do not unplug the TV during this time.
Can I cancel a factory reset once it starts?
Once you confirm the factory reset in the Settings menu, the process cannot be stopped. The TV will restart and erase all settings. If you change your mind, wait for the reset to complete and then set up the TV again with your information.