How to Reset Your Samsung TV to Factory Settings

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 — all your apps, logins, and settings disappear, but the TV itself works again. You do not need to open the TV or call anyone. A reset takes about 10 to 15 minutes and uses only your remote or the buttons on the TV itself.

Reset your TV when it freezes repeatedly, apps crash, the picture or sound stops working, or you are about to sell it and want to remove your personal information. If the TV will not turn on at all, a reset usually will not help — that points to a power or hardware problem instead.

After a reset, you will need to set up the TV again: choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign back into streaming apps. Your picture settings, volume, and channel list all go back to factory defaults.

Key Takeaways

A factory reset clears all apps, logins, and settings but does not fix power or hardware problems.
Most Samsung TVs reset through the Settings menu using your remote — no tools or disassembly needed.
Older Samsung models use a physical reset button on the back or side of the TV if the remote method does not work.
After reset, you must reconnect to Wi-Fi and sign into your apps again.
If the TV will not turn on or respond to the remote, a reset will not solve it — contact Samsung support or a technician.

Reset through the Settings menu on newer Samsung TVs

Most Samsung TVs made in the last five years reset through the on-screen menu. Pick up your remote and follow these steps in order.

Press the Home button (it looks like a house) on your remote. This opens the main menu. Use the arrow buttons to navigate to Settings — it is usually in the top right corner. Press Enter.

Inside Settings, scroll down and look for General or System. Open it. You will see options like Picture, Sound, and Network. Keep scrolling down until you find Reset or Factory Reset. Press Enter on it.

The TV will ask you to confirm. It may ask for a PIN — the default is 0000 (four zeros) unless you set a custom one. Enter it and press Enter. The TV will restart and show a setup screen, just like when it was new. This takes two to five minutes.

Reset using the physical button on the back or side

If your Samsung TV is older or the remote does not work, look for a small recessed button on the back or bottom edge of the TV. It is usually labeled Reset or Factory Reset and is smaller than the power button.

Turn off the TV using the power button on the remote or the TV itself. Wait 30 seconds. Use a straightened paperclip or a ballpoint pen to press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The TV will turn on by itself and begin the factory reset process.

Do not let go of the button early. If nothing happens after 15 seconds, release it and wait. The reset screen should appear within one minute. If the TV does not respond, the button may not be a reset button — check your model number on the back of the TV and look up the manual online.

What to do if the TV is frozen or unresponsive

If your TV is stuck on one screen and the remote does not work, try a power cycle first — this is not a factory reset, but it often fixes freezing. Unplug the TV from the wall outlet. Wait 60 seconds. Plug it back in and press the power button.

If the TV still does not respond after a power cycle, then try the physical reset button method. The Settings menu method will not work because you cannot navigate the menu if the TV is frozen.

If the TV turns on but the remote does not work, you can still navigate Settings using the buttons on the TV itself. Look for small buttons on the bottom or side edge of the TV — usually labeled with arrows or a menu symbol. Use these to open Settings and find Reset, then press the button that acts as Enter.

Setting up your TV after the reset

After the reset completes, the TV will show a welcome screen in English (or your region's default language). You will be asked to choose your language, country, and time zone. Use your remote to select each option and press Enter.

Next, the TV will ask you to connect to Wi-Fi. Select your network name from the list and enter your password. If you do not connect to Wi-Fi, you will not be able to use streaming apps or read updates.

The TV will then ask you to sign into a Samsung account or skip this step. You do not have to sign in, but doing so lets you restore some settings and apps later. After this, you are done — the TV is ready to use.

When a reset will not fix the problem

A factory reset only clears software — apps, settings, and stored data. It does not fix hardware problems. If your TV will not turn on at all, the picture is completely black even though the TV responds to the remote, or the sound does not work from any input, a reset will not help.

These problems usually point to a power supply failure, a broken display panel, or a damaged audio circuit. In these cases, contact Samsung support or a TV repair technician. Trying to reset a TV with a hardware problem will waste time and may void any warranty you have left.

If you reset the TV and the same problem comes back within a few days, that also suggests a hardware issue rather than a software glitch. Document what happens, take a photo or video if you can, and reach out to Samsung with those details.

Protecting your information before you sell or give away the TV

If you are selling your Samsung TV or giving it to someone else, a factory reset removes your logins and personal data, but it does not hurt to double-check. After you reset, sign into your Samsung account on a phone or computer and remove the TV from your linked devices. This stops anyone from using your account on that TV.

Also sign out of any streaming apps before you reset — Netflix, Disney+, and others may still have your account linked even after a reset if you do not log out first. Open each app, find the account or settings menu, and select Sign Out or Log Out.

After the reset is complete and you have removed the TV from your accounts, it is safe to pass along. The new owner will see only the factory setup screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset delete my photos or files stored on the TV?

Yes. A factory reset erases everything stored on the TV's internal memory, including any photos, videos, or documents you saved. If you have files you want to keep, move them to a USB drive or cloud storage before you reset.

What is the default PIN for a Samsung TV factory reset?

The default PIN is 0000 (four zeros). If you set a custom PIN and forgot it, you will need to use the physical reset button on the back of the TV instead, or contact Samsung support with proof of ownership.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset itself takes two to five minutes. After that, the TV shows the setup screen, which takes another five to ten minutes depending on how quickly you choose your settings and connect to Wi-Fi.

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

No. Keep the TV plugged in and powered on during the reset. Unplugging it in the middle of the process can damage the TV's software and make it unusable. Only unplug it for a power cycle if the TV is frozen before you attempt a reset.

Can I reset my Samsung TV using the SmartThings app?

The SmartThings app lets you control your TV remotely, but it does not have a factory reset option. You must reset using the TV's Settings menu or the physical reset button on the TV itself.

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.