The two ways to reset a Samsung TV

You can reset a Samsung TV to factory settings in two ways: through the on-screen menu, or by using the physical reset button on the back of the TV. The menu method is faster and works on all recent models. The physical button is a backup if the TV won't respond to the remote or if you've forgotten your PIN.

Both methods erase all your settings, apps, logins, and picture adjustments. After a reset, the TV returns to the state it was in when it left the factory. You'll need to set up your Wi-Fi connection, sign into streaming apps, and adjust picture settings again from scratch.

Key Takeaways

  • The menu reset (Settings > General > Reset) works on all Samsung TVs made in the last several years and takes about two minutes.
  • A physical reset button on the back of the TV is your option if the remote is lost or the TV is unresponsive.
  • The TV will ask you to confirm the reset and may require you to enter a PIN if you set one up during initial setup.
  • After reset, the TV boots into the initial setup screen, and you'll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi and log back into apps.
  • Resetting does not delete content stored on external USB drives or fix hardware problems like a broken screen or power issues.

Reset through the Settings menu

This is the standard method and works on Samsung TVs from 2016 onward. Pick up your remote and press the Home button (the house icon). Navigate to Settings using the arrow buttons, then select it. From there, go to General, then scroll down to find Reset.

Select Reset and the TV will ask you to confirm. If you set up a PIN during initial setup, you'll need to enter it now. The TV will then begin the reset process, which takes one to three minutes. The screen will go black, and you'll see a loading indicator. Do not unplug the TV during this time.

Once the reset completes, the TV will restart and show the initial setup screen, the same one you saw when you first turned it on. You can now set up your Wi-Fi, language, and other preferences from the beginning.

Reset using the physical button on the back

If your remote is lost or the TV won't respond to button presses, use the physical reset button. Look at the back of the TV near the power cord. You'll see a small recessed button labeled Reset or sometimes Factory Reset. You may need a straightened paperclip or a ballpoint pen to press it, since it's recessed to prevent accidental set up.

With the TV powered on, press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The TV will power off and then restart. The reset process begins automatically, and the screen will go black with a loading indicator. This takes one to three minutes. Once complete, the TV restarts to the initial setup screen.

If you cannot locate the button or it doesn't work, check your TV's model number (usually on a sticker on the back) and search the Samsung support website for your specific model's manual. The button location varies slightly between models.

What happens after the reset is complete

Your TV will boot into the setup wizard, which walks you through language selection, Wi-Fi connection, and account sign-in. You'll see the same screens you saw on the day you first set up the TV. Take your time here—this is when you establish your Wi-Fi network and connect to your Samsung account if you want to use Samsung's cloud features.

After setup, all your previous apps are gone. You'll need to read them again from the Samsung App Store or your TV's app marketplace. Any logins you saved—for Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, or other services—are erased, so you'll need to sign in again. Picture settings like brightness, contrast, and color temperature are back to the factory defaults.

If you had a PIN set up, it is now cleared. You can set a new PIN during the setup process if you want to protect your TV settings from accidental changes.

When a reset won't solve the problem

A factory reset fixes software issues like apps that crash, slow performance, or settings that won't save. It does not fix hardware problems. If your TV has a cracked screen, won't turn on, has no picture, or has audio but no video, a reset won't help—those are physical component failures that require service or replacement.

A reset also won't remove malware if your TV has been compromised through a network breach, though disconnecting from Wi-Fi and resetting is a reasonable first step if you suspect that's the case. If you're resetting because the TV is running slowly or an app keeps crashing, the reset should resolve it. If the same problem returns when ready after setup, the issue is likely hardware-related.

Backing up your settings before you reset

Samsung TVs do not have a built-in backup feature for settings. Before you reset, write down any custom picture settings you've made—brightness, contrast, color, and sharpness values—so you can recreate them afterward. Take a photo of your app layout if you've organized them in a specific way.

If you have a Samsung account linked to your TV, some settings like your app library and preferences may be stored in the cloud. When you sign back into that account after the reset, some of those settings may restore automatically. However, this is not may provide, so don't rely on it as a full backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to unplug the TV before I reset it?

No. Keep the TV plugged in and powered on during the reset. Unplugging it mid-reset can corrupt the TV's software and cause it to fail to boot. If the reset process seems stuck for more than five minutes, then you can unplug it, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in to restart.

Will a reset remove my Samsung account?

Yes. The reset erases all account logins, including your Samsung account. After the reset, you'll be asked to sign in again during setup. If you remember your Samsung account email and password, you can log back in and some cloud-stored settings may restore.

What if I forgot my PIN and can't complete the reset?

Use the physical reset button on the back of the TV instead. The physical button bypasses the PIN requirement. If that doesn't work, contact Samsung support with your TV's model number and proof of purchase—they can provide additional troubleshooting steps.

Can I reset my TV remotely if I'm not home?

No. Both reset methods require you to be in front of the TV. The menu method needs the remote, and the physical button requires physical access to the back of the TV. There is no remote reset option.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset process itself takes one to three minutes. The initial setup that follows can take 10 to 20 minutes depending on how quickly you connect to Wi-Fi and sign into accounts. The entire process from start to finish is usually done within 30 minutes.