How to Reset Your Samsung TV's Smart Hub

What a Smart Hub reset does and when you need one

A Smart Hub reset clears the apps, settings, and cached data from your Samsung TV's app platform without erasing your TV's main settings like picture mode or volume. It is the fastest fix when apps freeze, won't load, or behave strangely. A full reset (also called a factory reset) wipes everything and returns the TV to the state it left the factory—use that only if the Smart Hub reset does not work or if you are selling the TV.

Most people need a Smart Hub reset when an app crashes repeatedly, when the home screen becomes sluggish, or when you cannot sign into an app account. It takes about five minutes and requires no tools or technical knowledge.

Key Takeaways

A Smart Hub reset clears apps and cached data but keeps your TV's picture settings, volume, and input labels intact.
You access the reset through Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset Smart Hub on most Samsung models from 2016 onward.
The TV will ask you to confirm the reset and may restart; this is normal and takes a few minutes.
If apps still malfunction after a Smart Hub reset, a full factory reset may be necessary, but try the Smart Hub reset first.

How to reset Smart Hub on most Samsung TVs (2016 and newer)

On your remote, press the Home button (the house icon) to open the home screen. Then navigate to Settings, usually in the top-right corner or accessible from a menu icon.

Once in Settings, scroll down and select Support. Inside Support, choose Self Diagnosis. You will see an option labeled Reset Smart Hub—select it. The TV will display a warning that this action will clear all Smart Hub data; confirm that you want to proceed. Your TV will restart, and the Smart Hub will rebuild itself. This usually takes two to three minutes.

When the TV comes back on, you will see the initial setup screen again. You do not have to set up the TV from scratch—just sign back into your Samsung account (if you use one) and your streaming apps, and they will restore your saved passwords and preferences.

Older Samsung TVs and alternative reset paths

On Samsung TVs from 2015 or earlier, the menu structure is slightly different. Press Menu on your remote instead of Home, then look for Smart Hub in the main menu. Select Smart Hub Reset directly—you may not see a Support submenu. The process is otherwise identical.

If you cannot find these options, check your TV's model number (usually on the back or in Settings > About This TV) and search the Samsung support website for your specific model. Samsung publishes model-specific guides that show the exact menu path for your TV's software version.

What to do if Smart Hub reset does not fix the problem

If apps still crash or freeze after a Smart Hub reset, the issue may lie deeper in the TV's system. At this point, a full factory reset is the next step. This erases everything—all apps, all settings, all stored passwords—and returns the TV to factory defaults. You will need to set up the TV again from the beginning, including your picture preferences, sound settings, and all app logins.

To perform a factory reset, go to Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset (not Reset Smart Hub). The TV will ask for a PIN; the default is usually 0000 or 1111, but check your manual if those do not work. After you confirm, the TV will restart and begin the setup process. This takes longer than a Smart Hub reset—usually five to ten minutes.

If the TV still malfunctions after a factory reset, the problem is likely hardware-related (a failing component or software corruption that a reset cannot fix). At that point, contact Samsung support or a repair technician.

How to sign back into apps after a Smart Hub reset

After the reset completes and the TV restarts, open each app you use regularly. Most apps will ask you to sign in again. Use the same username and password you used before—the app's servers still have your account and viewing history, so you will pick up where you left off.

For streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu, signing in again usually restores your watch history, recommendations, and profile settings within a few seconds. For Samsung-specific apps or services, you may need to sign into your Samsung account first through Settings > Samsung Account. Once you do, other Samsung services will recognize you automatically.

Preventing Smart Hub problems before they happen

Smart Hub slowdowns often come from too many apps running in the background or cached data piling up over months of use. Periodically uninstall apps you no longer use—press and hold an app icon on the home screen and select Delete or Uninstall. This frees up storage and reduces the load on the TV's processor.

Keep your TV's software up to date. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update and check for updates regularly. Samsung releases updates that fix bugs and improve app stability. You can also enable automatic updates if your TV is connected to the internet.

Restart your TV once a week by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This clears temporary memory and often prevents the sluggishness that leads to app crashes.

When to call Samsung support instead

If your TV will not turn on, will not connect to the internet, or displays an error code during the reset process, do not attempt further resets. Contact Samsung support directly through their website or by phone. Have your TV's model number and serial number ready—both are on the back of the TV or in Settings > About This TV.

If you are still under warranty (usually one year from purchase), Samsung may repair or replace the TV at no cost. If the warranty has expired, they can still help diagnose the problem and tell you whether repair is worth the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A Smart Hub reset only clears apps and their cached data. Any photos, videos, or files you have stored on the TV's internal storage will remain. If you are concerned, you can back them up to a USB drive first, but it is not necessary.

Do I need to unplug the TV during a Smart Hub reset?

No. The reset happens through the menu, and the TV will restart on its own. You do not need to unplug it. Let the restart complete without interruption—unplugging during a restart can corrupt the TV's system.

Why does my TV ask for a PIN after I select Reset Smart Hub?

Some Samsung TVs have a parental control PIN set. If you see a PIN prompt, enter the PIN you set up (or the default 0000 if you never changed it). If you forgot your PIN, check your TV's manual or contact Samsung support for the reset procedure.

Can I reset Smart Hub without a remote?

Most Samsung TVs have physical buttons on the back or side of the set. You can use these to navigate the menu and select Reset Smart Hub, though it is slower than using the remote. If your TV has no physical buttons, you will need the remote or a universal remote that works with Samsung TVs.

How often should I reset Smart Hub?

You only need to reset Smart Hub when apps malfunction. There is no benefit to resetting it regularly. If you find yourself resetting it more than once a month, the TV may have a deeper issue—contact Samsung support to investigate.

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.