How to Reset Your Samsung Smart TV

The two ways to reset a Samsung Smart TV

A Samsung Smart TV reset clears settings, apps, and account information and returns the TV to factory defaults. You have two options: a soft reset, which restarts the TV without erasing anything, and a factory reset, which wipes everything and starts fresh. Most problems—freezing, apps crashing, remote not responding—are fixed by a soft reset. A factory reset is what you do when you're selling the TV, giving it away, or when a soft reset didn't work.

The method you choose depends on whether you want to keep your apps and login information. A soft reset takes about two minutes. A factory reset takes five to ten minutes and requires you to set up the TV again from the beginning, including reconnecting to Wi-Fi and signing back into streaming services.

Key Takeaways

A soft reset restarts your TV without erasing anything and fixes most freezing, app, and remote problems in under two minutes.
A factory reset wipes all settings, apps, and account information and requires you to set up the TV again from scratch.
For a soft reset, unplug the TV for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for the Samsung logo to appear.
For a factory reset, go to Settings > General > Reset, enter your PIN (default is 0000), and confirm the reset.
After a factory reset, you will need to reconnect to Wi-Fi and sign back into all your streaming accounts.

How to do a soft reset

A soft reset is the first thing to try when your TV is acting up. It clears the TV's temporary memory without touching your apps, settings, or logins. This fixes most issues with freezing, slow performance, or apps that won't open.

Unplug the TV from the wall outlet. Wait 30 seconds—this gives the TV time to fully power down. Plug it back in and wait for the Samsung logo to appear on the screen. The TV will take another 30 to 60 seconds to fully restart. Once you see the home screen, the soft reset is complete. Your apps, Wi-Fi connection, and account logins will all still be there.

If the remote is not responding, you can also do a soft reset using the physical buttons on the TV itself. On most Samsung models, hold down the power button on the TV (not the remote) for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes black. Release the button and wait for the TV to restart. The result is the same as unplugging it.

How to do a factory reset through the Settings menu

A factory reset erases everything on your TV and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. Use this when you're giving away or selling the TV, or when a soft reset didn't fix the problem. After a factory reset, you will need to set up the TV again, reconnect to Wi-Fi, and sign back into your streaming accounts.

Pick up your remote and press the Home button. Navigate to Settings (the gear icon). Go to General, then scroll down and select Reset. The TV will ask you to enter a PIN. The default PIN is 0000. If you set a custom PIN and forgot it, see the FAQ section below. After you enter the PIN, the TV will ask you to confirm the reset. Select Yes. The TV will restart and begin the factory reset process, which takes three to five minutes. You will see a loading screen during this time.

Once the reset is complete, the TV will restart and show the initial setup screen, the same one you saw when you first turned on the TV. From here, you can choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign into your accounts. If you do not want to set up the TV right now, you can turn it off and come back to setup later.

How to do a factory reset without the remote

If your remote is lost or broken, you can still do a factory reset using the physical buttons on the TV. The location of these buttons varies by model, but they are usually on the bottom or back of the TV near the power cord.

Look for buttons labeled Menu, Select, or Channel Up and Channel Down. Press and hold the Menu button (or the button closest to the center of the TV's control panel) for 10 to 15 seconds. A menu should appear on the screen. Use the Channel Up and Channel Down buttons to navigate to Settings or Reset. Press Select to enter. Continue navigating to General > Reset and follow the same steps as above—enter the PIN 0000 and confirm. If the buttons are hard to find or the menu does not appear, check your TV's model number (usually on the back) and search the Samsung support website for your specific model's button layout.

What to expect after a factory reset

After the factory reset completes and the TV restarts, you will see the setup screen. The TV will ask you to select your language and country. Next, it will ask you to connect to Wi-Fi. Select your network name from the list and enter your Wi-Fi password. The TV will then ask if you want to sign into a Samsung account. You can skip this step if you do not have one, but signing in lets you restore some settings and apps automatically.

After Wi-Fi is connected, the TV will show the home screen with no apps installed except the built-in ones like Settings and Samsung TV Plus. You will need to open the app store (usually called Samsung App Store or Google Play Store, depending on your TV's operating system) and read your streaming apps again. Sign into each app with your account information. This process takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on how many apps you use and your internet speed.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not unplug the TV during a factory reset. If the TV loses power while resetting, it can become stuck or fail to restart properly. Let the reset finish completely, even if it takes longer than expected. If the TV does get stuck, wait 10 minutes, then try unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.

Do not forget your custom PIN before doing a factory reset. If you set a PIN different from the default 0000 and cannot remember it, you will not be able to complete the reset through the Settings menu. In this case, you must use the physical buttons on the TV instead. Also, do not assume a factory reset will fix a hardware problem like a broken screen or power supply. If the TV does not turn on at all, or if the picture is physically damaged, a reset will not help.

When to soft reset versus factory reset

Use a soft reset first. It takes two minutes and fixes most problems without erasing anything. Try a soft reset if your TV is freezing, apps are crashing, the remote is not responding, or the picture looks wrong. If the soft reset does not fix the problem after 24 hours, then try a factory reset.

Use a factory reset only when you are sure you need it. A factory reset is the right choice if you are selling or giving away the TV and want to remove your personal information, if you forgot your PIN or passwords and want a clean start, or if a soft reset did not work. Do not do a factory reset just to free up storage space—Samsung TVs manage storage automatically, and a reset will not noticeably speed up the TV unless it is very old.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The default PIN is 0000. If you changed the PIN and forgot it, you cannot complete a factory reset through the Settings menu. Instead, use the physical buttons on the TV (Menu, Select, Channel Up/Down) to access the reset option. If you cannot find the buttons or they do not work, contact Samsung support with your TV's model number.

Will a factory reset remove my Samsung account from the TV?

Yes. A factory reset removes all account logins, including your Samsung account, streaming service accounts, and any saved Wi-Fi passwords. After the reset, you will need to sign back into each account. If you have a Samsung account, you can use it to restore some settings and apps automatically during the setup process.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset usually takes three to five minutes from the moment you confirm the reset until the TV restarts and shows the setup screen. Do not turn off the TV or unplug it during this time. The entire setup process, including connecting to Wi-Fi and signing into apps, takes 10 to 20 minutes.

Can I cancel a factory reset after I start it?

No. Once you confirm the factory reset, it cannot be stopped. The TV will complete the reset and restart. If you change your mind before confirming, press the back button on your remote to exit the reset menu.

Should I do a soft reset or factory reset if my TV won't turn on?

If your TV will not turn on at all, a soft reset may help. Unplug the TV for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. If the TV still does not turn on, the problem is likely a hardware issue, not a software one, and a reset will not fix it. Contact Samsung support or a technician for help.

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.