How to Soft Reset or Factory Reset a Samsung TV
By Trae Jacobs,
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Soft resetting or Factory resetting your Samsung TV is the perfect solution when you’re running into issues like seeing slow apps loading or sound issues. There are a few distinctions regarding a soft reset vs a hard reset (reboot), as well as other troubleshooting steps to consider first.
| Soft Reset (or Cold Boot) | Shuts down all electrical power in the TV and completely shuts down the TV (as most remain in stand-by mode when turned off. |
| Factory Reset (Hard Reset or Reboot) | Resets all TV settings and saved TV data, including Picture settings, Wi-Fi logins, App logins, and more. |
| Network Status Test | Will run a test to see if there is an issue with a connection between your TV, Router, or internet provider (ISP). |
| Smart Hub Connection Test | Checks your internet connection, the Samsung server, Apps service, and your ISP. |
| Picture Test | Will check for Picture issues by displaying an HD picture to review for blurriness or other flaws. |
| Sound Test | Checks for audio issues by playing a test sound. |
A soft reset will retain your TVs settings and data while a factory reset will delete all that data and restore it to it’s default settings. We recommend trying a few of the other tests first if you have specific issues regarding Network, Picture, or Audio issues.
How to Soft Reset or Cold Boot a Samsung TV
The first and easiest solution you should try is restarting your Samsung TV by turning it off and on.
If that doesn’t work, consider a soft reset.
Soft Resetting or Cold Booting discharges your TV and drains all electrical charges and resets the main board.
By performing a soft reset, it fully shuts down the TV as opposed to being in stand-by mode when powered off.
How To Soft Reset or Cold Boot Your Samsung TV with Remote:
- Confirm your TV is on.
- Press and hold the Power button down on remote until the TV turns off.
- Continue holding down the Power button until the TV turns on again. You should see the logo load on screen
How To Soft Reset or Cold Boot Your Samsung TV by Unplugging:
- With the TV turned off, unplug the power cord from the outlet.
- Wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Power on your TV.
- Check if existing issues are fixed.
When the TV turns back on, most issues should be resolved by now. Menus should work appropriately and apps should launch normally without disruption.
How to Factory Reset Your Samsung TV
Should performing a cold boot fail to address your issue, you may have to consider doing a factory reset. It is important to consider your options carefully before restoring your TV to factory settings, as doing so will delete all login information, apps, and other personalized settings on your TV.
How To Factory Reset Your Samsung TV
Before attempting a factory reset, it is important to keep in mind that this reset will erase your device history, app data, and your personalized settings.
We recommend preparing for this by having login information for your WiFi and apps on hand to streamline the process of restoring your content.
To perform a factory reset on your Samsung TV, follow the steps we have outlined for you below:
- Select Settings
- Select General
- Select Reset
- Enter your PIN, or the default PIN 0000
- Select Reset
- Select OK to begin the reset
If you don’t remember the pin, you can reset it by powering off the TV then entering these 4 digits via your remote control: Mute > 8 > 2 > 4 > Power.
If these steps don’t appear for your TV, follow the steps outlined here:
- Select Settings
- Select Support
- Select Self Diagnoses
- Select Reset, then proceed with Step 4 above
Should neither of these instructions apply to your Samsung TV, we recommend consulting the Users Manual for your specific TV as instructions vary based on model.
Here a video walkthrough we created on how to reset a Samsung TV:
Reset Samsung TV without Remote
If you have lost your remote and need to reset your Samsung TV without one, here are two methods you can use:
- Use a Keyboard and attach the USB to the TV
- Use Samsung SmartThings App & Smartphone as a remote
Using the keyboard, press these two buttons simultaneously to launch the settings menu:
- Windows: ESC and Windows key
- MAC: ESC and Command Windows key
From here, you can use the keyboard or your smartphone as a remote to follow the steps above to reset your Samsung TV.
We have a full detailed article on resetting a Samsung TV without a Remote if you need more help!
Samsung Self Diagnosis for Network, Picture, or Sound Issues
Samsung has a Self Diagnosis tool which can check for specific issues with your Samsung TV. We recommend performing these tests first as they are less drastic compared to a Factory Reset.
How to Perform a Network Status Test
- Go to Settings
- Select Network
- Select Network Status
- The network status test will begin
There will be an X between your TV, Router, or the Earth symbol (internet) if there is an issue with a connection between either points.
How to Perform a Smart Hub Connection Test
- Go to Settings
- Select Support
- Select Device Care
- Select Self Diagnosis
- Select Start Smart Hub Connection Test
- Review on-screen instructions
- Select Close after the test is ran
Here you will be able to see if the issue is with your ISP, the Samsung server, or another specific app service.
How to Perform a Picture Test
- Go to Settings
- Select Support
- Select Device Care
- Select Self Diagnosis
- Select Start Picture Test
You will see a test picture where you can verify if the quality is good or bad. Check cable connections, internet connection, or external components that are connected to your Samsung TV.
Consider resetting your picture settings if the issue remains.
To reset your picture settings go to Settings > Picture > Expert Settings > Reset Picture > Yes.
How to Perform a Sound Test
- Go to Settings
- Select Support
- Select Device Care
- Select Self Diagnosis
- Select Start Sound Test
- Select Yes or No if you hear the sound.
The Sound Test will play a sound to see if the sound is playing correctly. Check any audio cables or external components such as a soundbar.
Consider resetting the sound settings if the sound issue remains.
To reset your sound settings go to Settings > Sound > Expert Settings > Reset Sound > Yes.
Contact Samsung Support
If you are still having issues, we suggest reaching out to Samsung Support. They may be able to offer solutions that are not currently available to you.
You may also be covered by warranty if its the TV that’s the real issue so it doesn’t hurt to reach out if you can get your defective Samsung TV replaced.
Common Questions
Is there a reset button on a Samsung TV?
You can press and hold the power button for 15-30 seconds until it turns off and turns back on.
How to do a hard reset on Samsung TV with black screen?
Go to your TV Settings > General > Reset, then enter your 4 digit PIN to reset your Samsung TV.
Can I reset my TV without remote?
You can soft reset a TV by unplugging your TV for 30 to 60 seconds then plugging it back in. You can also use your smartphone to control your TV by downloading the TVs app.
Why can’t I reset my Samsung Smart TV?
If your Reset option is greyed out, exit out of all apps and try again. There is an app running in the background which prevents a reset from being performed.
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