How to Get a Samsung TV Out of Retail/Demo Mode

Have you ever bought a new Samsung TV only to find it stuck playing an endless demo video? Or maybe the picture settings keep changing on their own? Chances are your TV is stuck in Retail or Demo mode – a special setting designed for showcasing TVs in stores.

The good news is you can easily change the mode yourself and start enjoying your Samsung TV. In this guide, I’ll explain what Retail and Demo modes are, how to identify them, and walk through the steps to switch your Samsung TV into standard Home mode.

What is Retail/Demo Mode on a Samsung TV?

Samsung Smart TVs have a Retail or Demo mode used when the TVs are on display in stores. This mode allows the TV to:

• Play advertising and demo videos on loop.

• Reset settings like picture mode and sound settings.

• Disable certain features like Smart Hub apps.

• Brightly display graphics and logos.

• Automatically restart on a schedule.

All of these enhance the TV’s shopability and minimize customer fiddling so settings stay optimal. The constant video loop also reduces the risk of burn-in on OLED TVs.

But Demo mode makes for a poor home viewing experience. Fortunately, a brand new Samsung TV just needs to be switched out of Retail/Demo mode and into standard Home mode for normal use.

How to Tell if Your Samsung TV is in Demo Mode

It’s usually pretty obvious when a Samsung TV is stuck in Retail mode. Here are some telltale signs:

• The TV plays a video demo loop continuously. This often shows product features and spec details.

• Pressing buttons on the remote may not work. The TV remains on the demo video.

• Picture settings like brightness and screen mode arbitrarily change on their own after a delay.

• Smart Hub and other smart features are inaccessible. The home screen is locked.

• There is prominent Samsung branding and graphics on the screen.

• The TV seems to restart on its own after a period of time.

• Changing settings has no lasting effect – the TV reverts back.

So if your new Samsung TV endlessly plays commercials, ignores your remote, and has other quirks, Retail mode is almost certainly to blame.

How to Take a Samsung TV Out of Retail/Demo Mode

Switching your Samsung TV from Retail/Demo mode to standard Home mode is simple but not necessarily intuitive. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Access the General Menu

1. Using your Samsung TV remote, navigate to the General settings menu. Look for the cog icon.

2. Open Settings and select General.

Change the Usage Mode

1. In General settings, select System Manager.

2. Open Usage Mode.

3. Change Usage Mode to Home Mode.

4. Enter the default PIN code 0000 if prompted.

5. Confirm and select Home Mode.

That’s all there is to it! The TV will switch modes and operate normally as a home television. Note that the menus and steps might vary by model. But accessing Usage Mode under System Manager in General settings is generally how you switch modes.

Some key things to note:

• You need a Samsung remote – third-party universal remotes usually won’t work in Retail mode.

• If 0000 doesn’t work, try 1234 or 5555 for the PIN code. It’s set at the factory.

• Usage Mode can also be changed under Advanced Settings in some models.

Be patient as the TV resets itself. If the video demo or other retail behaviors persist, unplug the TV from power for 10+ seconds and fully reboot. This helps clear out any lingering Retail mode functions.

Retail Mode on Samsung Smartphones, Tablets, and Monitors

Retail mode isn’t just for TVs – Samsung’s smartphones, tablets, and monitors also have these specialized demo-oriented modes.

Enabling Retail Mode: Retail Mode must be activated deliberately on phones/tablets, usually by entering a secret menu and tapping a toggle. This allows store displays to be set up properly.

Disabling Retail Mode: Use the Usage Mode setting under Settings or Device Settings. Change from Retail Mode to Standard Mode. You may need to enter a default PIN.

Monitors: Change the Control Setting under General Settings from Retail Mode to Home Mode. Enter the password as needed.

Retail Mode manifests somewhat differently across Samsung devices but fundamentally alters their behavior for store demos. So remember to switch to Standard or Home Mode for personal use.

Troubleshooting Samsung TVs Stuck in Retail/Demo Mode

If you’re struggling to get your Samsung TV out of Retail mode, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Ensure your remote has working batteries. The TV won’t respond otherwise.

• Try unplugging the TV for 10-15 minutes then plugging it back in. This may override Retail mode.

• Some models require using the wheel/directional buttons before the menu will appear.

• If the default PIN code doesn’t work, try alternate codes like 5555 or 0000.

• On rare occasions, a factory reset can override Retail mode but will also wipe your settings.

• As a last resort, perform a firmware update on the TV, which may clear Retail settings.

• Very old 2010-era and some 3D Samsung TVs had different Retail mode procedures involving a paperclip shorting specific service pins. Look up your exact model year if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Samsung TV Retail Mode

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about dealing with stuck Retail or Demo modes on Samsung televisions:

Why is my new Samsung TV stuck in Demo mode?

This retail store setting is often enabled at the factory to display the TVs properly in-store. But it causes issues at home until switched to Home mode.

Can I change Samsung Retail mode without a remote?

Unfortunately no, the remote is required to access the hidden menus necessary to change modes. Use a Samsung remote if possible rather than third-party.

How do I get rid of the retail mode message?

Follow the Usage Mode menu path listed above to switch from Retail/Demo mode to Home mode. This will stop retail demos. Unplugging the TV for 15+ minutes may also work.

Why does my Samsung TV go back to Demo mode?

If the TV reverts to showing retail demos and ignoring your remote, Demo mode may still be enabled. Repeat the steps to set Usage Mode back to Home mode.

Is Retail mode bad for my TV?

It won’t damage anything long-term but can prematurely wear out OLED screens. Best practice is to exit Retail/Demo mode ASAP for optimal home use.

How do I factory reset a Samsung TV stuck in Retail mode?

Initiate a self-diagnosis reset or microcomputer reset using special button presses on the TV. This will reset Samsung TVs when the menus are inaccessible. Look up your model for exact reset procedures.

So be sure to switch any new Samsung TVs, monitors, tablets or phones into Home or Standard mode before settling into the full experience of your new device! Demo mode is useful in retail stores but best disabled for everyday personal use and enjoyment.