How to Easily Reset a Samsung TV Using the Remote

Resetting your Samsung TV to factory settings can help resolve many issues and generally improve performance. It clears all user settings and restores the original software.

While resetting seems daunting, it’s actually quite simple on a Samsung TV. All you need is the remote control that came with your Samsung TV.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What resetting a Samsung TV does
• When you should reset your Samsung TV
• Step-by-step instructions to reset Samsung TVs of different models and years
• How to reset a Samsung TV without the remote
• Important tips for resetting your Samsung TV

What Does Resetting a Samsung TV Do?

Resetting your Samsung TV restores the original factory settings and clears all saved user data. Here are some of the things that will happen when you reset your Samsung TV:

• Removes all apps and channels: Any apps, streaming services, channels, and inputs you’ve downloaded or added will be deleted. Your Samsung TV will revert to the original default apps and inputs.

• Resets picture settings: All customized picture settings like brightness, contrast, color, and picture mode will go back to the default.

• Resets audio settings: Volume levels, equalizer settings, and any audio mode customizations will be restored to factory defaults.

• Deletes user accounts and passwords: All saved usernames, passwords, and account information will be wiped from the system.

• Clears Smart Hub: The Smart Hub dashboard will revert to the original default and remove any downloaded games, apps, movies, and shows.

• Reinstalls the latest software: Your Samsung TV will download and install the latest firmware version. This can fix software bugs and glitches.

• Does NOT affect: Wired network settings will remain unchanged after a factory reset. Samsung TV settings like timers, clocks, standby mode, and auto power off will also not be affected.

Essentially, resetting factory resets your Samsung TV as if it just came out of the box.

When Should You Reset Your Samsung TV?

Resetting your Samsung TV can help fix a wide range of issues. Here are some of the most common reasons for resetting your Samsung TV to factory settings:

• Fix software errors: A factory reset will reinstall the latest firmware, which often resolves buggy software. This can fix frozen screens, repeated rebooting, or apps not loading.

• Improve slow performance: Over time, cruft builds up on the software and slows down your Samsung TV. Resetting clears the clutter for faster speeds.

• Resolve app issues: If an app is frozen, glitchy or keeps crashing, a factory reset will delete and reinstall a clean version.

• Fix remote issues: If the remote is laggy or unresponsive, a reset can help clear any connectivity issues with the Samsung TV.

• Delete unused apps and channels: Reset deletes unnecessary apps and channels to clean up your Samsung TV interface.

• Prepare to sell: Perform a factory reset before selling or gifting your Samsung TV to wipe all personal data and restore original software.

• Resolve strange behavior: If your Samsung TV is acting up in odd ways, a factory reset often fixes inexplicable quirks, glitches, and issues.

Resetting is also recommended after a major software update to clear away old data and properly initialize new firmware.

Step-By-Step Instructions to Reset a Samsung TV

The steps to reset your Samsung TV will vary slightly depending on the model year. Follow the instructions below to factory reset your specific Samsung TV using the remote control.

Reset Samsung TVs from 2020-2023

For Samsung TVs released between 2020 to 2023, use these steps:

1. Turn on your Samsung TV.
2. Press the Home button on the remote.
3. Use the directional arrows to select Settings.
4. Navigate and select General & Privacy.
5. Scroll down and select Reset.
6. Select Reset again to confirm.
7. Enter your 4 digit PIN if required. Select Yes to confirm and reset the TV.
8. The Samsung TV will restart and reset itself to factory settings. This takes about 1-2 minutes.

Reset Samsung TVs from 2017-2019

For older models from 2017 to 2019, here are the reset steps:

1. Turn on your Samsung TV.
2. Press the Home button the remote.
3. Use the directional arrows to select Settings.
4. Scroll down and select General.
5. Select Reset.
6. Enter your 4 digit PIN if required. Select Yes to confirm and reset the TV.
7. The TV will turn off and on again with factory settings.

Reset Samsung TVs from 2016 and older

For Samsung TVs from 2016 and before, refer to your user manual for reset instructions as the process varies. Here is how it works generally:

1. Turn on the TV, then press Menu on the remote.
2. Go to the Support or Self Diagnosis menu.
3. Select the option to Reset or Reset to Initial Settings. Enter PIN if prompted.
4. Confirm to reset the Samsung TV to factory defaults.

How to Reset a Samsung TV Without the Remote

If you’ve lost your Samsung remote, don’t worry! You can still easily reset your Samsung TV with just the buttons on the TV.

Here is how:

1. Turn on your Samsung TV.
2. On the back/side of the TV, press the tiny Joystick Button stick and hold for a few seconds. This brings up a menu.
3. Use the Joystick Button to navigate and select Settings.
4. Go to General > Reset and select Reset again to confirm.
5. Enter your 4 digit PIN if required. The TV will reset to factory settings.

The Joystick Button is located on the back/side of most modern Samsung TVs. Refer to your user manual’s diagrams to find the exact location if you’re unsure.

Some older models may not have the Joystick Button. For these TVs, you will need to use the Samsung remote to reset unfortunately.

Tips for Resetting a Samsung TV

Follow these useful tips for a smooth factory reset experience:

• Backup before resetting: To restore your apps, channels, passwords and settings after the reset, make sure to backup your Samsung TV to an external USB drive beforehand.

• Disconnect external devices: Remove all USB drives, Bluetooth devices and cables connected to your Samsung TV to avoid issues.

• Turn off internet connection: Disconnect your TV from WiFi before a factory reset for a cleaner slate.

• Read instructions carefully: Follow the steps specific to your Samsung TV model’s year to avoid getting lost.

• Note reset time: Resetting and rebooting a Samsung TV can take 15-20 minutes total. The TV may turn off/on a few times.

• Reset router too: For connectivity issues, also factory reset your WiFi router and reconnect your TV afterwards.

• Still having issues? Contact Samsung Support or your local repair center if problems persist after a factory reset. You may need service.

• Reset regularly: Performing a factory reset once every few months helps keep your Samsung TV running fast and smooth.

Enjoy Your Samsung TV After Resetting

With this guide, you can easily factory reset a Samsung TV of any model year using just the remote. Resetting your Samsung TV clears up storage, fixes software issues, and improves speed and performance.

Just follow the step-by-step instructions specific to your Samsung TV model to give it a fresh start. Keep this guide handy as a reference to reset your Samsung TV anytime it starts acting up.