Will a factory reset fix my TV?

It is possible that your TV might get into a state where you cannot access the various menus, including the menu option that lets you perform a factory reset operation.  If that happens, you can force the TV to reset by following the steps below:


  1. Using a straightened paper clip or ball-point pen, press and hold the recessed RESET button on the TV connector panel.
  2. Continue to hold the RESET button for approximately 12 seconds.When the reset cycle completes, the status indicator comes on dim.
  3. Release the RESET button. The TV is now powered off.
  4. Turn on the TV and proceed through Guided Setup.

NOTE: A factory reset returns the TV to its original, out-of-the-box state. Performing a factory reset will remove all stored personal data relating to your settings, network connections, Roku data, and menu preferences.  Once completed, you must repeat the guided setup, reconnecting to the Internet, re-linking your Roku account, and reloading streaming channels.  If applicable, you must also repeat the antenna TV setup (channel scan) and input configuration.

When you perform a Factory Reset, all settings will revert to factory default. These settings include picture and sound settings, channel menu settings (including memorised channels), clock and timer settings, and other settings that you may have changed. You may also lose any changes to calibration settings if the calibration was not done through the service menu. Factory Reset, however, will not affect your Network Settings. Network Settings can only be changed manually. 

If you simply want to reset one of the settings on your TV (i.e. picture or sound), please refer to your User Manual for steps on how to reset the individual settings on your TV. 

When you are having a problem with your TV or Odyssey Ark gaming screen, you may want to just do a factory reset and start over. The good news is that even though this is possible, it may not be necessary. Your TV also has several self diagnosis tools built-in that can help you solve any problems you are experiencing with signal, network, picture, or sound.

Note: If the steps do not match your TV, visit the Download Center to find your TV's user manual.

Factory reset the TV

Want a complete do-over? You can restore all TV settings (excluding the network settings) to their factory defaults.

  1. Open Settings, and then select General.

  2. Select Reset, enter your PIN (0000 is the default), and then select Reset.

  3. To complete the reset, select OK. Your TV will restart automatically.

  4. If these steps don't match your TV, navigate to Settings, select Support, and then select Self Diagnosis. Reset will be located in that menu. You can also check the user manual for exact instructions for your TV model.

Note: The Reset function is not available if you are using an app.

Run a Network Status test

If your TV does not connect to the internet, perform a network test to see what the problem is.

Navigate to Settings, and then select General. Select Network, and then select Network Status. The network status test will finish and show the status of your network connection.

  • When there is an X between the TV and the router, this means the issue is with either the TV or the home network.

  • When there is an X between the the router and the Earth icon (internet), this means there is an issue between your home network and the ISP.

Will a factory reset fix my TV?

For more detailed information check out our guide, TV does not connect to the internet.

Test your connection to Smart Hub

The Smart Hub Connection Test diagnoses problems you might have with your Smart Hub connection. It checks your internet connection, your ISP, the Samsung server, and the Apps service.

  1. Open Settings, and select Support.

  2. Select Device Care, and then select Self Diagnosis.

    Note: On some models, select Support then select Self Diagnosis.

  3. Select Start Smart Hub Connection Test.

  4. After your Smart Hub Connection Test is complete, select Close to return to the main menu.

  5. Note: If any problems are detected, please review the on-screen instructions.

Factory reset Smart Hub

If you are still having issues with your Smart Hub, you can perform a factory reset. When you do this, all Smart Hub settings will revert to their factory defaults and all information related to Samsung accounts, linked service accounts, Smart Hub service agreements, and Smart Hub apps will be deleted.

  1. Open Settings, then select Support.

  2. Select Device Care.

    Note: On some models, select Support instead.

  3. Select Self Diagnosis, then select Reset Smart Hub, and then enter your PIN.

  4. After the reset is complete, select OK.

  5. The default PIN is 0000. You can set the PIN by navigating to Settings, and then selecting General. Select System Manager, and then select Change PIN.

Will a factory reset fix my TV?

Diagnose picture issues using the Picture Test

Use the Picture Test to determine if picture problems are being caused by the TV itself or something else. The Picture Test displays a high definition photo that you can examine for flaws or faults. When the TV has trouble with the picture, these steps may help resolve the problem.

  1. Open Settings, and select Support.

  2. Select Device Care, and then select Self Diagnosis.

    Note: On some models, select Support and then select Self Diagnosis.

  3. Select Start Picture Test. Look at the screen for any problems, and use the on-screen instructions to complete the picture test.

Will a factory reset fix my TV?

If the test photo is displayed properly, there may be a problem with an external connected device. Check the connections, the signal strength, or refer to the external device's user manual.

Note: If the picture test does not appear or you see an issue with the photo, the TV may have a problem. Contact Samsung Support for assistance.

Factory reset the picture settings

If you'd like to start fresh with your picture settings, you can just reset them.

  1. Open Settings, and select Picture.

  2. Select Expert Settings, and then select Reset Picture.

  3. Select Yes to confirm.

Will a factory reset fix my TV?

Diagnose sound issues using the Sound Test

If your TV is having audio problems, you can run a Sound Test to find out the cause of the issue.

  1. Open Settings, and select Support.

  2. Select Device Care.

    Note: On some models select Support instead.

  3. Select Self Diagnosis, and then select Start Sound Test. The Sound Test will begin.

  4. If you still hear a problem in the Sound Test, select Yes. Otherwise, select No. If there is a problem, you will be asked to contact Samsung Support. Be ready to provide the on-screen information to the support agent.

Will a factory reset fix my TV?

The Sound Test plays a melody to help determine if there is an issue with the TV speakers. If the melody plays without issue, there may be an issue with a connected external device. Check the connections or refer to the external device's user manual. For additional help with audio issues, check out Samsung TV has low or no audio. 

Reset the sound settings

If you'd like to start from the beginning with your sound settings, you can just reset them.

  1. Open Settings, and select Sound.

  2. Select Expert Settings, and then select Reset Sound.

  3. Select Yes to confirm.

Will a factory reset fix my TV?

Check the broadcast signal Information for your area

If your TV is connected to an over-the-air antenna, you can use Signal Information to adjust the antenna for increased signal strength and improved HD channel reception.

  1. Open Settings, and select Support.

  2. Select Device Care.

    Note: On some models, select Support instead.

  3. Select Self Diagnosis, and then select Signal Information.

  4. After you view the information, select Close to return to the main menu. If you need some additional help, check out Scan for channels on your Samsung TV.

Other answers that might help

  • Motion smoothing and the soap opera effect on Samsung TVs

  • Set the Sleep Timer on your Samsung TV or projector

  • Closed captions and other accessibility settings for your Samsung TV

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    What does factory reset do to a TV?

    Performing a factory reset will delete all of the TV's data and settings (such as Wi-Fi and wired network setting information, Google account and other login information, Google Play and other installed apps).

    Will a factory reset fix my TV screen?

    Resetting can't fix a television that has a major internal malfunction, such as a defective motherboard. But it should be your first attempt at solving the problem.

    What happens if I factory reset my Samsung TV?

    If you are still having issues with your Smart Hub, you can perform a factory reset. When you do this, all Smart Hub settings will revert to their factory defaults and all information related to Samsung accounts, linked service accounts, Smart Hub service agreements, and Smart Hub apps will be deleted.

    What is factory reset on Smart TV?

    A factory reset will reset the Smart TV back to default settings. This is typically done when there is a problem that can only be fixed with a reset or if you want to sell or give it away.