How to Reset Samsung Smart TV: Complete (Step-by-Step Guide)

Is your Samsung Smart TV running slowly, freezing, or experiencing connectivity issues? A reset might be exactly what you need. This comprehensive guide will walk you through multiple methods to reset your Samsung Smart TV, helping you resolve common problems and restore optimal performance.

Why Reset Your Samsung Smart TV?

Before diving into the reset methods, it’s important to understand when and why you might need to reset your Samsung Smart TV:

• Slow performance or frequent freezing
• App crashes or streaming services not working properly
• Network connectivity issues with Wi-Fi or internet
• Audio or video problems that persist across different inputs
• Preparing to sell or give away your TV
• Software glitches that can’t be resolved through basic troubleshooting

Types of Samsung TV Resets

Samsung Smart TVs offer several reset options, each serving different purposes:

1. Soft Reset (Power Cycle)

A simple restart that clears temporary files and refreshes the system without losing your settings.

2. Smart Hub Reset

Resets only the Smart Hub platform while keeping your TV settings intact.

3. Factory Reset

Completely restores your TV to its original factory settings, erasing all personal data and customizations.

Method 1: How to Soft Reset Your Samsung Smart TV

The soft reset is the quickest and least disruptive method. Try this first before attempting more comprehensive resets.

Using the Remote Control:

1. Turn off your Samsung TV using the power button on your remote
2. Unplug the TV from the power outlet
3. Wait 30-60 seconds to allow the TV to fully discharge
4. Plug the TV back in and turn it on using the remote

Alternative Soft Reset Method:

1. Press and hold the Power button on your Samsung TV remote
2. Keep holding until the TV turns off and back on automatically
3. Release the button once the Samsung logo appears

Method 2: Smart Hub Reset for Samsung TV

If you’re experiencing issues with streaming apps or the Smart Hub interface, this targeted reset can resolve problems without affecting your TV’s picture and sound settings.

Steps for Smart Hub Reset:

1. Press the Home button on your Samsung TV remote
2. Navigate to Settings (gear icon)
3. Select Support
4. Choose Device Care or Self Diagnosis (depending on your model)
5. Select Reset Smart Hub
6. Enter your TV’s PIN (default is usually 0000)
7. Confirm the reset by selecting Yes
8. Wait for the process to complete (typically 1-2 minutes)

Note: This method will log you out of all streaming apps and require you to sign in again.

Method 3: Factory Reset Samsung Smart TV (Complete Reset)

A factory reset completely wipes your TV and returns it to its original state. This is the most thorough reset option.

Using TV Settings Menu:

1. Press the Home button on your remote
2. Go to Settings (gear icon)
3. Navigate to General (may be called System on newer models)
4. Select Reset
5. Choose Factory Data Reset or Reset to Factory Settings
6. Enter your PIN (default: 0000)
7. Select Yes to confirm
8. Wait for the reset process to complete (5-10 minutes)
9. Your TV will restart automatically

Using Physical Buttons (When Remote Doesn’t Work):

1. Turn off your Samsung TV
2. Locate the physical buttons on your TV (usually on the back or bottom)
3. Press and hold the Power button while simultaneously pressing the Volume Down button
4. Continue holding both buttons for 10-15 seconds
5. Release the buttons when you see the Samsung logo
6. Use the volume buttons to navigate the recovery menu
7. Select Factory Reset using the power button

Method 4: Reset Samsung TV Without Remote

If your Samsung TV remote is broken or lost, you can still perform a reset using these methods:

Using Samsung SmartThings App:

1. Download the Samsung SmartThings app on your smartphone
2. Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV
3. Add your Samsung TV to the app
4. Use the app as a virtual remote to access settings
5. Follow the factory reset steps outlined in Method 3

Using Universal Remote:

1. Program a universal remote to work with your Samsung TV
2. Access the settings menu using the universal remote
3. Navigate to reset options as described above

Model-Specific Reset Instructions

Different Samsung TV series may have slightly different menu structures:

For 2019-2025 Samsung TVs (TU, AU, QN Series):

• Settings > General > Reset > Factory Data Reset

For 2016-2018 Samsung TVs (KS, MU, NU Series):

• Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset

For Older Samsung TVs (2015 and earlier):

• Menu > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset

Troubleshooting Reset Issues

If Your Samsung TV Won’t Reset:

• Ensure your TV is properly connected to power
• Try unplugging for 2-3 minutes instead of 30 seconds
• Check if your TV has the latest firmware updates
• Contact Samsung support if hardware issues are suspected

After Reset Problems:

• No internet connection: Re-enter your Wi-Fi password
• Apps missing: Download them again from the Samsung App Store
• Picture/sound issues: Reconfigure your display and audio settings

What Happens After a Factory Reset?

Following a complete factory reset, you’ll need to:

1. Complete the initial setup process
2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network
3. Sign in to your Samsung account
4. Download and sign in to streaming apps
5. Adjust picture and sound settings to your preferences
6. Reconnect external devices like gaming consoles or cable boxes

Preventing Future Issues

To minimize the need for frequent resets:

• Keep your TV’s software updated through Settings > Support > Software Update
• Regularly clear app cache for streaming services
• Ensure stable internet connection with adequate bandwidth
• Avoid overloading the TV with too many apps running simultaneously
• Power cycle your TV weekly to clear temporary files

When to Contact Samsung Support

Contact Samsung customer support if:

• Reset methods don’t resolve your issues
• Your TV won’t turn on after a reset
• You’re experiencing hardware-related problems
• Your TV is still under warranty and showing persistent issues

Conclusion

Resetting your Samsung Smart TV can resolve many common performance issues and restore your viewing experience. Start with a simple soft reset before progressing to more comprehensive factory reset options. Remember to back up any important settings or app login information before performing a complete reset.

Whether you’re dealing with app crashes, connectivity problems, or preparing to sell your TV, these reset methods will help you get your Samsung Smart TV back to optimal performance. Follow the appropriate method for your specific situation, and don’t hesitate to contact Samsung support if you encounter any difficulties during the reset process.