If your Samsung Smart TV is not working properly, freezing, or failing to open apps, a factory reset may be the best solution. This universal approach completely resets all cache and settings, returning your TV to its original, out-of-the-box state. However, don’t rush to reset it just yet; in many cases, there are simpler solutions.
If your TV’s cache is full, you can clear it by holding down the power button for 20 seconds when turning on the TV, or by unplugging the TV for a few minutes.
If your TV is running out of memory, try clearing your browser history or uninstalling unnecessary applications. In 95% of cases, this frees up enough memory without needing a factory reset.
If a factory reset is still necessary, here are some tips on how to proceed.
Factory Reset Options for Samsung TVs
Samsung TVs have two distinct menus. The first is the user menu, accessible by pressing the home or menu button on the remote control. The second is the hidden, technical, or secret menu, reserved for experts. This technical menu allows for a hard reset with unpredictable results, so proceed with caution.
Reset Settings in the User Menu
The user menu is designed for the average user. Performing a factory reset here is completely harmless. The TV will reset all current settings and restore the initial settings from the operating system memory. The only inconvenience is that you will have to reconfigure all settings, including network settings, Bluetooth devices, Smart Hub, and channels. Essentially, your TV will be like new, as if you were turning it on for the first time. Nothing bad will happen to your TV if you reset it to factory settings via the user menu.
Reset to Factory Settings through the Hidden Menu (Hard Reset)
The hidden menu is intended for professionals, and using it is not recommended. A factory reset through this menu not only restores the factory settings but also reverts the operating system to its original state, undoing minor updates that may be important. This can lead to issues such as incorrect color display, non-functional HDMI ports, and problems with WiFi.
This occurs because the TV may consist of different components and screens from various manufacturers. The operating system is written for the most commonly used screens, and specific settings are adjusted during manufacturing. If you reset through the engineering menu, these adjustments are lost, potentially causing issues with screen, Bluetooth, and WiFi modules, which may be from different manufacturers or models.
For example, a reader once contacted me after resetting his 43-inch TV through the engineering menu. Post-reset, the TV displayed incorrect colors and became very hot. Upon investigation, we found that the default screen size had reverted to 55 inches, which was incorrect. Moreover, there were five models of 43-inch displays in the menu, and he didn’t know which one was correct.
Resetting via the technical menu should be a last resort, and frankly, I don’t see why anyone would need to perform such a reset. My advice is to avoid using the technical menu for a factory reset, as it could damage your TV.
Resetting the Samsung TV to Factory Settings
To reset your Samsung TV to factory settings, you need to navigate through the TV menu and activate the Factory Settings option. The procedure varies depending on the model and year of your TV. Below is a detailed guide for different Samsung TV models from various years.
Factory Reset Instructions for Samsung TVs:
| Year/Series | Models | Reset Path |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-2024 | Samsung R, T, A, B, С, D series | 1. Go to Menu. 2. Select Settings. 3. Choose All Settings. 4. Navigate to General and Privacy. 5. Select Reset. 6. Enter the security PIN (default is 0000). 7. Confirm by selecting Reset. 8. The TV will switch off and on again, displaying the initial setup menu. |
| 2012-2018 | Samsung E, F, H, J, K, M, N series | 1. Go to Menu. 2. Select Settings. 3. Navigate to Support. 4. Choose Self Diagnosis. 5. Select Reset. 6. Enter the security PIN (default is 0000). 7. Confirm by selecting Reset. 8. The TV will restart, displaying the initial setup window. |
| Network Reset | 1. Go to Settings. 2. Select General. 3. Navigate to Network. 4. Select Reset Network. | |
| 2009-2011 | Samsung B, C, D series | 1. Press and hold the EXIT button on the remote control for 20-30 seconds. 2. A message will appear prompting you to reset all settings. 3. Select OK to confirm. 4. The TV will switch off and reset the settings. |
| Before 2009 | Older Samsung TVs | 1. Open the Menu. 2. Select Installation. 3. Choose Plug and Play. 4. When the message “Starting Plug & Play” appears, press OK to confirm. |
Resetting the settings of individual modules in the Samsung TV OS
Samsung has simplified the TV setup process by introducing features that allow you to reset certain settings without affecting others. This greatly reduces setup time and allows you to reset only selected settings. For example, if you were adjusting audio settings and don’t remember what you changed, you can reset only the audio settings. The steps to reset various settings are described below:
| Function | Path |
|---|---|
| Reset Smart Hub | Menu → Settings → Support → Device maintenance → Self-diagnosis → Smart Hub Reset |
| Reset Image | Menu → Settings → All Settings → Image Expert Settings → Reset Image |
| Reset Audio | Menu → Settings → All Settings → Sound Expert Settings → Reset Sound |
If you want to perform a reset via the secret menu, you can learn how to access it from the article “Samsung TV Service Menu: How to Enter, Explanation of Features.” However, consider carefully whether you truly need to use this method, as it carries significant risks.
