To factory reset a smart TV, open Settings, find Reset (often under General, System or Support), choose Reset or Factory Data Reset, enter your PIN if asked, and confirm. A factory reset erases your apps, accounts, WiFi and picture settings, so try a restart first: unplug the TV for 60 seconds, then plug it back in. Menu names differ by brand and year, so use the paths below as a guide and check your TV’s manual for your exact model.
PCBy the Pixl Canada install team. Updated . 6 min read.
- Restart vs factory reset
- Menu paths for five brands
- What gets erased and what to save first
- Fixes if the TV is still stuck
- Try a restart before a factory reset. It fixes many freezes and keeps your settings.
- A factory reset removes apps, logins, WiFi and settings.
- Menu names vary by brand and year, so use your manual for the exact path.
- Sell or give away a TV only after resetting it and signing out of accounts.
Should you restart the TV or factory reset it?
| Option | What it does | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Restart (power cycle) | Unplug for 60 seconds, then plug back in. Keeps everything | Freezing, slow apps, no sound, WiFi hiccups |
| Soft reset of settings | Resets picture or sound only | Colours or audio look wrong |
| Factory reset | Erases everything and returns the TV to first-time setup | Selling the TV, a persistent fault, or an unknown account is signed in |
Where is the reset setting on each TV brand?
| Brand | Usual path |
|---|---|
| Samsung | Settings, then General (or General and Privacy), then Reset. It may ask for a PIN, which is 0000 unless you changed it |
| LG | Settings, then All Settings, then General, then Reset to Initial Settings |
| Sony (Google TV) | Settings, then System, then About, then Factory data reset |
| Roku TV | Settings, then System, then Advanced system settings, then Factory reset |
| Fire TV | Settings, then My Fire TV, then Reset to Factory Defaults |
If your TV has a different layout, search the Settings menu for “Reset”, or check the manual. Some TVs also have a small reset button on the body for when the screen will not respond.
What does a factory reset erase?
| Item | After reset | Before you reset |
|---|---|---|
| Apps and logins | Removed | Note which apps you use and have your passwords ready |
| WiFi connection | Removed | Have the WiFi password. See how to connect a TV to WiFi |
| Picture and sound settings | Back to defaults | Write down any custom settings you like |
| Channel list | Removed | You will need to scan channels again |
| Connected devices | Still connected by cable | Check HDMI inputs and ARC afterwards |
What if the TV is still stuck after a reset?
If the TV still shows no picture, restarts in a loop or has a black screen with sound, the cause may be a failing panel or board and not a software problem. Check the HDMI input and cables first. If the TV works but the wall bracket is the issue, Pixl can remount it. See TV mounting service and setting up a Fire TV Stick or Roku.
Factory resetting a smart TV: frequently asked questions
How do I factory reset my TV?
Open Settings, find Reset under General, System or Support, choose Factory Reset, enter a PIN if asked, and confirm.
Will a factory reset delete my apps?
Yes. Apps, logins, WiFi and settings are erased, and the TV returns to first-time setup.
What is the default PIN?
On many Samsung TVs it is 0000 unless you changed it. Check your manual for other brands.
How do I reset a TV without the remote?
Use the TV’s own buttons or a phone remote app, and check the manual for a reset button on the TV.
Should I reset a TV before selling it?
Yes. Sign out of accounts, then factory reset so your data is removed.
Can Pixl remount a TV after I reset it?
Yes. Text a photo of your wall to (587) 899-7495. No deposit, and you pay after the job.
Need the TV mounted or moved?
TV mounting labour from $79.99 in Calgary and Edmonton, before tax. No deposit, and you pay after the job.
Set up a Fire TV Stick or Roku
TV wall mounting in Canada
What is HDMI ARC?
How to reset a router
Find and share your WiFi password
Slow or disconnecting WiFi
Sources and method. General guidance from TV manufacturers’ support pages. Menu names change between models and software versions, so confirm in your TV’s manual. Pixl prices were checked in October 2026, in Canadian dollars, before tax.
About Pixl Canada. Pixl Canada is an installation company based in Edmonton, Alberta, serving cities across Canada with TV mounting, security cameras, appliance installation and smart home setup. Call or text (587) 899-7495. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm.