Restart vs. Factory Reset: What Is the Difference?
These two options are very different, and it is important to know which one you need before you start.
- Restart (also called Soft Reset or Power Cycle): turns the TV off and back on, clearing temporary memory and fixing minor glitches. Your apps, settings, and login information are all preserved. This is always the first thing to try.
- Factory Reset (also called Hard Reset): erases everything and returns the TV to the state it was in when it left the factory. All your apps, accounts, Wi-Fi passwords, and settings are deleted. Use this only when a restart does not fix the problem or when you are selling or giving away the TV.
Tip: Always try a restart first. A factory reset should be a last resort because it requires you to set up the TV from scratch.
How to Restart a Smart TV
The simplest restart method works on any smart TV brand.
- 1Turn off the TV using the remote or the power button.
- 2Unplug the TV's power cord from the wall outlet.
- 3Wait 60 seconds — this is important. A quick unplug-and-replug does not fully clear the TV's memory.
- 4Plug the TV back in.
- 5Turn it on and test whether the problem is resolved.
Tip: Many smart TVs also have a restart option in their settings menu. This is faster than unplugging but accomplishes the same thing.
How to Factory Reset a Samsung Smart TV
Samsung TVs use a menu called Support or General for the reset option.
- 1Press the Home button on your remote.
- 2Go to Settings (the gear icon).
- 3Select General (or General & Privacy on newer models).
- 4Scroll down and select Reset.
- 5Enter your PIN if prompted (the default is 0000).
- 6Select Reset and confirm.
- 7The TV will restart and begin the initial setup process.
How to Factory Reset an LG Smart TV
LG TVs use the webOS operating system and have a straightforward reset option.
- 1Press the Settings button on your remote (the gear icon).
- 2Go to All Settings → General.
- 3Scroll down and select Reset to Initial Settings.
- 4Confirm when prompted.
- 5The TV will restart and show the initial setup screen.
How to Factory Reset a Sony Smart TV
Sony TVs running Android TV or Google TV have a reset option in the Device Preferences menu.
- 1Press the Home button on your remote.
- 2Go to Settings.
- 3Select Device Preferences (or About on some models).
- 4Select Reset → Factory data reset.
- 5Confirm and wait for the TV to restart.
How to Factory Reset a Vizio Smart TV
Vizio TVs have a reset option in the System menu.
- 1Press the Menu button on your remote.
- 2Go to System → Reset & Admin.
- 3Select Reset TV to Factory Defaults.
- 4Enter your parental control PIN if prompted (the default is 0000).
- 5Select Reset and confirm.
What to Do After a Factory Reset
After a factory reset, your TV will walk you through the initial setup process. Here is what to have ready.
- Your Wi-Fi network name and password.
- Your streaming service login credentials (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.).
- Your TV provider or cable box information if applicable.
- Any parental control PINs you want to set up.
Tip: Write down your streaming service passwords before doing a factory reset so you have them ready when you set up the TV again.