How to Reset Samsung TV Without Remote – Full Guide (2025)

Naveen Thakur
28 May, 2025

If you've lost your Samsung TV remote or it's simply not working, you might wonder how to reset your TV without it. Whether you’re facing display glitches, Wi-Fi issues, or app malfunctions, a reset can solve many of these problems. But how do you do it without a remote?

Reset Samsung TV without remote using buttons or apps
Samsung TV reset guide without using remote control


This comprehensive guide walks you through multiple methods to reset your Samsung TV without a remote, including soft resets, hard factory resets, and app-based solutions. You'll also learn model-specific instructions that work for both older and newer Smart TVs.

Why Would You Need to Reset Your Samsung TV?

Resetting your Samsung TV can resolve a variety of common problems, such as:

  • Apps not opening or crashing

  • Network or Wi-Fi connection issues

  • Frozen screen or unresponsive TV

  • Picture or sound issues

  • Software glitches after firmware updates

  • Selling or gifting the TV and needing a full factory reset

When you don’t have access to the remote, things get a bit trickier—but not impossible.

Types of Samsung TV Resets

Before diving into the step-by-step methods, understand the two types of resets:

1. Soft Reset (Power Cycle)

This method simply restarts your TV without erasing any settings or data.

2. Factory Reset (Hard Reset)

This wipes all your data, preferences, network info, and app installations. It reverts the TV to original factory settings.

Method 1: Soft Reset Samsung TV Without Remote

A soft reset is the first thing to try before proceeding to a factory reset.

Steps to Perform a Soft Reset:

  1. Turn off the TV using the power button located on the TV’s body.

  2. Unplug the TV from the wall outlet.

  3. Wait for at least 60 seconds.

  4. Press and hold the power button on the TV (not the remote) for 30 seconds.

  5. Plug it back in and turn on the TV.

✅ This method resolves temporary software issues or unresponsive TV behavior.

Method 2: Use Samsung SmartThings App to Control TV

If you don’t have a physical remote, Samsung’s SmartThings app can turn your smartphone into a virtual remote.

Prerequisites:

  • Your TV and smartphone must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

  • SmartThings app installed on your Android or iPhone.

Steps:

  1. Download and install Samsung SmartThings from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

  2. Open the app and sign in with your Samsung account.

  3. Tap the “+” icon to add a device.

  4. Select TV > Samsung > Start > Select Model.

  5. Connect the app to the TV using on-screen prompts (TV must be turned on).

  6. Once paired, tap the remote icon inside the app.

  7. Use the virtual remote to navigate to Settings > General > Reset.

Method 3: Reset Samsung TV Using Physical Buttons

Most Samsung TVs come with physical control buttons—usually at the back, under the front panel, or on the side.

Look for These Buttons:

  • Power

  • Volume Up/Down

  • Channel Up/Down

  • Menu/Source (sometimes labeled as "Control Stick")

How to Navigate Menu Without Remote:

Samsung TVs usually allow navigation via a "joystick-style" button or a touch-sensitive panel.

Steps to Factory Reset:

  1. Turn on the TV using the power button.

  2. Press the Menu button or joystick to access the Main Menu.

  3. Use the volume and channel buttons to navigate to Settings.

  4. Go to General > Reset or Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset.

  5. Enter the default PIN: 0000.

  6. Confirm and wait for the TV to reset.

⚠️ Not all older models support full menu navigation using buttons. If yours doesn’t, use the SmartThings app or USB keyboard method below.

Method 4: Use a USB Keyboard or Mouse

If your TV has USB ports, you can plug in a USB keyboard or mouse to navigate through the settings.

Steps:

  1. Plug the USB device into any working port on the TV.

  2. Use arrow keys or mouse to navigate:

    • Settings > General > Reset

    • Enter default PIN: 0000

    • Confirm reset

✅ This method is especially useful for newer Samsung Smart TVs with built-in USB support.

Method 5: Use a Universal Remote or Replacement Remote

If you cannot use SmartThings or TV buttons, consider using a universal remote.

Steps:

  1. Buy a compatible universal remote (Samsung-branded or third-party).

  2. Program it using the code for Samsung TVs (usually provided with the remote).

  3. Navigate to:

    • Settings > General > Reset

    • Enter PIN and confirm

🛒 You can also order a Samsung replacement remote from online marketplaces or Samsung’s website.

Method 6: Reset Older Samsung TVs Without Menu Navigation

Some older Samsung TVs (pre-Smart models) may not allow resets via button menus or apps.

Try This Trick (Hidden Reset Method):

  1. Turn off the TV.

  2. On the TV panel buttons, press and hold:

    • Volume Down + Menu + Power

  3. Wait for the reset screen to appear.

  4. Follow on-screen instructions using panel buttons.

If this doesn’t work, proceed to service menu reset (not recommended for casual users).

Method 7: Reset via Samsung Service Menu (Advanced Users)

⚠️ Warning: Accessing the service menu can void warranty or brick your TV. Use with caution.

Steps:

  1. Use a universal remote with number pad.

  2. Turn off TV (standby mode).

  3. Press this sequence quickly:

    • Mute > 1 > 8 > 2 > Power

  4. Service menu will appear.

  5. Navigate to Factory Reset.

  6. Restart the TV.

⚠️ Use only if you understand the risks. Missteps can cause permanent damage.

What Happens After Factory Reset?

  • All apps will be uninstalled.

  • All saved networks and logins will be erased.

  • Picture/sound settings revert to default.

  • You will need to re-pair any Bluetooth devices.

  • The TV will act like it’s brand new out of the box.

Troubleshooting Tips

IssueSolution
Buttons on TV not workingTry USB keyboard or SmartThings app
TV not detected in SmartThingsEnsure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi
Forgot the PIN codeReset using default PIN: 0000 or contact Samsung support
Universal remote not pairingTry different remote codes or reset the remote
No response after resetUnplug and wait 5 minutes, then plug back in

FAQs

Q1: What is the default Samsung TV PIN?

A: It’s 0000 unless you’ve changed it.

Q2: Can I reset my Samsung TV if it won’t turn on?

A: If the TV is completely unresponsive, a factory reset isn’t possible without service help. Try unplugging for 5 minutes and pressing the power button.

Q3: Will a reset delete all apps?

A: Yes. A factory reset will remove all installed apps, saved data, and settings.

Q4: Does resetting fix Wi-Fi issues?

A: In most cases, yes. A reset can resolve persistent Wi-Fi or network problems.

Conclusion

Resetting your Samsung TV without a remote is completely doable, whether you’re using physical buttons, the SmartThings app, a universal remote, or a USB keyboard. Start with a soft reset to fix minor glitches. If needed, proceed to a factory reset using any of the methods above.

Whether you’re troubleshooting errors or preparing to sell your TV, this full guide ensures you're never stuck—even without the remote.

Want more Samsung tips?
Visit Ask Anything – Your Ultimate Guide to Samsung Mobiles for more how-to articles, mobile updates, and smart TV tricks.


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