LG Smart TV Reset: What to Expect & When to Use It

Resetting an LG Smart TV restores its software to a clean state, which can fix freezing, app errors, and network glitches, but it also erases your settings, installed apps, and signed-in accounts. You should use a reset only after simpler fixes like restarting the TV or checking your internet connection have failed. This article explains the two types of resets, what each one does, and when to choose them.

Why Resetting an LG TV Is Different from a Restart

Many people confuse a restart with a reset. A restart (also called a power cycle) simply turns the TV off and on, clearing temporary memory without affecting your settings. You do this by holding the power button on the remote until the TV shuts off, waiting 30 seconds, then turning it back on. A reset, on the other hand, wipes user data or restores factory defaults. LG TVs have two reset levels: a soft reset (clears cache and resets settings) and a full factory reset (returns the TV to its original out-of-the-box state). Knowing the difference prevents you from losing more than you intended.

What a Full Factory Reset Does to Your LG TV

A full factory reset erases everything you have changed or added since you bought the TV. Here is what you should expect:

All settings revert to defaults – picture mode, sound settings, network configuration, and accessibility options go back to factory values.
Installed apps are removed – any apps you downloaded from the LG Content Store (Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, etc.) are deleted. The pre-installed apps that came with the TV will return.
Signed-in accounts are logged out – you will need to enter your LG account, streaming service credentials, and any other logins again.
Channel list is cleared – if you use a TV antenna or cable without a set-top box, the scanned channels are erased and you must rescan.
Network settings are forgotten – the TV forgets your Wi-Fi password and any wired connection details, so you must reconnect.
Software updates are kept – the TV does not downgrade to an older operating system version. It stays on the current webOS version, but the update history is cleared.

After the reset, the TV will show the initial setup screen (language, country, network, and terms) just like when you first turned it on.

When to Use a Factory Reset vs. a Soft Reset

Not every problem requires a full wipe. Use the table below as a guide:

Soft reset (settings reset) – use when the TV is generally working but you have changed settings that caused issues, such as wrong picture mode, audio sync problems, or a misconfigured network. It clears settings and sometimes cache, but keeps your apps and accounts.
Full factory reset – use when the TV is stuck on a logo screen, has persistent app crashes, freezes frequently, or you are selling or giving away the TV. It is also the last resort after trying a restart, checking cables, and updating the software.

If you are experiencing issues with a single app, try clearing that app’s cache first (Settings > Apps > select app > Clear cache) before resetting the whole TV.

How to Perform a Factory Reset on an LG Smart TV

The exact menu names vary slightly by model and webOS version, but the general path is the same. Here are the steps for most LG TVs from 2018 and newer:

Press the Settings button on your remote (gear icon).
Scroll to All Settings (or the three-dot menu) at the bottom right.
Select General.
Scroll down to Reset to Initial Settings (or “Reset” on some models).
Enter your TV PIN if prompted (the default is usually 0000).
Confirm that you want to reset. The TV will turn off and restart, then show the setup wizard.

On older LG TVs (pre-2018), the path may be: Settings > Options > Reset. If you cannot access the menu because the TV is frozen, you can try the physical button reset: with the TV on, press and hold the power button on the TV (not the remote) for about 10 seconds until the TV turns off and back on. This is a forced restart, not a factory reset, but it can revive a frozen TV.

What to Do Before You Reset

Because a reset erases your personal data, take these steps first:

Write down your Wi-Fi password – you will need it to reconnect.
Note your picture and sound settings – if you had custom calibration, take photos or write them down.
Check if you have an LG account – you will need the email and password to sign back in.
Remove the TV from your streaming apps’ device lists – some services limit the number of active devices, so removing the TV before reset can avoid issues.
Unplug any USB drives – the reset won’t affect them, but it’s good practice.

If you are selling or returning the TV, also sign out of your accounts before resetting (if possible), then do a factory reset to wipe your data.

Common Problems After a Reset and How to Solve Them

After a reset, you may encounter a few issues. Here are the most common ones and their fixes:

TV is stuck on the setup screen – try restarting the TV and make sure your remote is paired. You can also use the buttons on the TV itself.
Apps missing – go to the LG Content Store and reinstall the apps you need. Some apps may require you to sign in again.
Wi-Fi won’t connect – forget the network and re-enter the password. If that fails, restart your router and try again.
Picture looks different – the reset restored default picture settings. Adjust them again or use the preset modes (Vivid, Standard, Cinema).
TV is slower than before – the TV needs to re-index apps and update in the background. Give it an hour or two, and make sure it has a stable internet connection.

If problems persist after a factory reset, the issue may be hardware-related (e.g., failing power supply, main board) and you should contact LG support or a qualified technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a reset remove the TV’s software updates?

No. A factory reset does not downgrade the operating system. The TV will keep the current webOS version and any firmware updates that are already installed. It only clears user data and settings.

Does resetting my LG TV delete my apps?

Yes, a full factory reset removes all apps you installed from the LG Content Store. The pre-installed apps that came with the TV will return. You will need to reinstall any additional apps and sign in again.

How long does a factory reset take?

Most LG TVs complete a factory reset in 1 to 3 minutes. The TV will turn off and on once or twice during the process. If it takes longer than 10 minutes, try unplugging the TV for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in.

Will a reset fix a frozen or unresponsive LG TV?

Often, yes. A full factory reset can resolve software glitches that cause freezing, app crashes, or a stuck logo screen. However, if the TV is completely unresponsive and you cannot access the menu, try a forced restart first by holding the power button on the TV for 10 seconds. If that doesn’t work, you may need to perform a reset using the physical buttons (if available) or contact support.

Do I need a PIN to reset my LG TV?

Yes, most LG TVs ask for a PIN before resetting. The default PIN is usually 0000. If you changed it and forgot it, you may need to contact LG support for a master reset code, as there is no universal bypass.

Can I reset my LG TV without the remote?

Yes, if your TV has a physical joystick or buttons. On many models, you can press the power button on the TV to bring up the menu, then navigate to Settings > General > Reset. The exact steps vary by model, so check your manual. Alternatively, you can use the LG ThinQ app as a remote if your phone is connected.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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