At TVpartsToday, we know firsthand how frustrating it can be when your TV starts misbehaving — whether it’s freezing, lagging, or just acting plain weird. Before you jump into board replacements or panic over a blank screen, understanding the difference between a factory reset and a hard reset can help you solve many issues without having to pick up a screwdriver. 🧠
Would you rather watch a video instead? Check out our helpful YouTube video on Terminology 101, where we briefly cover this topic, as well as several others:
🔄 What Is a Hard Reset (a.k.a. Power Reset)?
A hard reset is a quick and easy way to clear up temporary software glitches without touching any of your personal settings or apps.
📌 Purpose:
It simply restarts your TV's internal software, often resolving issues like lag, freezing, or unresponsive inputs.
🔍 When to Use:
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TV is lagging or stuttering
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Picture is slow to update
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TV won’t respond to the remote
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You suspect a memory glitch or a minor bug
⚙️ How to Perform:
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Unplug the TV from the wall and wait 60 seconds (yes, a full minute!) 🕒
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While unplugged, press and hold the power button on the TV itself for 30 seconds (not the remote).
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Plug it back in and power it on.
💡 TVpartsToday Tip:
Try a hard reset before considering part replacements. Many times, the issue is software-related and doesn’t require new hardware.
🏭 What Is a Factory Reset?
A factory reset is the nuclear option – it wipes your TV clean, removing all your apps, passwords, Wi-Fi settings, and downloaded content.
📌 Purpose:
Restores your TV to the exact state it was in when it came out of the box.
🔍 When to Use:
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Severe issues that persist after a hard reset
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You're selling or giving away the TV
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You want to start over from scratch due to persistent bugs or software errors
⚙️ How to Perform:
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Navigate to your TV’s Settings menu
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Look for System > Reset > Factory Reset (varies by brand)
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Confirm and follow on-screen instructions
⚠️ Warning:
This will erase everything — including your account info, apps, saved Wi-Fi networks, and preferences. Make sure you back up what you need!
🧾 Factory Reset vs. Hard Reset: At a Glance
|
Feature |
Hard Reset (Power Reset) |
Factory Reset |
|
Erases Data |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
|
Fixes Minor Bugs |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
|
Restores Defaults |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
|
Complexity |
Low (just unplug and hold) |
Moderate (through settings menu) |
|
Use Case |
Minor performance issues |
Major glitches or full reconfig |
🛠️ Still Not Working?
If you’ve tried both resets and your TV is still having issues — HDMI not working, distorted video, lagging video, etc. — it may be time to replace a circuit board. That's where we come in!
💡 TVpartsToday Tip:
Before replacing anything, grab your part number, not your board number. It’s usually on a barcode sticker and starts with a prefix like BN94 (Samsung), EBT (LG), or 756T (Vizio).
Whether it’s a simple software hiccup or a hardware issue, we’ve got your back with the tools, tips, and parts you need to fix your TV with confidence. 🧰
💬 Need Help?
If you’re still unsure about the issue or need to replace a part, reach out to TVpartsToday. We can help you identify the exact cause of the problem and provide the right replacement part!
Would you rather watch a video? Check out our helpful Troubleshooting 101 playlist over on YouTube!
Would you rather chat with a seasoned repair expert? Head on over to our TVRepairHelp subReddit!
📦 Need help finding the right board or part?
📞 Call us at 930-212-1975 or browse our inventory online.
🛠️ DIY-friendly parts, fast shipping, and expert support – only at TVpartsToday.