When a television begins freezing, lagging, responding slowly, or behaving unpredictably, many people assume the issue is caused by a failing internal board. While that can certainly happen, a significant number of performance problems come from software conflicts rather than hardware failure. Before replacing any parts, it is important to understand the difference between a hard reset and a factory reset, because each one solves a different category of TV issues. At TVpartsToday, we encourage DIY troubleshooters to start with these resets first, as they can resolve many symptoms without opening the TV or replacing a board.
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 a Hard Reset Does for Your TV
A hard reset, sometimes called a power reset, refreshes your television without erasing any personal settings. This means your apps, passwords, accounts, Wi Fi connections, and picture preferences remain intact. The purpose of a hard reset is to clear the temporary software memory that accumulates during normal use. When this memory becomes overloaded or corrupted, the TV may begin lagging, stuttering, or becoming unresponsive to the remote.
A hard reset is especially effective when the television is slow to update images, struggles to switch between apps, fails to respond to inputs, or locks up due to temporary glitches. Performing one is straightforward. Unplug the TV and leave it disconnected for a full minute, then press and hold the power button on the TV itself for approximately thirty seconds. This drains residual charge and forces the TV’s internal software to restart cleanly once it is plugged back in.
TVpartsToday Tip: Always attempt a hard reset before opening your TV. Many common symptoms disappear once the internal software is restarted properly.
When a Factory Reset Becomes Necessary
A factory reset takes a more drastic approach. Instead of refreshing temporary memory, it removes all stored data and returns the TV to its original state from when it was first purchased. This includes the removal of all downloaded apps, saved passwords, Wi Fi settings, user accounts, and customized picture or audio preferences.
A factory reset should be used only when deeper software problems continue after a hard reset. Issues such as persistent app crashes, major freezing, corrupted settings, or ongoing system glitches often require a full system restore. It is also the correct action when selling or giving away a TV, since it removes all personal information from the device.
Performing a factory reset varies by brand, but it is normally located in the settings menu under system or general settings. Once selected, the TV will guide you through confirmation steps before wiping the system entirely.
When to Choose Each Reset Method
Understanding the difference helps you select the right solution immediately. A hard reset is ideal for performance lag, freezing, sluggish menus, or temporary bugs. A factory reset is appropriate for severe software malfunctions, recurring errors that return after multiple restarts, or situations where the TV needs a complete refresh. Because the factory reset erases everything, it is considered a more advanced step that should only be used when simpler resets fail.
When a Reset Is Not Enough
If your television continues to malfunction after performing both types of resets, the issue is likely hardware related. Problems such as non-functioning HDMI ports, distorted video, missing backlights, or recurring startup failures typically point to components like the main board, power supply board, T Con board, or LED driver. In these cases, identifying the correct part number becomes essential. Part numbers appear on the barcode label and determine exact compatibility, while the board number printed directly on the circuit board does not.
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) as some examples.
Hard resets and factory resets are powerful tools for resolving many TV performance issues without opening the television or replacing any components. By understanding what each reset does and when to use them, you can eliminate software problems quickly and determine whether a deeper hardware issue is present. When resets are not enough, TVpartsToday is ready to help you identify the correct replacement boards and guide you through the next steps of repair.
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.