How To Factory Reset An LG Smart TV: Complete Guide

Whether you’re troubleshooting persistent glitches, preparing the TV for a new owner, or simply want a fresh start, a factory reset can solve many issues. In this article, I show you how to reset your LG Smart TV safely and efficiently.

Why Perform a Factory Reset?

A factory reset restores the TV to its original software configuration. This action:

After the reset, you’ll have a clean slate, ready to reinstall your favorite streaming apps and customize picture settings again.

Quick Tutorial Where You Will Learn the Basics

Below is a step‑by‑step tutorial on how to fully reset an LG Smart TV. The process is similar across most recent webOS models, but a few variations may exist depending on the year and series.

  1. Gather Your Remote Control – You’ll need the original remote or a compatible universal remote that can access the TV’s menu.
  2. Turn On the TV – Press the power button and wait for the home screen to appear.
  3. Open the Settings Menu – Press the Gear icon on the remote, or navigate to All Settings from the home screen.
  4. Select “General” – In the left‑hand column, scroll down and choose General.
  5. Find “Reset to Initial Settings” – This option may be labeled Reset to Factory Settings or Reset depending on your model.
  6. Enter Your PIN – If you have set a security PIN, enter it now. If you never set one, the default is usually 0000 or 1234.
  7. Confirm the Reset – A warning message will appear. Choose Yes to start the reset process.
  8. Wait for the TV to Reboot – The TV will power off, erase all data, and restart. This may take a few minutes.
  9. Setup as New – Once the TV powers back on, you’ll see the initial setup wizard. Follow the on‑screen prompts to connect Wi‑Fi, sign in to your LG account, and reinstall apps.

That’s it! Your LG Smart TV is now back to its factory condition.

Alternative Methods for Older Models