How to Change Default Channel on Samsung TV: 5 Proven Methods to Stop TV Plus Autoplay & Set Startup Preferences (2026 Guide)

Quick Fix: Stop Samsung TV Plus in Under 2 Minutes

Frustrated that your Samsung TV keeps starting on TV Plus instead of your preferred channel or app? Here's the fastest solution for most Samsung TVs:

For 2024-2026 Models:

1. Press the Home button on your Samsung remote

2. Navigate to Settings > All Settings > Advanced Features

3. Select Start Screen Options

4. Turn OFF "Autorun Samsung TV Plus"

5. Turn ON "Autorun Last App"

6. Power off your TV while on your preferred channel/input

For 2019-2023 Models:

1. Press Home on your remote

2. Go to Settings > General > Smart Features (or General & Privacy > Start Screen Options for 2022-2023)

3. Toggle OFF "Autorun Samsung TV Plus"

4. Toggle ON "Autorun Last App"

5. Restart your TV to apply changes

⚠️ Important: Firmware updates can reset these preferences. Bookmark this guide and check your settings after any automatic update.

Which Method Should You Use?

Why Does My Samsung TV Keep Starting on TV Plus?

You press the power button expecting Netflix or your cable box, but instead Samsung TV Plus blasts some random cooking show. Sound familiar? You're not alone - this is one of the most common complaints in Samsung forums.

Here's the thing that frustrates most people: Samsung TVs don't have a simple "default channel" dropdown menu. Unlike older TVs where you could pick Channel 5 and call it a day, Samsung Smart TVs use a layered system of startup preferences that interact with each other.

Samsung TV Plus is Samsung's free ad-supported streaming service (known in the industry as a FAST service - Free Ad-Supported Television). Samsung pre-enables "Autorun Samsung TV Plus" on every Smart TV they've manufactured since 2017.

Why? Money. When you watch TV Plus, Samsung earns advertising revenue. Every second you spend on that platform before switching away represents potential ad impressions.

The startup behavior on your Samsung TV follows this hierarchy:

1. Autorun Samsung TV Plus (if enabled, overrides everything else)

2. Autorun Last App (launches whatever you were watching when you powered off)

3. Start with Smart Hub Home (shows the main home screen with app tiles)

When users run into trouble with their Samsung TV setup, it's usually because they've only changed one setting instead of configuring the entire hierarchy. For general problems beyond startup issues, our Samsung TV troubleshooting guide covers a wider range of fixes. Disabling TV Plus autoplay without enabling "Autorun Last App" can leave your TV starting on a blank screen or the Smart Hub.

The three most common startup complaints from Samsung owners:

• TV Plus channels playing automatically at maximum volume

• Shopping channels or random content appearing on startup

• Smart Hub home screen appearing instead of going directly to content

This guide covers five methods to fix these issues, ranging from a 30-second toggle to advanced service menu configuration. By the end, you'll have complete control over your TV's startup behavior - regardless of which Samsung model you own.

How to Identify Your Samsung TV Model Year & Find the Right Settings Path

Samsung reorganizes their menu structure almost every year. A path that works perfectly on a 2023 model might not exist on a 2020 TV, and 2024-2026 models moved critical settings to entirely new locations.

Finding Your Model Number:

The quickest way to identify your TV: Press Home > Settings > Support > About This TV. Your model number appears at the top.

Alternatively, check the sticker on the back of your TV near the ports.

Decoding Your Model Year:

Look for the year code letter in your model number. For QLED and OLED TVs, it's typically the 9th character. For LED/Crystal UHD models, it's usually the 5th character.

For example, QN65QN90CAFXZA contains "C" as the year code - making it a 2023 model. If you need help with this process, our Samsung TV model number lookup guide walks through decoding every character.

Settings Path by Model Year:

Special Notes:

• The Frame TVs have an additional layer with Art Mode settings that affect startup behavior

• Neo QLED and OLED models may show slightly different menu labels but follow the same general paths

• If your Samsung TV firmware update installed recently, your menu structure might have changed

Don't see the exact path listed? Samsung occasionally moves settings within minor firmware updates. Try searching for "Smart Features" or "Start Screen" using your TV's search function (accessible via the magnifying glass icon in Settings).

Method 1 – Configure Smart Features & Autorun Settings (Quick Fix)

This is the method that works for 90% of Samsung TV owners. You're essentially telling your TV what to do at startup through three interconnected toggles.

Step-by-Step for 2024-2026 Models

1. Press the Home button on your Samsung remote

2. Navigate to Settings (gear icon)

3. Select All Settings

4. Choose Advanced Features

5. Select Start Screen Options

6. Configure these toggles:

   • Start with Smart Hub Home: OFF (unless you prefer the home screen)

   • Autorun Last App: ON

   • Autorun Samsung TV Plus: OFF

Step-by-Step for 2022-2023 Models

1. Press Home on your remote

2. Go to Settings > All Settings

3. Select General & Privacy

4. Choose Start Screen Options

5. Configure the same toggles as above

Step-by-Step for 2019-2021 Models

1. Press Home

2. Navigate to Settings > General

3. Select Smart Features

4. You'll see similar toggle options - configure accordingly

Step-by-Step for 2017-2018 Models

1. Press Home or Menu

2. Go to Settings > General > System Manager

3. Select Smart Features

4. Adjust your autorun preferences

If you need help navigating these menus, our guide on how to use Samsung TV remote covers all the button combinations for different remote types.

Understanding Each Toggle:

For a deeper dive into what these options control, our Samsung TV smart features guide explains each capability in detail.

Start with Smart Hub Home – When enabled, your TV shows the main dashboard with all your apps. Disable this if you want to go directly to content.

Autorun Last App – Your TV remembers what you were watching and returns to it. This is the closest thing Samsung offers to a "default channel" setting.

Autorun Samsung TV Plus – The culprit behind most complaints. Turn this OFF to stop the automatic TV Plus launches.

Recommended Configurations:

App Compatibility Note:

After testing across multiple Samsung TV generations, here's what I found about Autorun Last App:

• Netflix: Works consistently on 2022 and newer models

• YouTube: Generally reliable across all supported models

• YouTube TV: Inconsistent on pre-2022 models

• Prime Video: Works on most models

• Disney+: Reliable on 2021 and newer

If you're having trouble with a specific app, you might want to close apps on Samsung TV completely before powering off, then reopen your preferred app.

What If This Method Doesn't Work?

If Samsung TV Plus still plays after configuring these settings, the app might be overriding your preferences. Proceed to Method 2 for a more permanent solution.

Method 2 – How to Disable Samsung TV Plus Completely

When toggles aren't enough, removing Samsung TV Plus entirely provides the most reliable solution. This method survives firmware updates better than simply changing settings.

Understanding Remove vs. Disable:

• Remove: Hides the app from your home screen but it can still run in the background

• Disable: Completely prevents the app from running at all

For best results, you'll want to Disable the app, not just Remove it.

Step-by-Step Removal Process:

1. Press the Home button to access the home screen

2. Navigate to the Samsung TV Plus app icon (don't open it)

3. Press and hold the Enter or OK button on your remote for 2-3 seconds

4. A context menu appears with options

5. Select Remove

6. When prompted, select Disable

7. You should see a "Deleted successfully" message

If the Samsung TV Plus autorun problem persists, try clearing the app data before removal. Our guide on how to clear cache on Samsung TV walks through this process.

Alternative: Delete TV Plus Channels Without Disabling the App

If you occasionally want access to TV Plus but don't want it autoplaying:

1. Open Samsung TV Plus

2. Press the Down arrow on your remote to access the channel list

3. Navigate to unwanted channels

4. Press and hold Enter to delete individual channels

This method removes the content without completely disabling the service.

How to Restore Samsung TV Plus Later:

Changed your mind? Here's how to bring it back:

1. Go to Settings > Connected Devices (or Apps on some models)

2. Find Samsung TV Plus in the list

3. Press the Down button on your remote

4. Select Add to Home

Some users actually enjoy TV Plus on other devices. If that describes you, check out our guide on Samsung TV Plus on Roku for alternative access.

Storage Benefits:

Disabling Samsung TV Plus can free up system resources. While the storage savings are minimal, the app does consume RAM when running in the background. If you're seeing Samsung TV insufficient storage errors, removing unused apps like TV Plus can help.

Method 3 – Configure Start Screen Options (2022-2026 Models)

Samsung introduced a dedicated "Start Screen Options" menu starting with 2022 models, giving users more granular control over startup behavior. This menu consolidates settings that were previously scattered across multiple locations.

Accessing Start Screen Options:

2024-2026 Models: Settings > All Settings > Advanced Features > Start Screen Options

2022-2023 Models: Settings > All Settings > General & Privacy > Start Screen Options

If you're performing Samsung TV first-time setup, you'll encounter some of these options during the initial configuration wizard.

Available Options Explained:

Start with Smart Hub Home – Controls whether your TV displays the main dashboard or goes directly to content. When disabled, your TV remembers and returns to the last source.

Autorun Last App – Launches whatever app or input was active when you powered off. Essential for users who want consistent startup behavior.

Autorun Multi View Mirroring – Automatically activates Multi View when you mirror your phone screen. If you use Samsung TV split screen features often, you might want this enabled.

Autorun Multi View Casting – Similar to above, but triggers when casting YouTube content from mobile.

Common Mistake Alert:

Many users disable "Start with Smart Hub Home" but forget to enable "Autorun Last App." The result? A confused TV that doesn't know where to go, sometimes displaying a blank screen or defaulting back to TV Plus.

The correct configuration for most users:

• Start with Smart Hub Home: OFF

• Autorun Last App: ON

• Autorun Samsung TV Plus: OFF

Why Can't I Find Start Screen Options?

If you don't see this menu:

1. Your TV might be a pre-2022 model - use Method 1 (Smart Features) instead

2. Your firmware might be outdated - check for updates in Settings > Support > Software Update

3. The menu exists under a different path - try searching "Start Screen" using your TV's search function

Alternative Startup Behaviors:

If you prefer your TV to display something calming instead of jumping into content, consider configuring the Samsung TV screensaver to appear after a brief idle period. The Frame TV owners often combine this with Art Mode for a more aesthetic startup experience.

Method 4 – How to Set Default HDMI Input on Samsung TV

If you want your Samsung TV to power on directly to your cable box, gaming console, Roku, or Apple TV, this method combines software settings with HDMI-CEC technology for reliable results.

The Two-Part Solution:

For consistent HDMI startup, you need both:

1. Autorun Last App configured correctly (software side)

2. Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) enabled and properly configured (hardware side)

Part A: Configure Autorun Settings

Follow the steps from Method 1 to enable "Autorun Last App" and disable "Autorun Samsung TV Plus." Before powering off, always switch your TV to the desired HDMI input.

Part B: Enable Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)

Anynet+ is Samsung's implementation of HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). It allows devices connected via HDMI to communicate and control each other.

Path to Anynet+ by Model Year:

Enable Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) by toggling it to ON.

How HDMI-CEC Helps:

When properly configured, Anynet+ allows your external device to "wake" your TV and automatically switch to its input. For example:

• Turn on your Apple TV → Samsung TV powers on and switches to that HDMI port

• Turn on your PlayStation → TV powers on and switches to the gaming input

Complete HDMI Default Configuration:

1. Connect your device (cable box, streaming stick, console) to an HDMI port

2. Switch TV to that HDMI input and verify the connection works

3. Enable Autorun Last App and disable Autorun Samsung TV Plus (Method 1)

4. Enable Anynet+ in External Device Manager

5. Configure your external device to stay in standby (not full power-off)

6. Always use the Power button to turn off your TV, not channel buttons

7. Power cycle the TV to test

Device-Specific Configuration:

Apple TV 4K: Settings > Remotes and Devices > Control TVs and Receivers > ON

Roku Ultra/Streaming Stick: Settings > System > Control other devices (CEC) > System audio control and 1-touch play ON

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max: Settings > Display & Sounds > HDMI CEC Device Control > ON

Cable Boxes: Most cable boxes support CEC by default, but you may need to check your provider's settings menu.

If you're having issues with a specific device, our guide on Firestick not working Samsung TV covers Fire TV troubleshooting in detail.

Troubleshooting HDMI Startup Issues:

Problem: TV shows "No Signal" on startup

This usually means your external device went into full power-off mode instead of standby. The solution:

• Configure your streaming device to use "fast start" or "HDMI standby" mode

• Some devices (particularly cable boxes) have separate settings for CEC standby

Problem: TV switches to wrong HDMI port

Multiple CEC-enabled devices can confuse your TV. Try:

• Disabling CEC on devices you don't frequently use

• Checking if another device woke up before your preferred one

If HDMI issues persist, you might need to reset HDMI ports Samsung TV to clear any stuck configurations.

Problem: Black screen with audio

This indicates an HDMI handshake issue. Solutions:

• Unplug and reconnect the HDMI cable

• Try a different HDMI port

• Check our Samsung TV no signal guide for detailed troubleshooting

Alternative: Input Device Manager

For users with multiple HDMI devices, Samsung's Input Device Manager lets you rename and organize inputs:

1. Go to Settings > Connected Devices (or Source menu)

2. Select an HDMI port

3. Choose Edit to rename (e.g., "Cable Box," "PlayStation")

This doesn't change default behavior but makes navigation easier.

If you prefer a wired connection for better stability, consider using Samsung TV ethernet connection instead of WiFi for your smart home setup.

When nothing else works and you're still experiencing Samsung TV input source problem issues, proceed to Method 5 for advanced configuration options.

Method 5 – Samsung TV Service Menu Power On Source (Advanced Users)

⚠️ WARNING: This method is intended for advanced users only. The service menu contains settings that can permanently damage your TV if changed incorrectly. Samsung support may not help recover a TV bricked by service menu modifications. Proceed at your own risk.

The service menu (sometimes called the "factory" or "hospitality" menu) provides access to settings not available through the regular interface - including Power On Source, which lets you specify exactly which input your TV starts on.

When to Use This Method:

• You've exhausted all other methods without success

• You're setting up a commercial or kiosk display

• You need a specific input (not just "last used") at startup

• You're comfortable with technical procedures and accept the risks

Accessing the Service Menu

Samsung uses different button combinations depending on your TV model and remote type.

Smart Remote Method (2022-2026 models):

With TV ON, press these buttons in sequence on your Smart Remote:

• Mute > 1 > 1 > 9 > Enter

This opens the Hospitality Menu.

Standard Remote Method:

With TV OFF, press:

• Mute > 1 > 8 > 2 > Power

Or try:

• Info > Menu > Mute > Power (with TV off)

For some models, you may need to purchase a standard Samsung remote with number buttons, as the Smart Remote doesn't include them. These are available for around $15-20.

If your TV has been configured with a Samsung hospitality TV unlock previously, you might see a password prompt. The default is often "0000" or "1111."

Navigating to Power On Source

Once in the service menu:

1. Navigate to Control (or Hotel Option)

2. Select Hospitality Mode

3. Find Power On Source

4. Set to your preferred input:

   • TV for antenna

   • HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, or HDMI 4 as needed

   • DVI if applicable

Important Limitations:

• Power On Source sets an input, not a specific channel number

• For antenna users wanting a specific channel, you'll need to tune to that channel and use Autorun Last App

• Some settings in this menu are designed for hotels and won't be useful for home users

Settings to AVOID Changing

While in the service menu, DO NOT modify:

• Type (TV model identification)

• Region (can brick your TV for your location)

• Shop Option (designed for retail display)

• EDID settings (affects HDMI handshake)

• T-CON settings (display panel calibration)

If you see options that are grayed out or marked Samsung TV function not available, this is intentional - those settings are locked for good reason.

Safe Exit Procedure

1. Press the Power button on your remote to turn off the TV

2. Wait 10 seconds

3. Turn the TV back on normally

Changes save automatically when you exit the service menu.

Recovery If Something Goes Wrong

If you've changed a setting and your TV behaves unexpectedly:

Soft Reset:

• Unplug the TV for 60 seconds

• Press and hold the power button on the TV itself for 10 seconds while unplugged

• Reconnect and power on

Factory Reset via Service Menu:

• Re-enter the service menu

• Navigate to Option > Factory Reset

• Confirm the reset

Factory Reset via Regular Menu:

If you can still access the normal menu, you can reset Samsung TV through:

• Settings > General > Reset

• Default PIN: 0000

A factory reset will erase all your settings and apps, requiring you to set up the TV from scratch. However, it will restore normal operation in most cases.

For detailed recovery procedures, our dedicated factory reset guide walks through model-specific steps.

Samsung TV Startup Settings by Model Year (2017-2026 Reference Guide)

Quick reference table for locating startup settings across all supported Samsung Smart TV generations.

Complete Settings Path Reference:

The Frame TV Specific Notes:

The Frame operates differently due to Art Mode. When powered "off," The Frame often enters Art Mode rather than true standby. To configure startup behavior:

1. Settings > General > Art Mode Settings

2. Configure whether Art Mode activates on power off

3. Smart Features settings apply when Art Mode is disabled

For accurate identification of your specific model, our Samsung TV model number lookup tool can help decode every character.

Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) Path Reference:

Feature Availability by Generation:

If you're configuring other aspects of your TV alongside startup settings, check out our guides on Samsung TV picture settings for optimizing image quality.

Troubleshooting – Why Samsung TV Settings Keep Resetting (And How to Fix It)

Nothing's more frustrating than carefully configuring your startup preferences only to have them vanish after a few days. Here's why this happens and how to fix it.

Issue #1: Store Demo Mode

Symptoms:

• Settings reset every 30 minutes

• Picture and sound keep changing automatically

• A banner or watermark appears on screen

• Some menu options are grayed out

The Problem: Your TV is in Store Demo (Retail) mode, designed for display in stores. This mode automatically resets settings to showcase features.

The Fix:

1. Go to Settings > General > System Manager

2. Select Usage Mode

3. Change from Store Demo to Home Mode

4. Enter PIN if prompted (default: 0000)

If you don't see Usage Mode:

1. Try Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset

2. During the setup wizard, select Home Use instead of Store Demo

Some TVs purchased from retailers (especially floor models) ship with Store Demo enabled. Always check this setting first if your TV behaves erratically.

Issue #2: Firmware Updates Reset Preferences

Symptoms:

• Settings change after TV updates overnight

• Samsung TV Plus returns despite being disabled

• Autorun Last App stops working

The Problem: Samsung firmware updates occasionally reset specific preferences to default values. This particularly affects TV Plus settings.

The Fix:

After any firmware update notification:

1. Immediately check Settings > Smart Features (or Start Screen Options)

2. Verify Autorun Samsung TV Plus is still OFF

3. Confirm Autorun Last App is still ON

4. If TV Plus was disabled (Method 2), re-disable it

Prevention:

Some users prefer to disable automatic updates and install them manually:

1. Settings > Support > Software Update

2. Turn OFF Auto Update

3. Periodically check for updates manually

Issue #3: TV Plus Returns After Being Disabled

Symptoms:

• Samsung TV Plus reappears on home screen

• App starts despite being "deleted"

The Fix:

1. Remove and Disable the app again (Method 2)

2. Clear app cache: Settings > Apps > Samsung TV Plus > Clear Cache

3. Power cycle your TV completely (unplug for 60 seconds)

Issue #4: HDMI Input Shows Black Screen on Startup

Symptoms:

• TV starts but shows black screen

• Samsung TV no signal message appears

• External device doesn't respond

The Problem: Your connected device (Apple TV, Roku, etc.) went into full power-off mode instead of standby, breaking the HDMI-CEC handshake.

The Fix:

Configure your streaming device to use "fast start" or "instant on" mode:

• Apple TV: Settings > Sleep and Wake > Sleep After Never (or use Sleep instead of Power Off)

• Roku: Settings > System > Power > Fast TV start ON

• Fire TV: Settings > Device Options > Sleep > Power ON behavior

Issue #5: Autorun Last App Doesn't Work with Certain Apps

Symptoms:

• TV starts on Smart Hub or TV Plus instead of your app

• Some apps work, others don't

The Problem: Not all streaming apps support Samsung's Autorun feature equally. This is an app-level compatibility issue, not a TV problem.

Known Compatibility:

Workaround: If your preferred app doesn't support Autorun Last App:

1. Completely disable Samsung TV Plus (Method 2)

2. Enable "Start with Smart Hub Home"

3. Pin your preferred app to the first position on the home screen

4. Your TV will start on the home screen with your app highlighted - one click to launch

For ongoing Samsung TV streaming issues, app updates from Samsung's app store sometimes resolve compatibility problems. If you're also experiencing Samsung TV buffering during playback, that's a separate network-related issue covered in our streaming performance guide.

Issue #6: Menu Paths Don't Match This Guide

The Problem: Samsung changes menu organization between firmware versions, and regional variants may differ.

Solutions:

1. Use your TV's search function: Press the magnifying glass in Settings and search for "Smart Features" or "Start Screen"

2. Check your TV's firmware version: Settings > Support > About This TV

3. Try alternative path variations listed in Section 8

If your TV feels sluggish navigating menus, check our guide on why Samsung TV so slow for performance optimization tips.

Quick Troubleshooting Reference

If your Samsung TV keeps rebooting or Samsung TV turns on by itself, these are separate issues that may require hardware diagnosis.

For frozen screens during any of these procedures, our guide on Samsung TV frozen provides recovery steps.

FAQ – Samsung TV Default Channel Questions Answered

Can I set a specific channel number as my Samsung TV default?

Samsung TVs don't have a direct "default channel" setting that lets you choose a specific channel number like Channel 5 or Channel 12. The closest option is Autorun Last App, which returns your TV to whatever channel, app, or input was active when you powered off.

For antenna users wanting to start on a specific channel, tune to that channel before turning off your TV and ensure Autorun Last App is enabled in Smart Features. When you use an antenna, you might find our Samsung TV antenna setup guide helpful for optimal channel reception.

Will these settings survive a factory reset?

No, a factory reset erases all custom settings including your startup preferences. You'll need to reconfigure Autorun Last App, disable Samsung TV Plus, and set your preferred input again after any factory reset.

Consider documenting your preferred settings before performing a reset. Take photos of your current toggle configurations for easy reference.

Is the Samsung TV service menu safe to use?

The service menu is designed for certified technicians and can cause permanent damage if settings are changed incorrectly. For most home users, Methods 1-4 provide sufficient control without the risks.

If you choose to use the service menu, only change the specific settings mentioned in this guide (Power On Source in Hospitality Mode), don't touch anything else, and understand that Samsung support may not help recover a bricked TV from service menu changes.

Does Autorun Last App work with Netflix and YouTube TV?

Netflix works consistently with Autorun Last App on Samsung TVs from 2022 and newer. The app's integration with Tizen OS is well-optimized.

YouTube TV has known compatibility issues on older Samsung models where the TV may default to Samsung TV Plus instead. If your preferred streaming app doesn't support Autorun Last App reliably, try Method 2 (disabling Samsung TV Plus entirely) as a workaround, which forces the TV to find an alternative startup behavior.

Why did Samsung make TV Plus the default?

Samsung pre-configures TV Plus as the default because it's their free ad-supported streaming service (FAST), and displaying it to users generates advertising revenue. It's a business decision similar to how phone manufacturers pre-install apps.

While this can feel intrusive, the revenue model helps Samsung offer competitive TV pricing. The good news: you can disable it completely using the methods in this guide.

How do I get my Samsung TV to start on my cable box?

To start on your cable box:

1. Connect cable box to an HDMI port

2. Enable Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC): Settings > General > External Device Manager

3. Enable Autorun Last App and disable Autorun Samsung TV Plus

4. Configure your cable box to stay in standby (not full power-off)

5. Always leave TV on the cable box HDMI input before powering off

6. You may need to pair Samsung TV remote with your cable box for seamless control

Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Samsung TV Startup Experience

After walking through five methods, you now have every tool available to stop Samsung TV Plus from hijacking your startup and configure your TV exactly how you want it.

Quick Method Summary:

My recommendation for most users: Start with Method 1 (configure Smart Features toggles), then apply Method 2 (disable Samsung TV Plus completely) for the most reliable experience. These two methods combined handle 95% of startup issues without any risk.

For HDMI users, adding Method 4 (Anynet+ configuration) ensures your connected devices communicate properly with your TV.

Remember that firmware updates can reset your preferences. Bookmark this guide and check your settings periodically - especially after seeing any update notifications.

Samsung TVs offer exceptional picture quality and features, but the aggressive TV Plus promotion frustrates many owners. Now you have the knowledge to configure your TV your way.

While you're optimizing your TV experience, you might also want to explore our guides on Samsung TV sound settings for audio configuration and picture calibration for the best viewing experience.