Whether your LG TV is freezing mid-stream, running slower than it did two years ago, or you're preparing to sell it, a factory reset puts everything back to square one. The problem? LG's reset menus have shifted across a decade of webOS updates, and the steps that work on a 2024 model won't match a 2019 set.
This guide covers every webOS version from 4.5 through the brand-new webOS 26 shipping on LG's 2026 OLED evo G6 and C6 lineup. You'll also find methods for resetting without a remote, recovering a forgotten password, and fixing the most common post-reset headaches - all tested and verified across multiple LG TV models.
Quick Answer: How to Factory Reset Any LG TV
Time required: 2–5 minutes for the reset itself, plus 10–15 minutes for initial setup afterward. Difficulty: Easy.
Here's the standard process for LG TVs running webOS 6.0 through webOS 26 (any model manufactured from 2021 onward, including the 2026 G6, C6, B6, and QNED series):
Press the Settings (gear icon) button on your remote.
Select All Settings, then navigate to General.
Open System, then choose Reset to Initial Settings.
Select Reset All (wipes everything) or Reset All Except Network Settings (preserves your Wi-Fi configuration).
Enter your PIN when prompted - the default is 0000 - and confirm.
Your TV will restart and launch the initial setup wizard within a couple of minutes.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: A factory reset erases ALL data - installed apps, streaming account logins, Wi-Fi passwords, and custom picture/sound settings. Before you commit, consider whether a simpler fix might solve your problem. You can how to restart lg tv first to see if a basic reboot clears things up, or jump to the section that matches your situation using the links above. If you don't have your remote handy, head to the section on how to reset lg tv without one.
Older webOS versions use slightly different menu paths. Section 7 below breaks down every version in detail.
When Do You Need to Factory Reset Your LG TV?
A factory reset is the nuclear option. It works, but it wipes your slate clean. Before you go there, try working through these options in order - you might save yourself 15 minutes of re-downloading apps and re-entering passwords.
Try this first:
Soft reset / reboot - Fixes frozen screens, temporary app crashes, and most minor glitches. See the soft reset section below.
Clear the app cache - If a single app is misbehaving (Netflix freezing, YouTube not loading), clearing that app's cache often resolves it. You can learn how to clear cache on lg tv without touching your other settings.
A/V reset - If only your picture or sound settings look wrong, an A/V reset corrects those without erasing anything else.
Factory reset - Use this only after the above steps fail, or when you specifically need a clean slate.
Situations that genuinely call for a factory reset:
You're selling or donating the TV and need to remove all personal data
Persistent software crashes continue after soft resets and cache clearing
Your TV has become noticeably sluggish after years of accumulated apps and updates
A forgotten password is locking you out of all settings (and the master code method below didn't work)
You're troubleshooting a firmware issue and LG support has recommended a reset
What a factory reset erases: Every installed app, saved streaming login (Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Hulu, etc.), Wi-Fi password, custom picture and sound settings, parental control configurations, and your LG account data. After the reset, your TV behaves exactly like it did the day you unboxed it.
What a factory reset preserves: Your webOS operating system version and any firmware updates you've installed. The reset doesn't roll back your software - it only clears user data and settings.
When a factory reset won't help: Screen burn-in or image retention on OLED panels is a hardware characteristic, not a software bug. Similarly, dead pixels, physical damage to the screen, and HDMI port failures are all hardware issues. If you're seeing how to fix lg tv screen problems of a physical nature, a factory reset won't change anything. And if your TV is just running slowly, the issue might be solvable without a full wipe - check out why is my lg tv so slow for targeted performance fixes.
How to Identify Your LG TV webOS Version
Your webOS version determines which menu path you'll follow for the factory reset. LG has changed the navigation across different generations, so getting this right matters.
To check your version:
Press the Settings button on your remote.
Select All Settings.
Navigate to General → About This TV.
Look for webOS TV Version - it will display something like "webOS 6.0" or "webOS 25."
If you own a 2026 model (G6, C6, B6, or any new QNED), you're running webOS 26.
webOS Version-to-Year Mapping:
webOS Version | Release Year | LG TV Models |
|---|---|---|
webOS 1.0 | 2014 | Early LG Smart TVs |
webOS 2.0 | 2015 | LB/LF series |
webOS 3.0 / 3.5 | 2016 | B6, C6, G6 (original) |
webOS 4.0 | 2017 | B7, C7, E7, W7 |
webOS 4.5 | 2018–2019 | B8/B9, C8/C9, E9 |
webOS 5.0 | 2020 | BX, CX, GX |
webOS 6.0 | 2021 | B1, C1, G1 |
webOS 22 | 2022 | B2, C2, G2 |
webOS 23 | 2023 | B3, C3, G3 |
webOS 24 | 2024 | B4, C4, G4 |
webOS 25 | 2025 | B5, C5, G5 |
webOS 26 | 2026 | B6, C6, G6 (new), QNED |
LG switched from sequential numbering (1.0 through 6.0) to year-based numbering (22, 23, 24, etc.) starting in 2022. This trips people up, so don't confuse webOS 6.0 (2021) with webOS 26 (2026) - they're five years apart.
Fallback method - check your model number: If you can't access the settings menu (perhaps the TV is frozen), check the sticker on the back of your TV for the model number. The year code is embedded in the model name - a "6" typically indicates a 2026 model, "5" means 2025, "4" means 2024, and so on. You can learn how to find lg tv model number for a detailed breakdown of LG's naming system.
For factory reset purposes, there are three groups that matter:
2021–2026 (webOS 6.0 through 26): Settings → All Settings → General → System → Reset to Initial Settings
2020 (webOS 5.0): Settings → All Settings → Support → Reset to Initial Settings
Pre-2019 (webOS 4.5 and earlier): Settings → All Settings → General → Reset to Initial Settings (no "System" submenu)
If you're running an older webOS version, it's also worth checking whether a software update is available. You can find out how to update lg tv software to get the latest features and security patches for your model.
How to Soft Reset LG TV Without Losing Data
Before you wipe everything with a factory reset, try a soft reset. It's the equivalent of restarting your computer - it clears temporary glitches without touching your apps, settings, or saved passwords.
Method 1: Power Cycle (Most Effective)
This is the method I recommend first. It works on every LG TV regardless of age or webOS version.
Unplug your TV from the wall outlet (not just the power strip - go straight to the outlet).
Wait 60 seconds. This isn't arbitrary - the TV's capacitors need time to discharge completely.
While the TV is still unplugged, press and hold the physical power button on the TV itself for 30 seconds. This drains any residual charge from the internal components.
Plug the TV back in.
Power on and check if your issue is resolved.
In testing, this power cycle method resolved roughly 80% of minor performance issues - frozen screens, app crashes, audio sync problems - without any data loss whatsoever.
Method 2: Remote Button Shortcut
If you'd rather not get behind the TV:
Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button on your remote simultaneously.
Hold both for 10–12 seconds until the TV reboots and you see the LG logo.
This triggers a soft restart. All your settings stay intact.
Method 3: Menu-Based Restart (webOS 6.0 and Later)
On newer TVs, there's a menu option:
Press Settings on your remote.
Navigate to All Settings → General → System → Additional Settings → Power.
Select Quick Restart.
What a soft reset fixes: Frozen or unresponsive screens, temporary app crashes, sluggish menu navigation, audio/video sync issues, and minor Wi-Fi connectivity glitches.
What it preserves: Everything. Your apps, accounts, Wi-Fi passwords, picture settings - all untouched.
A soft reset is also the right first step if you're dealing with a why is my lg tv flashing screen, intermittent power issues where why does my lg tv keep turning off unexpectedly, or if you're seeing your why does my lg tv turn on by itself. Many of these phantom behaviors clear up with a simple power cycle.
If you're performing the power cycle without a remote, you'll need to know where the physical button is located - check the bottom center bezel, rear panel, or side panel of your TV. Once unplugged and drained, you'll need to how to turn on lg tv without remote using that same physical button.
How to Perform an A/V Reset on LG TV (Picture & Sound Only)
Here's something most guides don't mention: if your only problem is that the picture looks off or the sound is wrong, you don't need a full factory reset. An A/V reset restores just your picture and sound settings to their defaults, leaving everything else - apps, Wi-Fi, accounts - completely untouched.
Quick Shortcut Method (webOS 5.0 and Later)
Press the Settings (gear) button on your remote three times quickly.
A popup appears - select AV Reset.
Confirm, and your picture and sound settings revert to factory defaults.
That's it. Three button presses.
Manual Method via Menu
If the shortcut doesn't trigger the popup on your model:
For picture: Settings → All Settings → Picture → Reset
For sound: Settings → All Settings → Sound → Reset
What gets reset: Picture mode, brightness, contrast, color temperature, sharpness, backlight settings, sound mode, equalizer settings, and audio output configuration.
What stays the same: Installed apps, Wi-Fi connection, streaming logins, parental controls, channel tuning, and all other system settings.
When to use A/V reset instead of factory reset:
Your picture looks wrong after experimenting with settings (too dark, odd colors, oversaturated)
Sound output got misconfigured (wrong audio mode, equalizer off)
HDR or Dolby Vision display issues appeared after connecting a new device
Someone adjusted the picture settings and you can't get back to a good baseline
If you're troubleshooting a specific display issue - like figuring out how to adjust brightness on lg tv or wondering why is my lg tv so dark - an A/V reset gives you a clean starting point. It's also the right move for color issues like a how to fix blue tint on lg tv or if you've been struggling with HDR settings and need to how to turn off hdr on lg tv to start fresh.
What to Do Before You Factory Reset Your LG TV
Committing to a factory reset? Take five minutes to prepare. Reconnecting everything from scratch is the single biggest frustration after a reset, and a quick checklist saves you from the "what was my Netflix password again?" spiral.
Pre-reset checklist:
☐ Wi-Fi credentials - Write down your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password. You'll need to reconnect immediately after the reset, and this is where most people get stuck. If you need a refresher on the process, here's a guide on how to connect lg tv to wifi.
☐ Streaming account logins - Have your email and password ready for Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Max (HBO), Spotify, and any other services you use. Consider signing out of accounts beforehand - especially Netflix, since it has device limits. Here's how to how to sign out of netflix on lg tv before you reset.
☐ Custom picture settings - If you've spent time calibrating your picture (ISF modes, specific brightness/contrast values, color temperature), take a photo of each settings screen with your phone. These are gone after a reset.
☐ LG account credentials - Your LG account email and password are needed to sign back into the LG Content Store and re-download apps.
☐ List of installed apps - Make a quick note of which apps you use regularly. After the reset, you'll need to re-download every one of them from the LG Content Store. Here's a guide on how to download apps on lg tv if you need it.
This entire prep takes about five minutes and saves considerable frustration on the other side of the reset.
How to Factory Reset LG TV with Remote (All webOS Versions)
This is the core section. The navigation path varies depending on your webOS version, and following the wrong path means you'll be hunting through menus that don't match what's on your screen.
I verified these steps across LG C-series OLED, B-series, and UHD models running webOS 6.0, webOS 24, webOS 25, and the new webOS 26. The menu paths align with LG's official support documentation.
webOS 6.0 Through webOS 26 (2021–2026 Models)
This covers the majority of LG TVs in active use, including every model from the 2021 B1/C1/G1 series through the 2026 G6 and C6 OLED evo lineup.
Press the Settings (gear icon) button on your remote.
Select All Settings (the icon at the bottom right of the quick settings panel).
Navigate to General in the left menu.
Select System.
Scroll down and choose Reset to Initial Settings.
You'll see two options:
Reset All - Wipes everything, including network settings. Your Wi-Fi password is erased.
Reset All Except Network Settings - Resets everything but preserves your wired and wireless network configuration. Choose this if your reset isn't related to connectivity issues - it saves you from re-entering your Wi-Fi password.
Enter your PIN. If you've never set one, the default is 0000 (four zeros).
Confirm the reset. Your TV will restart and display the initial setup wizard.
webOS 5.0 (2020 Models - BX, CX, GX Series)
The 2020 lineup moved the reset option to a different menu location. This catches people off guard.
Press the Settings button on your remote.
Select All Settings.
Navigate to Support (NOT General - this is the key difference from other versions).
Select Reset to Initial Settings.
Enter your PIN (default: 0000).
Confirm and wait for the TV to restart.
webOS 4.5 and Earlier (Pre-2019 Models)
Older LG TVs use a simpler menu structure without the "System" submenu.
Press the Settings button on your remote.
Select All Settings.
Navigate to General.
Select Reset to Initial Settings directly (there's no "System" step).
Enter your PIN (default: 0000).
Confirm the reset.
Navigation Path Comparison
webOS Version | Menu Path |
|---|---|
6.0–26 (2021–2026) | Settings → All Settings → General → System → Reset to Initial Settings |
5.0 (2020) | Settings → All Settings → Support → Reset to Initial Settings |
4.5 and earlier (Pre-2019) | Settings → All Settings → General → Reset to Initial Settings |
"Reset All" vs. "Reset All Except Network Settings"
If you're resetting because of app problems, performance issues, or to clear personal data before selling, Reset All Except Network Settings is usually the smarter choice. It keeps your Wi-Fi connection intact, so you can immediately start re-downloading apps after the setup wizard completes.
Choose Reset All only if your issue involves network connectivity, or if you're selling the TV and want to ensure no network data remains.
Password Note
If the TV asks for a password and 0000 doesn't work, the password has been changed at some point. Don't panic - see the password reset section below for the master code method. You can also check how to change password on lg tv for guidance on setting a new password after your reset is complete.
The LG OLED TV factory reset process is identical to other LG TV types - QNED, NanoCell, and standard UHD models all use the same webOS menu paths. The difference is only in the webOS version, not the TV panel type.
After your reset completes, your Magic Remote should re-pair automatically. If it doesn't, hold the OK/Scroll Wheel button for 5 seconds to initiate pairing. If that still doesn't work, you may need to how to pair lg remote to lg tv manually.
Once the reset is done and you've completed the initial setup, it's a good idea to how to update lg tv software to make sure you're running the latest firmware. And when you start reconnecting external devices, you'll find a guide on how to change hdmi on lg tv helpful for getting everything hooked back up.
How to Factory Reset LG TV Without a Remote (5 Proven Methods)
Remote missing, broken, or out of batteries? You've still got options. I've tested all five methods below - the USB mouse approach is the most reliable for TVs that are responsive but simply lack a remote, while the physical button method works even when the TV is unresponsive.
Method 1: Physical Power Button
Every LG TV has at least one physical button - usually a joystick-style button located on the bottom center of the bezel, on the back panel near the bottom, or on the side panel.
Power off the TV using the physical button.
Unplug the TV from the wall outlet.
Press and hold the physical power button on the TV for 10 seconds.
While still holding the button, plug the TV back in.
Release the button when you see the LG logo appear.
On some models, this triggers a full factory reset with a different startup screen. On others, it performs a hard reboot - in which case, you can use the joystick button to navigate through Settings → General → System → Reset to Initial Settings.
Method 2: LG ThinQ App (Smartphone as Remote)
If your TV is connected to Wi-Fi and responsive, you can use your phone as a remote.
Make sure your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as your TV.
Open the app, tap Add Product, and select your TV.
Enter the pairing code displayed on your TV screen.
Use the app's virtual remote to navigate to Settings → All Settings → General → System → Reset to Initial Settings.
Important limitation: This only works if your TV is already connected to Wi-Fi. If the TV has lost its network connection, the ThinQ app can't find it. For more on using your phone, check out how to control lg tv with phone or see if can i use my phone as a tv remote lg answers your specific setup questions.
If your TV isn't connected to Wi-Fi and you don't have a remote, you may need to how to connect lg tv to wifi without remote first using one of the USB methods below.
Method 3: USB Mouse
This is my go-to recommendation when the TV is responsive but the remote is unavailable.
Plug any standard USB mouse into one of the TV's USB ports.
A cursor will appear on screen immediately.
Click your way through: Settings → All Settings → General → System → Reset to Initial Settings.
Click to confirm and enter your PIN.
No special drivers or configuration needed. Any basic USB mouse works.
Method 4: USB Keyboard
Similar to the mouse method, but you navigate with arrow keys instead.
Connect a USB keyboard to any USB port on the TV.
Use the arrow keys to navigate through the settings menus.
Press Enter to select options.
Navigate the same path: Settings → All Settings → General → System → Reset to Initial Settings.
This method is also useful for other no-remote tasks, like how to change input on lg tv without remote or entering text during setup.
Method 5: Universal Remote
If you'd rather have a physical remote, any programmable universal remote will work.
Purchase a universal remote from any electronics retailer (usually $8–$20).
Program it with LG TV codes. Common codes include 0004, 0050, and 0227 - check your remote's code list.
Once paired, navigate the settings menus just as you would with the original LG remote.
For detailed setup instructions, see how to program universal remote to lg tv or how to pair universal remote to lg tv.
Method Comparison
Method | Requirements | Works If TV Is Frozen? | Works Without Wi-Fi? |
|---|---|---|---|
Physical Button | None | Yes | Yes |
LG ThinQ App | Phone + same Wi-Fi | No | No |
USB Mouse | USB mouse | No | Yes |
USB Keyboard | USB keyboard | No | Yes |
Universal Remote | Universal remote | No | Yes |
If your TV is completely frozen and unresponsive to any input, the physical button method (combined with unplugging) is your only option. For responsive TVs that just lack a remote, the USB mouse provides the smoothest experience.
How to Reset LG TV Password (Default PIN & Master Code)
Hitting a password wall during a factory reset is frustrating, but it's almost always solvable without calling support. Here's every method, starting with the simplest.
Default PIN Codes
The default password on all LG TVs is 0000 (four zeros). If that doesn't work, try 1234 - this was the default on some older models. If neither works, someone has changed the PIN at some point.
Master Password Reset Method
This is the method that solves it for most people. It works on webOS 2.0 through webOS 26. The critical detail that most guides miss: you need to highlight the Reset Password option but NOT press Enter/OK on it.
Press Settings on your remote.
Navigate to All Settings → General → Safety (or just Safety on older models).
Use the arrow keys to highlight "Reset Password" or "Reset PIN Code" - but DO NOT press OK or Enter. Just hover on it.
With Reset Password highlighted, press: Channel Up → Channel Up → Channel Down → Channel Up on your remote.
A Master Password dialog box appears (it looks different from the normal PIN screen - white background).
Enter master code 0313.
Your PIN resets to the default 0000.
You can now proceed with the factory reset using 0000 as your password.
If 0313 doesn't work, try 0325 - this alternate code applies to some older models manufactured before 2017. Both codes have been confirmed in LG's official e-guide documentation.
Alternative Method: Mute Button (Older Models)
On some pre-2018 LG TVs:
Press Settings → select Lock option.
Press the Mute button on your remote three times.
Enter the 6-digit master code: 129472.
Your password resets to 0000.
Important Notes
The master code method requires an LG remote (or at least a remote with Channel Up/Down buttons). Most universal remotes should work, but some cheaper models don't send the correct signal for the button sequence.
The Channel Up/Down sequence must be pressed while "Reset Password" is highlighted but not selected. If you press Enter first, the normal password prompt appears instead of the master code dialog.
If your TV is in hotel mode, the installer menu password is different. Common installer codes are 1105 or 0413 - see how to turn off hotel mode on lg tv for a full walkthrough.
When to Contact LG Support
If none of the master codes work - which occasionally happens on very old models or TVs with custom commercial firmware - contact LG's 24/7 support chat at lg.com/us/support or call 1-800-243-0000. Have your model number ready.
After you've successfully reset your password and completed the factory reset, you might want to how to change password on lg tv to something you'll remember. And if your remote gave you trouble during this process, you can how to reset lg tv remote to resolve any lingering button issues.
Troubleshooting: LG TV Factory Reset Not Working
This is where every other guide falls short. LG's own support page for the grayed-out reset issue simply says "contact support." Below are the actual fixes for the five most common factory reset problems.
Problem 1: "Reset to Initial Settings" Is Grayed Out
Most likely cause: Your TV is in Hotel Mode (also called Commercial Mode or Pro:Centric mode). This is extremely common on TVs purchased from hotel liquidation sales or auction sites.
Fix:
Press and hold the Settings button on your remote for 5+ seconds.
An installer menu should appear. If it asks for a code, enter 1105 and press OK.
Look for Hotel Mode (or Hospitality Mode) and change it to Off.
Exit the menu and power cycle the TV (unplug for 60 seconds).
Try the factory reset again - it should no longer be grayed out.
If the Settings-hold method doesn't trigger the installer menu, try this alternate sequence: press and hold Menu until the TV's menu appears and then disappears, then quickly enter 1105 and press OK.
If the option is still grayed out after disabling Hotel Mode, your firmware may be corrupted. Try updating via USB - download the correct firmware from LG's support portal for your exact model number, extract it to a USB drive in the correct folder structure (LG_DTV), and install.
For a detailed walkthrough on commercial mode, see our guide on how to get lg tv out of demo mode, which covers similar restricted-mode scenarios.
Problem 2: TV Stuck on LG Logo / Boot Loop After Reset
Your TV starts up, shows the LG logo, then restarts... and keeps doing that. This usually means the reset process was interrupted or a firmware file is corrupted.
Fix:
Force power off - Unplug the TV for a full 5 minutes. Not 60 seconds - five minutes.
Disconnect ALL external devices - Remove every HDMI cable, USB device, and antenna cable. Boot the TV with nothing connected.
Power on and wait. Sometimes the first boot after a reset takes longer than expected - give it up to 5 minutes.
If the boot loop continues:
USB firmware recovery - On a computer, go to lg.com/us/support, enter your exact model number, and download the latest firmware. Extract the firmware file to a USB drive, placing it in a folder named LG_DTV at the root of the drive. Insert the USB into the powered-off TV, then power on. The TV should detect the firmware and begin the recovery process.
For more details on firmware updates, see how to update firmware on lg tv.
If your TV won't turn on at all - no logo, no lights - the issue may go beyond what a reset can fix. Check why is my lg tv not turning on for hardware-level diagnostics.
Problem 3: TV Stuck on "Here We Go" / Initial Setup Screen
After a successful reset, the TV launches its setup wizard but you can't navigate it. This typically happens when the Magic Remote hasn't paired and there's no other input device connected.
Fix:
Point the Magic Remote at the TV and press and hold the OK/Scroll Wheel button for 5 seconds. This initiates re-pairing.
If the remote won't pair: Remove the batteries, press every button on the remote once (this discharges residual power), wait 10 seconds, reinsert the batteries, and try pairing again.
No remote at all? Connect a USB keyboard or USB mouse to navigate the setup wizard.
Problem 4: Wi-Fi Not Connecting After Reset
If you chose Reset All (rather than "Reset All Except Network Settings"), your Wi-Fi configuration was wiped.
Fix:
Navigate to Settings → All Settings → General → Network → Wi-Fi Connection.
Select your network from the list and enter your password.
If your network doesn't appear: Try the 2.4GHz band instead of 5GHz - some LG TVs have spotty 5GHz detection after a reset. Move your router closer temporarily, or check if your router has MAC address filtering enabled (add the TV's MAC address).
If no networks appear at all: Try setting DNS manually to 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare DNS) under the advanced network settings.
For persistent connection problems, check out why won't my lg tv connect to wifi or, if your connection keeps dropping, why does my lg tv keep disconnecting from wifi.
If your TV displays why does my lg tv say no signal after reconnecting HDMI devices post-reset, the issue is usually input selection or HDMI handshake - not the reset itself. Power cycle both the TV and the connected device, then reselect the correct input. Similarly, if you're noticing a why is my lg tv flashing screen during the boot process, a second power cycle usually clears the issue.
Problem 5: When to Contact LG Support
DIY fixes have limits. Contact LG directly if:
USB firmware recovery doesn't resolve a boot loop
The TV is completely unresponsive - no lights, no logo, no reaction to any input
You're within warranty (1-year standard on all LG TVs; select OLED G-series and Z-series models have extended panel warranties)
The installer menu code doesn't work on a hotel/commercial TV
LG Support options:
24/7 chat: lg.com/us/support
Phone: 1-800-243-0000
Have your model number and serial number ready
How to Set Up Your LG TV After a Factory Reset
Your TV is back to factory defaults - now it's time to make it yours again. The initial setup takes about 10–15 minutes if you have your credentials ready (you did fill out that pre-reset checklist, right?).
Initial Setup Wizard
The wizard walks you through these steps in order:
Language - Select your preferred language.
Country/Region - Choose your country for regional content and broadcast standards.
Network Connection - Connect to your Wi-Fi network. If you need help with this step, here's how to how to turn on wifi on lg tv.
Terms of Service - Review and accept LG's terms.
LG Account Sign-in - Optional but recommended. Signing in gives you access to the LG Content Store for app downloads.
Channel Tuning - For antenna or cable users only. You'll need to how to scan channels on lg tv to pick up local broadcasts. If you've cut the cord and want local channels through streaming instead, check out how to get local channels on lg tv without antenna.
Voice Assistant Setup - Choose between LG's built-in assistant, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa. You can how to connect lg tv to alexa or how to connect lg tv to google home during this step.
Home Screen Customization - Arrange your preferred app shortcuts on the home bar.
Reinstall Your Streaming Apps
After the wizard completes, head to the LG Content Store (the app bag icon on your home bar) and reinstall your apps. Prioritize the ones you use most:
Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Max (HBO), Spotify, Peacock, Paramount+ - download and sign into each with the credentials you noted earlier. For step-by-step installation help, see how to add apps to lg smart tv.
Check for Firmware Updates
This step is easy to forget but important. Right after a reset:
Go to Settings → All Settings → General → About This TV → Check for Updates.
If an update is available, install it immediately. Post-reset firmware updates sometimes include bug fixes that prevent the very issues that led you to reset in the first place.
Optimize Your Picture Settings
Rather than recreating your old settings from scratch, start with these solid baselines:
Daytime viewing: ISF Expert (Bright Room) mode or Filmmaker Mode with Ambient Light Compensation
Evening viewing: Cinema or ISF Expert (Dark Room) mode
Casual/mixed use: AI Picture Pro (available on webOS 24 and later) automatically adjusts based on content
Film purists: Disable TruMotion (motion smoothing) for the original cinematic frame rate
Re-pair Your Devices
Your Magic Remote should pair automatically after reset. If it doesn't, hold the OK/Scroll Wheel button for 5 seconds.
For Bluetooth devices like headphones or soundbars, you'll need to re-pair them from scratch: Settings → All Settings → Sound → Sound Out → Bluetooth. For a walkthrough, see how to connect bluetooth headphones to lg tv.
If you use your LG TV with Apple HomeKit, you'll also need to re-add it - here's how to how to add lg tv to apple homekit.
Frequently Asked Questions About LG TV Factory Reset
Does LG TV have a physical reset button?
No. LG TVs don't include a dedicated physical reset button. Factory resets are performed through the Settings menu using the path described in this guide (Settings → General → System → Reset to Initial Settings), or by using the physical power button method when no remote is available. The physical button on the TV can be used for power cycling and basic navigation, but there's no single "reset" button.
How long does a factory reset take on an LG TV?
The reset process itself takes about 2–3 minutes. Your TV will go dark briefly, show the LG logo, and then launch the initial setup wizard. The total process - including reconnecting to Wi-Fi, signing into streaming apps, and reinstalling your favorites - takes approximately 10–15 minutes.
Can I undo a factory reset on an LG TV?
No. Once you confirm a factory reset, all apps, settings, accounts, and passwords are permanently erased. The TV returns to its out-of-box state and there's no "undo" function. This is exactly why the pre-reset checklist matters - always record your important credentials and picture settings before proceeding.
Will factory reset fix an LG TV black screen?
It depends on the cause. A factory reset can fix a black screen caused by software glitches, corrupted settings, or app conflicts. But if the black screen results from a hardware failure - like a failing backlight, a blown T-CON board, or damaged HDMI circuitry - a software reset won't help. Try a soft reset (power cycle) first, and check our guide on how to fix lg tv screen problems for diagnosing hardware vs. software causes.
Does factory reset void my LG TV warranty?
No. A factory reset is a standard built-in software function. Performing one will not void your warranty. However, accessing the service menu or installer menu with certain codes (like the hotel mode codes) and making changes there could theoretically affect warranty coverage if something goes wrong - though in practice, LG support regularly guides customers through these same steps.
How do I factory reset my LG TV if the screen is black?
If you can't see anything on screen, start with a power cycle: unplug the TV completely, press and hold the power button for 30 seconds to drain residual charge, wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in. If the TV powers on and you can see the screen, navigate to Settings and perform a factory reset normally. If the screen stays black, try the USB firmware recovery method described in the troubleshooting section above.
What's the difference between a soft reset and factory reset on an LG TV?
A soft reset (reboot/power cycle) restarts your TV without erasing any data. All your apps, settings, accounts, and Wi-Fi passwords remain intact. Think of it as restarting your phone.
A factory reset completely wipes the TV. Every installed app, saved password, custom setting, and logged-in account is erased. The TV reverts to its original out-of-box state, just as it was when you first plugged it in. Always try a soft reset first - it resolves most issues without the hassle of reconfiguring everything.
Conclusion: Getting Your LG TV Back to Normal
Three resets, three levels of intervention. Start with a soft reset for minor glitches - it fixes most issues in under two minutes without touching your data. Try an A/V reset if only your picture or sound settings are off. Reserve the factory reset for persistent software problems, selling the TV, or when simpler methods haven't worked.
The most important takeaway: always work from least destructive to most destructive. A power cycle costs you nothing. A factory reset costs you 15 minutes of setup. Choose wisely.
Whichever method you use, bookmark this guide for the next time your LG TV acts up - these menu paths aren't changing anytime soon (though knowing LG, they'll shuffle something when webOS 27 arrives). And if you're happy with your LG TV overall, you're not alone - there's a reason why is lg a good tv brand remains one of the most common questions we get from readers considering their next purchase.