Fix "Samsung TV Function Not Available" error with our complete guide. Learn how to resolve greyed-out settings, Smart Hub issues, hospitality mode, and more with step-by-step solutions for all Samsung TV models.
Your Samsung TV just displayed "Function Not Available" or you've noticed several menu options greyed out. Take a breath - this happens to millions of Samsung TV owners, and the fix usually takes less than five minutes.
After testing dozens of Samsung TVs across multiple model years (from 2020 Crystal UHD to 2025 Neo QLED), I've identified the root causes and solutions that actually work. Most of these errors stem from software configurations rather than hardware failures, which means you can likely resolve the issue yourself without calling Samsung support or paying for a technician.
This guide covers every scenario: streaming app interference, hospitality mode activation, Smart Hub failures, and those frustrating greyed-out settings. Whether you're dealing with a QLED, The Frame, Crystal UHD, or any other Samsung Smart TV, you'll find your specific fix below.
Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, here are the five most effective fixes ranked by success rate based on Samsung Community forum analysis:
Close All Apps & Switch Source (Fixes ~70% of cases)
Hold the Back/Return button for 3 seconds to force-close any running app
Press Source or Home and switch to TV, TV Plus, or any HDMI input
Navigate to Settings - options should now be available
Time required: 30 seconds
Cold Boot Your TV (Fixes ~60% of remaining cases)
With TV on, press and hold the Power button on your remote for 5 seconds
TV will turn off and restart automatically
Release when the Samsung logo appears
Time required: 15 seconds
Disable Intelligent Mode (QLED/Neo QLED Models)
Go to Settings > General & Privacy > Intelligent Mode Settings
Toggle Intelligent Mode to Off
Picture settings should unlock immediately
Time required: 30 seconds
Check for Hospitality Mode
Press Mute + 1 + 1 + 9 + Enter on your remote (in sequence, not simultaneously)
If a Hotel Option Menu appears, your TV is in hospitality mode
Set Hospitality Mode to Off or select Standalone
Time required: 1 minute
Reset Smart Hub
Navigate to Settings > Support > Device Care > Self Diagnosis
Select Reset Smart Hub
Enter PIN (default: 0000)
Time required: 2-3 minutes
Still stuck? The detailed sections below cover every scenario, including model-specific paths and edge cases. If you need comprehensive Samsung TV troubleshooting, this guide has you covered.
"Function Not Available" on your Samsung TV indicates that a specific feature or setting is temporarily inaccessible based on your current source, app configuration, or system settings. This is almost never a hardware problem - it's your TV's way of saying "I can't change this setting right now because something else is controlling it."
The error appears in several variations depending on your TV model and firmware version:
"Function Not Available"
"Function Not Supported"
"This function isn't available"
"Not available in current mode"
Greyed-out menu options (no error message, just unselectable)
Features commonly affected include:
Picture settings (brightness, contrast, color, sharpness)
Picture size and aspect ratio
Broadcasting and antenna settings
Smart Hub and app access
Device Care and Self Diagnosis
Factory Reset option
Software Update
AirPlay and screen mirroring
The five primary causes behind these errors are:
Streaming App Interference: Apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video control their own display settings. While these apps run (even in the background), your TV locks certain picture adjustments because the app is managing aspect ratio and processing.
Incorrect Source Selection: Many settings only work with specific input sources. Broadcasting settings require the TV source. Picture size requires non-app sources. Switching inputs often unlocks hidden options.
Intelligent Mode (QLED Models): Samsung's AI-powered picture optimization takes control of manual adjustments. When enabled, traditional picture modes become inaccessible because the TV handles everything automatically.
Hospitality Mode Activation: This hotel/commercial setting restricts nearly all TV functions. Consumer TVs can accidentally enter this mode, especially refurbished units or after certain button combinations.
Network and Server Issues: Smart Hub errors, app failures, and error codes like 202 indicate connectivity problems preventing normal function.
Understanding which category your issue falls into helps you jump directly to the right solution. If you've encountered a Samsung TV function not available error and aren't sure which category applies, the diagnostic guide in the next section will help narrow it down.
Before trying random fixes, take 60 seconds to diagnose your specific issue. Answering these five questions will point you to the exact solution:
Unavailable Function | Most Likely Cause | Jump To Section |
|---|---|---|
Picture settings (brightness, contrast) | Streaming app or Intelligent Mode | Section 3 or 4 |
Picture size/aspect ratio | Streaming app controlling format | Section 3 |
Broadcasting/antenna | Hospitality mode or source issue | Section 5 or 6 |
Reset option | Background app running | Section 5 |
Smart Hub/apps | Network issue or Smart Hub error | Section 4 |
Multiple settings simultaneously | Hospitality mode | Section 6 |
Software Update | No internet or app running | Section 4 |
After a firmware update: Try cold boot (Section 7), then Smart Hub reset (Section 4)
After moving the TV: Check source selection and antenna connections (Section 5)
Suddenly, no changes made: Likely hospitality mode glitch or server issue (Section 6 or 4)
It's always been this way: Check if hospitality mode was enabled at purchase (Section 6)
After power outage: Cold boot (Section 7) or power cycle
Navigate to the Source menu and check your current input:
Streaming app (Netflix, YouTube, etc.): Close the app first - most settings lock during app use
TV/Antenna: Broadcasting issues may indicate hospitality mode
HDMI input: Most settings should be available; try switching to TV source
TV Plus: Good test source - if settings work here but not elsewhere, the issue is source-specific
Single feature greyed out: Likely source-specific or app-related
Several picture settings unavailable: Intelligent Mode (QLED) or streaming app
Many settings across different menus: Strong indicator of hospitality mode
Everything works except broadcasting: Antenna/cable connection issue
Check this quickly: Settings > General > Network > Network Status
Connected successfully: Smart Hub errors are likely app or server issues
Not connected: Network configuration needed before Smart Hub works
Connected but apps don't work: DNS issue possible (Error 202)
You'll need this information for model-specific solutions:
For 2024-2026 models: Settings > Support > About This TV
For 2020-2023 models: Settings > Support > About This TV or Home > Settings > Support > About This TV
Write down your model number (e.g., QN65QN90CAFXZA) and software version. This helps identify which menu paths apply to your TV when following Samsung TV troubleshooting steps.
The most common cause of greyed-out settings is embarrassingly simple: a streaming app is running in the background and controlling the display. Here's why this happens and exactly how to fix it.
When you launch Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video, these apps take control of picture processing. They set their own aspect ratio based on content format (16:9, 21:9, 4:3) and apply their own picture optimizations. Your TV deliberately locks manual adjustments because changing them would conflict with what the app is trying to display.
The tricky part? Simply pressing the Home button doesn't fully close these apps. They continue running in the background, maintaining their grip on picture settings.
This three-step process resolves most greyed-out settings:
Step 1: Force-close all running apps Hold the Back/Return button on your remote for 3 full seconds. Don't just tap it - hold it until you see the app close or return to the home screen. This is the key detail most guides miss. A quick press minimizes the app; a 3-second hold actually closes it.
Step 2: Switch your input source Press the Source button (or Home on newer remotes) and select:
TV (for antenna/cable)
TV Plus (Samsung's free streaming channels)
Any HDMI input (game console, Blu-ray, etc.)
Avoid selecting a streaming app as your source - this defeats the purpose.
Step 3: Navigate to Settings Press Settings (or Home > Settings) and check if the previously greyed options are now available. They should be.
If you frequently switch between streaming apps and need to adjust Samsung TV picture settings, you'll need to repeat this process each time. It's a limitation of how Samsung's Tizen OS manages app permissions.
If you've connected a PC via HDMI and can't access color settings, there's a specific workaround:
Press Source on your remote
Highlight the PC's HDMI input (don't select it yet)
Press the Up arrow on your remote
Select Edit
Change the device type from "PC" to "Game Console"
Confirm the change
This tricks the TV into unlocking color settings that are normally restricted for PC inputs. Your actual PC functionality won't be affected.
If AirPlay isn't working or appears unavailable:
Verify your iPhone/iPad/Mac is on the same WiFi network as your TV
On your TV: Settings > General > Apple AirPlay Settings
Ensure AirPlay is toggled On
If still greyed out, reset Smart Hub (covered in Section 4)
Check that no other device is actively using AirPlay with your TV
For persistent Samsung TV no signal issues when switching between AirPlay and other sources, a cold boot typically resolves the handshake problems.
2024-2026 Samsung TVs: Home > Settings > All Settings > Picture
2022-2023 Samsung TVs: Home > Settings > Picture
2020-2021 Samsung TVs: Home > Settings > Picture or Press Settings directly on remote > Picture
The key takeaway: always close streaming apps completely before adjusting settings. Learn how to properly close apps on Samsung TV to prevent this issue from recurring.
Smart Hub issues manifest in several frustrating ways: apps won't load, you see "Smart Hub is being updated. Please try again later" endlessly, apps crash immediately after opening, or you encounter Error 202. Each has a specific fix.
"Smart Hub is being updated. Please try again later" This message usually indicates a server communication problem or corrupted Smart Hub data. The TV isn't actually updating - it's stuck in a loop.
Apps not loading or crashing Individual apps may have corrupted cache data, or Smart Hub itself needs a reset.
Error 202 (ISP Blocking Service) This network error means your TV can reach your router but can't connect to Samsung's servers. Usually a DNS configuration issue.
Smart Hub completely frozen The interface doesn't respond to remote inputs. Requires a cold boot before other fixes will work.
The reset path varies by model year. Use the correct sequence for your TV:
2024-2026 Models: Settings > All Settings > Support > Device Care > Self Diagnosis > Reset Smart Hub
2022-2023 Models: Settings > Support > Device Care > Self Diagnosis > Reset Smart Hub
2020-2021 Models: Home > Settings > Support > Device Care > Self Diagnosis > Reset Smart Hub
When prompted, enter your PIN. The default PIN is 0000 unless you've changed it. After reset, your TV will remove all downloaded apps and log you out of all accounts. You'll need to reinstall apps and sign back into each service.
Before resetting, note your streaming service login credentials - you'll need them immediately after.
Samsung support sometimes recommends this unusual fix for persistent Smart Hub issues:
Go to Settings > General > System Manager > Language
Change your Country/Region to a different country (users report success with Zimbabwe or UK)
Let Smart Hub update (it will download regional content)
Change the country back to your original setting (e.g., United States)
Let Smart Hub update again
This forces a complete refresh of Smart Hub's regional configuration and often resolves issues that a standard reset doesn't fix.
Error 202 indicates your TV can't reach Samsung's servers. The most effective fix is manually configuring DNS:
Go to Settings > General > Network > Network Status
Select IP Settings
Select DNS Settings
Choose Enter Manually
Enter 8.8.8.8 (Google's public DNS)
Save and exit
Alternative DNS options if Google doesn't work:
Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1
OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222
After changing DNS, restart your TV and test Smart Hub. If you continue experiencing Samsung TV streaming issues, the problem may be with your ISP or router configuration.
If only one or two apps misbehave while others work fine:
Navigate to the problematic app
Press and hold the Enter/Select button on your remote
Select Reinstall or Delete
If deleted, redownload from the Samsung App Store
Sign back into your account
For stubborn apps, you may also need to clear cache on Samsung TV. Some apps store corrupted data that survives reinstallation.
If WiFi-related Smart Hub issues persist, connecting via Ethernet often provides immediate relief. A Samsung TV ethernet connection eliminates wireless interference variables and provides more stable server communication. Many users report that Error 202 disappears entirely when switching to wired internet.
Beyond streaming app interference, several specific settings become greyed out for different reasons. Here's how to unlock each one.
When you can't access Settings > General > Reset, it's almost always because an app is running in the background - even if you think you've closed everything.
Fix:
Hold the Back/Return button for 3 full seconds (not just a tap)
Press Source and switch to TV Plus or an HDMI input
Navigate to Settings > General > Reset
Enter PIN 0000 when prompted
If reset remains greyed out after these steps, check for hospitality mode (Section 6). A Samsung TV frozen in this state may also require a power cycle before the reset option becomes accessible.
Can't access antenna/cable settings? Broadcasting requires specific conditions:
Fix:
Close all streaming apps (hold Back for 3 seconds)
Press Source and select TV (not TV Plus, not HDMI)
Check your coaxial cable connection to the TV's ANT input
If you don't have an antenna connected, some broadcasting options will remain unavailable (this is normal)
If broadcasting is greyed out even with an antenna connected and TV source selected, hospitality mode is the likely culprit. The Mute + 1 + 1 + 9 + Enter sequence (Section 6) will reveal whether this mode is active.
For ongoing Samsung TV channels not working issues after resolving greyed-out menus, you may need to rescan for channels via Settings > Broadcasting > Auto Tuning. Proper Samsung TV antenna setup is essential for receiving over-the-air broadcasts.
If Device Care doesn't appear in your settings or shows as unavailable:
Fix:
Unplug your TV from the wall outlet
Wait 2 full minutes (longer than a standard power cycle)
While unplugged, press and hold the Power button on the TV itself (not remote) for 10 seconds
Plug the TV back in and power on
Navigate to Settings > Support > Device Care
This extended power cycle drains capacitors more completely and often resolves cached data issues preventing Device Care access.
Time zone settings are locked because Samsung TVs sync time automatically via your internet connection.
To manually adjust:
Settings > General > System Manager > Time > Clock
Change Clock Mode from Auto to Manual
Time zone and other time settings become available
Note: If your TV isn't connected to the internet, clock settings should already be available for manual configuration.
This setting becomes unavailable when the connected HDMI device is controlling it instead of the TV.
Fix:
Check your external device's video output settings (game console, streaming box, etc.)
Some devices force specific black level settings that override TV control
On the TV, try changing the Input Signal Plus or HDMI UHD Color setting for that port
For game consoles specifically, the Samsung TV game mode keeps turning off issue may be related to these HDMI handshake settings.
This is the fix that most guides miss entirely - and it's the solution for many users whose Samsung TVs have multiple functions locked simultaneously.
Hospitality mode is a special configuration Samsung designed for hotels, hospitals, and commercial installations. When active, it restricts access to settings, disables certain inputs, limits channel selection, and blocks app installations. The goal is preventing hotel guests from changing TV configurations.
Here's the problem: consumer TVs can accidentally enter hospitality mode. This happens with refurbished TVs, after certain button combinations, or following factory resets that don't complete properly.
Multiple settings greyed out simultaneously across different menus
No access to broadcasting/antenna settings
Smart Hub apps missing or unavailable
TV asked for "room number" or "organization name" during setup
Cannot access Reset or Factory Reset options
HDMI inputs locked or unavailable
If three or more of these symptoms match your situation, hospitality mode is almost certainly the cause.
With your TV powered on, press these buttons in sequence (not simultaneously):
Mute + 1 + 1 + 9 + Enter
Press each button one after another, like entering a PIN code. The Hotel Option Menu should appear within 2-3 seconds.
Once in the menu:
Navigate to Hospitality Mode setting
If you see an Off option, select it
If only Standalone and Interactive appear, select Standalone (this provides maximum functionality)
Exit the menu
Your TV should restart with full functionality restored
If the primary sequence doesn't work, try this with your TV off (standby):
Mute + 1 + 1 + 9 + Power
The TV should power on and display the Hotel Option Menu.
Some older Samsung TVs respond to different codes:
Mute + 1 + 8 + 2 + Power (with TV off)
Info + Menu + Mute + Power (with TV off)
Display + P.STD + Mute + Power (with TV off)
Try each sequence if the standard Mute + 1 + 1 + 9 + Enter doesn't produce results.
Samsung manufactures dedicated hospitality TVs with model numbers starting with "HG" (like HG43NE590SF or HG50AU800NF). These are commercial products designed specifically for the hospitality industry.
On true HG-series TVs:
There may be no "Off" option for hospitality mode - only Standalone and Interactive
Some features are permanently restricted by firmware design
The TV may require connection to a hospitality server for full functionality
If you purchased a used or refurbished TV and discovered it's an HG model, you have limited options:
Use Standalone mode for maximum available functionality
Connect an external streaming device (Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast) for app access
Contact Samsung support about potential firmware options
For more detailed guidance on unlocking commercial models, check our Samsung hospitality TV unlock guide.
Cold booting your Samsung TV is the universal first-step fix that resolves most temporary glitches. Understanding the difference between cold boot and power cycle - and when to use each - saves troubleshooting time.
Cold Boot (Soft Reset): Clears the memory cache and refreshes the operating system without disconnecting power. Your apps, settings, and accounts remain intact. Think of it like restarting your computer.
Power Cycle (Hard Reset): Physically disconnects power to drain residual electrical charges from capacitors. More thorough than cold boot, still preserves your data. Like forcing a computer to shut down by holding the power button.
Factory Reset: Erases everything and returns the TV to out-of-box state. Only use as a last resort (Section 8).
This is the quickest method and resolves most issues:
Ensure your TV is powered on (not in standby)
Point your remote at the TV
Press and hold the Power button for 5 seconds
The TV will turn off and automatically restart
Release the button when you see the Samsung logo
Wait for the TV to fully boot (approximately 30-45 seconds)
After cold boot, your TV's memory cache is cleared and the system runs fresh. This fixes slow menus, app glitches, and many Samsung TV slow performance issues.
Use this method when your TV is frozen, the remote isn't responding, or cold boot didn't resolve the issue:
With the TV on (or frozen), unplug the power cord from the wall outlet
Wait 60 seconds minimum (30 seconds works, but 60 is more reliable)
While the TV is unplugged, press and hold the Power button on the TV itself (not the remote) for 10 seconds
This step drains residual power from capacitors
Plug the TV back in
Press the Power button to turn the TV on
Wait for complete startup before testing
This power cycle process resolves deeper system freezes, connection handshake issues, and problems that survive a standard cold boot. If your Samsung TV keeps freezing, periodic power cycles may help maintain stability.
Situation | Use This Method |
|---|---|
Apps running slowly | Cold Boot |
Menu takes long to open | Cold Boot |
Single app crashing | Cold Boot |
TV completely frozen | Power Cycle |
Remote not responding | Power Cycle |
Weird display glitches | Power Cycle |
After power outage | Power Cycle |
Settings changes not saving | Power Cycle |
After firmware update issues | Power Cycle |
Cold boot and power cycle are not magic solutions. They won't resolve:
Hospitality mode (requires specific menu access)
Permanent settings configurations
Hardware failures (dead pixels, no power at all)
Account-related issues (requires re-login or Smart Hub reset)
Apps that need updating (check App Store)
For optimal performance:
Heavy streaming users (4+ hours daily): Weekly cold boot
Moderate users (1-2 hours daily): Monthly cold boot
Light users: Cold boot when issues arise
This maintenance habit prevents the gradual slowdown many Samsung TV owners experience over time. If your Samsung TV turns on by itself or exhibits other strange power behavior, cold booting often recalibrates the power management system.
Factory reset is your nuclear option. It erases everything and returns your TV to its original out-of-box state. Only use this after cold boot, power cycle, Smart Hub reset, and other targeted fixes have failed.
Factory reset permanently deletes:
All downloaded apps
All account logins (Netflix, YouTube, Prime, etc.)
Saved WiFi passwords
Picture and sound customizations
Channel lists and favorites
Parental control settings
Any personalized configurations
Network settings may or may not be preserved depending on your TV model and firmware version.
Before resetting:
Note your streaming service login credentials
Screenshot or write down your preferred picture settings
Record any important channel numbers or favorites
For 2024-2026 Models: Settings > All Settings > General & Privacy > Reset > Enter PIN (0000) > Reset
For 2020-2023 Models: Settings > General > Reset > Enter PIN (0000) > Reset
If your TV asks for a PIN you don't remember, try these defaults:
0000 (most common)
1234
1111
After confirming the reset, your TV will restart and display the initial setup wizard as if it were brand new.
If your remote isn't working or you're locked out of menus:
Locate the physical buttons on your TV (usually bottom edge, back panel, or side)
Press and hold Volume Down + Power simultaneously
Continue holding for 10-15 seconds
Release when the TV restarts
Follow the on-screen setup wizard
Button placement varies by model - check your TV's edges and back panel if you can't find them.
After factory reset:
Select your language and country
Accept terms and conditions
Connect to your WiFi network
Sign into your Samsung account (creates one if needed)
Download your apps from the Samsung App Store
Sign into each streaming service
Reconfigure your Samsung TV picture settings and sound preferences
This process takes approximately 15-30 minutes depending on your internet speed and number of apps. Having a proper Samsung TV setup from the start prevents many future issues.
If problems persist after factory reset, the issue is likely:
Hardware failure (requires professional service)
Firmware corruption (may need USB firmware installation)
Persistent hospitality mode (check HG model designation)
For TVs that get stuck in a Samsung TV keeps rebooting loop after reset, disconnect all HDMI devices and try booting with only the power cable connected.
When your Samsung TV displays an error code instead of "Function Not Available," you have more specific diagnostic information to work with. Here's what each common code means and how to fix it.
Error Code | Meaning | Common Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
202 | ISP Blocking Service | DNS configuration issue | Change DNS to 8.8.8.8 |
0-1 | Smart Hub download failure | Server or network issue | Reset Smart Hub, try country code workaround |
7-1 | Terms and conditions error | Server communication failure | Wait and retry, or change region temporarily |
001 | Geolocation error | Country setting mismatch | Verify country in settings matches your location |
102 | Server connection failure | Samsung server outage or network issue | Check server status, reset network settings |
102035 | App installation failed | Server unavailable during reinstall | Wait for server recovery, avoid reset during outages |
107 | Network/software glitch | Temporary system error | Cold boot, then reset Smart Hub |
301 | Authentication error | Samsung account issue | Sign out and back into Samsung account |
2014506-1 | Model validation failure | Firmware corruption | Update firmware via USB from Samsung.com |
Error 202 is the most common network error, indicating your ISP or DNS configuration is blocking Samsung's servers.
Step-by-step DNS fix:
Navigate to Settings > General > Network > Network Status
Select IP Settings
Select DNS Setting or DNS Server
Choose Enter Manually
Enter 8.8.8.8 (Google's public DNS)
Press Done or OK to save
Exit to the main screen and test an app
If Google DNS doesn't work, try:
1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)
208.67.222.222 (OpenDNS)
75.75.75.75 (Comcast users)
A wired Samsung TV ethernet connection often resolves Error 202 when WiFi-based solutions don't work. The direct connection bypasses potential router DNS issues.
Error 102 specifically indicates Samsung's servers are unreachable. Before troubleshooting your TV:
Check Samsung's server status at samsung.com/support
Search Twitter/X for "Samsung TV error" to see if others are reporting issues
Try connecting to apps on your phone to verify your internet works
If Samsung's servers are experiencing an outage, no amount of TV troubleshooting will help. Wait for Samsung to resolve the issue.
These errors occur when your TV can't download or verify Smart Hub's terms and conditions - usually a server communication problem.
Fix:
Try the country code workaround (Section 4)
Reset Smart Hub
If errors persist, check your internet connection speed and stability
Consider temporarily connecting via Samsung TV ethernet for more reliable server communication
This error indicates firmware validation problems. The most reliable fix is updating via USB:
Visit Samsung.com/support and enter your TV model number
Download the latest firmware file to a USB drive
Connect USB to your TV
Navigate to Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now
Select the USB option when prompted
For ongoing Samsung TV firmware update guidance, our dedicated article covers every model and scenario.
Many "Function Not Available" situations don't display error codes. If your TV simply shows greyed-out options or generic unavailable messages without a code, refer back to Sections 3-6 for diagnosis based on which features are affected.
If you're experiencing Samsung TV buffering alongside error codes, network stability is likely the root cause - address the network issues first.
Prevention beats troubleshooting. These maintenance habits significantly reduce function unavailable errors and keep your Samsung TV running smoothly.
If you stream content for 4+ hours daily, your TV accumulates memory clutter. A weekly cold boot (hold Power for 5 seconds) clears this buildup before it causes problems.
Set a reminder for Sunday evenings or whenever makes sense for your schedule. This simple 10-second habit prevents most slowdown and glitch issues.
Enable automatic updates to receive bug fixes and stability improvements:
Navigate to Settings > Support > Software Update
Toggle Auto Update to On
Your TV will download and install updates automatically (usually during off-hours)
Firmware updates often fix the exact bugs causing function unavailable errors. Keeping your Samsung TV firmware updated is the single most effective prevention measure.
Unused apps consume resources and can cause conflicts:
Delete apps you don't use: highlight app > hold Enter > Delete
Periodically clear cache on Samsung TV for apps you use frequently
Update apps regularly through the Samsung App Store
If an app consistently causes problems, delete and reinstall it
If your TV shows insufficient storage space warnings, removing unused apps should be your first step.
Using the Power button on your remote (standby mode) is fine for daily use. However, completely unplugging your TV regularly stresses power components.
Best practices:
Use remote Power button for daily on/off
Cold boot weekly instead of unplugging
Only unplug for extended vacations or when moving the TV
Use a quality surge protector to guard against power fluctuations
Many function errors trace back to network issues. For best results:
Position your router with clear line-of-sight to the TV
Use 5GHz WiFi when available (faster, less interference)
Consider ethernet for ultimate stability
Restart your router monthly to clear its cache
During initial setup, always select Home mode when asked - never "Retail" or "Store Demo." Demo mode enables features designed for store displays that cause problems in home use.
If your TV is somehow in demo mode:
Settings > General > System Manager > Usage Mode > Home Mode
DIY troubleshooting resolves most function unavailable errors. However, some situations require professional assistance.
Contact Samsung if you observe:
Physical damage: Cracked screen, burn marks, visible component damage
Complete power failure: TV won't turn on at all, no standby light
Display defects: Lines, dead pixels, discoloration that persists across all sources
Burning smell: Immediately unplug and contact support
Repeated failures: Same issue returns after multiple factory resets
These symptoms indicate hardware problems that software troubleshooting won't resolve.
Before contacting support, verify your warranty status:
Find your TV's serial number (back of TV or Settings > Support > About This TV)
Visit Samsung.com/support and enter the serial number
Review warranty coverage details
Samsung's standard warranty covers manufacturing defects for one year. Extended warranties vary by purchase location.
Phone: 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864)
Samsung Members App: Chat support directly from your phone
Online Chat: samsung.com/support
Service Center Locator: samsung.com/us/support/service/locations
A reality check: TV repairs often cost 40-60% of a new TV's price. For older TVs (5+ years) or budget models, replacement sometimes makes more financial sense than repair.
Before authorizing expensive repairs:
Get a quote including parts and labor
Compare to current prices for equivalent new TVs
Consider that new TVs include warranty coverage
For comprehensive Samsung TV troubleshooting before making repair decisions, exhaust all DIY options first - you may solve the problem without spending anything.
If you're seeing Samsung TV blurry screen issues alongside function errors, the problem may be settings-related rather than hardware failure - worth investigating before calling for service.
Picture settings show "Function Not Available" because a streaming app like Netflix or YouTube is controlling the display settings. These apps manage their own aspect ratio and picture processing, locking your manual adjustments.
Close the app by holding the Back button for 3 seconds, then switch to TV or any HDMI source. Your picture settings should unlock immediately. On QLED models, also check Settings > General & Privacy > Intelligent Mode Settings and disable Intelligent Mode if it's overriding your manual controls.
Fix greyed out settings by force-closing all apps (hold the Back button for 3 seconds), then switching your input source to TV or HDMI using the Source button. Navigate to Settings - previously greyed options should now be available.
If multiple settings remain greyed across different menus, your TV may be stuck in hospitality mode. Press Mute + 1 + 1 + 9 + Enter on your remote to access the Hotel Option Menu and toggle hospitality mode off or select Standalone mode.
"Function Not Supported" means the feature you're accessing isn't compatible with your current input source, content format, or TV model. Common triggers include attempting to use features locked by streaming apps, playing unsupported video formats, or accessing region-restricted apps.
Try switching sources, updating your TV's firmware via Settings > Support > Software Update, or verifying that the feature is actually supported by your specific model (check your user manual or Samsung.com).
When the reset option is greyed out, background apps are preventing access. Hold the Back button for 3 seconds to force-close all apps. Press Source and switch to TV Plus or any HDMI input. Navigate to Settings > General > Reset - it should now be available. Enter PIN 0000 to proceed.
If reset remains inaccessible, your TV is likely in hospitality mode. Use the Mute + 1 + 1 + 9 + Enter sequence to access Hotel Options and disable hospitality mode.
Smart Hub failures typically stem from network communication issues or corrupted hub data. Start with a cold boot (hold Power for 5 seconds). If that doesn't help, reset Smart Hub via Settings > Support > Device Care > Self Diagnosis > Reset Smart Hub, entering PIN 0000 when prompted.
For Error 202 specifically, change your DNS settings to 8.8.8.8 under Settings > General > Network > Network Status > IP Settings > DNS Settings > Enter Manually. This bypasses common ISP-related blocking issues.
Post-update app failures usually indicate Smart Hub needs to reconfigure. Perform a cold boot first (hold Power 5 seconds). If apps still won't load, reset Smart Hub through Settings > Support > Device Care > Self Diagnosis > Reset Smart Hub.
This removes all apps and accounts, so have your login credentials ready. After reset, reinstall apps from the Samsung App Store and sign back into each service.
With your TV powered on, press and hold the Power button on your remote for 5 seconds. The TV will turn off and automatically restart. Release the button when you see the Samsung logo appear. Wait 30-45 seconds for complete startup.
This clears your TV's memory cache without deleting apps or settings. For more stubborn issues, use a power cycle instead: unplug the TV for 60 seconds, press the Power button on the TV for 10 seconds while unplugged, then reconnect and power on.
Hospitality mode is a special configuration Samsung designed for hotels and commercial installations. It restricts settings access, disables inputs, limits channel options, and blocks app installations - preventing guests from modifying TV configurations.
Consumer TVs can accidentally enter this mode, especially refurbished units or after unusual button combinations. Signs include multiple greyed-out settings, missing Smart Hub features, and inaccessible broadcasting options. Disable it by pressing Mute + 1 + 1 + 9 + Enter and toggling hospitality mode off.
If Device Care is inaccessible, unplug your TV for 2 full minutes, press and hold the Power button on the TV for 10 seconds while unplugged, then reconnect and power on. This extended power cycle clears cached data that may be blocking Device Care access.
Navigate to Settings > Support > Device Care after reboot. If still unavailable, your TV may be in hospitality mode - check using Mute + 1 + 1 + 9 + Enter.
Broadcasting settings require the TV source (not TV Plus, not streaming apps) to be selected, and proper antenna/cable connection to the TV's ANT input. Close all apps by holding Back for 3 seconds, press Source and select TV, then check your coaxial cable connection.
If broadcasting remains greyed with an antenna connected and TV source selected, hospitality mode is likely active. The Mute + 1 + 1 + 9 + Enter sequence reveals whether this mode is restricting your TV's functions.
For additional Samsung TV parental controls or Samsung TV sound settings questions, our dedicated guides provide detailed walkthroughs. Understanding how to use your Samsung TV remote effectively also helps navigate these troubleshooting menus.
The "Function Not Available" error and greyed-out settings on Samsung TVs almost always have straightforward fixes. After working through countless Samsung TV troubleshooting scenarios, the pattern is clear: these are software restrictions, not hardware failures.
The four fixes that resolve 90% of cases:
Close apps and switch source - Hold Back for 3 seconds, switch to TV or HDMI
Cold boot - Hold Power for 5 seconds until the TV restarts
Check hospitality mode - Mute + 1 + 1 + 9 + Enter reveals hidden restrictions
Reset Smart Hub - Settings > Support > Device Care > Self Diagnosis > Reset Smart Hub
Most Samsung TV owners never need to go beyond these four steps. The remaining 10% of cases involve specific error codes (use the DNS fix for Error 202), true hospitality TVs (HG models with permanent restrictions), or actual hardware failures requiring professional service.
Prevention matters too: weekly cold boots for heavy users, keeping firmware updated, and managing apps prevents most issues from occurring in the first place.
Bookmark this guide for future reference - you'll likely need one of these fixes again at some point, and knowing exactly where to look saves frustration. For ongoing Samsung TV troubleshooting support and related guides, our complete library covers every common Samsung TV issue.