How to Restart or Reset an Android TV

This guide shows you how to restart or reset your Android TV, whether you just need to fix a temporary glitch or want to wipe it back to factory settings. A restart is a quick reboot that clears minor issues, while a factory reset erases all data and restores the TV to its original state. Before you begin, note that a factory reset removes all downloaded apps, signed-in accounts, and personalized settings, so back up anything important if possible.

What You’ll Need

Your Android TV remote control (or the physical buttons on the TV if the remote is unresponsive)
Access to the TV’s Settings menu (for most steps)
Your Google account credentials if you plan to sign back in after a factory reset

Step-by-Step: Restarting Your Android TV

Using the remote: Press the Power button on your remote to turn the TV off. Wait about 30 seconds, then press Power again to turn it back on. This is the simplest restart and works for most minor issues.
Using the Settings menu: If the power cycle didn’t help, go to the TV’s home screen. Navigate to the Settings gear icon (usually in the top-right corner). Scroll down to Device Preferences (or System on some models), then select Restart or Reboot. Confirm if prompted.
Using the physical buttons: If the remote is not working, locate the physical power button on the TV (often on the back or bottom edge). Press and hold it for about 5 seconds until the TV turns off. Wait 30 seconds, then press it again to turn the TV on.

Step-by-Step: Factory Resetting Your Android TV

Back up your data (if possible): Go to Settings > System > Backup and ensure backup is enabled. Note that not all TV apps support backup, so you may need to reinstall and reconfigure them.
Open Settings: From the home screen, select the Settings gear icon.
Navigate to reset option: Scroll to Device Preferences (or System), then select About. Look for Factory Reset or Reset. On some models, it’s directly under Device Preferences > Reset.
Confirm the reset: A warning will appear explaining that all data will be erased. Select Erase Everything or Factory Reset to confirm. The TV will begin the process, which may take several minutes.
Set up your TV: After the reset, the TV will restart and show the initial setup screen. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to Wi-Fi, sign in to your Google account, and reinstall apps.

Common Mistakes

Choosing factory reset when a restart would suffice: A factory reset is drastic and time-consuming. Always try a simple restart first.
Not backing up before reset: Skipping backup can result in losing app data, login credentials, and personalized settings that cannot be recovered.
Interrupting the reset process: Unplugging the TV or pressing buttons during a factory reset can corrupt the system software. Let it finish completely.
Confusing restart with sleep mode: Pressing the power button on the remote may put the TV into sleep mode, not a full restart. To ensure a full reboot, use the Settings menu restart option.

Tips

Restart regularly: If your TV becomes sluggish, a quick restart once a week can keep it running smoothly.
Use the remote app: If your physical remote is lost or broken, download the Android TV remote app on your phone (from the Google Play Store) to control the TV and access settings.
Keep your TV updated: After restarting or resetting, check for system updates in Settings > Device Preferences > About > System Update to ensure you have the latest fixes.
Write down your accounts: Before a factory reset, list all the apps you use and their login details so you can reinstall and sign in quickly.

Troubleshooting

If your Android TV doesn’t respond to the remote or buttons, try the following:

Unplug the TV: Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet, wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in. This is a hard reset that can fix unresponsive systems.
Check the remote batteries: Replace the batteries in your remote, as low power can cause intermittent or no response.
Use the TV’s physical buttons: If the remote is dead, use the physical power button on the TV to turn it off and on.
If the TV is stuck on the boot logo: Perform a factory reset using the physical buttons. On many models, press and hold the power button and the volume down button simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the recovery menu appears. Use the volume buttons to navigate to “Wipe data/factory reset” and confirm with the power button. This varies by model, so check your manual if unsure.
If the reset fails or the TV freezes: Contact the manufacturer’s support or consult the user manual for a specific recovery procedure. Avoid opening the TV yourself as it may void the warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a restart delete my apps?

No, a restart only reboots the system; your apps, accounts, and settings remain intact.

How long does a factory reset take?

It usually takes 2–5 minutes, but can be longer on older models. The TV will restart automatically when done.

Do I need to sign in to Google after a factory reset?

Yes, after a factory reset, you’ll need to go through the initial setup, which includes signing in to your Google account to access the Play Store and other services.

Will a factory reset remove the TV’s built-in apps?

No, factory reset removes only user-installed apps and data. Pre-installed system apps will be restored to their original versions.

Can I reset my Android TV without a remote?

Yes, you can use the physical buttons on the TV, or download the Android TV remote app on your phone to access settings and perform a reset.

What should I do if the TV freezes after a reset?

Try unplugging the TV for a minute and then plugging it back in. If the issue persists, perform another factory reset or contact support.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →