Smart TV Settings, Factory Reset and Software Update
A few settings make a big difference to how a smart TV looks and runs. This guide covers the first setup, the best picture modes, Wi-Fi, software updates and how to factory reset Google TV, Samsung and LG TVs safely.
Updated 11 November 2026
First setup of a new smart TV
- Choose the language and country.
- Connect to Wi-Fi. A 5 GHz network gives smoother 4K streaming if your router supports it.
- On a Google TV, sign in with a Google account to use the Play Store. You can also pick basic TV mode, which skips apps and works like a normal TV.
- On Samsung, a Samsung account is optional, but it is needed for some apps and for SmartThings.
- Accept the software update the TV offers, then install YouTube, Netflix and your other apps.
- Connect your receiver, console or sound bar to HDMI and name the inputs.
Best picture settings for an LED TV
- Movie, Cinema or Filmmaker Mode: the most accurate colours for films and dramas at night.
- Standard: a good daytime mode for bright rooms.
- Vivid or Dynamic: looks bright in a shop but is too blue for home use.
- Motion smoothing (MEMC): keep it on for cricket and football, turn it off for films to avoid the soap-opera look.
- Game mode: lowers input lag for consoles; many TVs switch to it automatically.
- Energy saving or Eco: lowers brightness and power use; turn it down if the picture looks dim.
Change one setting at a time and judge it with content you know well.
How to connect a smart TV to Wi-Fi
Open Settings, then Network or Network and Internet, choose your Wi-Fi name and type the password. If the TV will not connect:
- Restart the router and the TV.
- Check the date and time on the TV; a wrong date can block secure connections.
- Move the router closer or use a LAN cable if the TV has an Ethernet port.
- Forget the network and join again.
Wi-Fi problems on TCL and other Google TVs are often fixed by a software update.
How to update a smart TV
Updates fix bugs, add features and keep apps working.
- Google TV and Android TV (TCL, Haier, Xiaomi, Hisense, Dawlance): Settings, System, About, System update.
- Samsung Tizen: Settings, Support, Software Update, Update Now. Turn on Auto Update to stay current.
- LG webOS: Settings, General, System or About This TV, then check for updates.
Apps update from the TV's app store. Keep the TV on Wi-Fi and do not unplug it during an update.
How to factory reset a smart TV
A factory reset wipes your apps, accounts and settings, and returns the TV to how it left the box. Try a simple restart first.
- Google TV: Settings, System, About, Reset, Factory reset. On older Android TVs the path is Settings, Device Preferences, Reset.
- Samsung: Settings, General (or General and Privacy), Reset. The default PIN is 0000 unless you changed it.
- LG: Settings, General, System, Reset to Initial Settings.
After the reset, run the first setup again and sign back in to your apps.
Reset a TV without the remote
- Soft reset: unplug the TV from the wall for 60 seconds and plug it back in. This fixes many freezes and black screens.
- Use the phone remote app (Google TV, SmartThings or LG ThinQ) to open the reset menu.
- On some models, the power button on the TV opens a small menu with settings.
A full factory reset without any remote or app is model-specific, so contact the brand's service centre if you are stuck. See the smart TV remote guide for remote fixes.
How to speed up a slow smart TV
- Uninstall apps you do not use, because low storage slows the whole system.
- Clear the cache of heavy apps from Settings, Apps.
- Turn off auto-play previews and background apps where the menu allows it.
- Restart the TV once a week by unplugging it, not only pressing standby.
- Keep the software updated.
If the TV is still slow, a factory reset usually brings back the speed it had when new.
Key lock, child lock and PIN
- Key lock (or panel lock) disables the buttons on the TV. Turn it off from the system or advanced settings menu using the remote.
- Parental or child lock blocks channels or apps with a PIN. If you forget the PIN, a factory reset clears it on most models.
- On Google TV you can create a kids profile with its own app list.
Service menu codes found online are meant for technicians. Changing those values can upset the panel or sound settings, so leave them to the service centre.
Check your TV's resolution and model
Go to Settings, then About, System or Support to see the model code and software version. Search that model code on our site to see its full specs, including resolution, refresh rate and smart system. All 4K models are on the 4K LED TV page. For hardware faults, read LED TV problems and fixes.
