- Samsung & LG TVs
How to Cold Boot a Samsung TV With or Without the Remote
Samsung's two cold-boot methods, with the remote or with the power cord, and what to do if the TV is still slow.
Quick answer
With the TV on, press and hold the power button on the Samsung remote until the TV switches off and back on. No remote? Unplug the power cord, wait 30 seconds, plug it in and switch the TV on. Samsung says either way clears the memory cache.
Applies to
- Devices
- Samsung smart TVs (menu and remote layouts vary by model); Not covered: LG TVs
- Checked
- Official sources checked on November 2, 2026.
If your Samsung TV is slow to turn on, apps take longer to start, or the menu takes a while to load, a cold boot is a simple first step. Samsung describes it as a way to clear the TV's memory cache so that it can get back to running at full speed.
With the Samsung remote#
- Start with the TV switched on.
- Press and hold the power button on the Samsung remote.
- Keep holding it while the TV switches off and then back on.
Samsung's page does not give a number of seconds, so keep holding until the TV has switched off and started again. Tapping the power button once is not the procedure Samsung describes.
Without the Samsung remote#
- With the TV switched on, unplug its power cord from the wall socket.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Plug the cord back in and switch the TV on.
Check the result#
Try the same menu or app that was slow. Notice whether the behaviour changed rather than assuming that the restart fixed everything.
Is this a factory reset?#
No. These are Samsung's restart procedures. They do not erase the TV or set it up again.
What if it is still slow?#
Samsung also says that keeping the TV's software up to date helps it run smoothly. If the problem continues, use the support page for your exact Samsung model.
What have you already tried?
Tick what you have already done. It helps you see what is left, and you can copy a summary to send to support.
Nothing you type or tick here is sent to us. It stays in your browser.
Editorial guidance from Tellyro Blog, not a diagnosis certified by the device or app maker.
Sources
- TV takes a while to turn on or has other glitches — Samsung Support (US), read November 2, 2026
How this guide was made
Written with help from AI. Menu names and available features may vary by device and software version.
- Official sources checked on November 2, 2026.
