Soundbars are supposed to boost your TV’s audio, but what do you do when yours starts acting up or won’t connect properly?
Before calling for service or buying a new one, a simple factory reset can often get your soundbar working like new again.
Resetting your soundbar to the original factory settings can fix a variety of common issues with these useful audio devices.
When experiencing problems with performance, connectivity or improper functioning, a reset should be your first troubleshooting step.
Let’s dive in and cover how to easily reset popular soundbar brands like Vizio, LG, Sony and Samsung.
Locating the Reset Button on Major Soundbar Brands
Unveil the secrets of resetting your soundbar – pinpointing the reset buttons
Locating the proper reset button is the crucial first step to successfully resetting your soundbar. This small button is placed in different locations depending on the soundbar brand and model. Checking your instruction manual is the best way to find it quickly.
Vizio soundbars often have the reset button on the back panel, sometimes on the left or right side. It is typically a tiny recessed pinhole labeled ‘Reset’ that requires a paperclip to press in fully. Some older Vizio models may have the reset hole on the underside instead.
LG soundbars tend to place the reset button on the back of the unit. It is generally a small, flush ‘Reset’ button that may need a pin or clip to activate. Certain LG models put this button on the bottom rather than the back.
With Sony soundbars, the reset button is commonly located on the rear panel, sometimes concealed inside the input/connector section. It will be a pinhole or recessed button marked ‘Reset’ needing a small object to press in.
On Samsung soundbars, the reset button is often found on the bottom of the unit, but may be on the back in some models. Either way, it is a tiny recessed button requiring a pin, clip or unfolded paperclip to firmly press down.
Checking the manual for your specific soundbar model will give you the exact location of the reset button to simplify the reset process. Having an idea of common reset button locations by brand will also help you find it quickly.
How to Reset Vizio Soundbars
Empower yourself with knowledge – locate the reset button on top soundbar brands
Here are the detailed steps to successfully reset a Vizio soundbar:
1. Turn off the Vizio soundbar and disconnect the power cord.
2. Locate the small reset pinhole, typically on the back or side panel of the unit.
3. To reset with remote: Press and hold the Input and Volume Down buttons together for 5-10 seconds.
4. Without remote: Carefully insert a paper clip into the reset hole and press firmly for 20-30 seconds.
5. Continue holding the reset button as the status light may blink or turn off briefly.
6. Release only when the status LED flashes rapidly, signaling the reset is complete.
7. Plug the power cord back in and turn on. The soundbar will have reset to factory default settings.
Using either method resets the Vizio soundbar’s settings, connectivity and customizations, which can resolve a variety of issues.
How to Factory Reset LG Soundbars
Master the art of factory resetting LG soundbars with this easy-to-follow image guide
Follow these instructions when factory resetting an LG soundbar:
1. Power off the LG soundbar and disconnect the power cord.
2. Find the small reset button on the rear or bottom of the unit, labeled ‘Reset’.
3. Use a pen, paper clip or pin tool to press and hold the reset button for 7-10 seconds.
4. Keep holding as the status light may briefly turn off before the reset is complete.
5. After 10 seconds, release the reset button when the soundbar blinks and reboots.
6. Plug the power cord back in and turn on. The LG soundbar is now reset to factory settings.
If your LG model does not have an accessible reset button, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds while powered off instead. Just be sure the soundbar is unplugged before trying the power button reset method.
How to Reset Sony Soundbars
Empower yourself to troubleshoot like a pro – mastering the art of Sony soundbar resets
Here is how to fully reset a Sony soundbar:
1. Turn off the Sony soundbar and unplug the power cord from the outlet.
2. Locate the small recessed Reset button on the back panel, often inside the input section.
3. Use a thin pin, unwound paper clip or pen tip to press and firmly hold the Reset button for 20-30 seconds.
4. Keep holding even if the status light turns off during this time.
5. After holding 20-30 seconds, release and the soundbar will blink and reboot.
6. The reset is now complete. Plug the power cord back in and turn on.
An alternate reset option is pressing and holding the Power button and Input button together for 10 seconds while powered off. Either method will reset the Sony soundbar to factory default settings.
How To Reset Samsung Soundbars and Subwoofers
Unlock the full potential of your Samsung sound system with our step-by-step reset guide
Follow this process to reset a Samsung soundbar system:
To Reset Soundbar:
1. Power off soundbar and subwoofer and unplug the soundbar’s power cord.
2. Locate the recessed reset button on the bottom or back of the soundbar.
3. Use a clip or paperclip to press and hold the reset button for 10-20 seconds.
4. Release when the soundbar reboots and status light blinks rapidly.
To Reset Subwoofer:
1. Press and hold the subwoofer’s pairing button for 10 seconds.
2. The status light will flash, signaling the subwoofer has reset.
Once both are reset, reconnect them by pressing the pairing buttons again. This full reset often resolves connectivity issues between the Samsung soundbar and subwoofer.
Troubleshooting Tips for Soundbar Resets
Navigate soundbar reset challenges like a pro with our troubleshooting tips
If a soundbar fails to reset, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Make sure the soundbar is plugged into power when trying to reset. The unit must be powered on to initiate a reset.
- Press and hold the reset button for 30-60 seconds to ensure enough time to complete. Release when lights blink.
- Also reset any devices connected to the soundbar, like TVs or streaming players to clear all settings.
- With wireless subwoofers, replace dead batteries or power cycle the sub after resetting the soundbar.
- Completely disconnect power from both the soundbar and subwoofer for 3-5 minutes before trying to reset again.
- Check the instruction manual for brand-specific troubleshooting advice.
- If still not functioning, contact the manufacturer for assistance, as internal service may be needed.
Conclusion
Resetting your soundbar can seem daunting, but following the proper steps for your specific brand and model will ensure you can get it back to factory default settings.
Locating the often hard-to-find reset button is the crucial first task. Then be sure to hold it long enough for the reset to fully complete.
If you have a separate subwoofer, reset that component as well and re-pair the units. Should you encounter issues, methodically try the troubleshooting tips covered to resolve most problems.
With some diligence and patience, you can get your soundbar working like new again. And if problems persist, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from the manufacturer.
With the right information and a systematic approach, you can master the process of resetting your soundbar.