How to Reset Element TV with or without Remote [4 Ways]

Have you ever found yourself staring at a frozen Element TV screen, desperately pressing buttons on an unresponsive remote? Or perhaps your Element TV has been acting strangely—apps crashing, picture quality deteriorating, or settings mysteriously changing? These frustrating situations often call for a reset, but knowing exactly how to reset your specific Element TV model can be confusing.

Whether your remote is missing in action or you‘re specifically looking for that tiny reset pinhole that seems impossible to find, this guide has you covered. I‘ll walk you through four proven methods to reset your Element TV, with special focus on the often-overlooked pinhole reset technique that can be a true lifesaver when other methods fail.

Understanding Element TV Technology and Reset Mechanisms

Element Electronics has been manufacturing budget-friendly TVs since 2007, gaining significant market share in the value segment. Their TVs run on several different operating systems depending on the model and year:

• Standard Element TVs: Proprietary operating system
• Element Roku TVs: Roku OS
• Element Fire TV Edition: Amazon Fire TV OS
• Element Android TVs: Android TV OS (on newer models)

Each operating system handles reset procedures differently at the software level, though the hardware reset mechanisms remain fairly consistent across models. According to internal data from Element customer support, approximately 78% of performance issues can be resolved through proper reset procedures.

The Technical Side of TV Resets

When you reset an Element TV, several technical processes occur:

1. Memory clearing: Temporary cache files and corrupted data are removed from RAM
2. Settings restoration: User configurations are reverted to factory defaults
3. Software reinitialization: The operating system performs a fresh boot sequence
4. Hardware component reset: Power cycling clears electrical charges from capacitors

Understanding these processes helps explain why different reset methods are effective for different issues. For example, a soft reset primarily addresses RAM-related issues, while a factory reset completely rewrites configuration files.

Why You Might Need to Reset Your Element TV

According to a 2022 consumer electronics survey, TV performance issues affect approximately 35% of users within the first two years of ownership. For Element TVs specifically, the following issues are most commonly resolved through resets:

Other common scenarios that might require a reset include:

• After software updates: Updates can sometimes conflict with existing settings
• Memory leaks: Extended use without rebooting can cause performance degradation
• App compatibility issues: When apps become incompatible with the current OS version
• Before selling or giving away: To remove all personal information and accounts
• Corrupted system files: When critical system files become damaged
• Unusual behavior: Random reboots, audio/video sync issues, or menu navigation problems

Element TV Reset Types: Technical Breakdown

Element TVs offer several reset options, each affecting the system differently:

Soft Reset (Power Cycle)

What it affects: Clears RAM and temporary system cache
What it preserves: All user settings, installed apps, and account information
Technical process: Disconnects power to discharge capacitors and clear volatile memory
Success rate: Resolves approximately 45% of common issues

Settings Reset

What it affects: Specific settings categories (picture, sound, network, etc.)
What it preserves: Other settings categories and installed apps
Technical process: Rewrites specific configuration files while preserving others
Success rate: Resolves approximately 30% of targeted setting-specific issues

Factory Reset

What it affects: All user data, settings, installed apps, and accounts
What it preserves: System firmware and hardware calibrations
Technical process: Formats user data partition and reinstalls default configuration files
Success rate: Resolves approximately 85% of software-related issues

Pinhole Reset

What it affects: Forces a hardware-level restart and can trigger factory reset
What it preserves: Varies by model, but generally similar to factory reset
Technical process: Activates emergency reset circuit that forces CPU reinitialization
Success rate: Resolves approximately 90% of cases where other reset methods fail

Method 1: Element TV Pinhole Reset (No Remote Needed)

The pinhole reset is one of the most reliable methods to reset an Element TV, especially when you don‘t have access to the remote or when the TV‘s interface is completely unresponsive. This method directly interfaces with the TV‘s hardware reset circuit, bypassing software limitations.

The Engineering Behind Pinhole Reset Mechanisms

Element TVs, like most modern electronics, feature a dedicated reset circuit connected to a microswitch that can be activated through the pinhole. This circuit is designed to force the main processor to clear its state and restart regardless of software conditions. The pinhole design prevents accidental resets while providing emergency access when needed.

The reset button connects to what engineers call a "watchdog timer" circuit that monitors the system‘s operation. When activated manually through the pinhole, it forces the processor to reboot and reload firmware from non-volatile memory.

Locating the Reset Pinhole on Different Element TV Models

The location of the reset pinhole varies depending on your Element TV model and manufacturing year:

Standard Element TVs (2015-2018):

• Back panel, typically within 2-3 inches of the input ports
• Often labeled with a small "Reset" text or "R" symbol
• Approximately 1mm in diameter

Standard Element TVs (2019-Present):

• Back panel, usually near the bottom edge
• May be recessed in a small indentation
• Often unmarked or minimally labeled with a tiny reset icon

Element Roku TVs:

• Back panel, typically on the right side when viewing from behind
• Located approximately 4-6 inches from the edge
• Sometimes positioned directly beneath the HDMI ports
• Usually labeled with "Reset" or a small reset icon

Element Fire TV Edition:

• Back panel, often near the center
• Sometimes located behind a removable panel or cover
• May require removing a small plastic cover to access
• Typically larger (1.5mm) than on other models

Element Android TVs:

• Side panel on newer models, back panel on older versions
• Often positioned near the power button
• May be combined with other button functions on some models

If you‘re having trouble locating the reset pinhole, here‘s a methodical approach:

1. Check all edges of the TV‘s back panel
2. Look near input/output ports clusters
3. Examine any small labeled holes (may be labeled "Reset" or simply "R")
4. Check for any removable panels or covers
5. Consult your specific model‘s user manual (available on Element‘s website)

Detailed Pinhole Reset Instructions by TV Type

For Standard Element TVs

1. Power on your Element TV – The TV must be powered on for the reset button to function properly.

2. Locate the reset pinhole – Use a flashlight to find the small hole on your TV‘s back panel.

3. Prepare a reset tool – Use a paperclip, SIM ejector tool, or toothpick. The ideal tool should be:

   • Thin enough to fit in the 1-1.5mm hole
   • Rigid enough not to bend
   • Non-conductive (plastic or wood) is preferable but not required

4. Insert the tool into the pinhole – Apply gentle pressure straight into the hole until you feel a slight click. This indicates contact with the internal button.

5. Press and hold the button – Hold steady pressure for the appropriate time:

   • For models before 2018: Hold for 15 seconds
   • For models 2018-2020: Hold for 20 seconds
   • For models 2021 and newer: Hold for 30 seconds

6. Watch for visual indicators – During a successful reset:

   • The power LED will typically flash
   • The screen will go blank
   • After a few moments, the Element logo will appear

7. Complete the setup process – After the reset, the TV will display the initial setup screen.

For Element Roku TVs

1. Ensure the TV is powered on – The reset circuit requires power to function.

2. Locate the reset button – On Roku models, this is typically on the back panel near the connection ports.

3. Press and hold the reset button – For Roku-powered Element TVs:

   • Hold for exactly 20 seconds (using a timer is recommended)
   • Release immediately when the indicator light begins flashing rapidly

4. Wait for the restart sequence – The TV will:

   • Power off completely
   • Restart automatically after 30-60 seconds
   • Display the Roku logo animation
   • Present the guided setup screen

For Element Fire TV Edition

1. Power on the TV – Ensure the TV is fully powered on, not in standby mode.

2. Locate the reset pinhole – On Fire TV editions, this is often behind a small access panel.

3. Press and hold the reset button – For Fire TV models:

   • Hold for 10 seconds
   • Continue holding until the Amazon Fire TV logo appears
   • Release the button when the screen changes

4. Follow the on-screen setup – The Amazon Fire TV setup wizard will guide you through reconfiguration.

Technical Troubleshooting for Pinhole Reset Issues

If the pinhole reset doesn‘t produce the expected results, try these technical troubleshooting steps:

Reset Button Not Responding

1. Verify power status – Ensure the TV is receiving power (check for standby light)
2. Try a different reset tool – Some buttons require firmer pressure than others
3. Hold for longer duration – Some models require up to 45 seconds of continuous pressure
4. Check for button damage – The internal microswitch can fail in older models
5. Attempt multiple press sequence – Some models respond to a pattern of 3 quick presses followed by one long press

TV Doesn‘t Restart After Reset

1. Perform power cycling – Unplug the TV for 5 minutes to fully discharge capacitors
2. Check for firmware corruption – A completely unresponsive system may indicate firmware issues
3. Verify power supply health – Power supply issues can prevent proper restart
4. Try alternate power outlet – Electrical issues can interfere with reset procedures
5. Check for hardware failure – Persistent failure to reset may indicate board-level problems

Reset Occurs But Problems Persist

1. Multiple reset attempts – Some issues require 2-3 reset cycles to fully resolve
2. Check for external device issues – Connected devices may be causing the perceived problems
3. Update firmware after reset – Outdated firmware can reintroduce issues
4. Inspect for hardware damage – Physical damage may cause issues that resets cannot fix
5. Contact Element support – Some models have known issues with specific firmware versions

Method 2: Reset Element TV Using the Remote Control

Remote control resets offer more granular options than pinhole resets, allowing you to choose exactly what gets reset. This method works through the TV‘s software interface rather than directly triggering hardware circuits.

For Standard Element TVs (Detailed Menu Navigation)

Standard Element TVs use a hierarchical menu system that varies slightly between model years. Here‘s a comprehensive guide:

For 2015-2018 Models:

1. Press the Menu button on your remote control.
2. Navigate to Settings using the right arrow key.
3. Press OK to enter the Settings menu.
4. Scroll down to System using the down arrow key.
5. Press OK to enter the System menu.
6. Navigate to Reset & Admin or Restore Default.
7. Select Factory Reset or Reset TV to Factory Defaults.
8. Enter your PIN if prompted (default is usually 0000 or 1234).
9. Select Yes to confirm when the warning message appears.
10. Wait approximately 2-5 minutes for the reset process to complete.

For 2019-2022 Models:

1. Press the Menu or Settings button on your remote.
2. Select System from the main menu.
3. Choose Advanced System Settings.
4. Select Factory Reset.
5. Enter your security PIN when prompted.
6. Choose Reset Everything from the options presented.
7. Confirm your selection when the warning appears.
8. The TV will restart automatically after 1-2 minutes.

For Element TVs with Android OS

Element‘s Android-based TVs use Google‘s menu structure with Element‘s customizations:

1. Press the Home button on your remote.
2. Navigate to the Settings icon (gear symbol) using the directional pad.
3. Scroll down to Device Preferences.
4. Select Reset.
5. Choose between:
   • Reset settings (preserves apps and personal data)
   • Erase everything (complete factory reset)
6. Enter your PIN if you‘ve set one up.
7. Select Erase everything on the confirmation screen.
8. Wait for the Android TV reset process to complete (5-10 minutes).

Reset Specific Settings Without Full Factory Reset

For targeted troubleshooting, you can reset specific settings categories:

Reset Picture Settings Only:

1. Press Menu on your remote.
2. Select Picture or Display.
3. Navigate to Advanced Picture Settings or Expert Settings.
4. Select Reset Picture Mode or Restore Defaults.
5. Choose Yes to confirm.

Reset Audio Settings Only:

1. Press Menu on your remote.
2. Select Sound or Audio.
3. Navigate to Advanced Audio Settings.
4. Select Reset Audio Mode or Restore Defaults.
5. Choose Yes to confirm.

Reset Network Settings Only:

1. Press Menu on your remote.
2. Select Network or Connectivity.
3. Navigate to Network Settings.
4. Select Reset Network or Clear Network Settings.
5. Confirm your selection.
6. The TV will clear all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords.

Method 3: Reset Element Roku TV with Remote

Element Roku TVs use Roku‘s operating system, which has its own distinct reset procedure and menu structure.

Standard Reset Procedure (Detailed Steps)

1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
2. Scroll and select Settings using the arrow keys.
3. Navigate to System.
4. Select Advanced System Settings.
5. Choose Factory Reset.
6. You‘ll see several options:
   • Factory reset everything (complete reset)
   • Factory reset and keep network settings (preserves Wi-Fi connections)
   • Factory reset and keep network and streaming settings (preserves accounts)
7. For a complete reset, select Factory reset everything.
8. Enter the displayed 4-digit code to confirm (this code changes each time).
9. The TV will restart and begin the reset process, which takes 5-8 minutes.
10. After resetting, the Roku guided setup will appear.

Advanced Reset Options for Roku-powered Element TVs

Roku offers several specialized reset sequences for specific issues:

Network Connection Reset:

1. Press Home on your Roku remote.
2. Navigate to Settings > System > Advanced System Settings.
3. Select Network Connection Reset.
4. Confirm when prompted.
5. This will clear network settings without affecting other data.

System Restart (Soft Reset):

1. Press Home on your Roku remote.
2. Navigate to Settings > System.
3. Select System Restart.
4. Confirm when prompted.
5. The TV will restart without clearing any data.

Developer Options Reset (For Advanced Users):

If you‘ve enabled developer options and experiencing issues:

1. Press **