How to Reset Any Android TV Box & Increase Device Performance

reset android tv box

This easy-to-follow guide will demonstrate How to Reset Android TV Box. The guide covers popular devices. These include the NVIDIA SHIELD, Chromecast with Google TV, and MECOOL.

Android TV Box Resource Guide

When you reset your Android TV Box, it reverts to its original state. This is the same state it was in when you first bought it.

If you’re experiencing problems with your Android TV device, a factory reset can be incredibly helpful. It gets it working like new again.

This factory reset will remove all the apps you’ve installed. It’s essentially like starting over. 

If a full reset isn’t what you want, consider simply restarting your device. This can often resolve minor issues effectively.

Many Android TV Boxes have limited storage capacity. Once you’ve installed a number of apps, you might find the system slowing down.

Sure, you can uninstall Android apps you don’t use anymore. However, some leave behind files that never get deleted.

You’ll find two methods for resetting an Android TV Box outlined below.

The second method uses a pinhole reset. Note that this isn’t a feature on all boxes.

For this guide, we’re using the well-known X96 Max Android TV Box as an example.

However, the process is quite similar across different Android streaming devices. The instructions should apply to your preferred device as well.

Keep in mind that a factory reset will wipe out your installed applications. You’ll need to reinstall any apps you had previously.

How to Reset Android TV Box

Factory Reset through Settings

1.  Locate the Settings icon or menu button on your Android TV Box screen. Go ahead and click it.

Click Settings button

2.  Proceed by clicking Storage & Reset.

Click Storage & Reset

3.  Now, click Factory data reset.

Click Factory data reset

4.  Confirm your choice by clicking Factory data reset once more.

Click Factory data reset again on Android TV Box

Your Android TV Box will begin resetting. It will return to its factory default settings. This might take a few moments, so just be patient as it completes.

It’s worth noting that the appearance of your Android TV Box settings page might vary from the example shown. If that’s the case, follow these alternative instructions.

5.  Start by clicking on System.

Click System

6.  Then, click on Reset options.

Click Reset Options

7. Select the “Erase all data (factory reset)” option. When I did this, I had to use my remote’s mouse pointer to actually click it.

Click Erase all data (factory reset)

8.  Go ahead and click “Reset Phone”.

Click Reset Phone

Android TV Box Pin-hole Reset

If your Android TV Box isn’t working correctly, and the settings are inaccessible.  You might be able to use this method to get it working again.

Android TV Box Pin-hole reset button

On your Android TV Box, try to locate a tiny hole. It should be small enough that you can insert the end of a paperclip. You might find it on the bottom. Keep in mind that not all Android TV Boxes have these.

Reset Android through AV Pin Hole

This pinhole can sometimes be found inside the AV port, as it is on the X96 Max.

1.  Unplug your Android TV Box’s power cord from the device.

2. Insert a paper clip or toothpick into the pinhole and press and hold the reset button.  Make sure you don’t let go just yet.

3. While still holding the reset button, plug the power cord back into the Android TV Box.

4. Continue holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, then release.

5. The Recovery Mode screen should appear. Select the “Wipe data/factory reset” option.

Android Wipe Data screen

6. You’ll be asked to confirm your choice after clicking the reset button.

7. When the process is finished, you’ll be taken back to the screen you saw before.

8. Select “Reboot system now”. The reboot process might take a bit of time, so just be patient.

If you’re curious about resetting other popular streaming devices, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our other device reset guides.

Once your Android TV Box is reset, it’ll be like new again, restored to its original factory settings. This can really help improve its performance.

When using Streaming Apps & APK’s, most Android TV Box owners opt for a VPN to keep their online activity private.

We recommend installing IPVanish on your Android TV Box. This will ensure your streaming and online activity are always safe from prying eyes, like your ISP, app developers, and others who might be snooping around.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I force a reset on my Android TV Box?

If your device has a pinhole, you can use that to reset your Android TV Box.

What’s the best way to fix my Android TV Box?

Resetting your Android box to its factory default settings is a very effective way to fix issues you might be experiencing.

If I reset my Android Box, will my installed apps be gone?

Yes, after a factory reset, you’ll need to reinstall the apps you had before.

What’s the difference between resetting and restarting my Android TV Box?

Resetting your device will completely erase everything and revert it back to its factory settings. Restarting, on the other hand, will simply close all open apps and give your device a quick refresh.

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