Samsung TV Settings Grayed Out – Fixed
If you own a Samsung TV, you may have experienced some settings being grayed out and unavailable for selection.
This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to make adjustments to the TV’s settings or troubleshoot an issue.
Some of the settings that have been reported as grayed out on Samsung TVs include reset, software, broadcasting, auto program, network, picture, and Apple AirPlay.
Fortunately, there is a general fix that can resolve this issue and allow you to access these settings again.
It’s important to note that just because a setting is grayed out, it doesn’t necessarily mean there is something wrong with your TV.
It may simply be that the function or setting is not available based on the current source, setting, or connections.
Here in this post, I’ll explore why Samsung TV settings may be grayed out and provide you with a step-by-step guide to fix the issue.
Common Reasons for Samsung TV Grayed Out Settings
Here are some reasons why Samsung TV settings may be grayed out:
Software Issues
One of the most common reasons for grayed out settings is software issues. If your TV’s software is outdated, it may not be able to support certain features or settings.
This can result in grayed out options or missing features. Additionally, if there’s a bug or glitch in the software, it could cause settings to be grayed out.
Hardware Problems
Another potential cause for grayed out settings is hardware problems. If there’s an issue with your TV’s hardware, it may not be able to support certain settings or features.
For example, if your TV’s HDMI port is damaged, you may not be able to access certain settings related to HDMI.
Incorrect Mode
Sometimes, grayed out settings can be caused by being in the wrong mode. For example, if you’re trying to adjust some picture settings but your TV is on another source, some settings may be inaccessible.
Smart Hub App Failure
Samsung’s Smart Hub app is a popular feature that allows you to access a variety of apps and features.
However, if the app fails or crashes, it can cause grayed out settings. Making some TV settings unavailable to click.
App Running in Background
Lastly, apps running in the background. If you have an app running in the background, it could be causing grayed out settings.
For example, if you’re trying to adjust sound settings but a music app is running in the background, some sound settings may be disabled for adjustment.
How to Fix Samsung TV Settings Grayed Out
Switch Source to TV
When you encounter grayed-out settings on your Samsung TV, the source selection might inadvertently be set to a non-TV input, such as a gaming console, Blu-ray player, or streaming device.
This can cause the TV’s settings to become unresponsive as they are often tied to the active input source.
The first simple fix you can try out is switching your device source to TV. This is to ensure you’re trying to access the options from the TV mode.
Here’s how to switch the source of your Samsung to TV mode:
- On your TV remote, locate the Input button.
- Press the Input button to open the source menu.
- Select the TV option from the list of available sources.
After selecting the TV source, give the TV a moment to process the change.
Restart Your Samsung TV
The next things you can try is restarting your TV. This can help resolve any software issues that may be causing the problem.
To restart your Samsung TV, you have a few options. The simplest way is to use your TV remote to turn off your TV, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
This is known as a soft reset or power cycle. If this does not work, you can try a power cycle by unplugging your TV from the power outlet, waiting a few minutes, and then plugging it back in.
It’s important to note that the power cycle won’t cause any harm to your Samsung TV; the process is designed to fully discharge the TV, providing it with a fresh start upon startup.
Exit Background Apps
Since the issue could be because a streaming app is running in the background, it’s advisable to exit all apps completely before accessing the TV setting.
To exit an app on your Samsung TV, follow these steps:
- Once you’re in the app.
- Locate the Exit button on your TV remote.
- Depending on your Samsung TV model, the button might be labeled Return with an icon.
- Press this button and press again to close the app completely.
- Some apps will request to confirm your action.
- Press the appropriate option to quite the app.
- You’ll now be on the TV home screen, now navigate to Settings and check the options that are previously grayed out.
Turn off Advanced Features
Samsung TVs come equipped with a variety of advanced features intended to elevate the user experience.
However, it’s worth noting that a considerable number of users have reported these very features as potential causes for the issue of certain settings becoming grayed out.
To address this issue, you can access the TV’s secret menu and disable these specific features that might be causing the problem.
Here are some of the features that you can consider turning off:
-
Hospitality Mode
This mode is often used in commercial settings like hotels to control various TV functions.
However, having this feature enabled on your personal TV might lead to settings being grayed out. Turning off Hospitality Mode could potentially resolve the issue.
-
Peak Mode
Peak Mode is designed to automatically adjust the TV’s settings based on the content being displayed.
While this can be useful, it might also interfere with your ability to access certain settings. Disabling this mode could help in regaining control over your settings.
-
Intelligent Mode
Similar to Peak Mode, Intelligent Mode adjusts the TV’s settings for optimal performance based on the viewing conditions.
Yet, it might also contribute to the grayed-out settings problem. Turning off Intelligent Mode might be a step towards resolving the issue.
To access the secret menu and disable these features, follow these general steps:
- Make sure your TV is turned on.
- Using your remote control, press the following buttons in sequence: [Mute], [1], [8], [2], [Power]. This should open the secret service menu.
- In the service menu, navigate through the options using your remote’s arrow keys. Locate the settings related to the features mentioned above and turn them off.
Keep in mind that accessing the service menu and making changes there can be risky, as it involves advanced settings.
If you’re not comfortable with these steps, it’s a good idea to seek assistance from Samsung’s customer support or a professional technician.
Disconnect All External Devices
Another potential solution is to disconnect all external devices connected to your Samsung TV.
Sometimes, the settings issues might not actually stem from the TV itself, but rather from the external devices that are hooked up to it.
This could include media players, audio systems, or streaming devices.
To start troubleshooting, begin by disconnecting all these external devices and observe whether the settings issue persists.
If you find that the problem is resolved after disconnecting these devices, it’s advisable to thoroughly inspect the connections and cables.
Check for any loose or damaged cables, and ensure that the connections are properly secured.
By taking this step, you can rule out any issues originating from the external devices and their connections.
This approach helps you identify whether the problem lies with the TV or with the devices themselves. It’s a simple yet crucial step in troubleshooting grayed-out settings on your Samsung TV.
Update the TV Software
The next crucial steps in resolving grayed-out settings on your Samsung TV is ensuring that your device’s software and firmware are up-to-date.
Operating on outdated software and firmware can compromise the functionality and stability of your TV, making it susceptible to bugs and glitches.
When your TV’s software is outdated, it may lead to various issues, including settings appearing grayed out.
These issues can arise due to compatibility problems, security vulnerabilities, or software conflicts.
Bugs and glitches are more likely to occur on older software versions, as manufacturers continuously release updates to address these problems and improve overall performance.
By updating the TV software and firmware, you can eliminate potential compatibility issues that may be causing the settings to be inaccessible.
To update your Samsung TV’s software, follow these steps:
- Using your TV remote, navigate to the Menu option.
- Select Settings and then select Support.
- Select Software Update, and then select Update Now.
- Wait for the TV to download and install the new updates.
- This process usually takes a few minutes, so please do not turn off the device until the update is complete.
- Once the update is finished, your TV will restart automatically.
It is important to note that if your Samsung TV is not connected to the internet, the settings for software update may be grayed out.
Therefore, make sure your TV is connected to the internet before attempting to update the software.
Additionally, if your TV has disabled automatic updates, you may need to enable it to receive the latest updates.
To do this, go to Settings, select Support, and then select Software Update. From there, select Auto Update and turn it on.
Reset Samsung Smart Hub Settings
If the issue persists after installing the latest software, you may want to reset the Samsung smart hub settings to default.
After the reset, your TV will restart and the Smart Hub will be restored to its default settings.
Note that this will also delete any apps you have downloaded, so you will need to download them again.
To do this:
- Press the Home button on your remote and select Settings.
- Scroll down to Support and select it.
- Select Self Diagnosis and then Reset Smart Hub.
- Enter your TV’s PIN (if you have set one up) and then select Yes to confirm the reset.
If you are still experiencing grayed-out options after resetting the Smart Hub, try resetting your TV to its factory settings.
As the last resort, keep in mind that this will erase all of your settings and preferences, so make sure to take note of them before resetting.
To reset your Samsung TV to its factory settings:
- Press the Home button on your remote and select Settings.
- Scroll down to Support and select it.
- Select Self Diagnosis and then Reset.
- Enter your TV’s PIN (if you have set one up) and then select Yes to confirm the reset.
After the reset, your TV will restart and be restored to its original factory settings.
You will need to go through the initial setup process again, including connecting to your Wi-Fi network and signing in to your Samsung account.
If you are still experiencing issues with grayed-out options, it may be a hardware issue and you should contact Samsung support for further assistance.
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