Like punching in a secret cheat code in a video game, some smart TVs have a hidden code that opens a unique service menu. There, you’ll find special developer tools, the number of hours used, and even special diagnostic and calibration tools you don’t normally have access to.
9What’s the Secret Service Menu For?
If the ability to access diagnostic tools didn’t tip you off, the service menu houses information and options that are, more or less, for technicians only. It’ll let you calibrate the screen, run tests to find problems with hardware, tweak audio and picture sections (though slightly different from the run-of-the-mill menu), and open developer tools, like testing apps. It isn’t that different fromaccessing the BIOS on your computer.
As the service menu is meant for technicians, you’re able to potentially harm your smart TV if you tweak the wrong setting. One wrong setting could brick your TV.Continue at your own risk.
8How to Unlock an LG Smart TV’s Service Menu
Accessing your LG smart TV’s service menu is a game of trial and error. This is because multiple codes could work, depending on your LG smart TV. Start by openingMenuand accessingSettings. While you’re in Settings, punch one of these codes in, then press theSelectbutton right after:
If none of those work, another option is to press thePowerandSelectbuttons together. When you want to exit the service menu, simply turn the TV off.
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7How to Unlock a Vizio Smart TV’s Service Menu
Vizio smart TVs offer numerous settings to adjust, as well as the ability to dig into hardware information, adjust the picture and sound, or debug. In fact, it’s what the technician used to diagnose myVizio TV’s black screen of death. Using your Vizio remote:
When you’re finished fiddling with your Vizio smart TV’s settings, you can exit the service menu by simply pressing theExitbutton.
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6How to Unlock a Sony Smart TV’s Service Menu
Some smart TVs, like Sony, let you diagnose problems and whatnot, but you can also check usage hours, which may or may not horrify you. With gaming being my hobby, I certainly wouldn’t want to see those numbers. If you’re braver than me, here’s how to unlock your Sony smart TV’s service menu:
To exit the service menu, you may try theHome,Back, orTVbuttons. Again, it depends on your model.
5How to Unlock an Amazon Fire TV’s Service Menu
Seeing as Amazon’s FireOS is implemented in smart TVs and streaming devices, like theFire TV Stick 4K, accessing the service menu on both is the same. On your remote, press and hold theSelectandDownbuttons together for five seconds, let them go, and immediately press theMenubutton.
Doing this opens the Fire device’s developer tools menu, giving you access to options like “Network Advisor,” which helps diagnose connection problems, and “System X-Ray,” which displays a system info overlay in the corner.
4How to Unlock a Panasonic Smart TV’s Service Menu
Where Fire TVs have a sleek service menu, Panasonic’s smart TVs have one that looks straight out of the early 2000s. As soon as you turn on your Panasonic TV, press theVolume Downbutton and hold it. On some models, you press the TV button instead. Now, depending on your model, either press theInfobutton three times or use the code0,0,0or the code3,1,3,8.
Seeing as the code can be different for every model, you’ll have to do some digging on your specific Panasonic smart TV. In fact, if you still have the manual, it would be wise to look there. To move around the service menu, you’ll have to use the1and2buttons, while theOKbutton is used to select options.
3How to Unlock a Samsung Smart TV’s Service Menu
Like Sony smart TVs, accessing your Samsung smart TV’s service menu differs depending on your model. In some models, you turn the television off, then press the following buttons: Info, Menu, Mute, and then the Power button. The TV then boots up into the service menu.
Other models use this combination, which you press in quick succession:Mute,1,1,9, thenEnter.
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2How to Unlock a Philips Smart TV’s Service Menu
Following the trend of different models having different ways of accessing the service menu, Philips smart TVs have several button combinations. I recommend trying all of them:
To exit the service menu, press theExit,Return, orPowerbutton.
1How to Unlock a Hisense Smart TV’s Service Menu
Hisense smart TVs have you jumping between multiple menus and using a specific code to unlock its service menu. This will work with Hisense remotes with or without numbers. The first method is to openMenu > Settings > Advanced Settings. HighlightBalance—it’ll probably be grayed out, but that’s OK—then press1,9,6,9.
On other Hisense smart TV models, it’sSettings > Audio > Speakers. HighlightBalance, set it to0, then press1,9,6,9. You’ll see options for adjusting white balance, mic test, setting the MAC address or language, even the number of hours the television has been used.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to avoid the service menu, no matter what smart TV you own, if you aren’t sure of what you’re doing. That said, knowing how can help you access oodles of information that’s useful for diagnosing problems, usage data, or simply practicing if you’re aiming to be a technician.
