*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Read my Disclaimer for more info.
Changing your Smart TV’s region without performing a factory reset can be tricky, as many TV manufacturers lock certain features based on location.
However, there are ways to work around these restrictions depending on your TV model and operating system.
Adjusting the region settings can help you access different apps, content libraries, and streaming services that may not be available in your current location.
So, how do you change your Smart TV’s region without performing a factory reset?
This guide explains why this issue happens and the steps you can take to modify your TV’s region without losing data.
How To Change My Smart TV’s Region Without Factory Reset
1. Check Your TV’s Region Settings
Some Smart TVs allow you to manually change the region in the settings.
Navigate to the Settings menu, look for Location or Region, and see if you can switch to a different country.
If this option is available, select the desired region and restart your TV to apply the changes.
2. Change the Region in Your Account Settings
If you use a Samsung, LG, or Sony Smart TV, your account may determine which region-specific apps are available.
Log into your TV’s account settings via a browser or the manufacturer’s website.
Find the option to change your country or region, update it, and restart your TV to reflect the changes.
3. Use a VPN on Your Router
Some TVs do not allow direct region changes, but you can bypass restrictions using a VPN.
Since most Smart TVs do not support VPN apps, configure a VPN on your router instead.
Choose a server in the region you want to access, connect your TV to the router, and restart it.
This method can unlock content and apps limited to specific countries.
4. Change the DNS Settings
Altering the DNS settings can trick your TV into accessing content from another region.
Go to your network settings, switch to a manual DNS configuration, and enter a DNS server from the target region.
Some Smart DNS services offer servers designed to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms.
5. Adjust App Store Region
If you need to access region-specific apps, update the region settings for your TV’s app store.
On Samsung Smart TVs, go to the Smart Hub settings and change the country.
On LG TVs, navigate to Settings, select General, then Location, and modify the country settings.
Restart your TV after making these changes.
6. Use an HDMI Streaming Device
If your Smart TV does not allow region changes, consider using a streaming device like an Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, or Roku.
These devices let you set a different region in their settings, allowing access to a wider range of apps and services without modifying your TV’s internal settings.
7. Modify Time Zone and Language Settings
Some apps restrict content based on your time zone and language preferences.
Go to your TV’s settings and select a time zone that matches the region you want to access.
Changing the language settings to match the new region may also help unlock certain services.
8. Create a New Account in a Different Region
If your TV’s account settings do not allow region changes, try creating a new account in your desired region. Use a VPN or Smart DNS while setting up the account to ensure it registers the correct location. Log in with the new account on your TV and restart it to see if the changes take effect.
9. Use Developer or Service Mode
Some Smart TVs have a hidden developer or service mode where advanced region settings can be modified.
This method often requires a special code or button sequence to access.
Research your TV model’s service menu codes and proceed with caution, as making incorrect changes can affect your TV’s functionality.
10. Contact the Manufacturer’s Support
If none of the above methods work, reach out to the manufacturer’s support team.
Some companies may offer region-changing services upon request or provide additional instructions tailored to your TV model.
Conclusion
Changing your Smart TV’s region without a factory reset can be done by adjusting location settings, modifying DNS, using a VPN, or utilizing streaming devices.
Depending on your TV model, some methods may be easier than others.
If you need access to specific apps and content from another region, try these solutions before resorting to a factory reset or contacting customer support for further assistance.
Brianna is based in Minnesota in the US at the moment, and has been writing since 2017. She is currently a 3rd Year med student at the time of writing this.
