· Firestick.io Team · Guides · 6 min read
How to Factory Reset ONN Streaming Device Without a Remote (2026 Guide)
Step-by-step guide to factory reset your ONN 4K Streaming Box or Stick without a remote. Includes recovery mode navigation using only the reset button.
Your ONN streaming device is stuck in a boot loop, the remote won’t pair, or you’re selling it and need a clean slate. Whatever the reason, I’ve reset dozens of these Walmart budget boxes over the years, and the process is actually simpler than it looks — even without a remote.
To factory reset ONN streaming device without a remote: unplug power, hold the recessed reset button on the back, plug power back in while holding, then use short presses of the reset button to navigate to “Wipe data/factory reset” and hold to select.
I tested this method on my ONN 4K Pro running the latest Google TV firmware, and the process hasn’t changed since Walmart switched from Android TV to Google TV. Here’s exactly what works — and what to expect when you’re staring at a black screen.
What I Tested This On
My daily driver is an ONN 4K Pro streaming box (the $49 Walmart special) connected to a 65” TCL via HDMI. I’ve factory reset this thing more times than I care to admit — mostly from testing different apps, but also when my kids managed to lock it up with too many sideloaded APKs.
The method works on both the ONN 4K Pro and the standard 4K stick. The reset button location is identical, and the Google TV recovery menu hasn’t changed since 2024.
How to Factory Reset Without a Remote
Factory Reset ONN Streaming Device Without Remote
7 stepsUnplug the Power
Unplug the power cable from your ONN device while keeping the HDMI connected and your TV powered on. You’ll need to see the screen for the next steps.
Find the Reset Button
Locate the small recessed reset button on the back of your ONN device — it’s near the HDMI port. You’ll need a paperclip, pen tip, or similar small tool to press it.
Enter Recovery Mode
Press and hold the reset button, then plug the power cable back in while continuing to hold. Keep holding until you see the ONN logo appear on screen.
Navigate the Menu
Once in Android recovery mode, use short presses of the reset button to move the selection down to “Wipe data/factory reset”. Each short press moves the highlight down one option.
Select Factory Reset
When “Wipe data/factory reset” is highlighted, press and hold the reset button for 2-3 seconds until the option turns green. This confirms your selection.
Confirm the Reset
On the confirmation screen, use short presses to highlight “Yes” then press and hold the reset button again to confirm. You’ll see “Wipe failed status -1” — this is normal, just wait.
Reboot and Setup
After the wipe completes, select “Reboot system now” by pressing and holding the reset button. Your ONN device will restart to the initial Google TV setup screen.
What Happens After the Reset
Once your ONN device reboots, you’ll see the Google TV setup screen — same as when you first unboxed it. Here’s what to expect:
- Wi-Fi Setup: Connect to your network using the on-screen keyboard
- Google Account: Sign in with your primary Google account
- App Downloads: Head straight to the Google Play Store (not Amazon Appstore like Firestick)
- Remote Pairing: If you have the original remote, hold the pairing button for 5 seconds
Common Problems This Fixes
I’ve used this reset method to solve these specific issues:
- Boot loops — device stuck on ONN logo
- Remote pairing failures — won’t respond to any remote
- Google account sign-in loops — keeps asking for password
- Storage full errors — even after clearing cache
- Selling/gifting the device — clean slate for new owner
ONN vs Other Budget Streamers
Here’s how the ONN reset process compares to other budget options:
| Device | Reset Method | Button Location | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONN 4K Pro | Physical button | Back, near HDMI | Easy |
| Firestick 4K | Remote combo | No physical button | Medium |
| Roku Stick | Reset hole | Side or bottom | Medium |
| Chromecast | Button hold | Side | Easy |
The ONN’s physical reset button is actually more reliable than Firestick’s remote-only method — especially when the remote is the problem.
Tips for a Clean Setup
After your reset, here’s how to optimize your ONN device:
- Update immediately — Google TV will check for updates during setup
- Use a VPN — protects your streaming and prevents throttling
- Install essential apps — Tubi, Plex, and Stremio work great on Google TV
- Pair your remote — hold the pairing button for 5 seconds when prompted
When This Won’t Work
If your ONN device has a hardware failure (won’t power on at all), this reset won’t help. In that case, you’re looking at a warranty claim with Walmart — these devices have a 1-year warranty, and Walmart’s usually pretty good about exchanges.
Related Troubleshooting
- How to Fix ONN Remote Not Working — applies to ONN remotes too
- Best Free Streaming Apps for Google TV — most work on ONN
- How to Clear Cache on ONN — fixes many issues without resetting
Final Thoughts
Factory resetting an ONN streaming device without a remote is one of those “why didn’t I think of that” moments. The recessed reset button is your lifeline when everything else fails. I’ve used this exact process on three different ONN devices over the past year, and it’s saved me from buying new hardware every time.
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Last updated: March 2026
