How to Reset an Optoma Projector?

It’s the weekend, and you’re about to watch a movie at home. You’ve set everything up and got some popcorn ready, but for some reason, your projector won’t turn on or work properly. 

It is often frustrating when electronics suddenly stop functioning when you’re just about to use them, and projectors are no exception. 

Usually, though, simple solutions can do the trick. However, if they don’t work, you can always try to reset the device. It’s easy, and you won’t have to look for your projector’s manual. 

Today, we will teach you simple instructions on how to reset an Optoma projector. By the end of this article, you will be able to get your device working and finish that movie.

Resetting an Optoma Projector

Resetting an Optoma projector when it malfunctions is easy. Turn it off, unplug its power cable from the outlet, and wait for a few minutes before reconnecting and turning it back on. 

If you need to do a hard reset, just go to your unit’s Main Menu, choose Settings, and select Factory Reset.

How do you reboot an Optoma projector?

Perhaps your projector jams easily, suddenly stops working, or doesn’t turn on and off nor respond when you press any button. When these things happen, you can try a couple of simple fixes. 

First, ensure your device is not on Standby mode. If the light on the power button is orange, the projector may be on Standby mode. 

You can try checking whether the projector is plugged correctly into your outlet. Maybe the socket, power cable, or plug is damaged.

If you are using a remote control, ensure the batteries are working and replace them if necessary.

If these fixes don’t work, you may need to reboot your projector. 

To reboot your projector, disconnect its power cord from the power supply. Wait for at least two minutes before plugging it back and powering the projector on.

If you can’t plug and play the projector with your laptop or computer, there might be an issue with the HDMI or VGA connection. Try restarting your laptop, too, after rebooting the projector.

How do you do a hard reset on an Optoma projector?

Sometimes, when a simple reboot doesn’t solve the problem, a hard reset can help. 

Also known as factory reset, a hard reset is a process of restoring a device’s default settings or the state it was when it left the factory. When you do a hard reset on a projector, all data previously added will be removed.

Before you do a hard reset, you will need to enable the OSD or on-screen display via the remote control or through your unit’s panel, if available. OSD is a control panel on a screen that allows you to select viewing options and adjust components. 

To restore the default settings on any projector, usually, you just need to go to the Main Menu by using the remote control, navigate to Advanced Settings, and select Restore Factory Default Settings. 

Some projector models may have the hard reset option in a different location, though, so refer to the user guide. 

Below are the steps on how to do a hard or factory reset on some Optoma projector models.

• First, you will need to go to Service Mode. Turn on the power and wait until the logo disappears. 
• Press the Power button, then the Left arrow key twice, and press Up. This will take you to the Service Mode menu.
• Other models have two kinds of service modes. You can also try pressing the Power, Left, Up, and Down buttons sequentially. 

If the above steps don’t work, give them a few tries. It sometimes takes a few minutes before you get it with the right timing. 

• Once you are in the Service Mode, select Factory Settings, and hit Yes. This will erase all the user settings and restore them to the original.  

You can also try any of the following methods for Optoma projectors:

• Simultaneously press the Up and Enter buttons twice. Then, press the Left and Enter buttons twice, also simultaneously. 

Once the Service Menu appears, press Up, Left, and Down sequentially. Then, turn the projector off. 

• Press the Re-Sync, Enter, and Source buttons on the projector simultaneously.
• Press the Power button. Once the “Power Off” or “Picture Mute” message displays, slowly press Left eight times.

To do the above steps, you will need an Optoma remote control. If you no longer have one or if you damaged it, we recommend you buy a replacement before trying to enter the service menu using the projector’s buttons. 

You can also restore default settings for specific items in the main menu. For instance, if you want to reset the settings back to the original for attributes such as image display, brightness, contrast, sharpness, color, and tint, you can do so by going to the Main Menu, selecting Image, and finally, Reset.   

Other Common Projector Issues and How to Fix Them

When your projector malfunctions on an important day, such as when you’re about to deliver a presentation, you can try and fix the problem by doing the following hacks:

• If the projector image is blurry or out of focus, adjust the focus ring. Also, make sure you place the unit at the correct distance.   
• If the projector image is discolored, inspect your VGA cables and check for any bent prongs. You may also want to check if the lamp requires a replacement.
• If the projector image is distorted, check if the zoom lever is properly positioned. 
• Make sure the projection lamp is properly installed. Your unit will not work properly if the lens cap is removed.
• If your projector is overheating, it may shut down automatically. Clean the area around it, and make sure nothing is blocking your unit’s vents.

Your projector is overheating when the temperature light is either red or orange. To make sure your unit doesn’t overheat, clean the filter regularly.

• If the lamplight on your projector is flashing red or orange, it usually means the lamp light may burn out soon and needs a replacement. 

Other issues may be difficult to fix and may require some skills. If you have an Optoma projector that makes an awful noise when you turn it on and then shuts down, watch this video on how to fix it. 

FAQs

How to Reset an Optoma Lamp Timer

If your projector makes a popping sound and then turns off, chances are, the lamp is dead and you will need to replace it. In that case, the unit will not turn on until you replace the lamp.

Another indication that you need to replace the lamp is when your device displays a “Lamp Life Exceeded” message. Depending on different factors, a projector may make it to more than 5,000 hours on the original bulb before needing a replacement. 

Optoma projectors equip a self-monitoring lamp timer, which you need to reset when you replace the bulb.

Replacing the bulb is easy and does not require the help of a specialist or technician. You will only need a screwdriver.

Remember, though, to read the replacement warnings and handle the bulb with care. We also recommend that you wear protective gear such as a face shield and gloves as a safety precaution. 

Below are the steps on how to reset an Optoma lamp timer.

• First, turn the projector off using the remote control or via the Power/Standby button. Wait for at least half an hour for the bulb and the housing lamp to cool.
• Flip the main switch, and remove the power cord completely. 
• Turn the projector upside down. Remove the screws holding the lamp cover using a Phillips screwdriver. 
• Flip the housing handle up, and pull the bulb out. 
• Replace it with the new bulb.
• Put the cover back in, secure the screws, plug the unit back, flip the main switch back on, and turn the projector on. The lamp timer should automatically reset. 
• If it doesn’t, reset the lamp timer manually. Press Menu, select Options, go to Settings, select Lamp Settings, choose Lamp Reset, and hit Yes. 

If you own an Optoma HD27 projector, watch this video on how to replace the bulb:

Conclusion

Projectors, like most electronic devices, are not without problems. Because they depend on some fragile parts such as bulbs and lamps, issues occur from time to time. 

However, most of the time, it doesn’t mean you have to buy a new one. You sometimes don’t even need to take your projector to a technician. 

Often, you can address the problems on your own by doing some troubleshooting, which is why it pays to know something as simple as how to reset a projector. So, next time your unit stops working properly, apply these solutions, and you may just save some money by skipping the repair shop.

For complex projector issues, though, check if your unit is still covered by a warranty and get it fixed immediately.