To reset a TI-84, press 2nd then + to open the MEMORY menu, press 7 for Reset, then press 1 for All RAM and 2 to confirm. That clears your lists, variables, and Y= functions and restores the default settings. Archived programs and apps stay. To erase everything, choose All Memory from the ALL tab instead.
Which reset should you use?
The TI-84 has three levels of reset. Start with the smallest one that fixes your problem.
| Reset | Deletes | Keeps |
|---|---|---|
| Defaults | Nothing. Only settings such as MODE and WINDOW go back to factory values. | All lists, variables, programs, and apps |
| All RAM | Lists, variables, Y= functions, and programs that are not archived. Settings return to defaults. | Archived programs and all apps |
| All Memory | Everything you saved, including archived programs and installed apps | The operating system and the built in Finance app |
Use Defaults when the calculator acts strangely, such as answers in the wrong angle mode or a graph that will not show. Use All RAM before a new unit to clear old data. Use All Memory only when an exam requires a fully cleared calculator.
Reset settings only (Defaults)
- Press 2nd, then + to open MEMORY.
- Press 7 for Reset.
- Press 2 for Defaults.
- Press 2 for Reset to confirm.
Reset RAM
- Press 2nd, then + to open MEMORY.
- Press 7 for Reset. The RAM tab is already selected.
- Press 1 for All RAM.
- Press 2 for Reset to confirm.
The screen shows RAM Cleared. If you only need to empty one list, a full reset is overkill. The standard deviation calculator page shows how to clear L1 with ClrList.
Reset all memory
- Press 2nd, then + to open MEMORY.
- Press 7 for Reset.
- Press the right arrow twice to reach the ALL tab.
- Press 1 for All Memory.
- Press 2 for Reset to confirm.
This permanently deletes every app except Finance. Back up the calculator to a computer with the free TI Connect CE software first, so you can restore your apps after the exam. Some exams require this reset, so check the exam calculator checker for your test.
If your TI-84 is frozen
If the screen will not respond to any key, the menu steps above will not work. On a TI-84 Plus CE, press the small reset button on the back with the tip of a paper clip. On an older TI-84 Plus, take out one AAA battery, wait a few seconds, put it back, and press ON.
If error messages keep returning after a reset, look up the exact message in the TI-84 error codes table.
FAQ
How do I reset my TI-84 Plus CE?
Press 2nd then + for MEMORY, press 7 for Reset, press 1 for All RAM, then press 2 to confirm. The screen shows RAM Cleared. This keeps archived programs and apps. To erase those too, press the right arrow twice at the Reset menu and choose All Memory.
Will resetting a TI-84 delete my programs?
It depends on the reset. Defaults deletes nothing. All RAM deletes programs stored in RAM but keeps archived ones. All Memory deletes every program and app. To protect a program before a RAM reset, archive it from the MEMORY menu with 5 for Archive.
How do you factory reset a TI-84?
Use the All Memory reset. Press 2nd then +, press 7, press the right arrow twice to the ALL tab, press 1 for All Memory, and press 2 to confirm. The calculator returns to factory settings with only the operating system and the Finance app left.
How do I unfreeze my TI-84?
First press ON to stop any running program. If nothing responds, press the reset button on the back of a TI-84 Plus CE with a paper clip. On an older TI-84 Plus, remove one AAA battery for a few seconds, put it back, and press ON.
Does resetting a TI-84 delete apps?
Only the All Memory reset deletes apps. A RAM reset and a Defaults reset leave every app in place. After All Memory, only the Finance app remains, since it is built into the system. Back up with TI Connect CE first so you can reinstall apps such as PlySmlt2.