How to Reset a TI-84 Calculator (Full Guide for Beginners)

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The TI-84 and TI-84 Plus series graphing calculators are powerful tools used in classrooms, exams, and professional environments. Over time, the calculator may become slow, store incorrect settings, freeze, or display unexpected errors. In these situations, performing a reset can quickly restore your TI-84 to proper working condition. Whether you’re using the calculator for algebra, statistics, calculus, or standardized tests, knowing how to reset a TI-84 is an essential skill. This guide explains every type of reset, how to perform them, what gets deleted, and when you should or should not reset the device.

Why Reset a TI-84?

Your TI-84 calculator stores programs, applications, lists, matrices, graphs, settings, and memory variables. When too many items accumulate, the calculator may begin to lag or produce errors such as:

  1. ERR:MEMORY
  2. Frozen screen
  3. Graphs not displaying
  4. Wrong mode settings
  5. Apps malfunctioning
  6. Calculator not turning on properly

Resetting can fix these issues instantly.

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Types of TI-84 Resets

There are two major reset options, and each one affects the calculator differently:

RAM Reset (Soft Reset)

This type of reset clears temporary memory but keeps apps, programs, and main data safe. It is best when the calculator lags or behaves strangely.

How to Perform a RAM Reset

  1. Press 2nd
  2. Press + (MEM)
  3. Select 7: Reset
  4. Select 1: All RAM
  5. Choose 2: Reset

Your calculator will reboot and return to the home screen. This type of reset does not delete apps, programs, or stored lists.

Full Memory Reset (Factory Reset)

A full reset restores the calculator to its original factory settings, deleting:

  1. Programs
  2. Apps
  3. Lists
  4. Variables
  5. Graphs
  6. Tables
  7. Window settings

Use this option only if the calculator is severely corrupted or if you want to start completely fresh.

How to Perform a Full Reset

  1. Press 2nd
  2. Press + (MEM)
  3. Select 7: Reset
  4. Choose 1: All Memory
  5. Select 2: Reset

Your TI-84 will restart and return to default mode.

How to Reset a Frozen TI-84

If your TI-84 is frozen and not responding, try this method:

Hard Reboot

  1. Remove one battery
  2. Wait 5 seconds
  3. Reinsert the battery
  4. Turn the calculator back on

If it still does not respond, perform a RAM Reset afterward.

How to Reset Only Specific Parts

Sometimes you don’t want a full reset. Here are selective reset options:

Reset Graphs Only

Press 2nd → + → 7 → 2: Defaults

Clear All Lists

Press 2nd → + → 7 → 4: Lists

Clear Only Stored Variables

Press 2nd → + → 7 → 1: RAM → Reset

Reset Mode Settings

Press MODE → Scroll down → Press ENTER on defaults

These options help fix specific issues without losing other important data.

What Happens After Resetting?

After a reset:

  • The calculator starts in Radian mode (not Degree)

  • Graph settings return to default

  • Tables and lists may be cleared (full reset only)

  • Apps remain installed unless you choose “All Memory”

Always check your mode settings after a reset if you’re working on a math assignment.

FAQ :

Is the TI-84 allowed on the ACT?

Yes. The TI-84 and TI-84 Plus are officially allowed on the ACT exam. They meet all ACT calculator policy requirements.

Yes. The TI-84 family is approved for use on the SAT, including the TI-84 Plus CE. It is one of the most recommended calculators for SAT math.

To graph on a TI-84:

  1. Press Y=

  2. Enter your function (example: x^2 + 3x – 4)

  3. Press GRAPH
    You can adjust the window using WINDOW or press ZOOM → 6: ZStandard for an automatic graph view.

  • Press STAT → 1: Edit

  • Enter your data list

  • Press STAT → CALC → 1-Var Stats

  • Select your list (usually L1)
    Use σx for population standard deviation and Sx for sample standard deviation.

To clear everything (factory reset):
2nd → + → 7 → 1: All Memory → Reset
To clear only RAM:
2nd → + → 7 → 1: RAM → Reset

The original TI-84 Plus was released in 2004, followed by updated editions such as the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition and TI-84 Plus CE.

To calculate the median using 2-Var Stats on a TI-84, you first need to enter your data into lists and then run the statistical calculation:

Steps to find the median on a TI-84 using 2-Var Stats:

  1. Press STAT → 1: Edit

  2. Enter your x-values in L1 and your y-values in L2

  3. Press STAT → CALC → 2: 2-Var Stats

  4. Select your lists (L1, L2) and press ENTER

  5. After results appear, scroll down using the arrow keys

  6. The median will be listed as Med in the statistical output

The median does not appear on the first screen of stats—it is located lower in the results, so make sure to scroll down.

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