Getting your new Vizio TV connected to the internet can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have access to smart apps, streaming services, and so much more through your home WiFi network. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of connecting your Vizio TV to WiFi using easy-to-follow instructions.
Why Connect Your Vizio TV to WiFi?
Before jumping into the how-to, you may be wondering why you need to connect your Vizio TV to WiFi in the first place. Here are some of the great benefits:
- Access Smart Apps and Streaming Services – By connecting to WiFi, you can start using pre-installed apps like YouTube, Netflix, Hulu and many others. WiFi connection allows you to stream endless entertainment options.
- Browse the Web – With WiFi connectivity, you can access and browse the internet directly through your Vizio TV. Surf the web while watching TV for an enhanced experience.
- Use Voice Commands – WiFi powers voice control features on compatible Vizio TVs. Change channels, search for shows, and more using just your voice.
- Get Updates – Your Vizio TV can download important updates and firmware improvements over WiFi to keep it running smoothly. Stay up-to-date.
Connecting to WiFi opens up a whole world of features to enhance your TV viewing experience. Now let’s get your Vizio TV hooked up!
Pre-Connection Steps
Before attempting to connect your Vizio TV to WiFi, there are a couple of things you need to do first:
- Make sure your Vizio TV and wireless router are in close proximity to one another. The closer your TV is to the router, the stronger the wireless signal will be. Weak signals can disrupt the setup process. Try to place them in the same room if possible.
- Locate your wireless network name and password. You will need to input your unique SSID (network name) and WiFi password during the TV connection process. Make sure you have the correct password handy. Write it down or keep your phone nearby to reference it.
- Access your TV’s settings menu. Using your remote, go to the menu for your specific Vizio TV model. Navigate to the connectivity, network, or internet settings. This is usually in the system or settings area.
Connecting Your Vizio TV to WiFi
Once you’ve completed the pre-connection steps above, follow these instructions carefully to connect your Vizio TV to your home WiFi network:
- Select the option to view available WiFi networks. This is usually listed under your TV’s network settings. It may say something like “View Wireless Networks” or “Choose a Network”.
- A list of nearby wireless networks will appear on your screen. Scroll through and choose the SSID (name) of the exact WiFi network you want to connect to. Make sure you select the 2.4GHz or 5GHz version of your network.
- Enter the correct WiFi password for your network when prompted. Use the on-screen keyboard or remote control arrow buttons to slowly input the characters. Enter the password exactly as written with all capital letters included.
- Allow a few moments for your Vizio TV to connect to the WiFi network after entering the password. When connected, you will see a WiFi symbol or indicator on the screen. This icon usually appears in the top corner.
Pro Tip: If you own a smartphone, consider using it to connect to the WiFi first to ensure you have the right SSID and password before attempting to connect the TV.
Troubleshooting Tips for Connecting Your Vizio TV to WiFi
In many cases, your Vizio TV will successfully connect to WiFi on the first try by following the steps above. However, if you run into issues getting your Vizio TV to connect, don’t panic. Here are some useful troubleshooting tips:
- Double and triple check that you entered the correct WiFi password. Typos or incorrect passwords are the most common culprit for connection issues. Carefully re-enter the password if needed.
- The WiFi signal strength matters, especially if the router is far from your TV. If the signal is weak, try moving devices closer together or look into a WiFi range extender placed midway between them.
- Try unplugging your wireless router for 30 seconds and plugging it back in to reset the connection. Then attempt to reconnect the TV to WiFi.
- Go into your router settings and make sure the security is set to WPA2 and the encryption is AES. Older WEP encryption can cause incompatibility issues.
- As a last resort, unplug your Vizio TV for 60 seconds and reset it to factory default settings. Then attempt to reconnect it to WiFi from scratch. Make sure to re-enter the network credentials.
- If nothing seems to work, contact Vizio support online or by phone. They can further troubleshoot cryptic WiFi connectivity errors.
Following troubleshooting steps for common issues will often resolve WiFi connection problems with your Vizio TV. Pay special attention to WiFi password accuracy, proximity, router resets and possible encryption mismatches.
Connecting During Initial Setup
When using your Vizio TV for the very first time, there will be an initial setup wizard to get started. One of the steps is connecting to your WiFi network:
- The setup will guide you through naming your TV, setting the current date/time, connecting external devices, calibrating the screen and connecting to WiFi.
- When you get to the WiFi portion, choose the correct network SSID from the list when it appears.
- Carefully enter your WiFi password using the on-screen keyboard. Double check that the password was input correctly.
- The TV will connect to WiFi and confirm when the full setup process is complete. Follow any additional prompts.
It’s highly recommended to connect during this initial setup if prompted. However, if you accidentally skip the WiFi portion, not to worry. You can still connect manually later on using the steps outlined above.
Connecting to Hidden WiFi Networks
Sometimes a WiFi network is configured as “hidden” and does not publicly broadcast its SSID name as an available connection. If trying to connect your Vizio TV to a hidden network:
- When the list of nearby WiFi networks appears, you will not see the hidden SSID displayed.
- Choose the option to manually add a new network instead of selecting an existing one. This allows you to input a hidden SSID.
- When prompted, carefully type in the exact hidden network name and the WiFi password.
- The TV should now connect to the once hidden SSID. Remember this network name for the future.
Connecting to hidden networks on your Vizio TV just requires manually entering the SSID and password when trying to join instead of selecting it from a list.
Tips for Optimal WiFi Connectivity
Here are some additional tips to ensure your Vizio TV maintains a reliable, high-speed WiFi connection:
- Position your wireless router centrally in your home for best coverage to the TV. Avoid cramming it in a corner or faraway room.
- Reduce interference by keeping the router away from other electronics. Avoid placing next to a Bluetooth speaker, baby monitor or microwave.
- Upgrade to a mesh WiFi system for full home coverage if you have internet dead zones or buffering issues in certain rooms. It eliminates weak signals and bottlenecks.
- Adjust the channel bandwidth on the router if experiencing slower than expected speeds over WiFi. Set to 20 MHz instead of a crowded 40 MHz if needed.
- Consider using 5GHz WiFi instead of 2.4GHz for higher throughput with less interference from neighboring networks. But 5GHz has less range, so router proximity matters.
- Try an ethernet cable as the most reliable hardwired connection from your router if WiFi issues persist. Useful for streaming 4K or gaming which demands top speeds.
With strong WiFi signals and optimal router placement, your Vizio TV can deliver amazing wireless media performance.
In Summary
Connecting your Vizio TV to your home WiFi network opens up a whole world of smart features, apps and streaming entertainment. With this step-by-step guide, you can get WiFi up and running on your Vizio TV in no time.
- Gather wireless network credentials before starting and note the exact WiFi password.
- Carefully choose the correct SSID and enter the password during TV setup.
- Troubleshoot common issues like weak signals, incorrect passwords or router resets.
- Use the initial setup wizard if available for a quick and easy WiFi connection.
Now sit back and enjoy all your Vizio TV has to offer online! With the power of WiFi, endlessly streaming movies, shows, music and more is right at your fingertips. Vizio TV is a good TV for streaming online content.
Rockies Ripple is the founder and lead writer behind the independent blog tvplutos.com