We’ve all been there – sitting down to watch your favorite show or the big game, only to be frustrated by a Vizio TV that is frozen, glitchy, or simply not responding to the remote. Before you panic or call customer service, try rebooting your Vizio smart TV. A simple restart can fix many common issues with modern televisions.
In this guide, we’ll outline a foolproof process to reboot and reset your Vizio TV in just 5 easy steps. With a bit of troubleshooting, you can get your viewing experience back on track.
Why You Might Need to Reboot Your Vizio TV
Today’s smart TVs run complex software that can occasionally encounter issues, just like a smartphone or computer. Here are some of the most common reasons you may need to restart your Vizio:
- Software glitches or freezing: If the image freezes, apps aren’t loading properly, or you see error messages on-screen, a quick reboot typically resolves software that has gotten stuck.
- Unresponsive buttons: If the TV won’t turn on or you can’t change volume or inputs, a restart can make the buttons functional again.
- Strange behavior: If your Vizio begins acting erratically, like showing distorted images or behaving unpredictably, rebooting usually restores normal operation.
Basically, if your TV is on the fritz, rebooting it is step one before investigating more complicated solutions. The reboot process will clear any temporary glitches.
Step 1 – Try Turning It Off and On Again
The most basic reboot is simply holding down the power button, either on your Vizio TV itself or the remote control, for 10-15 seconds until the TV turns off.
Wait at least 60 seconds with the TV powered totally off before hitting the power button again to restart it. This gives the components time to discharge any built-up electricity.
For many minor software issues, this quick “power cycle” is enough to reset the Vizio TV’s software and settings, fixing problems like freezing screens or apps that have stopped loading. It’s always worth trying this basic reboot first before moving to more advanced options. Think of it as the “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” of television troubleshooting.
Step 2 – Disconnect Cables and Power Cord
If a basic restart doesn’t do the trick, the next step is a more complete reboot by disconnecting the power cord and other wired connections that could be causing interference.
Here’s how to do it:
- Ensure the TV is powered off, then disconnect all devices like DVD players, game systems, streaming boxes, etc. that are connected via HDMI or other cables.
- Unplug the TV’s power cord from both the outlet and the back of the television.
- Leave all wires disconnected and the TV without power for 30 seconds before reconnecting them.
This “hard reboot” essentially clears any cached data and performs a full restart vizio tv of all TV hardware and software. Any settings that could potentially be causing hiccups are wiped clean.
Step 3 – Perform a Forced Reboot
Some Vizio TVs can perform a “forced reboot” by pressing a key combination on the remote. Here are the steps:
- With the TV on, press and hold down the “Volume Down” button.
- With “Volume Down” still held, press and hold the Power button.
- Keep both buttons depressed for 10 seconds.
This forces the TV to shut down any stuck processes and restart itself. The forced reboot can resolve freezing issues and errors that persist after the other reboot methods.
Step 4 – Reset Your Vizio TV to Factory Settings
If you’re still experiencing problems after the above reboots, a factory reset may be necessary to fully troubleshoot software-related issues. A factory reset will:
- Restore the original TV software and settings
- Clear any corrupted data or caches
- Delete all personal data like app logins and preferences
Warning: A reset will erase all of your custom settings and downloads. Record any important information before proceeding.
To complete a factory reset:
- From the Home screen, go to Settings > System > Reset & Admin
- Highlight “Reset TV to Factory Defaults” and select OK
- Enter your parental PIN if prompted
- Select Reset to confirm and begin the process
The TV will reboot and return to original out-of-the-box condition, which should resolve any system-level bugs. You’ll have to re-pair Bluetooth devices, reload apps, and readjust settings after a factory reset.
Step 5 – Contact Vizio Support
If you’ve rebooted your TV using all the above methods but are still experiencing issues, it’s time to seek help from the experts. Vizio’s US-based customer support team can troubleshoot further and determine if a hardware repair or replacement is needed for a persistent problem.
To contact Vizio support:
- Call (855) 472-7450
- Start a live chat at vizio.com
- Schedule a callback or email support on their Contact Page
Provide the TV’s serial number and detail the issues you’re experiencing. Vizio can walk you through any additional steps if needed, or set up a repair process for a defective television.
With the 5 rebooting methods above, hopefully you can get your finicky Vizio TV back on its feet again. A simple restart clears up most problems, but factory resetting or enlisting Vizio’s support can isolate tough issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out to their team for personalized troubleshooting advice.
FAQ’s
How to do a soft Reset for VIZIO TV?
To perform a soft reset on your VIZIO TV, simply unplug it from the power source for about one minute, then plug it back in and power it on.
Why is my VIZIO TV not working?
Sometimes, when you’re not getting a picture, it’s because the TV isn’t powering on. To determine if this is a display issue, or a power issue, check the power light on your TV. It will likely be in the center, of left side of your TV. If the light is coming on- so is the TV.
Rockies Ripple is the founder and lead writer behind the independent blog tvplutos.com