Getting a new Vizio TV and want to reset it to factory settings? Recently move and need to reset your Vizio before setting it up in the new place? No matter the reason, resetting your Vizio TV is a breeze if you follow this simple guide.
Resetting your Vizio TV clears out all personalized settings, apps, and data and restores it to the original factory settings. This handy tutorial will walk you through the quick process step-by-step. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a fresh start with your Vizio TV.
Why Reset Your Vizio TV?
There are several good reasons why you may want to reset your Vizio TV to the original factory settings:
- Selling or giving away the TV – A factory reset erases all personal data and returns the TV to out-of-the-box condition. This prepares the TV for the new owner to set up themselves.
- Fix software issues or glitches – Sometimes resetting the TV can resolve problems with frozen screens, error messages, or issues with apps not working properly. Resetting clears out any corrupted data.
- Start fresh after moving houses – When moving to a new place, a factory reset gives you a blank slate to connect the TV to the new wifi and customize settings.
- Remove personal data and settings – A reset erases any stored passwords, saved wifi networks, streaming app logins, preferences, and other personalized settings.
- Prepare TV for new user – Resetting the TV lets a new user, like a family member or guest, configure it from scratch themselves.
Before You Reset Your Vizio
Before starting the reset process, it’s smart to take a few steps to prepare:
- Back up settings, apps, etc. if desired – For example, note down any wifi network names and passwords you want to reconnect to. Also, you may want to backup any saved video game progress or important files.
- Disconnect all cables and devices connected to the TV like game consoles, streaming sticks, Blu-ray players, and any other external devices. You don’t want them to interfere with the reset.
- Have remote control on hand to navigate menus and confirm reset. Make sure you have fresh batteries in the remote too.
- Note down wifi password if keeping home network to reconnect after reset. Find your wifi network name and password so you can get back online.
- Charge smart devices you use to control TV like phones and tablets so they don’t run out of battery during the process.
- Plan for downtime since your TV will be unusable during the reset process. So pick a time when you won’t need to use it for an hour or so.
Steps To Reset Vizio TV
Resetting a Vizio TV to factory settings only takes a few minutes if you follow these simple steps:
- From the remote, access the menu screen – Press the Menu button on your Vizio TV remote to bring up the on-screen menu.
2. Navigate to “System” then select “Reset & Admin” – Use the arrow keys to go into the System menu option, usually along the top or left side. Then scroll down and select Reset & Admin.
3. Choose “Reset TV to Factory Settings” – This option may also be labeled as “Factory Reset”, “Reset to Default”, or something similar. Select it.
4. Enter PIN if prompted – Some Vizio TV models will ask for a PIN number or password at this stage to confirm the reset. The default PIN is often 0000 or 1234.
5. Confirm that you want to reset – A pop-up notification will appear to confirm that you want to proceed with the reset. Choose yes or confirm.
6. Wait for TV to restart and load factory settings – Be patient as the TV screen goes black and the reset takes place. The TV will automatically shut down, wipe the memory, restart, and reload the factory settings. This process can take several minutes depending on model.
7. The TV should display a welcome start-up screen when powered back on, indicating the reset to factory settings was successful. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up the TV from scratch.
Reset Options in Vizio Menu
When accessing the Reset menu, you may see other options besides full factory reset:
- Soft Power Cycle – Quickly power cycles the TV off and on. Fixes minor glitches.
- Reset Picture Settings – Resets just the picture menu values to defaults. Leaves other settings intact.
- Reset Audio Settings – Same as above but for audio settings only.
- Re-Scan Channels – Scans for over-the-air channels again if broadcast signal changed.
- Reset Apps – Clears app cache and data. Can fix app issues without full reset.
- Clear Data – Erases temporary cached data. Doesn’t delete accounts or settings.
Alternate Reset Methods
Besides the main menu process, Vizio TVs can also be reset in other ways:
- On older Vizio models – Input a specific button combination like Volume + and Input on the remote control. Consult manual for right keys.
- From hidden reset button on back of TV – Some models have a pinhole reset button located on the rear panel. Use a paperclip to press in.
- Via USB drive factory reset process – Vizio provides USB image files to download to a drive to reset. Follow steps in manual.
- Factory reset from settings app – Newer models can be reset from the Vizio SmartCast app too.
- Voice command – Some Vizio TV’s work with Google Assistant, allowing a factory reset via voice.
Setting Up TV After Reset
Once your Vizio TV has been restored to factory settings, you’ll need to walk through the initial setup again:
- Accept the Vizio Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Use arrows and OK button to agree.
- Connect to your wifi network – Have your wifi network name and password handy to reconnect. Pick a strong 5Ghz signal if possible.
- Choose entertainment sources like cable box, gaming consoles, streaming devices to hook up.
- Re-install streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube etc and log into your accounts if desired. This will sync your preferences.
- Log into Vizio account if you want to enable Vizio SmartCast features. This gives access to built-in Chromecast.
- Run TV update – Check for a system software update from Vizio and install if available. This gets you latest features.
- Adjust preferences and settings like picture quality, audio modes, closed captioning, timers etc. to your liking. Make it your own!
- Set parental controls if desired, like rating limits, content blocking, hours of use and more.
Now you can enjoy your Vizio TV like it’s brand new again! With just a few simple steps, you can factory reset a Vizio TV to erase all personal data and settings and start fresh. Just be patient during the reset process and you’ll soon be up and running with a Vizio TV that’s good as new.
FAQ’s
How to do factory reset on Vizio TV?
Press the MENU button on the remote. In VIA it is: Depending on the model: Highlight HELP then Clear Memory. Or HELP then Reset and Admin and press the OK button then Clear Memory. Use the Arrow buttons on the remote to highlight CLEAR MEMORY/FACTORY DEFAULTS or Reset TV to Factory Defaults and press the OK button.
How to do a soft reset for Vizio TV?
Press and hold the power button on your Vizio TV or remote for 10-15 seconds until the TV turns off. Then release the button and press again to turn back on. This will reboot your TV without deleting any settings or data.
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.
Conclusion
Resetting your Vizio TV to factory settings is a quick and easy process. By accessing the reset menu, selecting the factory reset option, confirming the reset, and waiting a few minutes, you can erase all personal data, settings, and installed apps. This restores your Vizio TV to original out-of-the-box condition, allowing you to set it up like new or prepare it for a new owner. With just your remote and a few button presses, you can give your Vizio TV a fresh start, similar to resetting other smart TV platforms like Roku TVs or what is roku tv.
Rockies Ripple is the founder and lead writer behind the independent blog tvplutos.com