Almost every major television manufacturer has started working with smart TVs in the last decade because of the increasing demand for online content and the convenience of having multiple functions in one device. Some of the leading brands that offer smart TVs are Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, Vizio, etc. These smart TVs and a similarly advanced operating system provide access to various apps and services that users can enjoy on their smart TVs, such as Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, Spotify, and more.
Right now, Smart TVs have completely replaced older options thanks to entertainment on demand. Users no longer have to rely on traditional broadcasting media or external devices to watch their favorite shows and movies. They can simply use their smart TVs to access a vast library of online content anytime and anywhere. Smart TVs also offer other benefits, such as voice control, screen mirroring, gaming, social media integration, and personalization.
However, Smart TVs are not an exception to some annoying and recurring problems, especially when adding accessories such as remotes. Recently, there have been a lot of complaints about the Vizio remote not working and causing a lot of trouble for Vizio device owners including Vizio smart TVs, streaming devices, soundbars, and other remote controller systems. Today, we are going to talk about these problems in detail and consider the possible reasons behind the issues and what you can do to fix the issues yourself. So, make sure you read our guide until the end to find the solution to your case’s problem.
Reasons Behind VIZIO Remote Not Working
Several reasons can cause a VIZIO remote to malfunction or not work at all. If you are also facing such problems, you should first ensure the reason behind the problem before trying various solutions. This will help you diagnose the problem correctly and apply the solution that works out in your favor. Otherwise, you may run into different problems, which will only increase the time and effort needed to fix the problem. Here are some common reasons that can cause the VIZIO remote not to work properly.
1. Problems With Batteries
One of the most common causes of remote malfunction is low or dead batteries. The remote may not have enough power to send signals to the TV or may send erratic signals that confuse the TV. To fix this problem, you can try replacing the batteries with new ones or testing them with another device. You can also check the battery contacts for any corrosion or dirt and clean them if needed.
2. Electrical Interference
Another possible cause of remote malfunction is electrical interference from other devices or sources. The remote may not be able to communicate with the TV properly if other devices use infrared signals, such as other remotes, cameras, or lights, in the same room. To fix this problem, you can try moving the remote closer to the TV, switching off other devices, or changing the angle or direction of the remote.
3. TV Sensor Not Accessible
A blocked or damaged TV sensor can cause problems with a remote control since it is the only means by which the remote can communicate. The remote may not be able to reach the TV sensor if there are any objects or obstacles in between, such as furniture, curtains, or walls. The TV sensor may also be faulty or broken due to wear and tear or physical impact. To fix this problem, you can try clearing the path between the remote and the TV sensor, cleaning the TV sensor with a soft cloth, or contacting customer support.
4. Damaged Remote Memory
The remote may have lost its programming or settings due to a power surge, a reset, or a factory defect. The remote may not be able to control the TV functions or features that it used to. To fix this problem, you can try resetting the remote by following the instructions in the user manual, reprogramming the remote by using the code list or the code search method or replacing the remote with a new one.
How To Fix Problems With VIZIO Remote?
Now that you know the most common issues with VIZIO remotes, let us dive into some of the most basic and proven solutions that can fix the problem for you. Make sure you follow the instructions provided with each solution carefully and check if the problem is resolved before you move on to the next solution. We will also recommend you refer to the guide or instruction manual along with the TV accessories to follow the steps more precisely.
1. Power Cycle The TV & Remote
This simple method can help resolve many issues with the TV and remote. To do this, you need to unplug the TV and the remote from the power source, wait for a few minutes, and then plug them back in. This can help reset the TV and the remote and clear any glitches or errors.
2. Check If the Sensor is Working
The sensor is the part of the TV that receives the signals from the remote. If the sensor is not working correctly, the remote cannot control the TV. To check if the sensor works, you can use any digital camera and point it at the sensor. Then, press any button on the remote and see if you can see a red or white light on the camera screen. If you can see the light, it means the sensor is working. If you can’t see the light, it means the sensor is not working or blocked.
3. Replace Remote Batteries
Another common cause of remote malfunction is low or dead batteries. The remote may not have enough power to send signals to the TV or may send erratic signals that confuse the TV. To replace remote batteries, you need to open the battery compartment on the back of the remote, remove the old batteries, and insert new ones. Make sure to use the correct type and size of batteries and align them properly according to the polarity signs.
4. Check For Damaged Remote Buttons
The remote buttons may get stuck, worn out, or broken due to frequent use or physical impact. This can prevent the remote from sending the correct signals to the TV or any signals. To check for damaged remote buttons, you can inspect each button carefully and see if it is loose, cracked, or jammed. You can also try pressing each button and feeling if it clicks or responds normally.
5. Test With A Universal Remote
A universal remote is a device that can control multiple devices from different brands and models. If you have a universal remote, you can test it with your VIZIO TV and see if it works better than your original remote. To test with a universal remote, you must program it with your VIZIO TV code, which you can find in the user manual or online. Then, you can try using the universal remote to control your TV functions and features.
6. Reset VIZIO Remote
Resetting the VIZIO remote can help restore its original settings and clear any errors or glitches. To reset the VIZIO remote, you need to press and hold both the power button and any other button on the remote for about five seconds until you see a light flash on the remote. Then, you need to release both buttons and wait for a few seconds until you see another light flash on the remote. This means that your VIZIO remote has been reset successfully.
7. Factory Reset The TV
Factory resetting the TV can help erase all your personal settings and preferences and restore your TV to its default settings. This can help solve many issues with your TV and your remote. However, this will also delete all your apps, channels, passwords, and other data on your TV, so make sure to back up anything important before doing this. To factory reset your TV, you need to go to your TV’s menu, select System, select Reset & Admin, select Reset TV to Factory Defaults, enter your parental control PIN (if any), and confirm your choice.
8. Contact VIZIO Support
If none of the above methods work for you, or if you have any other questions or concerns about your VIZIO TV or remote, you can contact VIZIO support for further assistance. You can call them at 1-877-698-4946 (toll-free) or chat with them online at [VIZIO Support]. You can also visit their website at [VIZIO.com] for more information and resources.
VIZIO Remote Not Working – FAQs
Ans: The TV is not receiving power or has a faulty power supply. This can result in a blank screen or no indicator light. However, if you are seeing the indicator light on your TV and it is not turning ON, the remote may not respond as expected instead of the remote. To fix that, you can try out the solutions we have provided in this guide and see which works for you. The TV could also malfunction because of an irregular or faulty power supply, causing the receiver not to work properly. If possible, you should try plugging the TV into a different outlet using a power strip extension and see if that fixes your issue
Ans: If the new batteries are not installed correctly. You need to ensure that the batteries’ positive (+) and negative (-) terminals match up with the corresponding markings in the remote. You also need to check the expiration date of the batteries to see if they are still good. Also, make sure the battery compartment of the remote is clean. Dirt and residue dust particles can cause the batteries to lose contact with the terminal, resulting in the remote not working as expected, even after replacing the batteries.
Ans: To reset the Vizio remote, you can try the following steps:
*Remove the batteries from the remote.
*Press the power button on the remote at least once so that the residue power from the circuit board of the remote can be drained.
*Insert the batteries into the remote and make sure they are correctly installed
*You should also pair the remote with your TV again by holding the home button on the remote for 20 seconds until you see a notification on your TV screen.
Ans: To pair your Vizio remote to your TV, you can follow these steps:
*Turn on your TV manually by pressing the power button on the TV or the original remote.
*Find the universal remote code for your TV brand and model. You can check the user manual of your remote or search online for the code list.
*Press and hold the TV button on your Vizio remote until the LED flashes twice. The LED will remain lit after flashing.
*Enter the universal remote code for your TV using the number pad on your Vizio remote. The LED will flash once for each number you enter. If you enter the correct code, the LED flashes twice and turns off. If you enter the wrong code, the LED flashes three times and remains ON.
*Once paired, test if your remote works with your TV by pressing the power button on the remote. If your TV turns off, it means you have successfully paired your Vizio remote to your TV.
Ans: Yes, VIZIO TVs support universal remotes. A universal remote is a device that can control multiple devices from different brands and models. Thus, you can use a universal remote to control your VIZIO TV and other devices, such as a cable box, a DVD player, or a soundbar. However, not all universal remotes will have the same functionality as the original VIZIO remote. Therefore, it is recommended to always check the compatibility of the universal remote you are getting and see if VIZIO devices are listed in the compatibility list to avoid further problems.
Conclusion
Today, we discussed the importance of VIZIO remotes and tried to resolve some common problems that users generally face while using VIZIO remotes. Out of the blue, a VIZIO remote could stop working and leave you puzzled about what is causing the problems. In this guide, you can find all possible reasons that can result in a VIZIO remote malfunctioning, along with some handy solutions that have worked out for a lot of VIZIO users in the past. So, we suggest checking out our guide completely to see if any of these solutions work for you. You can also check out our FAQ section, where we have answered some of the most common doubts and questions about VIZIO remotes and devices, which might be helpful for you.
