Vizio is a brand of flat-screen HDTVs and other devices that has become quite a sensation in today’s market.
It is a TV brand that’s sought after all over the world. Well, people have a good reason for wanting to get their flat screens from such a reputable brand. It’s affordable and produces stunning, sleek TVs with remarkable picture quality.
Currently, it’s not as popular as the likes of Samsung or LG but it is improving and soon it may be one of the top brands in the flat screen industry.
Vizio has introduced a new remote control for its TVs that just makes it even more appealing. The remote control comes with your Vizio television and it’s quite simple to use thanks to the user-friendly layout.
That said, there are instances when the Vizio remote control isn’t working as expected. When it fails to perform, it is time for Vizio TV remote troubleshoot and repair. This guide will explain how to fix the Vizio TV remote if it is malfunctioning.
Table of Contents
Why the Vizio remote is not working?
The Vizio remote is very important when it comes to the usage of the television. You will discover it’s almost impossible to access anything on the TV without the remote working properly.
Unlike other remotes, this one consists of Smart Controls that are needed to navigate various applications.
As such, it’s mandatory to find out why it’s not working. It could be any of the following reasons;
Blocked TV sensor
Make sure nothing is blocking the TV sensor. This is the part that allows the TV remote to send signals. The sensor is located at the bottom left or right corner of your Vizio TV. If it is blocked, this may cause your remote not to work.
Bad IR sensor
The IR sensor is located at the bottom right-hand corner of your Vizio TV and it’s responsible for sending signals to the remote. If it is broken, it may not be able to receive signals from the remote. The best way to check if it’s broken is by using an IR detector.
Dead batteries in the remote
A common culprit for a remote that stops working suddenly are usually dead batteries or they are weakening. This is often the cause as you’ll notice that the remote has stopped working but it still sends signals. In such a case, all you need to do is replace the batteries in the remote and it should work again.
Power residues on remote and TV
Power residues in your remote or TV are a likely cause of this issue. The thing is they interfere with the ability to send or translate IR rays.
Faulty remote control
Perhaps it’s malfunctioning because of faulty elements. This is probably another common reason for remotes to stop working. Press all the buttons and if all of them don’t respond, it’s most likely faulty.
Faulty TV
If your TV is not receiving signals from the remote, it may be because of a faulty IR sensor or the remote is not sending signals to the TV. There might be something wrong with the Vizio TV itself.
How to fix the Vizio remote not working?
Now that you have an idea of why the remote won’t work, let’s move to the solutions.
1. Get new batteries
Mostly, the remote doesn’t work due to dead batteries. So, to fix this, simply replace the old batteries with brand new ones. Ensure they are correctly inserted into the remote.
2. Get rid of obstacles in front of the TV sensor
Sometimes, the remote may not be able to send signals because of some obstacles. This is especially common in rooms where there is furniture or some other obstructions at the front of the TV. There should be absolutely nothing in front of the TV that might block the sensors.
3. Power Cycle the Remote
Power residues are often the cause of remote controls not working. That’s why you should power cycle it to remove power residues left behind and reset it. This procedure will reset the remote configurations on your remote and ultimately fix any issues.
To power cycle your Vizio remote;
- Remove both batteries first.
- Press and hold the red button for 10 seconds. This is the power button and it is typically found at the top.
- After about 5 seconds, release it. Power residues should be drained out by now.
- Replace both batteries and wait for at least 10 seconds before turning on your TV.
4. Reset the remote control
Some Vizio remote controls experience a common error where the memory is stuck at a particular point or device. In that case, resetting it would be the viable solution. To reset it;
- Find the SET or SETUP button on your remote. Proceed to press and hold it.
- Release when the LED light eventually blinks twice.
- Vizio Universal remotes typically have reset codes. Type in the reset code. Check the remote manual if you don’t know the right reset code.
- Now, wait patiently for the LED light to flash twice. This means it is reset successfully. Pair it once again with your TV.
5. Power Cycle the TV
Perhaps the problem lies with the TV and not the remote control. Power Cycling will quickly fix the issue. Just unplug the television from its power source and hold the power button for a few seconds. Plug it back in and wait for at least 10 seconds before turning on your TV.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you will find a solution here. If it’s still malfunctioning even after trying everything, it’s time to call Vizio and get it serviced. They can also send a replacement remote at no cost.
FAQs
How do I know if there’s a problem with the remote control?
There are some signs that you may have a malfunctioning remote. The most common indicator is the LED light on the remote. If it’s not flashing, there might be an issue. The other indication is when the TV does not respond to the commands of the remote.
What is the reset code for my Vizio Universal remote control?
The reset code is different depending on your Vizio remote control. You can get it from your remote manual.
