How to Fix Vizio TV Remote Not Working Issue

Vizio is a renowned TV brand based in California, United States. It also sells soundbars and home theater surround systems. Vizio currently manufactures QLED TVs, OLED TVs, 4K UHD TVs, LCDs, and LED TVs. In addition, it operates a free streaming service called WatchFree. As usual, we will get a regular remote along with the TV at the time of purchase. In some situations, we might be facing the Vizio TV remote not working issue. So, we should be aware of the cause and fixes for the problem. At that time, users could also use their smartphone as a remote controller using SmartCast.

Reasons for Vizio Remote Not Working Issue

• If your remote batteries get drained.
• When something obstructs an IR light beam before it reaches the TV sensor.
• Too much radiation emitted by nearby electronic devices will cause interference to the remote signals.
• When your TV fails to turn on due to insufficient power supply.
• Your TV may be malfunctioning due to hardware issues.

Methods to Troubleshoot Vizio TV Remote Not Working Issue

Before you begin, check whether the Vizio TV remote sends an IR light beam to the TV or not. To check this, turn on the camera on your smartphone and point it in front of the remote control. If you press any keys randomly, we can see the IR light flashing through the camera.

Power Cycle Your TV Remote

Power cycling is the easiest way to reset your TV remote if there are any power residues. This will also reset the temporary configurations done on your remote.

1. Initially, remove the batteries from the remote compartment.

2. Next, press and hold the power button and release it after 5 seconds.

3. This will drain all the power residues present on the remote.

4. Now, press the buttons one by one. Doing so will help to release the stuck buttons.

5. Lastly, reinsert the batteries back into your remote.

Check now whether it is properly functioning or not.

Power Cycle Your Vizio TV

1. Unplug the TV cord from the power outlet.

2. After that, press and hold the power button of your Vizio TV.

3. Hold it for a minute to drain the TV’s power residual.

4. Lastly, replug the TV back into the power outlet and switch on your TV.

Reset Your Universal Remote

Sometimes Vizio Universal Remote may lead to an error due to technical issues. You must reset the remote to fix the issue in such a situation.

Note: This method is only suitable for Vizio Universal TV Remotes.

1. Initially, press the hold the SETUP/SET button located below the volume controls.

2. Release SET/SETUP once the LED light blinks twice.

3. Enter the reset code of your Vizio universal TV remote.

Note: Check your TV remote’s manual to enter the code. It would be either 981 or 977 in most of the cases.

4. You should wait until the LED light blinks twice.

5. If that happens, it is clear that the Vizio universal remote has cleared its memory.

6. At last, pair your remote with your TV and check if it functions properly or not.

Remove Obstructions Between the Remote and TV

If there is an obstruction right in front of your TV, the TV won’t be able to receive IR signals from the remote. However, you may find the IR sensor of your TV either at the bottom left or right corner.

Note: Even though your television has a transparent plastic wrap that comes with your new TV, it still can block IR signals.

1. First of all, locate the IR sensor of your TV.

2. Then clear the obstructions that are in front of your TV.

3. If there is any smudge on the TV sensor, wipe it with a clean cloth.

4. Finally, point your TV remote at the IR sensor and click the Power button.

Note: Ensure to operate in a short range (less than 10 feet) from your TV to make it work.

Check the Power Source

If Vizio smart remote is not working, electricity is a reason behind the problems. If your TV hasn’t received sufficient power from the source, then the Vizio TV remote can’t work. Ensure you don’t have voltage fluctuations, inadequate power supply, or dirty power. If so, plug your TV cord into another power source, and try if the remote works fine.

Remove Electronic Devices that Interrupt Signal

Everyone must agree that we cannot live without electronic gadgets. But, at the same time, these devices may be responsible when your Vizio TV is not responding to the remote. This is because of a large emission of radiation from those devices, which causes interference to your remote when it sends IR signals.

1. Move your electronic devices to a different location.

Note: Sometimes, CFL lights too affect the IR beam to pass directly through the source.

2. Use blue painter’s tape or brown masking tape to cover the IR sensor of other devices. This will help your TV to receive proper IR signals from your remote.

Check Remote Batteries

When the remote batteries are drained completely, then the Vizio TV remote will not work. As a result, you can see a rust or carbon layer on the edges of the batteries. Further, replace those old AA/AAA batteries with the newer ones. Finally, make sure to insert the positive and negative ends of batteries into the compartment properly.

Use Vizio TV Remote App

Download and install the VIZIO Mobile app for your Android/iOS from Google Play Store or App Store. This app was previously called VIZIO SmartCast Mobile. The Vizio TV remote app lets you easily control the TV and use all playback controls such as power on/off your device, play, pause, or even change settings. Moreover, it features a touchpad to browse your favorite entertainment easily.

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