Vizio is one of the most popular TV brands in the US. They are known for their bang-for-your-buck TVs that have great picture quality.
While Vizio TVs are generally reliable, they do encounter issues from time to time. Some usual problems reported include a Vizio TV not turning on or its sound not working.
Thankfully, most Vizio TV issues are minor, with quick and easy fixes. One of those go-to fixes is called a hard reset (also known as a factory reset).
My sister actually encountered issues with her Vizio TV recently. She called me one day and said she wanted to reset it to its factory defaults, but there was a catch – her Vizio TV remote was broken.
I wasn’t sure if that was possible. So I used my googling skills, read some Vizio TV instruction manuals online, and even called Vizio support to confirm.
It was indeed possible! I was able to teach my sister how to reset a Vizio TV without a remote.
Since my sister was probably not alone in having this problem, I thought I’d share what I learned by writing this guide.
Contents show
How can I reset my Vizio TV without a remote?
To reset your Vizio TV without a remote, turn on your Vizio TV.
Press and hold the VOLUME DOWN and INPUT buttons on your Vizio TV simultaneously for at least 15 seconds.
After a prompt appears on your TV screen (To Reset to Defaults…), press and hold the INPUT button for 10 seconds. Your Vizio TV will then automatically restart.
If it didn’t work the first time, go ahead and try it again.
You’ll know the reset is successful if another prompt appears on your Vizio TV screen after pressing the INPUT button for 10 seconds.
It will say, “Memory is being cleared. The display will reset shortly.”
After this message, your Vizio TV should restart.
The hard reset may take a couple of minutes. It will return your Vizio TV to its original settings like it’s just out of the box.
What if my Vizio TV doesn’t have volume or input buttons?
If your Vizio TV model doesn’t have physical buttons other than the power button, there’s still hope. You can still reset your Vizio TV using the following methods:
1. Download and use the Vizio Mobile app as a remote
Vizio Mobile (formerly known as SmartCast) is Vizio’s central app that allows you to control Vizio smart devices using your smartphone or tablet.
You can download the app on Google Play and the App Store. Besides simple controls, you can also launch apps and watch free content using the app.
Once you’re in the app, check and see if you can find your Vizio TV on the list of devices. If it’s there, select your Vizio TV to pair it with the app.
A 4-digit PIN code will be displayed on your Vizio TV. Enter the PIN on the Vizio Mobile app to finish the pairing.
After the successful pairing, you can now use the Vizio Mobile app as a remote.
Navigate through your Vizio TV settings menu to factory reset your Vizio TV.
(Note: The Vizio Mobile app doesn’t work on all Vizio TV models. To find out if it does work on your Vizio TV, you still have to download the app and register an account.)
2. Get a replacement Vizio TV remote
If your Vizio TV model isn’t compatible with the Vizio Mobile app, your best option is to get a replacement remote.
You can buy a replacement Vizio TV remote or any other third-party universal remote that is compatible with your Vizio TV.
If you opt for a universal remote, you’ll probably be required to press a series of buttons and enter a code to complete the pairing.
Here’s a table of the possible Vizio remote codes (choose depending on how many digits your universal remote asks for):
| # of Digits Requested | Remote Codes |
| 2 Digit | 19 |
| 3 Digit | 502, 627, 004, 113, 505, 011 |
| 4 Digit | 1758, 0178, 1756, 0128, 0117,1017, 1078, 0030, 0056, 0205,1292, 1004 |
| 5 Digit | 10178, 10117, 11756, 01377,10885, 10864, 10120 |
After successfully pairing your new remote, do a factory reset by going through your Vizio TV’s settings menu.
How do I factory reset my Vizio TV through the settings menu?
As I mentioned above, a factory reset will return your Vizio TV to its default settings. The settings will be the same as when your TV was brand new.
It will remove the changes you’ve made to its settings and delete the apps you’ve downloaded together with your personal data.
To perform a factory reset through your Vizio TV settings menu, follow these steps:
- Press your remote or the Vizio Mobile app’s MENU button.
- Scroll down to System.
- Navigate to Reset & Admin.
- Select Reset TV to Factory Defaults.
- If your Vizio TV asks for a code, the default is “0000.”
- Select Reset and press OK.
Your Vizio TV will then restart. It will usually take a few minutes to clear your TV’s settings.
(Important: Don’t unplug your Vizio TV while it’s in the process of doing a factory reset, or else you run the risk of bricking it.)
After the reboot, set up your Vizio TV again.
How do I soft reset my Vizio TV?
Another type of reset you should know about is the soft reset.
A soft reset can also fix several minor issues a Vizio TV is experiencing. Before doing a hard reset, many people try to do a soft reset first to see if it fixes the issue.
Soft resetting a TV is also called power cycling. It drains the residual electrical charge from your TV and resets your TV’s main board, clearing out bugs and glitches in the process.
To soft reset your Vizio TV, unplug it from its power source for at least one minute.
While you’re waiting, press and hold your Vizio TV’s physical power button for 5 to 10 seconds to drain the residual electrical charge.
After a minute, plug your Vizio TV back in again and turn it on.
On some Vizio TV models, there’s an option to do a soft reset in the system menu. You can do so by following these steps:
- Press your remote’s Menu button.
- Navigate to System.
- Go to Reset & Admin.
- Select Soft Power Cycle.
What’s the difference between a soft and a factory reset?
A soft reset forces your Vizio TV to shut down and reboot fully. It drains built-up power and wipes out bugs from its system.
Performing a soft reset won’t remove your saved settings. It won’t delete the apps you’ve downloaded and your personal information. It’s basically a restart that keeps your data in your Vizio TV.
A factory reset (hard reset), on the other hand, deletes all your data as it resets your TV’s system. The goal of a factory reset is to bring a TV back to its original settings.
That’s why doing a factory reset is usually one of the last options. You wouldn’t want to calibrate your settings and re-download your apps whenever your Vizio TV encounters any issues.
Final thoughts
Resetting your Vizio TV without a remote is possible. It’s easy and just takes a few minutes.
You only need to locate the physical buttons of your Vizio TV, which are usually on its right backside (if you’re facing the TV).
To reset your Vizio TV without a remote, make sure your Vizio TV is on.
Press and hold the VOLUME DOWN and INPUT buttons until a prompt appears on your TV screen. Once it appears, press and hold the INPUT button until your Vizio TV restarts.
If your Vizio TV doesn’t have physical buttons beside the power button, you can still restart it by downloading and using the Vizio Mobile app or by getting a replacement remote.
Before doing a factory reset (hard reset), you may want to do a soft reset (power cycle) first. Doing a soft reset can also fix glitches your Vizio TV may be experiencing.
If you’ve tried several fixes on your Vizio TV, but nothing has worked, do a factory reset. It will get your Vizio TV back to its default settings like it’s brand-new.
FAQs
What can I do for my VIZIO if I can't find my remote? ›
Can't find your VIZIO remote? Look no further! The VIZIO Mobile App allows you to control your TV from your Mobile device. With the VIZIO Mobile app you can also browse and discover movies, TV shows, music, live streams, and more across multiple apps at once!
How do I reset my VIZIO TV to factory settings with a black screen? ›If the TV is updated but the screen is still blank, you may have to reset the TV so that the older version is restored. Select and hold the Down Volume and Input buttons on the TV's back and release them after about ten seconds.
Is there a power reset button on a VIZIO TV? ›Locate the power button on the back of your Vizio TV. The buttons blend in well, so you'll need to look closely. Press and hold the button on your TV for about 10 seconds to drain any reserve energy. Try turning on your TV again.
What are the codes for a VIZIO TV? ›- 2 Digit TV Remote Codes. ...
- 3 Digit TV Remote Codes. 502. 627. 004. 113. 505. ...
- 4 Digit TV Remote Codes. 1758. 0178. 1756. 0128. ...
- 5 Digit TV Remote Codes. 10178. 10117. 11756. 01377. ...
- 4 Digit Codes. 1517.
- 5 Digit Codes. 31517.
- 5 Digit Codes. If you still need help, click here to contact our Customer Support Team.
- Turn on the TV.
- Press the HOME button on the remote control. ...
- Select Settings.
- The next steps will depend on your TV menu options: ...
- Select Factory data reset or Reset.
- Select Erase Everything. ...
- Select Yes.
Using a USB Keyboard is the easiest way to connect your Vizio TV to Wi-Fi without a remote, as long as you already have or can easily get one. If you don't have a USB Keyboard but have a Universal Remote, use that to navigate to "Menu > Network" and connect to your Wi-Fi.
How to connect a universal remote to a Vizio TV without code? ›In programming your universal remote without a code, you'll need to: Hold down the SET and Zero (0) buttons on your universal remote four times at the same time. This step is crucial, and this part is where most people fail. You'll then notice the LED light indicator (usually red) turns on steadily.
Will a universal remote work on a Vizio TV? ›The Flipper Big Button Remote can also be used as a Vizio universal remote to control your Vizio TV in addition to other devices. If you've lost your remote or want to control additional devices with one remote, the Flipper Universal Remote can be programmed to operate your Vizio TV.
What is the most common problem with Vizio TVs? ›The black screen isn't the only common Vizio TV problem. You may also encounter a flickering or blinking screen on Vizio TVs. Even high-end smart TV brands deal with this issue too. Before you do anything else, unplug all of your cables and external devices from the power supply and restart your television.
What is the black screen of death on TV? ›Black Screen Of Death
This can be caused by a variety of factors, including hardware or software issues, power problems, or issues with the HDMI connections. In many cases, the black screen of death can be fixed by restarting the TV or by resetting it to its factory settings.
What is the pin to Reset Vizio TV? ›
The default passcode or system PIN is 0000. Select Reset.
How do I fix the black screen of death on my Vizio TV? ›- Fix #1: Power Cycle Your TV. ...
- Fix #2: Unmute the Screen. ...
- Fix #3: Inspect the HDMI Connections and Other Cables. ...
- Fix #4: Use Another Power Source or Plug it Directly into the Wall Outlet. ...
- Fix #5: Replace the Remote Batteries. ...
- Fix #6: Change Picture Mode.
Open the SmartCast app on your mobile device. The SmartCast app lets you add and control apps on your Vizio TV directly from the phone, including Netflix, Hulu, iHeartRadio, and many other options. However, you'll need the relevant app downloaded and set up on your smartphone beforehand.
How do I find the 4 digit code for my VIZIO TV? ›Press the TV (or device) button and hold for 5 seconds until the LED flashes twice. LED will remain lit. Find the programming code for your TV (or device) in the code list and enter it using the Number Buttons.
What is the 4 digit dish pairing code for VIZIO TV? ›4-Digit Codes (40.0, 50.0, 52.0, 54.0) for Newer Models.
How do you unlock a locked TV? ›Hold the power button for five seconds. The television will automatically restart. If the lock is still on, unplug the television and remove the battery from the back panel of the television. Wait several hours before reconnecting the plug and reattaching the battery.
Will a factory reset fix my TV screen? ›A factory reset will reset the TV back to default settings. It can fix minor glitches and enables you to program your settings from scratch. If you'd like to reset your picture settings, follow the steps below. 1 Open Settings, and select Picture.
What does a soft reset do to a TV? ›Soft reset the TV. A soft reset shuts the TV down completely and reboots it, rather than placing it just into standby mode. This can solve issues that you may be having with apps. There are two ways to soft reset your TV.
Do TVS need to be reset? ›And sometimes, re-setting will stop a task that you didn't even know was operating in the background, such as a system update. By stopping the unnecessary procedure, it enables the device's primary functions to work more smoothly. It may sound a bit complicated, but as many have said before, re-setting is your friend.
Why does my TV have power but won't turn on? ›It is possible that the power cord has fallen out or gotten loose. Check if the main power cord at the back of your TV is properly connected. Also, check if the main power plug is connected to a secure and compatible electrical outlet.
How do I manually connect my Vizio Smart TV to WiFi? ›
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet. Internet.
- At the bottom of the list, tap Add network. You may need to enter the network name (SSID) and security details.
- Tap Save.
By connecting a USB keyboard and mouse to the television, you can use the mouse to navigate the TV's settings, including the wireless network settings, to establish a connection to your wireless network.
How do I get the one for all remote setup without the code? ›If you do not have a code for your device, then you can: Download and open the One For All Setup App on your smartphone (iOS & Android) and look up for your device. This Setup App gives you the full access to our code database, where you can download the latest codes for your device.
What is the magic key on one for all remote? ›The magic key is used to set up your URC-1625. In tv mode you will obtain the AV / Input function. In sat mode you will obtain the “TV/SAT” or “TV/DTV” function, if available on your original remote.
How do I connect my universal remote to my TV with a code? ›- Make sure the device you want to pair is powered on and that the remote has working batteries in it.
- Press and hold the appropriate device button. ...
- Enter the correct code for your device while continuing to hold the device button. ...
- Once the power button lights up again, you can release the device button.
- Remove any obstacles from the front of the TV. ...
- Try new batteries. ...
- Try using a different remote. ...
- If only some buttons aren't working, check to see if they are 'content dependent'. ( ...
- If your VIZIO remote is still not working, you may need a new remote.
- Insignia™ - Replacement Remote for Vizio TVs - Black. ...
- One for All - Streamer Remote - Black. ...
- Insignia™ - 5-Device Backlit Universal Remote - Black. ...
- RCA - 3-Device Backlit Universal Remote - Black. ...
- advertisement.
- One for All - Smart Streamer Universal Remote.
A Factory data reset deletes all customized settings, including channels, account information (such as a Google account), system and applications data, downloaded apps, wired and Wi-Fi network settings, parental lock settings, and camera device's data. The TV will return to how it was at the time of purchase.
How do you reset a VIZIO TV with a blue screen? ›If your Vizio TV has the blue screen of death, you need to soft reset the television. To do this, unplug the TV and wait an entire minute. While unplugged, press and hold the power button (on the TV) for 30 seconds straight.
What is the average life of a Vizio TV? ›If you use your Vizio TV frequently, where it is switched ON all day, then expect it to last around 3-6 years. However, if you use it sparingly and it is switched OFF for a few hours a day, it should last at least 5-8 years. Average Vizio TV units have an average lifespan of approximately 7 years.
How do I get my Vizio Smart TV to work? ›
Be sure TV Speakers is set to ON. Be sure your connected devices are turned on. Press the INPUT button on the remote and select the input to which your device is connected (HDMI-1, Composite, Component, etc). Be sure the power cord is securely connected to the AC socket on the TV and to a working electrical outlet.
Why is the picture on my Vizio TV not working? ›Check to make sure your TV is powering on.
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.
Check that POWER SAVER/ENERGY SAVE MODE is set to OFF. Some TVs will turn a screen off but still plays the sound. If SLEEP TIMER mistakenly was turned ON, then turn it OFF. A Sleep timer can sometimes be pressed accidentally on the remote and will turn OFF the TV.
Why is TV screen dark? ›If you have a brand new TV and the screen is dark, it could be that your high voltage has caused a power surge. In this case, check to see if your outlet is working properly. If it's fine, then check to see if the fuse in your TV needs replacing.
How do you reboot a VIZIO TV? ›Power Cycle the Television. To power cycle your TV, Unplug the power cord from the back of the TV or the outlet, whichever is more convenient for 5 seconds. Reconnect the power cord and turn on the TV.
How do I connect my VIZIO TV to WIFI without remote? ›Using a USB Keyboard is the easiest way to connect your Vizio TV to Wi-Fi without a remote, as long as you already have or can easily get one. If you don't have a USB Keyboard but have a Universal Remote, use that to navigate to "Menu > Network" and connect to your Wi-Fi.
How do I connect my TV to WIFI without a remote? ›Connecting your TV to your router via Ethernet cable is a simple process. Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your TV and the other end into an available port on your router. Check your TV's network settings to confirm the connection.
How to program a universal remote to a VIZIO TV without code? ›In programming your universal remote without a code, you'll need to: Hold down the SET and Zero (0) buttons on your universal remote four times at the same time. This step is crucial, and this part is where most people fail. You'll then notice the LED light indicator (usually red) turns on steadily.
What is the pin to reset Vizio TV? ›The default passcode or system PIN is 0000. Select Reset.
How do I manually connect my Vizio Smart TV to WIFI? ›- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet. Internet.
- At the bottom of the list, tap Add network. You may need to enter the network name (SSID) and security details.
- Tap Save.
What if my TV isn t connected to Wi-Fi and i don t have a remote? ›
Grab a Keyboard or Mouse
That's why the first thing you can try is to grab a USB keyboard or mouse and plug it directly into one of the USB ports on the back of your TV. If your TV accepts it, then it should allow you to control the TV, allowing you to navigate to the TV's settings and connect it to a Wi-Fi network.
- On your Android phone, open the Google TV app .
- Near the bottom right, tap Remote .
- At the top, tap Scanning for devices.
- Choose your device.
- To complete pairing, follow the instructions on your phone and TV.
- After pairing, you can use your phone or your remote.
The easiest way to find a TV remote code is to check the product manual. If you lost the paper manual, don't worry. You can look at the rear panel of your TV and take note of the model and serial number. I've found taking a picture of it with my phone helps keep the information handy.