Vizio TV Keeps Turning Off [QUICK FIX GUIDE!] • Real Simple Solutions by RSSCloud.org (2023)

Having some problems with your Vizio TV? Does it keep turning itself off? This guide will help you deal with a Vizio TV that keeps turning off when you don’t want it to.

Here’s what we’ll be covering in this guide:

  • How to check the power sources of your Vizio TV
  • Check if your Vizio remote is causing problems
  • How to disable settings that can cause your TV to turn off
  • How to reset Vizio TV
  • How to update firmware on a Vizio television
  • Reaching out to Vizio for further support

Let’s start with some of the easiest and fastest fixes to try when your Vizio TV keeps turning off. If those don’t work, we’ll move on to some of the less-easy fixes. We like to start with the most common and easiest solutions to tech problems since it can save you a lot of time and energy – but when the easy stuff doesn’t work, we’ve still got you covered.

So, stick around, read through this page, and by the time you finish it we’re confident that your Vizio TV will be working just fine. If you’re among the rare, unlikely group of people who aren’t able to fix their Vizio TV with the help of this page, we’ll offer you some additional suggestions of what to try next. In other words, even if your TV issue isn’t something we can help you fix right now, we still want to help point you in the right direction.

Is Vizio a good brand? Definitely! But that doesn’t make them immune from glitches, errors, and other issues that can arise. The good news is that most of these issues can be fixed quite easily.

With all of that in mind, let’s get right into it. Start with the first potential fix for your Vizio TV and then work your way down this list until your TV works!

Table of Contents

Vizio TV Keeps Turning Off? Start Here…

Let’s run down the list of ways to fix a Vizio TV that keeps turning off. One of these will most likely work for you, and in the rare case that none of them work, we’ll still help you figure out what to do next. You’ll be on the right track by the end of this article, or your TV will be fixed – that’s our guarantee.

1. Check Your Vizio Television’s Power Sources

Unstable power can cause a TV to turn off. If the power source cuts off, or if the TV isn’t able to receive the power for one reason or another, it will turn itself off. Here’s how to test and troubleshoot the power of your TV.

  1. UNPLUG your TV from the wall and plug in something else, and check if the outlet is working correctly. If you have a light plugged in and you notice the light flickering, this is a good indication that the flow of electricity isn’t stable enough.
  2. CHECK the power cable where it connects to your TV and into the wall and make sure that it’s firmly plugged into at both ends.
  3. EXAMINE the power cable for your TV to make sure that it’s in good visible condition.
  4. CONSIDER ordering a second power cable, or borrowing one from another TV/computer, to check if the issue is being caused by the cable. (Note: It’s rare that this will be the problem, but it’s worth checking if you’ve ruled out most other potential causes).
  5. Use a DIFFERENT TV to check the power outlet if you have another TV available and see if this other TV also turns on and off, or plug your Vizio TV into another outlet to see if it has the same issues.

Once you’ve determined that the issue isn’t with the power outlets in your home, it’s not a bad idea to try plugging the TV in somewhere else.

If the TV doesn’t work in any power outlets, and it’s still turning itself off, then it’s possible the issue is with the electronics inside of your TV. Before you get your TV repaired or blame your TV’s power supply, there are some other things we should try. If nothing else on this list works, we’ll circle back about how to address a faulty power supply in your television.

2. Checking Your Remote

This one might sound a bit silly, but sometimes the problem is as simple as a faulty remote or – in some cases – a remote control that’s stuck between couch cushions where the button is being pushed accidentally.

Let’s start with the obviously. Make sure you don’t have a remote control that’s stuck in your couch somewhere, or that the button isn’t being pressed by mistake. Once we rule that out, we can check if the remote control is faulty.

A faulty remote can glitch out and turn your TV off. It’s not common, but if we can figure out that this is the cause, we can fix or replace the remote and then your Vizio TV won’t turn off randomly anymore.

  1. REMOVE the batteries from your remote and see if your TV keeps turning off.
  2. If this FIXES the problem, buy a universal remote and use that instead.
  3. If this DOESN’T FIX the problem and your TV still turns itself off, we can assume the issue isn’t the remote since a remote without batteries won’t be able to turn your TV off, whether it’s by accident or a glitch.

Keep in mind that there could be multiple remotes in your home theater setup that have the capability to turn your TV on and off. For example, the remote that came with your TV, or a home theater remote, or the remote for your DVD player or cable box, and so on. So, when you’re testing this, keep all of these other remotes in mind.

3. Disable Settings That Cause Vizio TV to Turn Off

There are actually some features and settings in your Vizio television that can cause it to turn itself off. Believe it or not, there are some good reasons someone might want to program their TV to turn itself off, so let’s check if any of those settings or features are enabled on your TV. If you bought a used TV, it’s entirely possible the previous owner had set it to turn off, so let’s check for that now.

  • Sleep timers: A sleep timer will program your TV to turn itself off at the same time each day. This is great for people who tend to fall asleep watching TV, or just forget to turn their TV off when they’re done watching sometimes.
  • Energy saving mode: Energy saving mode can reduce the brightness of your TV, turn it off, and other settings that fall under this umbrella so look for this as a menu item when you’re trying to adjust all of the settings mentioned in this section.
  • HDMI settings: There are settings that can allow HDMI-connected devices to control your TV, including being able to turn it on and off, so take a look into other devices that are connected to your TV since they could be making it turn off. Try disconnecting all other devices and see if your TV still turns itself off when you don’t want it to.
  • Power saving features: There are power saving settings on TV’s that can cause them to turn off after a certain period of inactivity (rather than being based on a timer where it shuts off at the same time each day, like with a sleep timer).
  • PRESS the MENU button on your Vizio TV and look for settings that refer to any of the aforementioned things, and check to see if they’re enabled or disabled. You’ll be able to find your power/energy saving settings, sleep timers, and more in your TV’s MENU and SETTINGS sections.

If you want to save your Vizio TV from those unexpected turn-offs caused by pesky automatic features, it’s time to check and tweak some of the aforementioned settings and features. Just a reminder, the exact menu options and names might differ based on your TV model, so it’s best to refer to your trusty user manual or the manufacturer’s website for accurate instructions tailored to your specific model.

4. Try Resetting Your Vizio TV

There are two ways to essentially “reset” your TV. The first is also known as power-cycling, and the other method is a factory reset. Here’s how to do both of them.

Power Cycling

Start with power cycling because it’s very easy. It’s just a way to properly drain any stored power from your TV, which allows it to fully reset the electronics inside, and sometimes that’s enough to fix whatever is causing the TV to turn off. If this doesn’t work, try a factory reset next.

  1. TURN OFF your Vizio TV.
  2. UNPLUG your TV from the wall/any power sources.
  3. PRESS and hold the power button on your TV for a few moments. Press it a few times after that for good measure. (This drains any power that might be stored).
  4. You can also PRESS the power button on the remote a few times, too.
  5. WAIT a few minutes, if you can wait a bit longer that could possibly be better but it shouldn’t make a difference as long as the electric capacitors have been drained.
  6. It can be HELPFUL to unplug any other devices that are connected to the television, too. You can even do a power cycle on those at the same time.
  7. RECONNECT all of the plugs, and plug your TV back into the wall outlet.
  8. TURN ON your TV and see if it’s still having issues with turning itself off unexpectedly.

Factory Reset

If the power cycle (also referred to as a “soft reset” sometimes) didn’t get the job done, try a factory reset instead. Keep in mind this will return the television to the state it was in with it first arrived in your home, assuming you purchased it new. So, you’ll lose any calibration or settings you’ve changed, and you will need to re-enter your WiFi password if you have a smart TV using WiFi, not to mention the log-ins for any other services you’re using with your TV such as Netflix, Hulu, and so on.

  1. PRESS the MENU button on your remote control, or press the same button on your TV itself. It’s easier to do this with a remote, though.
  2. Go to your SETTINGS menu (it may also be labelled SYSTEM instead).
  3. FIND the option called RESTORE FACTORY SETTINGS or RESET or FACTORY RESET, or something along those lines. It should be obvious, and will use some combination of the aforementioned terms.
  4. Select the FACTORY RESET option and follow the instructions on your screen.

5. Update The Firmware on your Vizio Television

Firmware is like the beating heart of your device. Firmware is a software that resides within your Vizio TV, keeping everything running smoothly. Your TV’s firmware controls the intricate workings of your television, dictating how it operates and interacts with you. Updating firmware breathes new life into your device, infusing it with enhanced features and bug fixes.

  1. VISIT the Vizio support site to download the necessary firmware update.
  2. LOCATE the section on their website where you can enter your TV’s specific model number and find the DOWNLOADS page. It may also be labelled something like SOFTWARE UPDATES.
  3. DOWNLOAD the latest firmware update for your TV.
  4. FORMAT the USB stick if necessary, to ensure that your TV can read what’s on it. Formatting it at FAT32 should work with most TV’s, even if it’s not the ideal format for all other uses, it tends to work best with a wider range of devices.
  5. TRANSFER the downloaded files onto a USB stick, following any additional instructions provided on Vizio’s website.
  6. PLUG IN the USB stick to your Vizio television’s USB port.
  7. PRESS the MENU button on your Vizio TV remote and go to your SETTINGS menu. It could also be called SYSTEM. You should be able to find either of these by pressing the MENU button first.
  8. FIND the menu item called FIRMWARE UPDATE or SYSTEM UPDATE or something along those lines, and select it.
  9. FOLLOW the rest of the instructions on-screen.

Note: These guidelines can vary from television to television, and from model to model, so just keep that in mind. Generally, it works exactly as described above, but certain steps may look a little bit different. In some cases, you can skip the steps involving downloading the firmware and transferring it to a USB stick if you skip right to step #7, since some televisions that are connected to the internet can download the software update directly – but that’s not always the case – and loading the update to a USB stick will always get the job done, as long as you do it correctly. We’ve done our best to address any variables or issues you may run into, but Vizio can also guide you through this process using their documentation on their website.

6. Reaching Out to Vizio

When all else fails, you can reach out to Vizio for guidance. Be warned, they’ll start by covering a lot of the things we’ve already gone over in this article, and they might want you to try some of them again. That’s okay, they’re just making sure it was all done correctly so they can check it off their list and move on to the next solution. Go along with it, even if it feels tedious, sometimes you’ll have missed a step, so it can be worth it.

Should You Get Your Vizio TV Repaired When It Turns Itself Off?

This is such a tricky question! It used to be common for people to fix things around the home that broke down and it could be like that for tech, but for a number of reasons (shoutout to the right to repair) companies don’t always make it easy or economical to get your stuff fixed.

It’s usually not too expensive to buy a new TV, especially since Vizio makes fairly affordable televisions, so people won’t always choose to get their TV fixed.

Ideally, companies would make products that last longer, cost a bit more and use higher quality components but the profit margins aren’t always going to be as good if you’re making stuff that lasts a lot longer and costs more to produce.

In any case, if your TV needs a major repair, it can cost hundreds of dollars to fix it and in some cases, it’s actually just not worth repairing. If it’s a minor fix, like a button that stopped working or re-soldering an input port, that’s usually going to be worth the repair.

You can always call a local electronics repair shop, if you can even find one anymore, and ask for an estimate and then use that number to check how much a brand-new TV would cost.

If you were already in the market for a new TV, it makes more sense to just get a new one, and put the would-be repair costs towards the new one. But if your Vizio TV is still pretty new, or just outside of warranty, and it isn’t their cheapest TV, then it might be worth looking into repairs.

Solutions for Vizio TV Keeps Turning Off

If your Vizio TV keeps turning off and you’ve gone through all of the suggestions on this page, there’s a good chance that your TV is now fixed. If you didn’t find a solution here, we’re always doing our best to track down new fixes and ways to solve bugs and glitches on all of the most popular TV brands. We’re sorry that we weren’t able to get you fix your TV, so now it’s time to give Vizio a call, or to see what your local repair shop or TV repairperson says.

FAQs

Why does my Vizio TV keep shutting off on its own? ›

Your Vizio TV shuts off itself if there's a power surge, CEC is activated, or the Auto Off function is enabled. Other reasons could be a loose cable, malfunctioning remote control, or overheating TV.

Why does my Vizio TV keep shutting off and restarting? ›

If your Vizio TV keeps restarting, check the power cables and the power outlet of the TV. Refresh the TV and check if the remote is working properly. If the issue persists, update the TV and check the sleep timer settings and power modes. If none of the above works, hard reset the TV.

Why does my Vizio TV keep kicking me out of apps? ›

Vizio TVs freezes at random because of outdated system firmware or because of a slow internet connection. Check your internet connection and power cycle the TV first. If the problem arises while using an app, check for app updates. Then try reinstalling the app.

What are common problems 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 can cause a TV to be coming on and off repeatedly? ›

Sleep timers are often a built-in feature on most modern televisions. If you notice that your TV is turning off and on again around the same time each day, your timer may be to blame. In which case, you'll want to check your TV's scheduling settings to ensure this feature is disabled.

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.

Why does my new Vizio TV keep updating and restarting? ›

It's possible that your TV may have multiple pending updates that need to occur one after another. During this process, it is not unusual for the TV to reboot once it completes one download and before it begins another.

What does a hard reset do to a TV? ›

Performing a factory reset will delete all of the TV's data and settings (such as Wi-Fi and wired network setting information, Google account and other login information, Google Play and other installed apps).

How do I clear the cache on my old VIZIO Smart 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.

What is a soft reset on VIZIO TV? ›

Soft resetting involves briefly turning off your Smart Vizio TV before turning it back on. For a few models, you must perform the steps given below, as well as the power cycle procedure in the menu option. An RCA universal remote may also work to reset your TV if you've misplaced or damaged the original one.

How long do Vizio TVs last? ›

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 update my Vizio TV? ›

How To Update a VIZIO Smart TV Manually
  1. Press the V key on the TV remote.
  2. Select System from the menu.
  3. Then select Check for Updates.
  4. The TV will start checking for updates.
  5. If a new update is available, confirm you want to install it and wait for the process to complete.

Why does my smart TV keep going back to home screen? ›

This is because the Power on behavior settings is set to Home screen. You can change the TV startup behavior to Last input if you prefer your TV to power on with the last watched TV channel or external input instead. On the remote control, press the Quick Settings button. Select Power on behavior.

Can a bad HDMI cable causes TV to turn off? ›

Maybe your HDMI cable is already broken, so your TV powers off every time the cable is plugged in. Examine your power cable for any exposed wires or signs of tears. Ensure you're using a high-quality HDMI cable and that nothing is damaged or loose.

Why does my TV keep blacking out? ›

TV black screens are commonly caused by cable connection issues, issues with input devices, or outdated firmware updates. Worst case scenario, the power supply board could have malfunctioned. Could a loose cable cause a TV black screen? Perhaps the most common cause of a black screen is connection issues.

Can Vizio TV be fixed? ›

If VIZIO determines that a product is covered by this warranty, VIZIO will (at its option) repair or replace it, or refund the purchase price to you. There will be no charge for parts or labor during the warranty period. Replacement parts may be new or recertified at VIZIO's option and sole discretion.

What are the codes for a Vizio TV? ›

Remote Codes / Universal Remote
  • 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.

What is the Vizio controversy? ›

The FTC this week announced that viewing data of individual households was monitored through a built-in spy device which used image recognition technology. Once every second, software in the Vizio TVs would read pixel data from a segment of the screen.

How do you know if your TV is going out? ›

The Picture is Blurry

If your TV's picture quality isn't what it used to be, your TV may be knocking at death's door. Notice if the picture is blurry, fuzzy, or faded. This often happens because the TV has been positioned in direct sunlight, or underneath a harsh lamp for a long period.

What does a factory reset do on a Vizio TV? ›

Resetting a VIZIO Smart TV to its factory defaults will remove all customized settings, such as app, network, picture and audio settings, etc. The SmartCast platform with apps is found on VIZIO 4K UHD Smart TVs released between 2016 – 2017 and all VIZIO Smart TVs released since 2018.

How do I troubleshoot my Vizio TV? ›

Display issues: Line(s), Stuck on V log, Distorted picture
  1. Step 1: Power cycle the TV. ...
  2. Step 2: Verify the cord is securely connected to the video device and the TV.
  3. Step 3: Check to see if the issue happens on another device, or an app. ...
  4. Step 4: Check your picture mode to see if there is an issue with your TVs settings.

What is the black screen of death on Vizio TV? ›

The Vizio TV Black Screen of Death is an issue where the TV screen goes black, but the sound remains functional. What is this? This problem can occur due to various reasons, such as faulty hardware, software issues, connection problems, or overheating.

Why is my Vizio TV blacking in and out? ›

If the screen keeps coming on and going off, it may have to do with the cables, connection, or power. If the cable is faulty, the port is damaged, or the wire is wrongly plugged, a blank screen may arise. There might also be a bug in the TVs software.

Why do I have to reboot my TV every day? ›

Smart TV. TVs are doing much more than they used to, so they too need a break every now and then as well. According to Shull, you should be restarting your smart TV at least once a month. Doing so helps clean out the clutter, and prevent freezing mid-stream, sign-in troubles, and unresponsive services.

Why does my Vizio TV keep turning on and off and flashing colors? ›

If your VIZIO TV is flashing different colors on a periodic basis, turn off the service mode. If you still face issues, check the cables and the hardware for wear and tear and perform a power cycle. If all else fails, do a system reset and contact VIZIO support.

Does unplugging a smart TV reset it? ›

Unplugging the TV from power does not reset the TV, it just turns it off. If you plug the TV back in it will restart as if you turned it off and on via the remote. A reset is done via the settings menu.

Does hard reset fix everything? ›

A hard reset is a process of reverting a device back to the state it was in when shipped from the factory. That is to say, it erases all data including apps, user profiles, and settings. Hard resets can be helpful for wiping all data before selling a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

How long do you unplug a TV to reset it? ›

Unplug the television power cord (mains lead) from the electrical outlet. Let the television remain without power for 2 minutes. Plug the power cord (mains lead) back into the electrical outlet.

How do you clear the memory on a TV? ›

Here are some ways in which you can free up TV memory:
  1. Manage TV apps (e.g., uninstall unused TV apps, close unused apps running in the background, clear cache and app data)
  2. Free up TV memory by moving content to an external storage device (e.g., a USB drive)
  3. Reset your TV to factory settings.
Feb 27, 2023

What settings should my VIZIO TV be on? ›

We recommend leaving the Contrast to '50', Color at '50', Tint at '0', and Sharpness at '0'. We selected the 'Warm' Color Temperature as it's closest to our calibration target of 6500K. If you prefer a warmer or cooler image, you should adjust this setting to your preference.

How do I know if my VIZIO TV is up to date? ›

Press the Menu button on your VIZIO Remote. Select the System Option. Select the Check for Updates Option.

What is the lifespan of a TV screen? ›

The average lifespan of an LED at maximum or close-to-maximum brightness is 40,000 to 60,000 hours, or roughly 4.5 to 6.8 years. If you aren't watching TV for 24 hours a day (and I hope you're not), an LED TV like the 5-Series could last around 13 years, provided none of the other components fail beforehand.

How many years should you replace your TV? ›

Common wisdom says that the average television can last between 4 and 7 years, depending on usage, potential damage, and other factors. So, if you've had your television for more than 5 years and feel that your home is due an upgrade, then it's perfectly reasonable to start researching the best brands and features.

Can I update my VIZIO TV to get new apps? ›

The VIZIO Internet Apps platform shows your apps at the bottom of the screen. Press the VIA button on the remote. Select Connected TV Store from the dock at the bottom of the screen. Select All Apps, Latest, Featured, or Categories to find the app you wish to add.

What is the V button on VIZIO remote? ›

V Button – This button starts VIZIO Internet Apps or other component's multimedia function, if available Volume Up/Down – This button turns the volume up or down.

How do I update my VIZIO TV 2023? ›

If for some reason your SmartCast Home Theater Display hasn't received the update or your device didn't fully download the update, try the below steps: Press the Menu button on your VIZIO Remote. Select the Admin & Privacy Option. Select the Check for Updates Option.

Why does my Vizio SmartCast TV keep shutting off? ›

Your Vizio TV shuts off itself if there's a power surge, CEC is activated, or the Auto Off function is enabled. Other reasons could be a loose cable, malfunctioning remote control, or overheating TV.

Why does my VIZIO TV keep going back to home screen? ›

If your Vizio TV keeps restarting, check the power cables and the power outlet of the TV. Refresh the TV and check if the remote is working properly. If the issue persists, update the TV and check the sleep timer settings and power modes. If none of the above works, hard reset the TV.

Why does my VIZIO TV keep going back to SmartCast? ›

There are many possible reasons why your Vizio TV may shift to SmartCast. The most common reason is your current HDMI input has no signal. Therefore, your TV automatically switches to SmartCast input. Another possible reason is a software glitch which can be a little complicated to fix.

Why does my Vizio TV screen go black randomly? ›

If your Vizio TV goes black, you shouldn't fret about it because it's a common issue. A screen can either go partially or completely black. So many things can cause this, ranging from the TV's features, such as the Sleep Timer and the Screen Mute, to others like faulty cable connections, firmware issues, etc.

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.

Why does my TV keep blacking out and coming back on? ›

TV black screens are commonly caused by cable connection issues, issues with input devices, or outdated firmware updates. Worst case scenario, the power supply board could have malfunctioned. Could a loose cable cause a TV black screen? Perhaps the most common cause of a black screen is connection issues.

Why does my VIZIO TV keep turning on and off and flashing colors? ›

If your VIZIO TV is flashing different colors on a periodic basis, turn off the service mode. If you still face issues, check the cables and the hardware for wear and tear and perform a power cycle. If all else fails, do a system reset and contact VIZIO support.

Does Vizio smart TV need to be updated? ›

To get the most out of your VIZIO Smart TV it is recommended to keep its firmware up to date. The firmware is a certain type of software that tells the Smart TV how to operate, what to show on the screen and how you can interact with it.

Will Vizio replace my TV? ›

VIZIO's Responsibilities

If VIZIO determines that a product is covered by this warranty, VIZIO will (at its option) repair or replace it, or refund the purchase price to you. There will be no charge for parts or labor during the warranty period.

How do I know if my Vizio TV is up to date? ›

Press the Menu button on your VIZIO Remote. Select the System Option. Select the Check for Updates Option.

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