Resetting a Vizio Remote

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Learn how to reset a Vizio remote when it's not working

Co-authored by Jocotra Cathey and Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: October 15, 2024 Fact Checked

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Power Cycling the Remote

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Troubleshooting Connection Issues

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Does your Vizio remote no longer control your TV? In some cases, simply troubleshooting your remote's performance will solve your problems and negate the need for a reset. This wikiHow article teaches you how to reset a Vizio remote's connection by power cycling the remote or resetting its memory.

When Your Vizio Remote Is Not Working

If the batteries are fresh and nothing is blocking the signal, try power-cycling the remote by removing its batteries and holding down the power button. This should restore your remote to its original settings.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Power Cycling the Remote

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They're typically found in a slot that's either on the bottom or in the back of the remote.^{[1]
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This will drain any residual power from the remote.

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Doing so will help loosen any stuck buttons.^{[2]
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If the batteries in your remote are brand-new, just put them back in your remote.
If the remote wasn't working because of a firmware update or too much continuous use, it should be working now.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

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1
Remove any objects from in front of the TV's sensor. Even transparent objects can impede the infrared signal from your remote.^{[3]
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- This includes the protective plastic wrap that accompanies new TVs.
- The infrared sensor is typically in the bottom-right or bottom-left corner of the TV's face.
2
Make sure the batteries are new. It's easy to forget to change the batteries from time to time, so making sure that your remote's batteries are fresh may improve your remote's performance.^{[4]
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- You should also be sure to use high-quality batteries (e.g., Duracell or Energizer).
To do so, you'll unplug the TV, press and hold its power button for five seconds, then plug the TV back in and turn it on.^{[5]
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4
Use a different Vizio remote with your TV. Most Vizio remotes work with other models of Vizio TVs. If you can get your TV to respond to a different Vizio remote, then you may need to replace or update your current Vizio remote.
- Similarly, if your malfunctioning Vizio remote actually works with a different TV, the remote isn't the problem.
If you are still within your warranty period, you can fill out a self-service request at https://support.vizio.com/s/self-service-request to request a replacement.^{[6]
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Research source} If not, you can buy a cheap replacement direct from Vizio—just head over to https://www.vizio.com, click the magnifying glass at the top-right corner, type "remote," and then press Enter or Return. In a pinch, you can also purchase a new remote for your Vizio TV from a local store with a tech department (e.g., Walmart or Best Buy).

Community Q&A

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Question

What should I do if my remote channel and volume buttons won't work?

Community Answer

If it's not the batteries, your remote may have disconnected from the TV and needs to be re-connected. Check your owner's manual for instructions.

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Question

What can I do to fix a problem where using the remote to turn on the TV turns on the screen long enough to display a no signal message, then turns the TV off?

Community Answer

You need to hit the input button and it will change to "cable box or HDMI or comp." Change to one of these - usually the cable box feature if you have your TV set up right.

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Question

My Vizio TV stays turned on for 5 minutes, then shuts itself off. Why?

Community Answer

Try unplugging the TV, then get some canned air and blow out all the vents. Dust builds up in there.

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Tips

Instead of worrying about your remote, use your smartphone to control it!

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If you noticed one button isn't working, like the Menu or Volume buttons, you may have worn down those contacts and need to repair the remote with contact paint or aluminum foil to get those buttons working again.

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If your remote works with another TV, it's most likely that your remote is fine, but your TV is the problem. Make sure you've set it up correctly or reset it.

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