Vizio TV Remote Not Working: Reasons & Fixes

Electronic items are meant to go faulty. It is not a surprise for anyone who is surrounded by so many gadgets and devices.

Particularly in the 21st century, where gadgets and gizmos have become a necessity more than a luxury.

Sometimes, your Vizio TV won’t connect to wifi. No matter what gadget or device you have, you may face problems occasionally. 

Vizio TV is quite popular among TV viewers due to its spectacular features, affordable prices, and state-of-the-art technology.

Obviously, it comes with a remote that makes it easy to change channels, turn the volume up and down, and control other functions. 

But sometimes your Vizio TV is acting weirdly. It may not work as smoothly as it used to. If your Vizio TV remote is not working, there is no need to worry.

We will help you know why your Vizio TV remote is not working and how to fix it. Without further ado, let’s begin.

Reasons to Know Why Vizio TV Remote is Not Working?

Initially, we just summarized why the Vizio TV remote was not working.

The section will guide you in detail to know the causes of the remote not working.

Let’s take a look. 

1. Dead Batteries 

If your Vizio TV remote is not working, the first reason could be dead batteries. Remember when was the last time you replaced the batteries?

It is probably time to replace it with the new ones before doing any other fix. 

2. Vizio Remote is Not Setup Properly 

If you have not set up your remote as per the instructions given in the manual, your Vizio TV remote will not work. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully. 

3. Obstruction from Other Devices

Vizio TV remote sends signals through IR to the television.

However, your Vizio TV remote will not work if the signals are obstructed. Remove any obstructions and clear the path between the remote and the television. 

4. Disruption from Other Devices 

If any electronic device is placed in the way, it may cause Vizio TV to stop working.

For instance, a microwave, baby monitor, radio, or wireless router can cause hindrance. Make sure to remove it to get the Vizio TV remote 

5. Faulty Remote

Vizio TV remote might have gone faulty due to accidental falls. The only solution is to replace it with another one. 

If your remote has stopped working, you can still turn ON Vizio TV without the remote.

6. Problem with TV Software 

If your TV software has an update or has been corrupted, it could be resolved by updating firmware.

Easy Fixes if the Vizio TV Remote Not Working

We have briefly described some reasons why the Vizio TV remote is not working. But you need to know more about it regarding technical aspects.

A remote is very helpful while using your TV whether it’s time to reset your TV, change the channel, or reduce the volume.

So here’s a breakdown of easy fixes if your Vizio TV remote not working.

Method 1: Replace Vizio TV Remote Batteries

Anyone can replace the battery of a remote. Don’t tell,  you can’t. If your Vizio TV remote has stopped working, the first quick tip is to replace old batteries with new ones.

Here’s how to replace Vizio TV remote batteries if the remote is not working. 

1. Remove the back cover of the Vizio remote and take the old batteries out.
2. Insert new ones carefully by considering positive and negative terminals.
3. Don’t use batteries from different brands. Also, make sure that all the batteries are new ones.

If the Vizio TV remote is still not working, you must try other methods we will discuss. So stay tuned and keep reading.

Method 2: Power Cycle Vizio TV Remote

If your Vizio TV remote is not responding when pressing any button, then you need to power cycle it. The process won’t take long and can be easily followed.

Here’s how to power cycle the Vizio TV remote. 

• First, open the battery cover from the back and pull out all the batteries to drain excess power. 

• After removing the batteries, push the “power” button for 30 seconds to 1 minute to drain any extra power.

• Push all the buttons for once. 

• Insert the batteries once again and close the compartment.

• Check if the Vizio TV remote is working or not.

Method 3: Check if IR Sensor is Working

Even a small kid knows how the IR sensor sends signals to the television and follows the command.

However, if the IR sensor has become faulty, it won’t be able to send signals to the television.

But the problem is how to know if the IR sensor is working or not.  Don’t worry, you don’t need any expensive equipment.

Here’s how to check the IR sensor.

1. Open the camera on your smartphone.
2. Take your remote and point the IR sensor toward the phone’s camera. 
3. Push any button randomly and watch if the IR sensor flashes.
4. The infrared beams will be visible on the camera when you push the button. 
5. However, if the flashes are not visible, it confirms that the IR sensor is not working.

You have only one solution i.e. to replace with a new remote. e on the smartphone camera.

If you cannot find any flashes on the camera, then the IR sensor on the remote is not working. In this case, you will have to replace the remote.

In case the flashes are not visible, you can try other methods.

Method 4: Remove any Hurdles

If your TV and IR blaster have some obstacle in between, the remote will not work. Make sure to remove the object placed in between the IR blaster and the TV.

For instance, if you have an enclosed television in some closed trolley, it will not be able to catch signals.

You need to open the pathway such as glass to ensure signals can reach without any disruption.

In addition, don’t put your fingers in front of the IR blaster when changing channels or turning the volume up and down.

Method 5: Try Drying up Vizio TV Remote

Electronics of any kind can become faulty once it is exposed to liquid. It could damage the circuit as well as the buttons.

Especially if you have kids at home, the possibilities are much greater for your remote exposure to water. 

If water or any other liquid enters your remote, it will prevent the buttons from touching the circuit.

This may lead to the malfunction of the remote. To restore your Vizio remote back to normal, you need to disassemble it and dry up the components.

But if you are unsure you cannot handle it, you can buy a replacement. It would cost you extra, but will save you time.

Method 6: Use Mobile App to Control Vizio TV

If the Vizio remote not working, worry not; the mobile app has got you covered.

Install the Vizio mobile app on your smartphone and control the television like the usual remote.

It is the best alternative if you don’t want to buy a new Vizio remote. Luckily, the Vizio Mobile App is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Make sure you have iOS with a 13.0 version or later. And Android with 8.0 version or later. 

• After installing the app on your phone, create an account or sign in to your existing account. 
• If you don’t like to go through the signup process, you can even use it as a guest. 
• After you have installed and signed in to your account, the app will search for nearby compatible devices. 
• Select TV from the given list. 
• Now, enter your four-digit pin mentioned on top of the Vizio TV to pair it with the television. 
• After linking, you can now use the Vizio Mobile app as a remote control.

Method 7: Push Vizio Remote TV Buttons Hard

You might be surprised by this method, but sometimes this works when the button(s) is stuck.

If one or more than one button is stuck, it may stop the Vizio remote from working.

There are several reasons buttons get stuck in the remote. One of them is pushing the buttons too hard. It may be due to dirt or dust particles under the rubber. 

You have to treat your remote badly. That’s right, you need to slam the mobile against your palm so that the button can come out.

Do it several times and hit hard to let the button pop out.

Summing Up

That’s all you need to know if your Vizio TV remote is not working. In brief, we have discussed some of the reasons why the Vizio TV remote stops working.

Also, we have discussed a few methods that are going to restore your remote back to normal. However, if you want a cheap replacement, you can try a universal remote.

Or you can install Vizio Mobile App on your phone and control your television from the screen. In case of any queries or assistance, you can call Vizio Customer Support at 1 (844) 254-8087.

Frequently Asked Questions