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It can be very frustrating trying to change channels on your Vizio TV using the remote and nothing happens. A Vizio remote can stop working for a variety of reasons, including battery problems in the device and even in the TV itself. You can usually get your Vizio remote working again with a little troubleshooting.
If your Vizio remote no longer works, it could be due to low batteries, a stuck TV sensor, a power mismatch between the remote and the TV, a dirty power source, a jammed remote control memory, or problems with the TV itself.
In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to fix your remote, provided its functionality is not affected by a faulty IR sensor.
Why doesn’t the Vizio remote control work
Dead batteries: If the batteries in the remote control are dead, you will not be able to use the Vizio remote control.
Locked TV sensor: If the infrared beam cannot reach the TV because the sensor between the remote control and the TV is locked, this can cause an error.
Electronic Interference: If other devices in the vicinity emit radiation that interferes with the infrared beam from the remote control, this error can occur.
Dirty Power Source: If the TV’s power source is providing dirty power to the system, you may be experiencing the current problem.
Residual power to the TV and remote control: If the residual power to the remote control or the TV is affecting their ability to transmit or translate the infrared beam, you may be experiencing the current problem.
Remote Control Memory Locked: If the remote control memory is locked in some location or device, you may experience problems similar to those you are currently experiencing.
TV malfunction: If your TV has malfunctioned, you may suffer from this error.
To troubleshoot a Vizio remote control malfunction
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Reset the remote control to clear the memory
- Press and hold the Setup or Setup button. Release the button. The indicator on the top of the remote control flashes twice.
- Enter the reset code for your remote control. Most Vizio universal remotes have a reset code of 981 or 977, or you can check your remote’s manual to find the reset code.
- Again, the light should flash twice. This means that the memory has been erased and any firmware problems must be resolved.
- Turn the TV on with the button at the bottom of the remote and see if it works.
Turning the TV off
- Unplug the TV from the power outlet.
- Press and hold the power button on the TV for a few seconds, then wait a minute.
- Plug the TV into a power source and turn it on.
Replacing Batteries
The fastest way to make sure the remote works is to replace the batteries with new ones. Most Vizio remotes work with two AAA batteries or two AAA batteries.
If new batteries don’t solve the problem, move on to the next solution.
Clear the path to the TV sensor
The TV IR sensor is usually located at the bottom left or bottom right of the TV.
The sensor is very sensitive to anything that can block it, even the protective films that come with new TVs. Move anything in front of the sensor, including books, picture frames, etc.
Also, use a cotton swab with distilled alcohol to clean the TV sensor and the IR remote control (the small light on the front edge of the remote control) of debris.
Turn on the remote control
- Remove the batteries from the remote control. Press and hold the power button for a few seconds, then release it.
- Then press each button on the remote control while the batteries are drained out. Press each button at least once. This will remove any remaining power from the remote control.
- Replace the batteries and check the remote control again to make sure it works.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset my Vizio remote control?
- Press and hold down the SET or SETUP button.
- Release the SET button when the LED starts flashing twice.
- Enter the reset code for your remote control. Most Vizio universal remotes have a reset code of 981 or 977.
- Wait for the light to flash twice.
- Now plug the remote into the TV.
Why doesn't my TV respond to the remote?
A remote that doesn't respond or control the TV usually means the batteries are dead. Make sure you are pointing the remote at the TV. It is also possible that other electronic devices, certain kinds of lights, or something blocking the TV remote sensor is affecting the signal.
Why doesn't my Smartcast remote control work?
Simply unplug the TV from the wall outlet and press the power button on the side of the TV for 15 seconds. This will drain the remaining power and may solve many problems. Then plug the TV back into the power supply and turn it back on. Check the remote control again to make sure it works.
What are the reasons why the remote control no longer works?
There are a number of reasons why your remote control may stop working. The most common are physical damage, battery problems, pairing problems or problems with the infrared sensor on the remote control or TV.
