You have reached the right destination if you have any queries regarding Why is Vizio Remote Is Not Working. This detailed guide will equip you with all the information you need.
Has your Vizio TV remote been glitching a little? Or has your Vizio TV remote stopped working completely? I understand this can be very irritating and frustrating. However, as in this article, you will have to worry no more, and I will guide you to fix these problems via various simple solutions!
Some prevalent issues of Vizio TV remote control failure, have been dead batteries, improper setup or settings, and interference from other available devices. A quick fix for all these is removing batteries, rubbing them, and putting them back. However, there may be various other problems and many other solutions.
The Remote is an essential part of the TV as it controls and assists in enabling vital features. The causes of this problem may seem very technical, but the solutions are not! They will help you figure out how to solve your issues within minutes and do not require you to be tech-savvy!
To know this easy guide for fixing your issue, read this article till the end.
Recommended Reading – Why is YouTube Not Working on Roku: Fix in Seconds
Vizio TV Remote not Working – Causes
- Remote Malfunction – Your remote might be damaged to the extent that it needs to be exchanged now. There is no other solution.
- Incorrect Setup – If the setup, i.e., the settings, needs to be done correctly for the TV and the remote to sink, you will face issues.
- Obstruction – The remote must receive a proper signal. Any obstacle may prevent it and hence can be why your Vizio TV remote is not working correctly.
- Dead Battery – One of the simplest and the most common issues is the batteries running slow. The simple solution to this simple problem is replacing the batteries. You can also shift to better-powered batteries.
- TV Software Issue – The TV software may need to be updated or corrupted. Updating it might solve the problem.
- Interference From Other Devices – Other electronic devices in the boundaries of the TV’s functioning might be the problem. Moving them far from that area might work for this issue.
- Pairing Issue – Your remote might need to be paired appropriately with the Vizio TV.
Recommended Reading – Why Does Apple TV App Keep Freezing: Fix in Seconds
Vizio TV Remote not Working – Solutions
Here, we provide some solutions for this problem.
Remove any Blockage from the TV’s Signal
As mentioned above, the blockage between the TV and the remote sensor may cause a problem in both working. As the remote uses an infrared beam and your TV has an IR sensor, these two must be in an excellent sink to send and receive information and signals without any obstruction.
These obstructions include walls, other electronic devices, furniture, speakers, etc. Even transparent objects can cause this obstruction. The IR sensor is near the bottom left of your television almost every time but sometimes near the bottom right.
Removing these blockages will solve the problem. However, if the issue persists, shift to the next possible solution.
Mash all the Remote Control Buttons
This will initially sound peculiar, but it did to me too! But it can be a very probable solution to the problem.
A button or two on the remote control might get stuck, preventing other buttons from working. This is similar to the issue of a key getting stuck in a keyboard.
Mashing all the buttons on your remote control or slapping it against your palm will help the buttons get popped out again. You can also turn the remote control over with the buttons facing the floor and smash it for the regulators to pop out and for dirt removal.
If this does not work, move to the next solution.
Removing Batteries
On the back of the Vizio TV, you will find the panel from where you can remove the batteries. Removing them from the remote and pressing the power button for approximately 30 seconds can help solve the issue.
If this does not work, you can go further to replace your remote batteries.
Replacing the Batteries
Replacing the batteries is a fundamental and straightforward solution for a Vizio TV remote not working or responding with a delay. Any remote requires power to work, and lack of which is sure to show problems.
To do this, you can remove the back panel where the batteries are and insert new cells or batteries, keeping in mind the positive and negative terminals. Choosing the battery of the same company or brand is also recommended.
However, if it does not work, your remote might need a factory reset.
Power Cycle your Vizio TV
Sometimes, your remote control is not working; it might not be a remote problem but an issue with your TV’s software updation. This will cause pain in the communication between the remote and the TV. For this, your Vizio TV might require a power cycle.
For this, disconnect your TV from the wall for around 1 minute, i.e., 60 seconds. After this, plug your TV back into the outlet. This process will give your Vizio TV a soft reset and solve any lingering issues with your TV.
In many cases, restarting your TV with the help of this method can solve the problem as well. This also gives your TV a smooth running facility.
However, if things still do not fall in place, look for the next solution.
Checking for Liquid Damages
Liquid damage is another common issue hindering your Vizio TV remote’s smooth working.
It means opening your remote case and cleaning the components of the battery panel to remove any liquid residue. It involves cleaning the rubber buttons, circuit board, and plastic panels. This project is easy as most Vizio TV remotes do not have a screw panel.
We first need to open the Vizio remote. Remove the battery cells and press the power button several times to discharge the remote. Hold the remote on the side where the ‘Ok’ button is situated; in the middle, slide a flat-headed screwdriver into the gap between the panels.
It would be best if you wiggled it a bit. Use another screwdriver to widen the interval; twist the screwdriver, and you will hear a section disconnect. Slide the screwdriver further down this case, popping out each section.
After this, you will have to carefully clean the inside of the remote by dipping a Q-tip in 99% isopropyl alcohol and then wipe down where the water damage has occurred. This might be tricky and risky, so take your time and be extra careful.
This has solved your problem. But, high chance it persists; hence, here is another solution.
Make Sure the Working of the IR Sensor
Like most other brands, your Vizio TV remote uses an Infrared (IR) light. That is how the TV understands the remote control input and what to do.
If the beam is not working correctly, this can directly cause a problematic and glitching TV remote control. The IR sensor is usually near your television’s bottom left but sometimes near the bottom right. To ensure it is working correctly, try the steps below:
- Have your remote control, a smartphone, and television side by side.
- Open the camera app on your smartphone and look at the remote through the screen.
- Press a few different buttons on the Vizio TV’s remote control.
- If a red light is visible, it signals everything is working fine, and there might be an issue with the IR sensor.
- If the red light is not visible, the remote may be defective, or the batteries may be dead.
Anything in the way of the IR signal should be removed.
Check the Circuit Board Pads
There is a strong probability that the circuit board might be overused or that it might also have liquid damage, like the remote battery panel. This will again require you to clean it with alcohol.
Another unique technique is using a pencil and drawing along the lines of the circuit board pad tracks. This is because the graphite present in the pencil helps improve conductivity, making it easier for the pad to register pressure.
Once you’re confident everything is clean, it’s time to put everything back together. The circuit board first enters the rear plastic panel, and the rubber button pad is on the top panel. Make sure they’re secure in their respective meetings. Connect and squeeze the two boards together, ensuring they click and connect. Put the batteries back in the panel and test the Vizio remote.
Purchasing a Universal Remote Control
Another possibility can be purchasing a Universal Remote Control for your Vizio TV.
You’ll want to pick up a universal remote and ensure it works with Vizio TVs before purchasing (almost all of them do).
Universal remotes can store multiple codes, and if the code for the TV needs to be correctly stored or is corrupted, it’ll not work properly. Hence, resetting the remote and referring to the Remote’s user manual for the specific instructions for your model could also help.
However, after everything, one last scope for your Vizio TV Remote not working is mentioned below.
Contact Vizio Technical Support System
Are you still trying to get all the solutions? Do not worry; contacting the Vizio Technical Support System will help you with the issue.
They can offer more help for your particular model or even have a recommendation not covered in this article, such as replacing internal components like your power supply.
If the issue is simple and can be resolved over the phone or by sending your TV in for service, the Vizio customer service staff can assist you.
Recommended Reading – Why is Roku Remote Volume Not Working: Fix in Seconds
Helpful Answers
Can I reset the Vizio TV Remote?
Reset your remote by power cycling it, which involves removing the remote’s batteries and holding down the power button. Try using new batteries or making sure the sensors aren’t blocked. You may need a replacement remote if power cycling doesn’t work.
Why is my new Vizio TV remote control lagging?
Removing any obstacles covering your TV’s IR receiver is the best solution. Try to reduce the distance between the remote and the TV set. Remove the batteries, wait 1 min, and insert batteries according to polarity (-/+).
Look at the various techniques for this in the article.
Why Is My Remote Suddenly Not Working?
There could be several reasons why your Remote suddenly stopped working, such as dead batteries, incorrect setup, interference from other devices, obstruction, remote malfunction, and TV software issues.
By identifying and addressing the specific cause of the problem, you’ll be able to get your remote working properly again.
How to Clean the Vizio TV Remote for Better Working?
Here are the steps to ensure the better working of the TV remote by cleaning it:
- First, take the batteries out.
- Use a microfiber cloth and, with the help of alcohol, wipe down the Remote.
- Dry the Remote with a clean towel or cloth when the stickiness is gone.
- If there’s grime inside the buttons, use a toothpick to remove it.
- Once the remote is dry, return the batteries, and you are good to go!
Why is my Vizio TV Remote Suddenly Acting Weird and Lagging?
There are several possible reasons behind this.
However, the most common reasons for a TV remote not working are battery, paring, or infrared sensor issues. Pointing at your TV, press the power button of the remote. Make sure the LED indicator on the TV blinks. If not, your remote needs more power remaining in the batteries.
Recommended Reading – Why is Airplay Not Working on Roku: Fix in Seconds
Wrapping Up
Dealing with a Remote control that has troubleshooting issues and causes delays while relaxing on the weekends is a big headache!
But you can now not worry about it anymore, and instead of contacting the Vizio Technical Support System, try a few easy-peasy techniques at home. The article has in-depth knowledge and will guide you in the same.
Thank you for making it to the end! This article helped you, at least in some ways, solve your problems. Happy Binge Watching!