Fix 1: Verify Remote IR Sensor
The first thing you have to do is to verify the Vizio TV remote IR sensor. The remote and your TV both have an infrared beam which generally works to send and receive the signals from each other. However, if the beam or the IR ray isn’t working properly on your Vizio remote then your Vizio TV remote won’t work anymore. Make sure to check whether the IR sensor is working on your remote. You can verify it by using your phone camera as mentioned before.
- Turn ON the phone camera and look at the remote-control unit through the camera screen.
- Point the end of the remote control towards your phone camera.
- Whenever you press the button on your TV remote, the IR light will blink red, indicating that your TV remote is working.
- If you aren’t able to see any red lights, then it could be possible that your remote has been damaged or the battery is dead inside the remote.
Fix 2: Power Cycle Your Remote & TV
The next thing you have to do is to power cycle your Vizio TV remote and Smart TV at the same time. Generally, a power cycle is the most workable method for all time, and it may definitely resolve the problem you are facing with your TV remote control. To power cycle your Remote and TV, follow the below steps.
Power Cycle Your TV Remote:
- Firstly, remove the batteries from your Vizio TV remote.
- Press every button on the remote at least for one time. This may help you to check for stuck buttons.
- After that, re-insert the batteries back into your Vizio TV remote.
- Now check to see if the remote is working.
Power Cycle Your Smart TV:
- Unplug the power source or cables from the wall socket.
- Now wait for about 1-2 minutes.
- After that, plug the power source or cables back to the wall socket and turn the switch back on.
- Now try to check if your TV remote works with your Smart TV.
Fix 3: Remove Obstacles that Could be Blocking IR Signals
Most Vizio TVs have a remote sensor, which is generally located in the bottom left or right corner of your Smart TV. However, your Vizio TV remote won’t work if the IR sensor is blocking any hard materials or other objects at the front of the sensor on the TV.
Even transparent objects, like the protective plastic wraps shipped with new TVs, can sometimes block the infrared signal from your TV remote. Make sure to remove obstacles that could be blocking the IR signals from recognizing or functioning properly.
- Locate the IR sensor of your Smart TV at the right or left bottom of your TV.
- Remove anything that is blocking your TV sensor.
- You can also look for visible smudges on the TV sensor. Make sure to clean the sensor if it’s blocked with dust or smudges.
- Point your remote at theIR sensor of your Smart TV and press the Power button.
- Make sure you’re in range with up to 10 feet from your Smart TV. As we know, IR signals will work up to a limited distance.
Fix 4: Reset Vizio Remote Control
Vizio Universal Remotes have a common error of memory stuck to a specific point or device. In such a case, you should try to reset the Vizio remote control which surely works for you. However, this method won’t work on non-universal remotes. Once you have cleared the remote’s memory then you will have to reconnect it to a different device just like a DVD player. Here’s what to do.
- Press and hold the SET or SETUP button on your remote. Generally, it’s located in the top left corner of the remote.
- Release SET or SETUP when the remote light will blink for twice. (The LED light will be located at the top of your remote control).
- Type in the reset code of your Vizio remote control, as most Vizio universal remotes have a reset code (981/977). You can also check your remote’s manual to find the reset code.
- Once you have entered the reset code, then wait for the LED light to flash twice.
- Once the light will flashed twice then your Vizio universal remote has successfully wiped its memory on your remote.
Now it’s time to pair your TV remote with your Smart TV. But the confusing thing about the Vizio remotes is that you have two options where you can easily switch the remote to the Smart TV you are trying to access. The first one is on the top of the remote, while the other one is on the bottom of the remote control. Simply switch it back to your Smart TV by using the bottom button. Hopefully, the issue has been resolved.
It might seem a bit strange when you hear to mash all the remote buttons at the spot. But mashing the buttons on your Vizio TV remote can work sometimes. Oftentimes, the button on the TV remote gets stuck. However, if one or more buttons on your TV remote control is stuck, then the other buttons won’t work.
There could be several reasons and ways why the remote buttons get stuck. It could be possible that it fell into a crevice between the couch cushions and dirt which generally got stuck under the rubber. In such a case, you have to mash all the buttons at a time. However, mashing all the buttons and slapping the TV remote control over the palm of your hand for a few times can pop-up the buttons back out and it works back to access your remote with your Smart TV.
Fix 6: Try Using Remote Apps on Mobile
You can also try to use Remote apps on your mobile device if your Vizio TV remote isn’t working anymore and you want to watch your favorite content shows at the same time. Most mobile devices come with IR blasters and allow the users to access their Smart TVs and other electronic devices by using the IR blaster from their phone applications.
As most of the smartphone industry like Redmi, POCO and other smartphones come with a IR blaster sensor at the top of the frame, allowing users to access their electronic devices without hassle. In such a case, if your smartphone has an IR blaster at the top, then you can easily access your Vizio TV by using a remote control.
Fix 7: Replace the Battery
A battery is a most essential component in order to perform its functions well. However, there may be a chance that your battery is dead on your Vizio TV remote and that’s the reason why you are unable to access it with your Smart TV. If the battery power has been drained or either the contact points have rusted or carbon formed over it, then you may suffer from the Vizio TV remote not working.
As most Vizio remotes use two AA batteries while the other are two AAA batteries. However, if the battery is damaged or dead, then you have to replace the battery with a new and compatible one in order to access it again. Make sure to purchase the new battery from the local store and ensure it is compatible with your Vizio TV remote control. After that, follow the below steps to apply the battery you have purchased.
- Batteries are usually placed in the slot that’s located at the back side of the remote.
- Simply remove the battery from the back side.
- Make sure to check the connection point/terminal of the batteries if they are rusted out or Carbon is formed over there. If so, try clearing the points with Alcohol or clothes.
- After that, insert the battery you have purchased before and replace it with the older one. Make sure to remove the battery carefully and insert it properly.
- Once you have installed the battery properly at the back side of your TV remote, then make sure to check whether it’s working or not.
If your Vizio TV remote control is working, then congratulations! But if not, then make sure to use another Vizio remote with your Smart TV by replacing the older one. As most Vizio remotes work only with the Vizio Smart TVs. However, if the other TV remote isn’t working with the TV, then you should visit the repair shop to have your TV remote checked. You can also replace the remote with either another Vizio remote or a universal remote.
Final Words
This brings us to the end of this guide to fix Vizio TV remote control not working. Make sure to follow each and every single step carefully while applying it to the Vizio TV remote. With our right approach, you can easily solve the problem you’re facing with your remote. If the above solutions don’t work, then it is possible that your Vizio remote has been damaged. In such a case, you have to purchase a new one in order to use it.
Make sure it is compatible with your Vizio Smart TV. We hope this guide helps you in fixing the Vizio TV remote not working issue. If you have any other questions or queries, please let us know in the comments section. Also, let us know which of the above workarounds works for you. Thanks for reading till the end. Have a good day.
