Watching a flick on your Vizio TV without a remote will test your patience like no other, as you have to stand up now and then. Thus, it’s understandable that learning how to reset Vizio TV without the remote is essential.
To factory reset your Vizio TV without a remote control, hold the volume down and input buttons on your TV for 15 seconds. Once prompted, press the input button for another 10 seconds to start the process.
But that’s not all there is to it. In this post, we’ll explore not just one but six proven-and-tested ways, from simple to complicated fixes, to reset a Vizio TV without its remote control. Read on!
How to Reset A Vizio TV Without Remote
FIX 1. Unplug the TV
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 4 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 40 to 70 seconds |
| Things Needed | A Vizio smart TV A working power cord A working wall outlet |
If you want to reset a Vizio TV without its remote control, you can unplug its power cord from the wall outlet. People call this method of resetting a soft reset since it only restarts and reboots the target device without deleting its essential files and data.
Therefore, it’s the ideal reset method to use whenever your Vizio TV suffers from minor system bugs and errors. Aside from being easy to perform, a soft reset is usually the fastest way to troubleshoot a faulty TV.
Unfortunately, the errors and bugs this method can fix are limited to minor software issues, so it’s not as effective as a factory reset.
And while essential files and data remain intact after a soft reset, the same doesn’t apply to your Vizio TV’s temporary and cached data.
Step 1: Shut down the Vizio TV and pull its power cord from your wall outlet. Note: You can force your Vizio TV to reboot by removing its power cord without shutting it down beforehand. |
Step 2: Wait 30 seconds to let your Vizio TV shut down its system completely, or hold its power button for 60 seconds to perform a power cycle. Note: Since you’ve turned off your Vizio TV, it’s an excellent opportunity for a power cycle to discharge its capacitors’ residual electrical charges and fix software bugs and errors. |
Step 3: Plug the power cord into your wall outlet to power the Vizio TV. Note: Your Vizio TV should turn on automatically once you plug it in. Otherwise, press its power button to power it on manually. |
| Step 4: Wait while the Vizio TV reboots its system. |
In the next sections, we’ll discuss resetting Vizio TV without a remote control to restore its factory settings. It’s significantly different from a soft reset, which means you use these methods for more complex Vizio TV issues a simple reboot can’t fix.
However, since the most common Vizio TV issues are software-related, knowing how to perform a soft reset is always invaluable. After all, you don’t want to waste too much time on complex troubleshooting methods when there’s a good enough fix.
FIX 2. Use your Vizio TV’s back panel buttons
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 3 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 5 minutes |
| Things Needed | A Vizio TV |
With a faulty Vizio TV, a factory reset is the most effective way to troubleshoot its recurring issues. As such, Vizio intentionally added a way to reset Vizio TVs without remotes using the built-in physical buttons as an alternative control option.
This way, you can troubleshoot your faulty Vizio TV in a pinch, whether or not its remote control is available. Vizio users must have the means to address device errors that might prevent them from using their TVs and enjoying their features fully.
Please note that not all Vizio TVs share the same set and number of built-in physical buttons. Therefore, the factory reset process using the physical button method may vary slightly between Vizio TV models.
Plus, Vizio puts the physical buttons in different locations based on the TV model, so finding them can be tricky for some users. Often, you might find these buttons on the Vizio TV’s back panel, on the side of its frame, or underneath its front bezel.
Step 1: Press and hold the Vizio TV’s volume down and input keys simultaneously for 10 seconds to initiate the factory reset. Note: The location of the physical buttons may vary between Vizio TV models. Meanwhile, other Vizio TVs only require holding the input button to perform the factory reset. |
Step 2: Wait for the message that says your Vizio TV is clearing its memory and resetting shortly. |
| Step 3: Wait while the Vizio TV reboots its system after the factory reset so you can set it up again. |
Compared to the factory reset methods below, this one is unique since your Vizio TV performs the reset process automatically. This method also doesn’t require navigating the Vizio TV settings menu since it’s an emergency factory reset process.
After clicking the required buttons, you’ll trigger the factory reset immediately, and your Vizio TV will do the rest. Thus, this factory reset method is useful when the Vizio TV screen is frozen and unresponsive to your remote control inputs.
FIX 3. Use the Vizio SmartCast app
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 14 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 6 minutes and 40 seconds |
| Things Needed | A Vizio smart TV Any smartphone A working internet connection |
The standard way of performing a Vizio TV factory reset is through the reset option under the system settings menu. Unfortunately, navigating the Vizio TV settings menu without a working remote control is impossible.
As such, Vizio developed an official companion app that connects to your TV and operates it like a remote control. The Vizio SmartCast app lets you do this on a Vizio TV and other compatible devices, such as sound bars and external speakers.
Since this app works like an alternative control option, you can reset your Vizio TV without a remote. With this, navigating the Vizio TV settings menu becomes possible and convenient.
The Vizio SmartCast app also has voice control, making it a solid replacement for your lost or broken TV remote. The voice control feature makes the SmartCast app the most convenient way to operate all your Vizio devices or factory reset your TV.
Step 1: Open your phone’s preinstalled app store. |
Step 2: Use the search bar on your phone’s preinstalled app store. |
Step 3: Type “Vizio mobile” and select it from the search suggestions below. |
Step 4: Click the Install or Get button beside the Vizio Mobile app to download and install it on your phone. |
Step 5: Open the newly installed Vizio mobile app and select Continue As a Guest. |
Step 6: Check the box to agree with Vizio’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and click Continue. |
Step 7: Click “Select a Device.” |
Step 8: Click Get Started. |
Step 9: Select the SmartCast TV or Display option. |
| Step 10: Select your Vizio TV from the list of devices and enter the PIN code displayed on its screen. Note: Once the app connects to the Vizio TV, you can use its remote control buttons to navigate the settings menu. |
Step 11: Open the settings menu and go to System. |
Step 12: Go to Reset & Admin to access the Vizio TV’s reset and administrator menu. |
Step 13: Click “Reset to Factory Settings.” |
| Step 14: Check the Vizio TV screen for a small confirmation window and click Reset to restore its default factory settings. Note: Once your TV reboots, use the Vizio Mobile app to configure the Vizio TV on its setup menu. |
Your Vizio TV and phone must connect to the same WiFi network before you can set up the SmartCast app. This will allow both devices to detect each other and establish a direct communication line that the SmartCast app will use to send remote signals.
FIX 4. Use the Mi Remote Control app
| Difficulty | Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 15 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 7 minutes |
| Things Needed | A Vizio smart TV An Android phone with a working IR sensor A working internet connection |
Aside from Vizio’s official companion app, there’s a wide array of third-party remote control apps to choose from. In particular, we recommend using the Mi Remote app developed by Xiaomi for Android devices from the Google Play Store.
The Mi Remote Control app is notable for its compatibility with many TV brands, making it a solid alternative control option. For one, it doesn’t require the Android phone and Vizio TV to use the same WiFi network.
You can then use the Mi Remote app to operate, and therefore reset, your Vizio TV without an internet connection.
It’s because the Mi Remote app uses the IR sensor on your Android phone and mimics the infrared signals of an actual Vizio TV remote. This advantage over the official SmartCast app is notable since Mi Remote works like a universal remote.
Plus, the Mi Remote app also works with Vizio audio and video devices, making it an excellent alternative option. However, you should prioritize the official SmartCast app since Vizio designed it to work on your TV.
Step 1: Open your Android phone’s pre installed Google Play Store app. Note: You can skip to Step 5 if you’re using a Xiaomi smartphone since they have the Mi Remote app preinstalled. However, start from Step 1 if you deleted the app before. |
Step 2: Use the Google Play search bar to make a text search. |
Step 3: Type “mi remote” and select it from the search suggestions below. |
Step 4: Click the Install button beside the Mi Remote app to download and install it on your Android phone. |
Step 5: Open the Mi Remote app. |
Step 6: Click Add Remote. |
Step 7: Select the TV category. |
Step 8: Use the search bar to locate the Vizio brand or click V on the scroll bar to skip to TV brands with names starting with that letter. |
Step 9: Select Vizio. |
Step 10: Select the option corresponding to your Vizio TV’s current state. |
Step 11: Point your Android phone’s IR sensor to your Vizio TV and click the button on the Mi Remote app to check for a response. |
Step 12: Click Yes if the button registers on your Vizio TV. Note: If there’s no response, keep trying until you get one. |
Step 13: Click Paired to continue. |
Step 14: Click the Mi Remote’s Menu button to open the Vizio TV settings menu. |
| Step 15: Follow Steps 11 to 14 on the Vizio SmartCast app method to factory reset your TV using the Mi Remote app. |
FIX 5. Use a USB keyboard and mouse
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 3 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 5 minutes |
| Things Needed | A Vizio smart TV A wired or wireless USB mouse and keyboard |
Using a USB keyboard and mouse is one the most straightforward way to operate and reset your Vizio TV without a remote.
With this, you don’t have to take part in an arduous setup process since you can plug compatible mouse and keyboard types to your Vizio TV.
It also doesn’t matter whether you’re using a wired or wireless keyboard and mouse as long as you can plug them into your Vizio TV’s USB port directly or via a dongle.
And if you don’t have a mouse, you can just use the USB keyboard to operate your Vizio TV, as you can use its keys to control the selection.
Step 1: Plug the keyboard and mouse on your Vizio TV’s USB ports. Note: A wireless USB keyboard and mouse may come with a dongle that you must plug into your Vizio TV instead. |
Step 2: Press your keyboard’s Windows or Command key to open the Vizio TV settings menu. Note: You can use the mouse to navigate the menu. Alternatively, you can use the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate the Vizio TV settings menu without a mouse. |
| Step 3: Follow Steps 11 to 14 on the Vizio SmartCast app method to factory reset your TV using your USB keyboard and mouse. Note: You can select and open menu options using the left mouse or the enter key on the keyboard. |
The disadvantage of using a keyboard and mouse is it’s not as user-friendly as compared to using a remote. But it should be handy as it can help you control your Vizio smart TV without having to stand up every time.
FIX 6. Use a replacement or universal remote
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 1 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 5 to 10 seconds |
| Things Needed | A Vizio TV universal or replacement remote |
Finally, you can use a compatible replacement or universal remote control for Vizio smart TVs. This method is straightforward, like a USB keyboard and mouse, since you can use them directly on your Vizio TV without any setup.
However, if you have a standard universal remote, you might need to enter a code before using it. Therefore, the convenience factor of this alternative control option varies depending on the replacement remote you get.
In most cases, it’s better to purchase a Vizio universal remote that works on various Vizio smart TVs. This way, you don’t have to struggle to set up a universal remote since you can operate your Vizio TV immediately.
Here are links to some notable replacement and universal remote control options we recommend for Vizio TVs. Since not every universal remote works on all Vizio TVs, picking one compatible with your device is crucial.
You must set them up for standard universal remotes using a Vizio TV code. Check the table below for a list of Vizio TV codes that work on most universal remote controls.
| 3-Digit Codes | 4-Digit Codes | 5-Digit Codes |
| 004 | 0030 | 01377 |
| 011 | 0117 | 10117 |
| 113 | 0178 | 10120 |
| 502 | 1078 | 10117 |
| 505 | 1292 | 10885 |
| 627 | 1758 | 11756 |
Note: Standard universal remote controls have a product guide that lists all compatible TV codes. Refer to your universal remote’s product guide if none of the codes in our table works.
FAQs about Resetting a Vizio TV Without a Remote
How do I know where my Vizio TV’s buttons are?
Checking the user manual of your Vizio TV is the best way to find where its physical buttons are. Otherwise, you can physically inspect your Vizio TV for all the locations its buttons might be at.
Here are some notable Vizio TV physical button placements for your reference. We’ve included some pictures so you know where to begin your search.
- On the Vizio TV’s back panel (Three-button layout).
- On the Vizio TV’s back panel (One-button layout).
- On the Vizio TV’s side panel (Control panel layout).
- On the Vizio TV’s front bezel.
- Underneath the Vizio TV’s front bezel.
Since the button layouts on Vizio TVs vary between models, check all the locations we’ve shared to find the buttons on your unit more effectively. You can also check out unboxing videos for your Vizio TV since they usually give an in-depth look.
Are all resets always a factory reset, and will all the data be lost?
Resetting your Vizio TV can either be a soft reset or a factory reset. As mentioned, a soft reset won’t affect your essential files and data; a factory reset will delete them permanently.
Therefore, performing a factory reset on your Vizio TV means you will lose all your data unless you back them up and restore them afterward. Unfortunately, Vizio TVs don’t have a native backup and restore option.
So, if you’re unsure about which method works best for you to fix various issues in your Vizio, then you should go for a soft reset as prescribed in the first section. Then, you can proceed to factory reset your TV once a soft reset won’t work.
How do you reset a Vizio TV without its remote?
Several methods can reset a Vizio TV without a remote control. For a soft reset, you only need to unplug your Vizio TV from the wall outlet to cut off its power supply, reboot the system, and refresh its system memory.
Regarding the factory reset, use the physical buttons on your Vizio TV or other alternative control options to navigate the system settings menu. We recommend using the SmartCast app, Mi Remote app, or a USB keyboard and mouse.
