Vizio Remote Control Not Working? Here's How to Reset It

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What to do if your Vizio TV remote stops working

Co-authored by Jocotra Cathey and Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: August 25, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Fixing Your Remote
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• Resetting Your Remote
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• Video
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• Q&A
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Does your Vizio remote no longer control your TV? In some cases, simply troubleshooting your remote control will solve your problems and negate the need for a reset. This wikiHow article teaches you how to troubleshoot problems with your Vizio remote not working, including how ot reset your remote.

Fix a Vizio Remote Not Working

If the batteries are fresh and nothing is blocking the signal, try resetting your Vizio remote by removing its batteries, pressing and holding the Power button for 5 seconds, then pressing every button on the remote at least once. If the remote still doesn't work, unplug your TV, then plug it back in.

Steps

Section 1 of 2:

Troubleshooting a Vizio Remote Not Working

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1. 
   1
   Remove any objects from in front of the TV's sensor. The infrared sensor is typically in the bottom-right or bottom-left corner of the TV's face. If the sensor is blocked, your Vizio remote will not work.

   • Even transparent items like the protective plastic wrap that covers new TVs can block the signal from your remote.
2. 
   2
   Make sure you're using the right buttons. If you're trying to use certain buttons on your Vizio remote that don't work with the sort of content you're watching, it might seem like the remote is not working.

   • For example, the channel buttons only work when you're watching cable or satellite TV, not streaming.
   • The Play and Pause buttons on the remote only work in apps (e.g., Netflix, YouTube, Disney+). Nothing will happen if you try to use them while watching live TV via cable or satellite.
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3. 
   3
   Insert new batteries. Your remote won't work if the batteries don't have enough charge. It's easy to forget to change the batteries from time to time, so making sure that your remote's batteries are fresh will improve your remote's performance.

   • You should also be sure to use high-quality batteries (e.g., Duracell or Energizer).
4. 
   4
   Reset your Vizio remote control. To power cycle your Vizio remote:

   • Open the battery cover and remove the batteries.
   • Press and hold the power button to drain residual power.
   • Press every button on your Vizio remote at least once.
   • Reinsert the batteries and put the battery cover back on.
   • Try using your remote.
   • For more detailed remote control reset steps, jump down to Resetting a Vizio Remote.
5. 
   5
   Power cycle your TV. To do so, you'll unplug the TV, press and hold its power button for five seconds, then plug the TV back in and turn it on.
6. 
   6
   Use a different Vizio remote with your TV. Most Vizio remotes work with other models of Vizio TVs. If you can get your TV to respond to a different Vizio remote, then you may need to replace your current Vizio remote.

   • Similarly, if your malfunctioning Vizio remote actually works with a different TV, the remote isn't the problem.
7. 
   7
   Replace your remote. If your Vizio remote still isn't working, you likely need a replacement. You can head to Vizio's Self Service Request to find out if you're still within your warranty period. If you are, you can get a free replacement. If not, you can buy a replacement remote from Vizio. If you want to try a universal remote that controls all your devices, you can order one from Amazon.

   • In the meantime, you can turn on your Vizio TV without the remote by pressing the power button on the bottom or side of the TV. Then, you'll be able to use your smartphone to control your TV.
   • In a pinch, you can also purchase a new remote for your Vizio TV from a local store with a tech department (e.g., Walmart or Best Buy).
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Section 2 of 2:

Resetting a Vizio Remote

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1. 
   1
   Remove your remote's batteries. If you need to reset your Vizio remote, this method will walk you through the steps. The batteries are typically found in a slot that's either on the bottom or in the back of the remote.
2. 
   2
   Press and hold the power button for five seconds. This will drain any residual power from the remote.
3. 
   3
   Press each individual button on the remote at least once. Doing so will help loosen any stuck buttons.
4. 
   4
   Replace your remote's batteries. If the batteries in your remote are brand-new, just put them back in your remote.
5. 
   5
   Try using your remote. If the remote wasn't working because of a firmware update or because of too much continuous use, it should be working now.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  What should I do if my remote channel and volume buttons won't work?

  

  Community Answer

  If it's not the batteries, your remote may have disconnected from the TV and needs to be re-connected. Check your owner's manual for instructions.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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• Question

  What can I do to fix a problem where using the remote to turn on the TV turns on the screen long enough to display a no signal message, then turns the TV off?

  

  Community Answer

  You need to hit the input button and it will change to "cable box or HDMI or comp." Change to one of these - usually the cable box feature if you have your TV set up right.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 23 Helpful 10
• Question

  My Vizio TV stays turned on for 5 minutes, then shuts itself off. Why?

  

  Community Answer

  Try unplugging the TV, then get some canned air and blow out all the vents. Dust builds up in there.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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Tips

• If you noticed one button isn't working, like the Menu or Volume button, you may have worn down those contacts and need to repair the remote with contact paint or aluminum foil to get those buttons working again.
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