How To Reset A Vizio Tv To Factory Settings

HDTVs have really become affordable over time and gained many new features too, which can often lead to some degree of technical problems later on. Most consumers can get an incredibly large, 4K Smart TV for under $1000, but less expensive models mean lesser quality components and more troubleshooting. On a value-per-dollar basis, Vizio ranks at the top, delivering a satisfying mix of quality and cost. In addition to featuring great visual screens, their HDTVs include some of the best software you can get. Smart TVs have been popular for years, and in that time, the software from all brands has gone from sluggish and confusing to sleek and speedy. Some branded TV models include applications like Roku and Amazon, but most newer models of Vizio HDTVs feature SmartCast, the company's own device streaming software. Bugs are just another part of technological fun. Smartphones using Airplay and Google Cast can easily connect to the application. Of course, no Smart TV has perfect software, and as much as Vizio's features stand out, they aren't perfect either. Their HDTVs can occasionally run into issues too, including but not limited to the following:

How To Hard Factory Reset a Vizio Smart TV

The TV not turning on, or flashing different color screens
The display on the TV not working
The TV turns itself off and on at random
The smart functions stop working

Fortunately, there's an easy fix for most of these problems: a factory reset. Vizio Smart TVs have two reset options: a soft reset and a hard reset.

Hot to Soft Reset Vizio Smart TVs

A soft reset is easy: just switch the device off and leave it for a few seconds, and then turn it back on again. This clears the memory, allows any residual charge to dissipate, and restarts the device, all of which can easily fix a large percentage of the device's problems. That's why the process becomes the first suggestion that any technical support person gives. The suggestion is quick and easy, and it saves all settings on the device.

How to Hard Reset on Vizio Smart TVs

A hard reset is more serious. Not only does it do everything a soft reset does, but it will also reset the firmware or configuration of the device to their factory defaults, clear the memory, and reset the device entirely. A hard reset is basically the same as going back in time to when you first took the Vizio Smart TV out of the box.

If a device misbehaves or shows errors, a soft reset will usually fix it. If the problem is not solved, a hard reset may do the trick, which requires you to reconfigure and set up the TV all over again.

When to Use a Hard Reset

A hard reset of a Vizio Smart TV will wipe all configurations and settings. It will remove all account details for any smart apps, reset network data, and trigger a firmware update if one is available. You should always do a soft reset first to see if that resolves the issues you are having with your TV.

A hard reset on a Vizio Smart TV is generally known to fix the following issues:

Wireless network access connectivity issues
Intermittent problems with smart TV options
Audio issues or problems with video playback
Inaccessible smart apps or random app crashes
Generally strange behavior

How to Hard Reset a Vizio Smart TV

To perform a hard reset on a Vizio Smart TV, you will need to use the remote.

Unplug your router
Press the menu button on your Vizio remote
Navigate to "System" on the menu and select "OK"
Select "Reset & Admin" and select "OK"
Select "Reset TV to Factory Defaults" and select "OK"
Enter your parental lock code when prompted (default parental lock code is 0000)
Select "Reset" and then "OK"
Wait until the TV turns off
The TV will wipe its config and restore all files from its cache, and then it will open to the setup screen
Plug your router back in
Perform the setup process on your TV and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network

The above method should work on most of the recent Vizio Smart TVs.

How to Hard Reset a Vizio Smart TV the Hard Way

If your TV won't reset with the standard method, you may have to do things the hard way.

Turn off your TV but leave it plugged in
Hold down both the "CH+" and the "CH-" buttons on the TV remote
Press and release the "Power" button on the TV remote
Let go of the "CH+" and "CH-" buttons
Press the "Menu" button on the TV remote
The TV should turn on and present you with the menu
You should see an "F" in the bottom right to indicate this it is a factory setup screen.
Press and hold the "Menu" button for a few seconds
You should see the Service Menu
From there, you can access factory reset options

How to Hard Reset a Vizio Smart TV Without a Remote

Because Vizio Smart TVs do not generally have any other buttons besides power, the remote is usually required to perform a hard reset. However, remotes easily get lost, and they often malfunction. You may be able to use an RCA universal remote to reset your TV too.

Regardless, the Vizio Smart TV reset options mentioned here should "refresh" your model without trouble, whether they fix the problem or not. Bear in mind that the processes don't work on all Vizio HDTVs, but they usually function with newer models. Some older Vizio TVs don't have an actual reset option listed in the menu directly, but the choice is still there under a certain category or wording. Furthermore, older Vizio TVs have other buttons on the front panel so read the manual for more information on resetting to factory defaults. Lastly, if you have issues such as when your Vizio TV won't turn on, it doesn't mean the Smart TV is broken. Therefore, there is no need to panic just yet! Try some of the above steps and see if you can get things back up and running!