As an owner of a Vizio TV, I was recently frustrated when the buttons on my remote stopped working. After doing some research and trying out a few tips and tricks, I was able to get my buttons working again. In this blog post, I will share what I did to get my buttons working and other solutions I discovered for when your Vizio TV buttons won’t work.
This issue is often caused by IR signal blockage, battery issues, or the buttons being stuck. Sometimes it could even just be a random glitch. As long as there are no serious damages, you can get away with power cycling, replacing the batteries, and a few checkups on your remote.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Replace Batteries | Swap out the remote’s batteries with a new set or test the current batteries in a different device. |
| Check IR Signal | Use a phone or tablet’s camera to check if the remote’s IR signal is functioning properly by looking for a blinking red light. |
| Power Cycle Vizio TV and Remote | Reset both your TV and remote by removing the batteries and pressing all buttons, and unplugging the TV before plugging it back in. |
| Remove IR Signal Blockages | Clear the area around the TV’s remote sensor to ensure no objects are blocking the signal. |
| Contact Professional/Vizio Support | If all else fails, reach out to a professional or Vizio support for assistance or possible replacement. Have your warranty ready. |
Table of Contents
What Causes Vizio TV Buttons to Not Work?
There are a lot of different reasons why your Vizio TV buttons aren’t responding when pressed. Since the remote is small and compact, it can be at great risk of damage, especially when dropped often.
As the remote also connects to the TV via an infrared beam, signal interruption is also possible. Other common causes of unresponsive Vizio TV buttons include:
- Stuck buttons
- Dirt buildup on the remote’s sensor
- IR sensor blockage
- Drained batteries
- Hardware issues and damages
If it’s your Vizio TV unit buttons that aren’t functioning, that’s also likely caused by hardware issues.
How to Fix Vizio TV Buttons Not Working
There are a few simple steps you can take to get your TV buttons running smoothly again. As hardware issues can be tricky, it’s best not to jump to conclusions. We’ll leave that as a last resort since you might need the help of an expert.
Here are some of the troubleshooting steps you can try to fix your Vizio TV buttons:
Try Using a New Set of Batteries
At the onset of the issue, the first important thing to check is your remote’s batteries. If you’ve got some spare in the house, try swapping it with your remote’s current batteries.
You can also try using the batteries of your remote on a different device. If it’s working fine, we can move on to further troubleshoot the remote itself.
Check the Remote’s IR Signal
After checking the batteries, it’s also important to know if the remote’s IR signal is working properly. The IR signal is what connects your remote’s sensor to the TV so that it can function.
Here’s how you can make sure your remote’s IR signal is functioning:
- Open your phone or tablet’s camera.
- Point it towards the remote’s sensor.
- Press the different buttons on your remote.
- If the remote is working, you should see a blinking red light.
- If it’s not, your remote may be broken (provided that the batteries aren’t drained).
While you’re at it, try to clean the remote and its sensor in case there is some dirt buildup.
Power Cycle Your Vizio TV and Remote
Power cycling can also help fix your unresponsive Vizio TV buttons. For best results, reset both your TV and remote. This is a proven method that can remedy most common glitches.
To reset your remote:
- Remove the batteries of your Vizio remote.
- Press all the buttons on the remote at least once (this can also help with stuck buttons).
- Insert the batteries back.
To reset your Vizio TV:
- Unplug the TV’s power cord from its outlet.
- Look for the power button on your TV, then press and hold it for at least 15 seconds.
- You can also leave the TV unplugged for 15 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back in.
Once you’re done with the power cycling, test if the remote is working.
Remove Anything That Could Block the Remote’s IR Signals
A Vizio TV’s remote sensor can usually be found at the bottom left or bottom right corner. It’s best to clear this area for any blockages so that the IR signal can transfer smoothly.
Remove any furniture and electronic devices that can interrupt the signal. This includes Bluetooth and WiFi devices.
Reach Out to a Professional or Contact Vizio Support
If all else fails, it might be best to get in touch with a professional or contact Vizio support. There may be some internal damage to your remote or TV, causing the buttons to not function.
You can get a few more tips from Vizio support or ask for a replacement if needed. Just be sure to get your warranty ready in case it can cover the possible damages.
Conclusion
Try not to throw in the towel just yet if you encounter button problems on your Vizio TV. In most cases, the issue can be solved by resetting and replacing your remote’s batteries.
It’s also best to take good care of your remote and avoid getting it dirty or dropping it. A broken device takes a lot more time and effort to fix than a simple glitch.
