How to Restart Vizio TV? Quick Guide

[Hardon Williams]

If your Vizio TV is acting up, slowing down, or freezing, a simple restart might fix it. This guide covers all methods to restart your Vizio TV — including soft reset, power cycle, and factory reset.

Whether you're using a SmartCast model or an older Vizio TV, we've got you covered.

Why Restart Your Vizio TV?​

Restarting your TV can fix:

• App crashes or unresponsiveness
• Black screen issues
• Audio/video sync problems
• Network connection errors
• System lag or freezing

A reboot clears temporary glitches without deleting your settings or data.

Method 1: Soft Restart Using the Remote (SmartCast Models)​

The simplest way to restart your Vizio Smart TV is through the menu.


Steps:

1. Press the Menu or Settings button on your remote
2. Navigate to System
3. Scroll to Reset & Admin
4. Select Soft Power Cycle
5. Confirm and wait for the TV to restart automatically

✔ This method is quick and doesn’t affect your saved apps or settings.

Method 2: Manual Power Cycle (Universal for All Vizio TVs)​

If the remote doesn’t work or your TV is frozen, try this manual method:


Steps:

1. Turn off the TV using the power button or remote
2. Unplug the TV from the wall outlet
3. Press and hold the power button on the TV (not the remote) for 15–30 seconds
4. Wait at least 1 minute
5. Plug the TV back in and power it on

This helps clear residual power and resets the system safely.

Method 3: Restart by Unplugging (Quickest Way)​

This works for quick restarts:


Steps:

1. Simply unplug your TV from the power source
2. Wait 1 minute
3. Plug it back in and turn it on

Though not as effective as a full power cycle, this method works for temporary glitches.

Method 4: Factory Reset (Last Resort)​

If restarting didn’t fix the issue, try a factory reset — but note it will erase all settings and apps.

Using Remote:​

1. Press the Menu button
2. Go to System > Reset & Admin
3. Select Reset TV to Factory Defaults
4. Enter your PIN (default is 0000)
5. Confirm and wait for the reset to complete

Without Remote:​

1. Press and hold both the Volume Down and Input buttons on the TV
2. Wait until a reset message appears (about 10 seconds)
3. Follow on-screen instructions to confirm

Troubleshooting: TV Won’t Restart?​

Problem	Solution
Black screen	Try manual power cycle or use flashlight to check display activity
Remote not responding	Replace batteries, pair the remote again, or use Vizio Mobile App
Stuck on logo screen	Attempt factory reset via TV buttons

Frequently Asked Questions​

Q1: Will restarting my Vizio TV delete my apps?
No. A soft restart or power cycle won’t erase your data. Only a factory reset will.


Q2: How often should I restart my TV?
Restarting once every few weeks can keep it running smoothly.


Q3: My Vizio TV keeps restarting on its own — why?
This may indicate a firmware issue or power supply problem. Check for software updates or consult support.

Final Thoughts​

Knowing how to restart your Vizio TV is a simple but essential skill that can save you from many frustrating tech issues. Start with a soft restart or power cycle before jumping to a factory reset. If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to ask for help in our forum.