How to Reset Vizio Smart TV: Step-by-Step Guide

If your Vizio Smart TV is acting up—whether it's freezing, lagging, not connecting to Wi-Fi, or apps aren’t loading—you might need to reset it. In this guide, we’ll show you how to reset Vizio Smart TV in two ways: a soft reset and a factory reset.

Both methods are easy, and we'll explain when to use each.

Quick Summary​

Type of Reset	What It Does	When to Use
Soft Reset	Reboots the TV without deleting settings	Minor glitches or slow performance
Factory Reset	Erases all data and restores default settings	Major issues or preparing to sell your TV

Method 1: How to Soft Reset Your Vizio Smart TV​

A soft reset is the first thing you should try. It’s quick and doesn’t delete any personal data or app settings.

Steps:​

1. Turn off the TV using the power button on the remote.
2. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
3. Wait for 60 seconds.
4. Plug it back in and turn the TV on.

That’s it. This refreshes the system and often fixes temporary bugs.

Tip: You can also press and hold the power button on the TV (not the remote) for 10–15 seconds after unplugging to drain residual power.

Method 2: How to Factory Reset Vizio Smart TV (With Remote)​

If a soft reset didn’t solve your issue—or if you're selling or giving away the TV—you’ll want to perform a factory reset.

Warning: This will erase all user data, Wi-Fi settings, installed apps, and personal preferences.

Steps to Perform a Factory Reset:

1. Press the Home/Menu button on your Vizio remote.
2. Go to Settings (gear icon).
3. Select System.
4. Scroll down to Reset & Admin.
5. Choose Reset TV to Factory Defaults.
6. If prompted, enter your parental control PIN (default is 0000).
7. Confirm by selecting Reset.

Your TV will restart and begin the reset process. This may take a few minutes.

Method 3: How to Reset Vizio TV Without a Remote​

Lost your remote? You can still reset your Vizio Smart TV using the physical buttons on the TV itself.


Steps:

1. Locate the buttons on the back or side of your TV (Power + Volume).
2. Turn on the TV.
3. Press and hold both the Volume Down and Input buttons for 10–15 seconds.
4. A message will appear on the screen: “To Reset to Factory Defaults, press the Input button.”
5. Press the Input button again to confirm.

The reset process will begin automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Will a reset delete my installed apps?​

• A soft reset will not.
• A factory reset will delete all apps and personal data.

My TV won't turn on—can I still reset it?​

If your Vizio TV is completely unresponsive:

• Try unplugging it for a few minutes.
• Test a different outlet or power cord.
• If there's still no sign of life, it may be a hardware issue.

Do I need to update apps after a reset?​

Yes, after a factory reset, you'll need to:

• Reconnect to Wi-Fi
• Log in to your Vizio account (if applicable)
• Re-download and sign into apps like Netflix, YouTube, etc.

Final Thoughts: When to Reset and When to Replace​

Resetting your Vizio Smart TV is a powerful way to solve most problems, from Wi-Fi issues to slow apps. Start with a soft reset. If problems continue, a factory reset will often restore normal function.


But if resets don’t help—and your TV is still acting strangely—it may be time to contact Vizio support or consider professional repair.