If your Vizio TV won't turn on, check the power cord and outlet, then press the Power button on the TV itself. If it still does not respond, unplug the TV and try the power cycle below before moving to the remote or picture checks.
The short version
- Check the power connection and test the outlet with another device.
- Use the TV's own Power button to check whether the remote is the problem.
- Unplug the TV before holding its Power button for 5 seconds.
- If the TV has power but no picture, check the menu if available and the HDMI input.
- Use a restart before considering a factory reset, which removes your settings.
| Fix | What it does | Time | Use it when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check the outlet and cord | Checks the power connection | A few minutes | The TV does not respond |
| Power cycle the TV | Disconnects power and restarts it | About a minute | The TV remains unresponsive |
| Check the remote | Separates remote trouble from TV trouble | A few minutes | The TV button works |
| Check the HDMI input | Checks the connected video source | A few minutes | You see No Signal |
| Check a black screen | Checks whether the menu appears | Under a minute | The screen stays blank |
| Restart after an update | Restarts through the TV menu | Under a minute to start | The menu still responds |
| Check repeated shutdowns | Checks ventilation before seeking help | A few minutes | The TV will not stay on |
Check the outlet and power cord
Check that the power cord is firmly connected to the outlet and the TV. Plug another device into the same outlet to check whether it receives power, then try the TV in a different working outlet if it still will not start.
Inspect the cord while checking the connection. If it is frayed or damaged, stop using the TV and arrange service instead of continuing the power checks.
Power cycle the TV if its button does not work
Press the TV's own Power button before trying another remote command. Use your model's manual to locate the button if you cannot find it, then move to a power cycle if the TV remains unresponsive.
Unplug the TV from power, then press and hold the Power button on the TV for 5 seconds while it is unplugged. Reconnect power and press Power to try starting it again. If the TV still does not respond from its own button on a working outlet, contact Vizio support and describe the checks you completed.
Check the remote control
If the TV starts from its own button, turn your attention to the remote. Replace the batteries with fresh ones, matching their positive and negative ends to the symbols inside the battery compartment.
Try the remote's Power button again after replacing the batteries. If it still does nothing but the TV button works, report that difference when asking for remote support; it gives you a more useful starting point than treating both controls as unresponsive. For more remote checks, follow the steps for a Vizio remote that is not working.
Check the HDMI connection and input
If you see No Signal, check that the connected device is switched on. Press Input on the TV remote and select the input that matches the port where its cable is connected.
Turn the TV and connected device off before reconnecting their cables. Check that the HDMI cable is firmly seated at both ends, then try another cable or another TV input if the picture still does not appear.
When you move the cable to another port, select that input on the TV as well. Try another connected device if you have one available, so you can compare its picture with the original source before requesting service. If no port shows a picture from a working device, work through the fixes for Vizio TV HDMI ports that are not working.
Check a TV that turns on but has no picture
If your remote has a Menu button, press it and look for the on-screen menu. If it does not, continue with the input and cable checks and consult your model's manual for its settings controls. If the menu appears, follow the input and cable checks above rather than repeating the outlet checks.
If the menu is visible but the picture is too dark, check the Brightness, Contrast and Backlight settings available on your model. If neither the menu nor another input produces a picture after the power cycle, contact support and describe those results.
A dark indicator light alone is not enough to decide that the TV has no power. On E-Series models covered by Vizio's SmartCast manual, the indicator does not stay lit by default while the TV is on, and that behavior can be changed in settings.
Restart a TV that has trouble after an update
If the TV is unresponsive after an update, use the power checks and power cycle above. If you can still open its menu, try the documented restart command before considering a factory reset.
If your remote has a Menu button, press it and open All Settings > Admin & Privacy > Restart TV, then choose Yes when prompted. Some models show Soft Power Cycle instead.
Some older models offer System > Reboot TV. If your TV has none of these restart options, use the unplugged power cycle above.
If trouble continues, consult your model's manual for its factory reset instructions. A factory reset removes your settings, so review those instructions before choosing it and contact Vizio support if the TV cannot stay on long enough to respond.
Check a TV that shuts off immediately
Check that the TV's ventilation openings are clear and that a cabinet is not blocking airflow. Follow the placement instructions in your model's manual before attempting to use it again.
If it continues to shut off after the outlet and power-cycle checks, contact Vizio support. Describe whether it starts, displays a picture and then shuts down, and leave internal inspection or repair to qualified service personnel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you try first when a Vizio TV will not turn on?
Check the cord and test the outlet with another device. Then press the TV's own Power button to see whether it responds without the remote.
How long should you hold the power button?
For the power cycle described above, unplug the TV and hold its Power button for 5 seconds. Reconnect power afterward and try turning it on again.
Why does the TV turn on from its button but not the remote?
Start by replacing the remote batteries and checking their orientation. If the TV button still works while the remote does not, ask for remote support and explain that difference.
Does a black screen mean the TV has no power?
If your remote has a Menu button, press it and look for the on-screen menu. If it does not, continue with the input and cable checks and consult your model's manual for its settings controls. If the menu appears, check the selected input, connected device and cable before repeating the power troubleshooting.
Should you factory reset a TV that will not turn on?
Start with the cord, outlet, TV button and power cycle. If the TV becomes responsive but trouble continues, review your model's reset instructions, because a factory reset removes your settings.
