Like any other home theater equipment, a Vizio sound bar has a remote control that provides easy access to functions like volume adjustments and content streaming. While it’s true that it’s an efficient device, it doesn’t mean it won’t encounter any malfunction.
So here are some troubleshooting steps our audio team recommends if you suddenly find your Vizio sound bar remote not working.
What Caused My Vizio Soundbar Remote to Stop Working?
You may not know, but your Vizio remote control issues could stem from different problems. If you want to fix it properly, you must pinpoint its exact cause. Here are some of the typical reasons why it won’t work:
- Your Vizio remote needs new batteries
- There are objects blocking your TV’s IR sensor
- Other devices are connected to the sound bar remote
- AAA batteries are not installed properly
- The remote or the power cord may be damaged
- Your soundbar isn’t plugged in or powered on
How to Troubleshoot Your Vizio Soundbar Remote: 7 Best Fixes
Method #1: Inspect the Line of Sight
Vizio soundbars use an IR sensor to connect with a remote control device, so any obstacle blocking its direct line of sight could cause signal disruptions. If you don’t want it to happen, we suggest making your soundbar face the same direction as the remote transmitter or LED lights.
There must be a clear signal path between devices so that they can properly process the command that the IR sensor receives.
Some obstacles that may block IR signals from your Vizio sound bar remote are furniture and tabletop decorations.
Method #2: Check if There are Other Bluetooth Apps
Most Vizio soundbars nowadays include Bluetooth features, allowing them to wirelessly connect with TV and mobile devices. The only problem is your Vizio sound bar remote won’t always work with streaming applications like Netflix, Hulu, or Spotify.
Some buttons in your remote may not support these apps, which leads to a compatibility problem. Unfortunately, the only way to prevent this is to do some research before purchasing a Vizio sound bar.
Method #3: Power Cycle the Remote
Did you know that most Vizio sound bar remote problems are easily resolved by power cycling? You just have to follow the steps we listed below.
- Remove the batteries from the soundbar controller
- Double-press every soundbar button to check if they’re stuck
- After that, put the batteries back on the remote
- Press the power button to check if the remote works
Method #4: Power Cycle the Vizio Soundbar
Sometimes, Vizio remotes aren’t the root of the problem. If the above methods don’t work, trying the power cycle fix on your soundbar to get it to return to its factory settings is not a bad idea. Here are the steps you must do:
- Press the power button. You can find it on the top or left side of the soundbar.
- Next, unplug the soundbar from the power outlet
- Press the power button and hold for at least 30 seconds
- Put the power plug back and turn on the soundbar to check if the remote is working
Method #5: Try Using Another Remote
Don’t be hasty in getting a new remote. First, test if your sound bar will work with different controller options like a universal remote. If you’re also using a universal remote for your Vizio TV, we suggest pointing it directly on your soundbar to avoid signal interference.
However, if you have any spare Vizio soundbar remotes lying around, that would be a better option for a replacement remote.
Method #6: Replace the Batteries
Should the power cycle method prove ineffective, it’s time to replace its batteries. When inserting fresh batteries, we urge you to check if it’s placed on the right positive and negative ends.
Besides that, ensure that you’re using the right battery type as it can vary in different remote options.
Method #7: Update the Soundbar
Several retailers provide regular software update options on their products [1]. So if your soundbar is behind the latest version of its required firmware update, then your remote issues are caused by software problems. Here’s what you can do:
How to Update Your Vizio Soundbar’s Firmware
- Enter the Vizio website address on your browser.
- Click on the Support section under the Main Menu.
- From there, search your soundbar’s serial number.
- You’ll see the correct Vizio soundbar firmware update as long as you type the right keyword on the search bar.
- Follow the instructions on the new software update and download it.
- Save the downloaded software update on a USB and install it on your soundbar.
What to Do if the Soundbar Remote Still Isn’t Working
If all these troubleshooting didn’t work, it’s time to contact Vizio technical support. You can call at 877-698-4946 and tell the Vizio representative the details of your technical issues.
The product may be under an active warranty if it’s a newly bought Vizio device, so we advise checking its terms to see if you can get a replacement.
FAQ
How do I fix my Vizio soundbar?
You can fix your Vizio soundbar through basic troubleshooting. This process includes checking for cord damages, stuck buttons, software updates, or power cycling. Besides that, you must check the soundbar’s batteries and test other remotes.
Conclusion
Some users may think that if your Vizio sound bar remote stops working, you need an immediate replacement. But if you read the troubleshooting methods we listed in this post, you’d know that it’s not always the case. If you follow these steps, rest assured that you’ll avoid unnecessary repair costs.
