3 Easy Ways to Reset a VIZIO TV With and Without a Remote

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Hard reset any VIZIO TV with this user-friendly guide

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: August 29, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Resetting SmartCast TVs
|
• Resetting Older TVs
|
• Power Cycling the TV

|Show more |Show less

If your VIZIO TV isn't working properly, you can factory reset it from the menu. This will erase all settings and preferences. If the TV has a black screen, or if you don't have the remote, you can try power cycling it to fix it. Here's how to factory reset your VIZIO SmartCast TV, VIA, or VIA HDTV with expert tips from TV Installation expert Jocotra Cathey.

Quick Steps

1. Press the MENU button.
2. Select Admin & Privacy.
3. Select Reset to Factory Settings.
4. Enter the PIN (if prompted).
5. Select Reset.
6. Select OK.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Resetting SmartCast TVs

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1. 
   1
   Press the MENU button on your remote. You can also press the button with the cog.

   • If your TV has a black screen or if you don't have a remote, see the power cycling section first.
2. 
   2
   Select Admin & Privacy. On some devices, you may need to select System or All Settings before seeing this option.
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3. 
   3
   Select Reset to Factory Settings. Keep in mind that factory resetting your TV will erase all of your settings and preferences.
4. 
   4
   Enter the PIN. If you don't see this requirement, skip to the next step.

   • If you don't remember adding a pin, try the default PIN code: 0000.
5. 
   5
   Select Reset, and then OK. This will confirm the decision to reset your TV.

   • Your TV will power off and turn back on automatically. It will be ready to set up again.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Resetting Older TVs

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1. 
   1
   Press the MENU button on your remote. This will open your TV's settings.

   • If your TV has a black screen or if you don't have a remote, see the power cycling section first.
2. 
   2
   Select Help. On VIA Plus TVs, this may look like System.
3. 
   3
   Select Clear Memory and press OK. This may also look like Reset and Admin.
4. 
   4
   Select Reset TV to Factory Defaults and press OK. This may also look like Clear Memory/Factory Defaults.
5. 
   5
   Enter the PIN and press OK. If you don't remember adding a pin, try the default PIN code: 0000.

   • Your TV will power off and turn back on automatically. It will be ready to set up again.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Power Cycling the TV

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1. 
   1
   Turn off the TV. Use this method if your TV has a black screen or if you don't have the remote.

   • If you have a remote and it isn't working, Cathey advises to make sure the batteries "have a good connection and that you don't see any corrosion or the little white powder." If you see this, you'll need to use a new set of batteries.
   • Power cycling your TV can reset it and get it back on again. Once it's on, you can factory reset it using the methods above.
2. 
   2
   Remove all connected cables. This includes any HDMI cables, soundbars, streaming sticks, or Ethernet.
3. 
   3
   Unplug the TV. If it's plugged into a power strip, unplug that as well.
4. 
   4
   Hold down the TV's power button for 10 seconds. This button is either on the front corner of the TV or on the back.

   • Holding it down can help drain any residual power.
5. 
   5
   Wait at least 5 minutes. This will make sure all the power has drained out.
6. 
   6
   Plug everything back in. Try turning the TV on again. If it works, you can now factory reset using the methods above. If it doesn't, repeat as needed.
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