Vizio Soundbar Not Responding to Remote : (8 Fixes)

Not getting any response from your Vizio soundbar remote?

Are you searching for solutions to the “Vizio soundbar remote not working” issue?

You have come to the right location since you will find all the information you need here. Continue reading if you want to find out what they are.

There is a dedicated remote control for each Vizio soundbar model. It’s how you control the actions of the soundbar which includes tweaking the volume and making other adjustments.

Yet, numerous customers have complained that the soundbar’s remote control doesn’t always function. However, there is no need for concern since this is a very frequent problem that can often be resolved by following a few basic troubleshooting steps.


Why is my Vizio soundbar remote not working

Short Answer: If your Vizio soundbar remote isn’t working, it may be because the signal is weak, the batteries are exhausted or aren’t inserted correctly, the soundbar isn’t compatible with your preferred streaming app, or the soundbar itself is outdated. It’s also possible that the remote may cease functioning due to normal wear and use, or if it is broken.

Vizio soundbar remote
Image Source: Vizio

Fix: Vizio soundbar not responding to remote

Method 1: Battery-related problems

Of course, your remote won’t do you any good if you’ve run out of battery life. What this implies is that the remote control will not operate until new batteries are installed.

While changing batteries, make sure the positive and negative terminals are facing in the right direction. In certain cases, replacing the batteries in your remote can restore its functionality. Additionally, because there are a variety of remote controls, it’s important to use the correct battery type.


Method 2: Problems with Signal Reception

The IR sensor on the Vizio soundbar may not be receiving a signal, which is a typical cause of the remote’s failure. There can be no obstructions in the way of the remote and the soundbar; there must be a clear view between the two. First, check to see if anything is covering the infrared (IR) sensor on the soundbar.

If the soundbar’s infrared (IR) sensor is being blocked by furniture or other items, you’ll need to relocate the soundbar or remove the obstructions. After setup, you may test the remote by standing no more than 10 feet away from the soundbar, since IR transmissions are only effective within a certain range.


Method 3: Ensure that the soundbar is up-to-date.

  • Step 1: Open your browser and type in the Vizio website URL.
  • Step 2: Navigate to the Support area of the Main Menu.
  • Step 3: Inside the search field, enter the model number of your soundbar.

The model number should be printed on the rear end of your device or on one of the sides of the box in which the soundbar was originally packaged.

  • Step 4: Select the search item that shows the firmware update for your device.
  • Step 5: Get the latest software update by following the instructions.
  • Step 6: Copy the downloaded update to a USB flash drive.
  • Step 7: Power on and then power off your soundbar.
  • Step 8: Insert the USB hard disk with the update.
  • Step 9: Switch on the soundbar once again.

The third LED light will turn on after the first two have already flashed. When you see three lights flashing at once, you know the update has begun.

  • Step 10: Let the LED lights switch off on their own.
  • Step 11: Finally, remove the USB drive from the soundbar.
  • Step 12: Restart the device and check the remote control.

Method 4: Reset the remote

Remove the batteries from the remote control and make sure each button is pressed once. As there are often just a handful of buttons on a soundbar’s remote, this may be accomplished in a short amount of time.

The next step is to take the batteries out and put them back in and try using the remote again. Check out the “How to reset my Vizio soundbar remote” section below for a comprehensive rundown of the necessary actions. Even if turning the remote’s power on and off seems like a simplistic solution, it really could work.


Method 5: Factory reset the Soundbar

It’s also possible that the soundbar itself is malfunctioning. It’s possible that the soundbar is broken, in which case the remote would also be useless and you’d conclude that the remote was defective. If you want to make sure the soundbar is working properly, you should give it a good reset at least once.

Turn off the soundbar and unplug it. Then, turn on the soundbar by pressing and holding the power button for a full 30 seconds.  Relax your grip and reconnect the soundbar. To activate the soundbar, press the “power” button located on its side. After that, give the remote another try.


Method 6: Avoid using the remote with streaming applications.

Sometimes the Vizio remote won’t let you manage media played over the sound bar that was streamed from another source. You may wrongly assume that your Vizio soundbar remote is faulty since not all streaming applications support its remote buttons.

Unfortunately, this only means the remote isn’t designed to work with streaming applications.

As a result, you should not worry if the Vizio soundbar remote stops responding when you attempt to use it to operate Bluetooth applications. If the buttons on the remote consistently function when they are used normally with the soundbar, then there is no problem with the device.


Method 7: Get a new remote

After doing the aforementioned troubleshooting steps, if the remote is still not functioning, it must be replaced. Dropping a remote, getting it wet, or even using it for a long time may cause it to malfunction.

You should still be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty on your Vizio soundbar if you bought it within the last year. If your remote stops working, go over to the Vizio website to see if you’re still covered by warranty and have a new one sent right away.

However, a new remote will need to be purchased if the warranty has already expired. If your Vizio remote breaks, don’t panic; you can get a replacement from a number of different retailers as well.


Method 8: Contact Support

If you’re not ready to buy a new remote control just yet and none of these solutions have worked, you can always get in touch with Vizio Support.

You may reach a Vizio person at 877-698-4946, and you can describe the problem to them over the phone. Potentially, they will be able to advise you on what other solutions you may take to address the issue.


How to reset my Vizio soundbar remote

  • Step 1: Remove the batteries from your remote control.

It’s common to find the battery compartment on the back or bottom of the remote control.

  • Step 2: Hold down the power button for five seconds.

The battery capacity of the remote control will finish as a result of this.

  • Step 3: Give each unique button on the remote control at least one press.

This will assist in the release of any buttons that are stuck in place. Some people recommend lightly tapping the remote on the palm of your hand to remove any lingering dust.

  • Step 4: Take the batteries out and put them back in
  • Step 5: Attempt to use the remote now.

SEE ALSO:

Vizio Soundbar Blinking No Sound: What To Do

(11 Fixes) Vizio Subwoofer Not Pairing


FAQs

Q1. How to replace Vizio soundbar remote batteries?

While there is some variation across sound bar remotes, the procedure of swapping out batteries is often straightforward and consistent. You can easily access the controls for your sound bar by sliding down the remote’s rear cover.

The batteries may be changed once the rear cover has been removed. It is imperative that you double-check the positive and negative ends of the new batteries before putting them. In addition, unlike conventional TV remote controls, Vizio sound bar remote controls do not need AA or AAA batteries. Lithium button batteries are what power the remote control for the Vizio sound bar.


Final Words

Not having a direct line of sight between the remote and the soundbar is the most prevalent and often ignored cause of a non-functioning Vizio soundbar remote.

Nevertheless, if that isn’t the case, you ought to attempt rebooting the soundbar and remote before buying new batteries for the latter. You may also try upgrading the firmware on the Vizio soundbar, or purchasing a new remote to see if any of these options resolve the problem.

The aforementioned measures are expected to be effective in most circumstances. Nevertheless, if none of the solutions presented above work, you shouldn’t give up hope. Get in touch with Vizio’s customer care and detail the steps you’ve taken so far to resolve the issue. They should be able to help you out in this scenario.

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An anime aficionado who also maintains a keen interest in global developments in the fields of technology & gadgets. In her downtime, she can be found trying out all possible varieties of dumplings. A strong believer in animal rights, she can't help but pet every cat she sees.