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Vizio TV Not Connecting To WiFi? (Here’s The Common Fix!)

By • October 4, 2023

Most Vizio TVs eventually have the same problem: they won’t connect to WiFi.

There are countless cases of Vizio TV owners claiming to have experienced this issue, with some claiming it’s been a problem for years!

Fortunately, there is a quick fix that should fix about 80% of Vizio TVs that won’t connect to WiFi.

How To Fix An Vizio TV That Won’t Connect To WiFi

If your Vizio TV won’t connect to WiFi, you must reset it. Disconnect your TV from the wall and wait one minute. While the device is unplugged, press and hold the power button for 30 seconds. Then, wait a minute and reconnect your TV’s power cable.  The TV will softly reboot, and your Vizio TV should connect to WiFi again!

Power-cycle Vizio TV

One of the most common methods for fixing a WiFi connection issue on your Vizio TV is to unplug it from the wall outlet, although it may seem obvious.

Be patient and make sure you wait 60 seconds before plugging it back in.

While the TV is unplugged, locate and press the power button on your TV for 30 seconds, which is typically found on the bottom or back of the TV.

NOTE: You must hold the power button on your TV, and not the remote control for this to work properly.

Power cycling is more efficient than turning your TV on and off because it will cause your TV to do a soft reset and use up any remaining battery life.

After a minute, reconnect the TV’s power cord, and the WiFi connection should work immediately!

This fix should work for most of you, but we have a few other suggestions if it doesn’t.

Factory reset Vizio TV

If the power cycle didn’t fix your Vizio TV’s WiFi connection issues, it might be time to factory reset the device.

Before doing so, make sure you know that factory resetting your Vizio Smart TV will delete all account settings and applications.

Here are the instructions on how you can factory reset your Vizio TV.

With a remote

  1. Turn the TV on.
  2. Press the Gear icon on your remote.
  3. Scroll until you see System and click it.
  4. Choose Reset & Admin.
  5. Select Reset TV to Factory Defaults.

NOTE: If you’re asked to enter a code,enter 0000.

Without a remote

To connect your Vizio TV to WiFi without a remote, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
  2. Click Menu.
  3. Navigate to System.
  4. Choose Reset & Admin.
  5. Select Reset TV to Factory Defaults.

If this doesn’t work, you’ll have to use the buttons on the device to navigate the menu.

And if that’s not working, here are a few other solutions to try:

  • Plug in a USB keyboard and use it to navigate the menu.
  • Download the Vizio Mobile app on your smartphone.
  • Use a universal remote and connect it to your TV.

NOTE: When done correctly, your Vizio TV should power off and on and then display the initial setup screen.

Update the TVs date and time

A known bug in some Vizio TV models causes the time to reset after a reboot. For example, if your television loses power and then turns back on, the clock could be empty. If this happens to you, you’ll have to set the time manually.

Here’s how you can reset the TVs Date & Time:

  1. Press the Gear icon on your remote.
  2. Select System then Time.
  3. Click the check box for Automatic Time to turn it ON.
  4. Manually turn the television off and then on.
  5. Again, press the Gear icon on your remote control.
  6. Again, select System then Time.
  7. Click the check box for Automatic Time to turn it OFF.
  8. Change the Time Zone to the correct time zone (where the TV is currently located).
  9. Recheck the Automatic Time box to turn it ON.

This will fix any WiFi connectivity issue caused by the specific bug!

Unreliable WiFi Connection

Try these quick fixes if you can establish a connection with your Wi-Fi network, but it’s unreliable.

  • Use an ethernet cable for a more robust, wired connection.
  • Move your router closer to the television.
  • Check if any USB devices are connected to the TV, which are known to cause connection issues.
  • Monitor any devices which could mess the signal up, such as a microwave, wireless speaker, or a radio controlled drone. For other devices that may interfere, check the complete list here.

Can’t Find Network

If you’re unable to find your WiFi on the network list, follow these steps.

  • Check and see if the router and modem are turned on.
  • Make sure the router is close enough to the TV.
  • Unplug the router and modem for 30 seconds each, then plug them back in.

No Internet Access

If you’re able to join the network, but receive a message saying there’s no internet connection, it may be an issue with your internet service provider (ISP).

Check the WiFi connection on another device, like a computer, smartphone, or gaming device to see if it works.

If not, call your ISP, and they should be able to help you out.

RELATED POST: Why Isn’t Vizio SmartCast Working? (The Most Common Fix!)

Software Updates

Not having your Vizio Smart TV updated can cause an array of issues, WiFi connection being one of them.

While your Vizio TV should be automatically updating, you may have to manually update it:

  1. Press the Menu (or V) icon on your remote.
  2. Select System then Check for Updates.
  3. Choose Check for Updates.

Your TV will automatically search for updates and install the newest version.

You can also manually update your Vizio TV by entering your model number on Vizio’s support page, downloading the update onto a USB flash drive, then inserting the USB into your TV.

NOTE: In addition to a software update, you could have outdated firmware or hardware. If that’s the case, click the support page above and contact Vizio directly.

Incorrect Password

Lastly, an incorrect WiFi password will make you unable to connect to the internet.

Make sure you’re typing the password correctly since it’s case-sensitive and won’t work otherwise.

Vizio TV WiFi Alternatives

If you’re unable to fix your Vizio Smart TVs WiFi network issue, there are a few other ways to connect your device to the internet.

Ethernet or wired connection

One of the best ways to connect to the internet is by using a wired, ethernet connection.

Plug one side into the ethernet port on the back of your Vizio television, and the other side of the cable into your router or modem.

This provides a more stable, faster connection that works whenever the router is on and connected.

Streaming device

If you’re deadset on using WiFi, a streaming device like the Fire TV or Apple TV is a great option.

They’ll allow you to stream any of your favorite shows or movies straight to your Vizio Smart TV, even if the television isn’t connected to the internet.

Gaming console

If you have a gaming console sitting around, like the PS5 or Xbox Series X, you can connect it to the TV and stream your favorite content that way instead.

How To Turn WiFi On Vizio TV

  1. Press the Gear icon on your remote control.
  2. Select Network then Wi-Fi connection.
  3. Choose your WiFi network and enter the password.

Congratulations, you’re now connected to the internet on your Vizio Smart TV!

Conclusion

I hope these troubleshooting steps on fixing your Vizio TV that won’t connect to WiFi helped.

There are quite a few solutions we’ve tried, but every situation is unique, so make sure you give everything a try in the order we listed.

Hopefully, you can now connect your Vizio TV to WiFi and enjoy your favorite streaming platforms!