A factory reset wipes a Vizio TV back to its original setup state. It removes Wi-Fi details, app sign-ins, picture settings, sound settings, and other customizations.
It is useful when the TV is badly glitching or when you are selling or giving it away, but it is not a casual restart. Once finished, you cannot undo the reset.
Does this affect you?
Use this guide for Vizio SmartCast TVs that freeze, run slowly, behave strangely, or need to be wiped for a new owner. Menu wording can vary a little by model year, but the reset path is similar on most recent Vizio TVs.
Factory reset with the remote
- Press Menu on the Vizio remote.
- Open System.
- Select Reset & Admin.
- Choose Reset TV to Factory Defaults.
- Confirm when prompted.
The TV will restart and show the initial setup flow again, like it did when it was new. Have your Wi-Fi name and password ready before you begin.
Factory reset without the remote
Use the physical TV buttons if the remote is lost, dead, or not controlling the TV.
- Find the physical buttons on the back, side, or bottom edge of the TV.
- Look for Input and Volume Down, or a small joystick depending on the model.
- Hold Input and Volume Down together for about 10 to 15 seconds. On joystick models, press and hold the joystick straight in.
- Follow the reset prompt on the screen if it appears.
Button combinations differ across Vizio models. If the reset menu does not appear, check Vizio support for your exact model number rather than repeatedly forcing the wrong combination.
Try a restart first
Many Vizio freezes and app glitches clear with a normal power cycle. Unplug the TV from the wall for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and test again. This does not erase data and is worth trying before a factory reset unless you specifically need to wipe the TV.
After the reset
Reconnect Wi-Fi and sign in to SmartCast apps again. If you are giving away the TV, manually sign out of apps with payment details before resetting if the menus still work.
If the TV gets stuck mid-reset, unplug it for 60 seconds and try again. A reset that will not finish can indicate a hardware issue, in which case Vizio support or repair service is the next step.
Sources
- Vizio Support – Reset your Vizio TV to factory defaults (2025)
- Vizio Support – Use the physical buttons on your TV (2025)