If your Vizio soundbar is not working, I am here to help you. There are different types of issues related to the Vizio soundbar.
For example, the soundbar not turning ON, it cannot connect, the sound is not coming, or the sound is distorted.
A few days ago, my Vizio soundbar suddenly stopped working with my Samsung TV. I tried to make it work but in vain. I read the user manual to find the basic troubleshooting tricks.
However, they helped me temporarily. So, I had to find out a permanent solution. Therefore, I dived deeper into the issue, brainstormed, and figured out what is the root cause.
In this guide, I will share my personal experience. Furthermore, I have also found solutions to other problems that a Vizio soundbar may pose.
Vizio Soundbar Common Problems
Following are some of the common issues that can occur with a Vizio soundbar;
- The soundbar not turning ON or has no power
- No sound coming from the device
- Subwoofer, satellite speakers, or surround sound not working
- Bluetooth pairing is not working
- Vizio soundbar not working with Netflix
- The soundbar does not function with FireStick
- Sound is distorted or cutting out
My Prefered Troubleshooting Tricks
All the problems listed above can be solved by some common tricks. A software update, power cycle, and factory reset are three general fixes that are capable of eliminating all issues.
So, you should try them first before proceeding to the complex and specific solutions. Personally, I apply these hacks in the following sequence and they help me almost every time;
1. Power Cycle Vizio Soundbar
Whenever my Vizio soundbar overreacts, I power cycle it. This trick not only applies to soundbars but also to other devices. Any model of Vizio soundbar can be power cycled or soft reset by these steps;
- Unplug your soundbar from the wall power outlet.
- Now, press and hold the power button on the soundbar.
- Release the button after 5 seconds and plug the power cord again.
- Now, turn ON your soundbar by pressing the power button on the device.
2. Update Firmware
Outdated firmware can also cause your soundbar not to work. Hence, update the firmware by the following process;
- Connect your Vizio soundbar and mobile to the same Wifi network or pair them over Bluetooth.
- Download the “Vizio SmartCast” app on your mobile device.
- Launch the app, choose your Vizio soundbar, and add it.
- Open the soundbar menu from the app, and go to “Settings” by clicking the gear icon.
- Next, choose “System” and then “System Information”. Check for the latest software versions. Install the latest firmware if it is available.
3. Factory Reset Your Vizio Soundbar
If power cycling does not help, a factory reset must do the trick. I fixed many minor issues by hard resetting my Vizio soundbar.
However, it deletes all the saved data, customized settings, and pairing information. The general method to factory reset the Vizio soundbar is as follows;
- On your soundbar, press and hold the “Volume Down” and “Bluetooth” buttons at the same time.
- Keep holding for 5 seconds or until all 12 LED lights flash three times.
- The method may vary across various Vizio soundbar models. Learn the exact process here.
Problem #1: Vizio Soundbar does not Power ON
The soundbar cannot power ON is one of the common issues users face. It has two conditions; there is no light or light indicator is ON but the soundbar is not working.
Both these problems can be solved by applying the following tricks.
Check Power Supply
Next, I checked the power supply to my soundbar. Because Sometimes, the power light on the soundbar does not come ON.
It is because the power cord of your soundbar may not be connected properly. So, unplug the cord from the back of your soundbar and plug it in again firmly.
You also need to examine the power cord along its entire length. Replace the cable if it is broken, twisted, bent, or exposed.
Likewise, examine the connection ports both on your TV and soundbar. Maybe the port is loose or broken and cannot transfer data. Replacing the ports is the solution in this case.
Test the Outlet
Moreover, check the wall power outlet whether it is functioning or not. Connect a different electronic device (cell phone charger or lamp) into the outlet to confirm.
Also, plug the power cord tightly into the wall outlet. Do not use an extension with your soundbar instead connect it directly to the electric supply outlet.
The power cord may be connected to a surge protector or power strip, make sure the surge protector is switched ON.
A light glows on the left or in the center of the soundbar when it powers ON successfully. In my case, the light was ON but the sound was not playing.
Inspect the Buttons and the Remote
Maybe the power button of your Vizio soundbar is defective. That’s why it is not turning ON. Furthermore, check the remote control of your soundbar.
Replace the remote batteries with the fresh ones. Make sure nothing is blocking the IR sensor of the soundbar. Try another method to turn ON the soundbar.
For example, the TV remote or the Vizio Soundbar remote app. Press the power button a bit hard to make it work.
Problem #2: No Sound or Distorted Audio
As I told you that my soundbar was powering ON, but no sound coming from it. You may be facing the same issue.
You should try the following hacks in both cases; the Vizio soundbar does not power ON or does not give sound.
Check the Connections
The soundbar should be connected securely to the source device such as a TV. Look at the back of your TV, it has a port labeled “Audio Out”.
There can be other ports on your TV such as “In”, which is used to bring audio/video to the TV. While the “Out” port sends TV audio to an external speaker or soundbar.
Hence, you always connect a soundbar to the “Audio Out” port of your TV. Although, I was sure that my soundbar is connected rightly yet I felt it necessary to check.
Choose Correct Input
Similarly, I also verified that I have selected the correct input on the TV. Here is how you can do it;
- Switch ON your TV that is connected to the Vizio soundbar.
- Play a movie, show, or video which has sound.
- On your Vizio soundbar, press and hold the “Input” button for a few seconds.
- Release the button when the lights on the front panel start flashing.
- The device will enter into “Auto Input Search” mode. The front light indicators will keep on flashing.
- It indicates that the soundbar is detecting the correct input. This can help fix the input issue.
Adjust TV Settings
When you connect a soundbar to your TV, turn OFF the internal speakers. Otherwise, great confusion will occur between both devices.
If your TV features HDMI-CEC, the audio settings will adjust automatically. However, you should check the settings manually.
Go to the TV menu and then to audio settings to access the TV speakers. Turn the internal speakers OFF and send audio to the external device. Read the user manual of your TV to find out the exact method.
Troubleshoot the Source Device
In addition to troubleshooting the soundbar, you should also work on your source device. For example, power cycle your TV by disconnecting it from power for 60 seconds.
Likewise, you should play various videos and shuffle through all channels. Because sometimes the issue is channel or content-specific; certain channel or video does not have sound.
Also, confirm that your TV is not muted and connected to the internet.
Test the Source Device
If still, your soundbar is giving no audio, the source device may be the culprit. So, you should connect the soundbar to a different device.
For example, a different TV, laptop, computer, gaming console, etc. This way, you can figure out whether your Vizio soundbar is defective or the TV.
However, while you connect to another device, choose the input by the method described above.
To Setup, read: Easy User Guide for Vizio Soundbar
Problem #3: Bluetooth not Working on Vizio Soundbar
In addition to a wired connection, the Vizio soundbar can be paired via Bluetooth. You can pair it with your smart TV, smartphone, laptop, or other Bluetooth devices.
Moreover, the soundbar connects wirelessly with the subwoofer. As you know, Bluetooth is a wireless connection. Hence, it is prone to connectivity issues.
Here are a few tricks that can help you come out of such a difficulty.
Pair Correctly
After your Vizio soundbar enters the pairing mode, connect it to the source device without a delay. Because Bluetooth will turn OFF automatically if not used.
Furthermore, make sure you have correctly put the soundbar into Bluetooth mode. Press the Bluetooth button on the soundbar for 5 seconds or until the light starts flashing.
Turn ON Bluetooth on your TV, your Vizio soundbar should appear in the list of devices. Further, disconnect and reconnect your soundbar, it is the best hack to fix Bluetooth pairing issues.
Reduce the Distance
Generally, Bluetooth can work best within 30 feet. However, some devices need to be placed just side by side.
Otherwise, they fail to connect, disconnect frequently, sound cuts out, or no sound comes at all. Hence, place the soundbar and the source device very close to each other.
Remove Obstructions
Physical objects, as well as wireless devices, can obstruct Bluetooth pairing. Once, it happened to me, that my Wifi modem was obstructing the pairing between my Vizio soundbar and smartphone.
You may be surprised to know this. But, Wifi bandwidth can interfere with the Bluetooth frequency in some cases.
Hence, switch OFF your Wifi modem or router for a few moments and then try pairing the soundbar again.
Likewise, metal objects like bracelets, magnets, or electronic devices placed closer to your soundbar can also create a problem.
Therefore, I advise you to look around your soundbar and TV. Remove any suspected device to fix the issue.
Problem #4 Vizio Soundbar Surround Sound or Satellite/Rear Speakers not Working
The surround sound speakers are responsible to deliver light background noise. It depends on the content; the movie you are watching should have surround sound effects.
Otherwise, the speakers will not work. However, you can try the following tips to fix this issue;
- Make sure the HDMI cables are plugged firmly into the relevant ports. Also, check the health of the cables.
- Re-establish the connection between all the devices. Clean the connection ports and plug the cables tightly into the ports.
- Moreover, ensure that the subwoofer is turned ON and has power. The sub should be properly paired with your Vizio soundbar.
- Try different surround sound settings on your TV. It could be the wrong setting that is creating the issue.
- The surround sound/satellite speakers connect to the subwoofer using a wire. Read the setup guide and follow the exact connection method.
Also read: Fixing the Vizio Satellite Speakers
Problem #5: Vizio Soundbar not Working with Netflix
Sometimes, the Vizio soundbar fails to work with Netflix or other streaming apps. The issue is app-specific. You can fix it as follows;
- Open Netflix and click the “Settings” option.
- Check the audio settings such as playback and subtitles.
- Update firmware on your soundbar and TV.
- Check for the latest version of Netflix.
- Connect the soundbar using the right cable such as HDMI.
- Play different movies, shows, and videos to check if the sound does not come with all or only specific content.
- The audio formats of some Netflix movies may not be supported by your Vizio soundbar.
Problem #6:Vizio Soundbar not Working with FireStick
Firestick is a streaming device that can be connected to your smart TV. If FireStick is not working with your soundbar, do this;
- Using the provided USB cable, connect the FireStick to the wall power outlet.
- Plug the FireStick into the HDMI In port on your soundbar. Connect an HDMI cable from your TV to the soundbar.
- Select the right input both on your TV and soundbar.
- Plug out the FireStick from your soundbar, restart it, and plug it back in again.
- Similarly, disconnect and reconnect the soundbar and the TV.
- Update firmware of your FireStick. Most probably the incorrect audio settings lead to this issue.
- So, read the user manual of all three devices to connect them successfully.
FAQs
You may have further queries regarding your Vizio soundbar. Hence, here I am going to answer some of the frequently asked questions.
Why is my Vizio soundbar not turning ON/OFF with my TV?
It is the fault of the settings if your Vizio soundbar is not turning ON/OFF with the TV.
- Press the “Home” button on your TV remote to access the menu.
- Choose “Settings” and turn ON the “External Inputs”.
- Go to the “HDMI Settings” and change the “Auto Power-OFF” function to automatic.
How to fix the Vizio soundbar turning OFF automatically?
Vizio soundbar has an “Energy Star” function-a power-saving feature. This function turns OFF the soundbar automatically after an extended period of inactivity. You can disable this function by pressing and holding down the “Power” and “Volume Down” buttons for 5 seconds.
Can I keep my Vizio soundbar turned ON all the time?
Under certain conditions, you can leave the soundbar on standby mode all the time. But, in this case, activate the “Energy Star” settings. Leaving the soundbar ON all the time is not a wise practice. Because it can harm your device by overheating. Moreover, it will use unnecessary power.
Can I control my Vizio soundbar with the TV remote?
If your TV supports HDMI-CEC, you can control the soundbar with the TV remote. Connect your Vizio soundbar with the HDMI cable and plug into the ARC port on the TV.
Then, program the TV remote with the soundbar. HDMI-CEC has different names on different TV brands. You need to enable this feature from the TV settings.
Why my Vizio soundbar is not working with Optical cable?
The first reason may be that your Optical cable is defective or damaged. Further, the cable may be cheap or incompatible. So, try another cable. Your TV needs to be updated to the latest software. You may not have connected the Optical cable to the right port on your TV.
You may also like: How to Troubleshoot Vizio Soundbar
Final Words
In this guide, I have included the solutions to all of the Vizio soundbar problems. Furthermore, I have also added some commonly asked questions.
I suggest you try all the tips mentioned in this guide. They will surely fix your device. However, if nothing works, you must contact Vizio.
Because it can be a hardware issue that is causing the issue. If your Vizio soundbar is not working or posing an issue, this article is a complete guide for you.
