Being an electronic device, the Vizio soundbar is vulnerable to common technical issues. So, you should learn the basic methods for Vizio soundbar troubleshooting.
Some minor errors occur frequently like Vizio not connecting to a Bluetooth device, no sound, distorted audio, not turning ON, etc. You cannot call a technician every time.
Therefore, we decided to combine all Vizio soundbar problems and their solutions in this guide. Almost all of the problems can be solved by troubleshooting the software.
However, some may be related to hardware. Hence, we will consider both aspects. This is a complete troubleshooting guide for your Vizio soundbar.
You can find solutions to all of your Vizio problems here. So, keep reading till the end.
How to Reset Vizio Soundbar
A reset can help solve a number of issues. You should reset your Vizio soundbar to troubleshoot it and solve all the problems.
It is a basic troubleshooting method that we will apply to many problems. However, first, apply the tricks we will mention for each specific problem. The reset method is as follows;
- Turn OFF your Vizio soundbar by pressing the ‘Power’ button on it.
- Unplug the power cable from the wall power outlet.
- Wait for 30 seconds and then reconnect the power supply. Now, power ON your soundbar.
If this does not work, perform the factory reset on your soundbar. The method may vary across different Vizio models. However, the general method is as follows;
- Disconnect your Vizio soundbar from TV, Wifi, or a Bluetooth device and unplug all cables except for the power cord.
- On your Vizio soundbar, press and hold the ‘Bluetooth’ and ‘Volume Down’ buttons for 5-12 seconds.
- Release the buttons when all LED indicators on the soundbar blink 3 times.
- If your soundbar does not have a Bluetooth button then hold the ‘Power’ button to factory reset it.
- Now, reconnect your soundbar to your TV and check its performance. You can perform the reset twice or thrice if it does not work on the first attempt.
How to Update Vizio Soundbar
Most of the software problems can be solved by updating the software on your Vizio soundbar. Because the latest firmware is launched with bug fixes.
So, like the reset, the firmware update will also be applied to many issues. You can update your device by the mobile app or through a USB flash drive.
Method 1: Vizio SmartCast App
Install and launch the Vizio SmartCast app on your smartphone. Connect your soundbar and mobile phone to the same Wifi network. You can read the complete setup method here.
- Click the ‘Settings’ icon in the app and then choose ‘System’.
- Next, select the ‘Check for Updates’ option and click the ‘Yes’ button.
- If the update is available, the soundbar will power OFF automatically. It will take 30 minutes to install the update.
- The connection between the app and the soundbar will be lost. However, it will restore after the update.
- Avoid turning OFF your soundbar or pressing any button during the process. Further, keep it connected to the power supply and internet.
Method 2: USB Drive
If you cannot connect your Vizio soundbar to the app, update it indirectly. Follow these steps accurately.
- On your computer, go to Vizio’s official page. Choose the ‘Find Your Firmware’ option.
- Find the model number of your soundbar and enter it in the dialogue box.
- If an update is available, it will appear in the search results. The support article will also give you a download link, click the link.
- Next, take a USB flash drive with at least 2GB storage and formatted in FAT format.
- Plug it into your computer. Extract the zip file that you have downloaded from the Vizio site.
- Now, copy the zip files to your USB to the root directory.
- Disconnect your soundbar from the TV or other devices and turn it ON. Insert the USB drive into the USB port on the back of your soundbar.
- Two of the light indicators should flash at this point. Gradually, more light indicators will start flashing as the update process is going on.
- Once the update process is complete, all the lights will stop blinking and the device will turn ON automatically after a while.
- Now, pair the subwoofer again with your soundbar and reconnect the TV and cables. Hopefully, the update will resolve the problems.
Also Check: Fix Vizio Sound Bar That Won’t Turn ON
Vizio Soundbar Not Turning ON
This problem is very common but can be solved quickly. Here is a list of troubleshooting tricks, try them in the correct order to turn ON your Vizio soundbar;
Check Power Source: Connect the Vizio power cord firmly to a wall power outlet. Plug into some other power source, the current one may be faulty.
Check the power supply by connecting a different device to it. Instead of using an extension, connect your soundbar directly to the power source or reset the circuit breaker.
Examine the Buttons: Carefully inspect the ‘Power’ button on your Vizio soundbar. If it is loose or defective, the soundbar would not turn ON.
Alternately, use your remote to turn ON the soundbar. Replace the batteries of the remote if it is not working.
Observe the Light Indicators: Each Vizio soundbar has a light indicator that lights up when your device is powered ON.
If your soundbar does not display this light even after connecting to multiple power sources, it has a hardware defect.
Remove Interferences: When you turn ON your soundbar through the remote, make sure you are closer to the device. The remote can work from a maximum of 15 feet distance.
However, make sure that nothing is blocking the infrared signals. There should be no device or object placed in front of the remote sensor on your soundbar.
Vizio Soundbar No Audio
Sometimes, your Vizio soundbar turns ON but gives no audio. Follow these steps to troubleshoot this situation;
Check the Volume: You can adjust the volume in 3 ways; through the volume buttons on the soundbar, using the remote control, and through your TV in certain conditions.
So, try increasing the volume through all three methods. Make sure your Vizio soundbar or TV is not muted. Press the ‘Mute’ button on the remote to test the function.
Adjust Audio Settings: When you connect your soundbar to your TV, you need to change the audio settings.
Because the TV will play the sound through built-in speakers even if the soundbar is successfully connected.
Open ‘Menu’ on your TV, go to Audio settings and then turn OFF the TV speakers.
Inspect the Connection: You can connect a Vizio soundbar to your TV in 4 ways including Bluetooth, RCA, HDMI, or Optical cable.
Whatever cable you are using, inspect it carefully. If the cable is faulty, the sound will not be produced. So, try a different cable.
Also, plug the cables firmly into the ports. In case of Bluetooth, re-pair your Vizio soundbar to your TV and place them closer.
Clean the Ports: You may not believe it, but dirty ports can block sound signals. So, you should clean the connection ports both on your TV and the soundbar.
You can use a clean toothbrush, sticky tack, or microfiber cloth to clean them properly.
Similarly, you also need to clean the cable connectors. Now, connect your TV and soundbar again and check the audio.
Check Input: When you connect your Vizio soundbar to your TV using a certain cable, change the input on the TV.
Press the ‘Input’ or ‘Source’ button on the TV remote and it will show you various options like HDMI, Optical, Toslink, etc.
You have to choose the right input, try each one and select that input option that gives sound.
Vizio Soundbar Distorted or Static Sound
Sometimes, the sound comes distorted or interrupted. This can be caused by incompatible cables or a fault in the TV.
Use Compatible Cable: You should always use the cables recommended and provided by the manufacturer.
A third-party, cheap, or incompatible connection cable can lead to distorted sound. So, try a different cable with your device and see if it makes any difference.
Remove Interference: If you have connected your soundbar and TV via Bluetooth, check for interferences. Most often the signals from the Wi-Fi router interrupt the Bluetooth audio.
So, it is recommended to place the Wifi modem at a distance from your devices.
Some electromagnetic devices can also cause interruptions. Consider removing them from the vicinity of your soundbar and TV.
Update Your Devices: Keeping the software up to date is necessary for the proper functioning of your device. Software glitches can cause disrupted sound.
So, you should update the firmware on your soundbar. This can be done by Vizio mobile app. Similarly, update the software on your TV by going to settings from the menu.
Change Channels or Input: The sound issue can be related to a specific channel. So, change different channels on your TV and listen to if the sound comes normally.
Another trick is to connect your soundbar to some other device like a PC or a different TV. In this way, you can know if your current source device is faulty.
Vizio Soundbar Cannot Turn OFF/ON with TV
When you connect your soundbar to the TV using an HDMI cable, it turns OFF and ON with the TV. However, if your soundbar fails to do so, try these troubleshooting steps;
- On your TV remote, press the ‘Home’ or ‘Menu’ button.
- Choose ‘Settings’ and then select ‘External Inputs’.
- Find the ‘HDMI Settings’ and enable the ‘Auto Power OFF/ON’ feature.
- Also, enable this function on your Vizio soundbar settings. You can access the settings through the mobile app or by the Vizio remote. The menu will appear on the TV screen.
Vizio Soundbar Turns OFF Automatically
This is a protective feature in the Vizio soundbar. When it remains inactive for 15 or more minutes, the soundbar automatically turns OFF.
It cannot stay in standby mode for a longer time and turns OFF to reduce the power consumption.
Change Settings: You need to disable ‘Eco Settings’ on your device. Press the ‘Eco Mode’ button on the remote or the Next/Previous button to change this setting.
Check Connections: Moreover, this issue can also occur if your soundbar is not firmly plugged into the power supply.
Either the cable is defective or the power supply is inconsistent. So, check all these things to resolve the problem.
Reset the Soundbar: If the above two solutions do not work then try to reset your soundbar. First, do a simple reset and then go for a factory reset.
Follow the instructions given above. For more details, read this article. If your Vizio soundbar keeps cutting out, find the solution here.
HDMI Arc not Working With Vizio Soundbar
An HMDI Arc is used for two-way audio transmission. Many users face the issue of HDMI Arc not working with the Vizio soundbar. You can troubleshoot it by the following method;
Reboot Your Devices: A quick and simple solution is to reset your soundbar. Next, reboot your TV, turn it OFF and disconnect from the power supply.
Plug into the power source again after 60 seconds. Another trick is to disconnect and reconnect both devices.
Choose the Right Port: There are more than one HDMI ports on your TV and soundbar. All of them cannot work as HDMI Arc.
So, you need to try all the ports. Connect the cable to each port and check with which it works.
Replace the Cable: The same cable is used for simple HDMI and HDMI Arc ports. But, you need to check the health of your cable. It should not be damaged at any point.
Look for cuts or bends. It is better to try another cable. Always use a standard HDMI cable that came with your soundbar. Avoid purchasing cheap or used cables.
Adjust Settings on the TV: Press the ‘Menu’ button on your TV remote. Open the ‘Settings’ and then click the ‘External Inputs’ tab.
Find HDMI settings and enable ‘CEC’. Also, check for the system update on your TV. Install the latest firmware to remove the issue.
Vizio Soundbar Not Pairing to A Bluetooth Device
Bluetooth connectivity is one of the most common problems. You can connect your Vizio soundbar to any Bluetooth device like a smart TV, PC, tablet, or smartphone.
However, if your soundbar is unable to detect other Bluetooth devices, disconnecting repeatedly, or fails to connect, try these tricks;
Reconnect: The first effective trick is to disconnect and reconnect your soundbar. Turn it OFF and then ON after 10 seconds.
Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the soundbar or on the remote control. The LED light will indicate that it is in pairing mode.
Now, turn ON Bluetooth on your device and let it find your Vizio soundbar. Click its name in the list and then ‘Connect’.
Disconnect from Other Devices: This issue also occurs if your soundbar or TV is already paired with a Bluetooth device. So, make sure to unpair them from all other devices.
Also, confirm that you are connecting to the right soundbar as there may be other Vizio soundbars near you.
Turn OFF Wireless Devices: Sometimes, nearby wireless devices also interrupt the Bluetooth connectivity.
For example, a Wifi router placed near your TV or soundbar can block the Bluetooth signals. So, move it away from your devices. Also, turn OFF Bluetooth on all nearby devices.
Connection Range: Bluetooth is a wireless connection. So, it can work within a certain range, ideally within 30 feet.
If your devices are too far away from each other, Bluetooth will fail to stay connected. Hence, place them closer to each other.
Moreover, remove the interferences such as electromagnetic devices.
Troubleshooting Vizio Soundbar Subwoofer
Some models of Vizio soundbars come with a subwoofer. The subwoofer ensures deep bass and connects wirelessly to the soundbar.
If your soundbar is giving audio but the sub has no output or power, follow these tricks;
Check Power: When your subwoofer is connected to power, its light glows. So, the first thing you need to check is that your sub is powered ON.
Try connecting to a different power outlet. Maybe the voltage supply is low. Plug the device firmly into the wall power outlet.
Move Closer: As you know, the Bluetooth technology works within 30 feet range. So, you should make sure that the sub is placed closer to the soundbar.
Otherwise, it will not pair properly or will disconnect again and again.
Reconnect: Disconnect your subwoofer from the soundbar and then connect again. Observe the light indicator on the subwoofer.
If it blinks in such a way that it remains OFF for a longer time but ON for a limited time, it is not connected to the soundbar. So, consult the user manual to reconnect both devices.
If your subwoofer makes a wired connection with the soundbar, check the cables and ports. Plug out and in everything again firmly.
Select Right Input: Increase the volume of your sub using the remote control. Moreover, choose the accurate input.
The orange light blinking fast on the subwoofer indicates that it has no audio input. Press the ‘Source’ or ‘Input’ button on the remote or on your Vizio soundbar.
Try different inputs such as Optical or iPod. Wait for the audio to come out of the sub at each selection.
Reset Vizio Subwoofer: Turn OFF your subwoofer and disconnect it from the soundbar and power supply. Wait for 30 minutes and connect everything again.
If this does not work then reset your subwoofer completely. Locate the pairing button at the back of the subwoofer.
Press and hold this button for 5 seconds or until the red LED light starts blinking.
Now, press and hold the ‘Power’ button for 5 seconds and then release. Reconnect your sub with the soundbar.
Vizio Soundbar Surround Sound OR Satellite Speakers not Working
Some Vizio soundbars come as a single bar. While others have separate surround sound or satellite speakers.
They are connected to the subwoofer which is then connected with the soundbar. However, the satellite or rear speakers are meant to deliver background noises.
So, if the movie you are watching does not have background audio, the satellite speakers will not work.
There can be other causes for this issue like devices are not paired properly, cables are defective, or the sound mode is selected wrong.
You can find complete troubleshooting tricks in this guide: Vizio Soundbar Satellite Speakers not Working
Final Words
We recommend you keep track of this useful article. Because it can solve all the problems occurring to your Vizio soundbar.
We have discussed various issues like the Vizio soundbar not turning ON, not connecting, or having no sound.
Additionally, we also explained how can you reset and update your soundbar. In fact, resetting and updating the soundbar are the most effective and common solutions to all problems.
We have prescribed troubleshooting tricks for each type of problem separately. If they fail to work, you must try a reset and update.
However, if your Vizio soundbar has more intricate issues, it may have a hardware defect. Hardware faults occur due to a sudden power surge or physical shock.
So, you need to consult a professional technician to diagnose the issue and repair the device.
Moreover, the hardware errors can be due to manufacturing faults. In this case, you need to contact Vizio.
We tried to cover all the Vizio soundbar troubleshooting tricks in this guide. You can ask in the comment section if anything is left.
