Vizio TV Won’t Turn On? 10 Ways to Fix It

Quick Fix

Vizio TV won’t turn on? Try this: Unplug the TV from the wall, hold the power button on the TV (not remote) for 30 seconds, wait 60 seconds, then plug back in. This power cycle fixes most Vizio startup issues by draining residual power and resetting internal components.

What Causes Vizio TV Not Turning On?

When your Vizio TV won’t turn on, the screen stays black and the power indicator may or may not light up. This can happen due to power supply issues, faulty power boards, remote control problems, HDMI-CEC conflicts, or firmware glitches. Let’s troubleshoot step by step.

Method 1: Power Cycle Your Vizio TV

A proper power cycle clears temporary glitches.

1. Unplug the TV from the wall outlet
2. Locate the power button on the TV (usually bottom or side)
3. Press and hold it for 30 seconds
4. Wait 60 seconds
5. Plug the TV back in
6. Try turning it on

Method 2: Check Power Source

The outlet or power strip may be the problem.

1. Try a different wall outlet
2. Plug directly into wall, not a power strip
3. Test the outlet with another device
4. Check if the outlet is controlled by a wall switch

Method 3: Check Remote Control

The remote might not be working.

1. Replace the batteries
2. Try the power button on the TV itself
3. Point remote directly at TV from close range
4. Check for obstructions blocking the IR sensor
5. Download the Vizio SmartCast app to control TV via phone

Method 4: Check Power Indicator Light

The LED tells you about the TV’s status.

• No light: Power supply issue or TV unplugged
• Solid light: TV is on but no picture (different issue)
• Blinking light: TV is processing or has an error

Method 5: Disable HDMI-CEC

Connected devices may be preventing startup.

1. Unplug all HDMI devices
2. Try turning on the TV
3. If it works, reconnect devices one by one
4. Go to Settings > System > CEC and disable it

Method 6: Factory Reset (Without Screen)

Reset using TV buttons if you can’t access menus.

1. Unplug TV for 30 seconds
2. While unplugged, hold Volume Down + Input buttons on TV
3. Keep holding and plug TV back in
4. Continue holding for 10-15 seconds
5. Release when TV starts or LED blinks

Method 7: Check for Backlight Issues

The screen may be on but backlight is dead.

1. Turn on TV in a dark room
2. Shine a flashlight at the screen
3. If you see a faint image, the backlight has failed
4. This requires professional repair

Method 8: Inspect Power Board

Internal power boards can fail.

• Do you hear a clicking sound when trying to turn on?
• Does the TV turn off immediately after turning on?
• These indicate power board failure
• Requires professional repair or board replacement

Method 9: Check for Firmware Update

If TV occasionally works, update firmware.

1. When TV is on, press Menu
2. Go to System > Check for Updates
3. Install any available updates
4. Or download firmware from vizio.com to USB drive

Method 10: Contact Vizio Support

If nothing works, get professional help.

• Check warranty at vizio.com/support
• Vizio offers extended warranties on some models
• Have model number ready (on back of TV)
• Consider local TV repair shops for out-of-warranty units

FAQ

Why won’t my Vizio TV turn on but the light is on?

If the standby light is on but TV won’t respond, try unplugging for 60 seconds, then holding the power button on the TV itself. If that doesn’t work, the main board or power supply may have failed.

How do I force restart a Vizio TV?

Unplug the TV, hold the physical power button for 30 seconds, wait 60 seconds, then plug back in. This forces a complete restart by draining all residual power.

Why does my Vizio TV click but not turn on?

Clicking sounds indicate the power board is trying but failing to supply power. This usually means capacitors on the power board have failed and need replacement.