Is your Vizio Sound Bar Remote not working correctly? If so, you’re not alone—many users have reported similar issues recently. But don’t worry; in this guide, we’ll walk you through some effective troubleshooting steps to fix it.
Vizio offers a wide variety of soundbars, from simple single-bar models to those with subwoofers and mini-tower speakers. Each soundbar comes with a remote that allows you to power the device on and off, adjust the volume, and control various other functions. However, like any electronic device, the Vizio soundbar and its remote can sometimes experience problems.
One common issue many users have encountered is a malfunctioning soundbar remote. After speaking with several users who have faced this problem and successfully resolved it, we’ve compiled a list of the best troubleshooting fixes for the Vizio soundbar remote not working.
What Causes the Vizio Sound bar Remote to Malfunction?
Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s important to understand the potential causes behind the issue. There are several reasons why your Vizio soundbar remote may not be working properly. Some common causes include:
- Weak or dead batteries in the remote
- Obstructions blocking the line of sight
- Software glitches on the soundbar
- A damaged remote
- The soundbar may be powered off
- Improper battery insertion in the remote
- The soundbar isn’t plugged in
Now that you’re familiar with the possible causes, let’s explore some troubleshooting steps to get your soundbar remote working again. Try the fixes below and let us know in the comments which one worked for you!
Check the Line of Sight
Just like with the Vizio TV remote, the soundbar remote requires a clear line of sight between its IR sensor and the soundbar. Any obstruction between the remote and the sensor will prevent the remote from functioning properly.
To fix this, remove any objects blocking the path between the remote and the soundbar. If the obstruction was the issue, your remote should work fine now. Additionally, since IR signals only work within a certain range, try moving the remote closer to the soundbar to see if it resolves the issue.
Power Cycle the Remote
If there’s a clear line of sight but the remote still isn’t functioning properly, try power cycling it. While this might sound like a basic fix, it works for many users. Here’s how to power cycle the Vizio soundbar remote:
- Remove the batteries from the remote.
- Press each button on the remote twice, one at a time (this ensures the buttons aren’t stuck), and then press and hold the Power button for 20-30 seconds.
- Reinsert the batteries, and check if the remote is working now.
Replace the Remote Batteries
If power cycling doesn’t resolve the issue, there’s a good chance that the batteries in the remote are either dead or weak. Replacing the batteries with fresh ones might solve the problem.
If the remote still doesn’t work after replacing the batteries, continue with the next troubleshooting method.
Check for Bluetooth Conflicts
Many Vizio soundbars come with built-in Bluetooth compatibility, which allows users to connect devices wirelessly. However, this can sometimes cause compatibility issues, particularly with streaming apps like Netflix or Hulu. In some cases, the remote won’t function properly while streaming content.
If your remote works fine when you’re not using streaming apps but malfunctions during streaming, this could be the cause. Unfortunately, this is a common limitation with some Vizio soundbar remotes.
Power Cycle the Vizio Soundbar
If none of the previous solutions worked, the problem may lie with the soundbar itself, not the remote. In such cases, try power cycling the soundbar:
- Turn off the Vizio soundbar.
- Unplug the power cord from the outlet.
- Hold down the Power button on the soundbar for 30-40 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back into the outlet.
Update the Soundbar’s Firmware
If power cycling didn’t resolve the issue, it’s worth checking if there’s a firmware update available for your soundbar. Updates often fix bugs or software issues that could be affecting the remote’s functionality. Here’s how to update your soundbar:
- Visit Vizio’s official website.
- Go to the Support page and search for your soundbar model.
- Look for any firmware updates listed for your model (e.g., “D39hn-D0 Firmware Update”) and follow the instructions to download the update.
- Transfer the firmware update to a USB drive.
Alternatively, you can contact Vizio customer support at 877-698-4946 for assistance in obtaining the update.
Once you have the firmware update on a USB drive, follow these steps to install it:
- Ensure the soundbar is plugged in and turned on.
- Unplug the soundbar while it’s still on.
- Insert the USB drive containing the update and reconnect the power cord.
- The soundbar will show two lights flashing, indicating the update is starting.
- Once three lights flash, the update is complete.
- Unplug the USB drive, press the Power button to turn on the soundbar, and check if the remote works.
Buy a New Remote
If none of the above methods resolved the issue, it may be time to replace the remote. If your soundbar is still under warranty, you can request a replacement remote from Vizio’s website or by contacting customer support.
If your soundbar is older than a year, you’ll need to purchase a new remote. You can also try using a universal remote if you have one available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn’t my Vizio sound bar remote working, even after replacing the batteries?
If replacing the batteries doesn’t resolve the issue, it might be due to other factors like obstructions blocking the IR sensor, software glitches, or a damaged remote. Follow the troubleshooting steps, such as checking the line of sight, power cycling the remote, or updating the soundbar’s firmware to fix the issue.
How can I fix the issue if my Vizio sound bar remote works only from a short distance?
If your remote works only from a short distance, the IR signal might be weak or there could be obstacles between the remote and soundbar. Make sure there’s a clear line of sight between the remote and the soundbar’s IR sensor, and try moving closer to the soundbar.
What should I do if the remote works fine with the sound bar but not with streaming apps like Netflix?
This issue could be due to Bluetooth compatibility problems between your Vizio soundbar remote and the streaming apps. If the remote works when not streaming, the issue might lie with app compatibility rather than the remote itself.
How do I power cycle the Vizio sound bar remote to fix its functionality?
Power cycling the remote can often resolve issues. To do so, remove the batteries, press each button twice to ensure they aren’t stuck, then press and hold the power button for 20-30 seconds. Reinsert the batteries, and your remote should work again.
What should I do if my Vizio sound bar remote still isn’t working after trying all the fixes?
If none of the troubleshooting steps work, it’s possible that your remote is damaged and needs replacement. If your soundbar is still under warranty, contact Vizio for a replacement. Otherwise, you can purchase a new remote or use a universal remote as an alternative.
Conclusion
If your Vizio sound bar remote is not working, there are several potential causes, ranging from simple issues like dead batteries to more complex problems such as Bluetooth conflicts or software glitches. By following the seven fixes outlined above—checking the line of sight, power cycling the remote and soundbar, replacing the batteries, addressing Bluetooth issues, updating the firmware, or even replacing the remote—you can troubleshoot and resolve most common problems.
If after trying all these steps the issue persists, it might be time to contact Vizio customer support for further assistance or consider replacing the remote. Ensuring that your soundbar and remote are functioning properly will help you enjoy an uninterrupted audio experience.
