Vizio TVs work efficiently to ensure the user experiences the full watching experience that comes with the TVs. Users love the TVs since they are affordable, ensuring your needs are met without stretching out your pockets.
Although the TVs have multiple praise points, they also have shortcomings that greatly affect the picture quality.
Screen problems are among the leading issues that Vizio TV owners experience, and people should learn how to solve them. Read on as we look at various screen problems and how you can solve them.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The most common VIZIO TV screen problems include black screen, flickering screen, screen with dark spots, horizontal/vertical lines all over the screen, freezing screen, and sound without image.
Screen problems may be caused by hardware or software issues. If it’s a hardware issue, you will have to contact VIZIO and they will send a qualified technician (if the TV is under warranty).
Some software issues can be fixed by applying one of the solutions listed below.
Try switching inputs – you may be dealing with a malfunctioning input source (gaming console, Blu-ray player, etc.) or a damaged cable or port.
Check the Mute Screen Feature – if the sound is there, but you don’t see the picture, it could be because of this feature.
Check your internet connection – it’s unlikely, but since smart TVs rely heavily on a stable internet connection, poor connection quality could cause some screen issues, especially when using streaming apps.
Manually restart your TV – this simple procedure can fix numerous software bugs that may be causing the screen issues.
Check your HDMI cables and HDMI ports.
Disable the Sleep Timer – this feature could cause your TV’s screen to go black randomly (it may seem random).
Try adjusting the Picture settings.
Update your TV’s firmware.
Factory reset your TV.
Common Vizio TV screen Problems
Vizio TV screens display many issues for customers after the TV has been working for a few years. Sometimes the problems are widespread and affect multiple TVs at the same time.
Some of the Vizio TV screen-related problems include:
- The screen randomly goes black or green (The black/green screen of death).
- No picture on the screen but there is sound coming from the TV.
- Horizontal or vertical lines appearing on the screen.
- The Vizio TV screen is stuck on the Vizio logo.
These issues do not have fixed solutions, but Vizio TV owners can try different troubleshooting tips. At least one of the troubleshooting tips mentioned below often fixes the screen issue.
Solutions to Vizio TV Screen Problems
Although the screen problems seem unique, making one assume you need a sophisticated solution, a deeper dive will reveal the underlying causes are similar.
The solutions suggested below will help you clear whatever Vizio screen-related problem you face. They include:
Change Inputs or Apps
Sometimes it might seem that the TV screen has a problem or is behaving in some way while it’s on a certain Input or platform.
Therefore, the first step should be to press the Menu key on the remote and observe whether the Menu pops up and can be seen clearly. If it does, then the problem is likely connected to the current Input or app you are on.
Consider switching Inputs or apps and observe whether the issue persists. If it disappears after you switch apps, then troubleshoot the app that distorts pictures on the screen.
If the problem is isolated to one input source on the TV, try other troubleshooting measures suggested below.
Check the Mute Screen Feature
Vizio TVs have a mute screen feature that can cause the screen to go black and still play audio. The feature kicks in when the TV is playing audio through a streaming service or when it is playing audio files stored on an external storage device connected to the TV.
Menu > System > Timers > Blank Screen
Chances are this feature kicked in without your knowledge and can make you think the TV’s screen is damaged.
On older Vizio TVs, you can exit this screen by pressing and holding the mute key on the remote for five seconds. Newer models will exit the screen if you press any key on the remote except the power and mute keys.
Check the Power Supply
A faulty power supply will manifest itself on the TV screen. If the power cable or any power supply components related to the TV are poorly connected, you will experience problems such as the screen randomly going black or flickering.
Therefore, consider switching power outlets or removing the surge protector and connecting the TV directly to the power outlet and observe whether the screen issues persist.
Also, check if the TV’s power cable is firmly connected to the power, as a loose one would also result in screen problems.
Check the Internet Connection
A poor internet connection can be responsible for the TV’s screen malfunctions. A poor/weak internet connection will cause buffering, and some pictures might appear frozen on the screen.
You can check whether you are receiving adequate internet speeds by checking how other devices connected to the same network as the TV are behaving. The internet connection is likely the issue if videos seem laggy or keep freezing.
You can also use websites like fast.com or speedtest.net to check what internet speeds you are getting from your ISP; if the speeds are significantly lower than what you pay for, contact the ISP and ask them to troubleshoot your internet.
You can also use the Vizio network test feature by opening the Menu and then going to Network > Test Connection.
Restart the TV
A restart is a basic troubleshooting measure that works in almost all TV malfunctions, including those related to the screen.
Therefore, consider restarting the TV, especially for screen problems that make it impossible to see what is on the screen.
To properly restart the TV, unplug it from the power outlet and hold its power button for sixty seconds while it is still off. This will dissipate any residual power within the TV’s circuits.
Next, connect the TV to a power outlet, turn it on and observe whether the screen still has problems.
Restarting a VIZIO TV
Check the Cables Going to the TV
Another possible cause for all screen-related problems is poorly connected cables. If cables to the TV are not firmly connected, pictures on the screen will be distorted somehow.
You can overcome this if you disconnect all components connected to the TV and reconnect them afresh. However, as you reconnect these devices, check that the cables and connectors are in good condition; if you notice any damage replace the affected cable.
Also, check the corresponding ports on the TV and devices connected to the TV. You should ensure the ports are clean and dry.
If you notice any damage on the TV’s ports, contact Vizio or the retailer you got the TV from and ask them to validate your warranty or send a technician.
Check the Sleep Timer Settings
Sometimes if the Vizio TV screen goes black or the TV turns itself off, it is because of the sleep timer settings. The sleep timer is meant to automatically turn the TV off after a set period, and sometimes the timer can be activated without our knowledge.
You can check the sleep timer settings through the Menu, then go to System > Timers > Sleep Timer, which should say off. If the timer shows a number, use the left/right navigation keys to select Off and deactivate the timer.
Check the Picture Settings
Vizio TVs are equipped with multiple picture-related settings, and if not properly adjusted, some of them can cause issues on the screen.
For instance, if the screen is too dim, it might seem like there are no pictures on the TV. Fortunately, you can adjust the picture settings by navigating Menu > Picture > Picture Mode and ensuring the Backlight and Brightness are set to 70.
You can also try toggling between the different picture modes by going to Menu > Picture > Picture Mode and using the left/right buttons to try the different modes.
Is the TV Firmware Up to Date?
Firmware updates are meant to install new features on the TV and solve widespread problems. Also, if the TV uses outdated firmware, you are bound to experience different kinds of problems, some of which will be screen related.
It is, therefore, important to ensure that the TV has the latest firmware. Vizio TVs are programmed to download firmware updates automatically, but sometimes they might not for various reasons.
You can check whether the TV is using the latest firmware by following the steps below:
- Press the Menu button, then go to Admin & Privacy.
- Then select the Check for Updates option, and if there is one available, the TV will request you to confirm the download. It will also notify you if the firmware is up to date.
Remember, you can only check for firmware updates if the screen problem is mild in the sense that it allows you to see what is on the TV. If you cannot see the screen clearly, consider factory resetting the TV using the manual method that works even if you cannot see what is on the screen.
Factory Reset the TV
A desperate last resort would be to reset the TV. A factory reset will clear all the TV’s settings, restore the settings that came with the TV, and clear any settings that could affect how the screen works.
A factory reset will also remove any bugs on the TV’s system preventing the screen from functioning properly.
Since some screen-related problems can prevent you from seeing what is on the screen, you can rely on the manual factory resetting procedure.
Suppose you have a Vizio TV with the Input/Power button at the bottom left corner of the TV panel under the remote sensor. In that case, you can reset it by pressing and holding the Power/Input button for 12 or 20 seconds, depending on the Vizio TV model.
If your Vizio TV has separate Input and Power buttons situated on the back of the TV, you can manually reset it by following the steps below:
- Ensure the TV is on, then press and hold the Input + Volume down until a notification appears on the screen if you cannot see what is on the screen, press and hold the two buttons for ten to fifteen seconds.
- Finally, press and hold the Input button for ten seconds, and the TV will start factory resetting.
Resetting a VIZIO TV (for Models with Dedicated Volume and Input Buttons)
You can also reset the TV using the remote by pressing the Menu key and then going to Admin & Privacy > Reset to Factory Settings. Then enter the system PIN if prompted, and the TV will ask you to confirm the reset; highlight Reset, press OK, and wait for the TV to complete resetting. Once it is done, check whether the screen problems are still there.
If these resetting methods do not work, try them two or three more times and if the screen is still not working, contact Vizio.
Contact VIZIO
If the screen still has problems after all the above suggestions, a TV component is probably damaged. The only way to repair such issues is to get a qualified technician who understands their way around Vizio TVs.
However, if the TV’s warranty is still valid, contact Vizio so that they can send a technician to check it and determine if you qualify for a new one.
Do not attempt to repair the TV on your own or uses a third party, as that will void the warranty.
Conclusion
Vizio TV screen problems are common among users and can be annoying. The suggestions above will help you get the TV working normally. However, sometimes the issues arise because of poor maintenance of the TV. So, ensure that the TV is always placed in a cool, dry area away from any heat-emitting devices.
If you take good care of the TV, it is less likely to malfunction; if it does, validating the warranty will be easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Where is the reset button on a VIZIO TV?
Answer: Newer Vizio TVs can be reset by pressing and holding the Power/Input button for 12 to 20 seconds while the TV is on.
Older models require the user to press and hold the Input & Volume + buttons for ten seconds, then release them and press the Input button for ten seconds, and the TV will begin resetting.
Question: Can VIZIO TV be repaired?
Answer: Vizio TVs can be repaired, but if it is still under warranty, it is advisable to contact Vizio or the retailer who sold you the TV before attempting any repairs. If the TV’s warranty period has elapsed, you can contact an experienced local technician to repair the TV.
