Vizio TV Menu Not Working: How To Fix [2023]

Vizio TVs feature intuitive and user-friendly customization options and Smart TV capabilities.

And if you can't access the Menu on your Vizio TV, you can't change anything on your TV. This article focuses on the various fixes for resolving Menu access issues on your Vizio TV.

If Vizio TV Menu is not working, power cycle the TV and check for issues with the remote. Look for inadvertent button pushes and damaged remote panels. You could try the Vizio Mobile app as a substitute for the Vizio Remote. If these don't work, try factory resetting your Vizio TV.

Here's a brief look at the many scenarios by which the Vizio TV menu stops working:

ScenarioCauses and Fixes
Vizio TV Menu not openingRemote issue; Check for drained batteries and damaged IR blaster on the Remote. Use the Vizio Mobile app as an alternative
Vizio TV stuck on MenuSoftware glitch; power cycle the TV
Cannot navigate through the MenuSoftware glitch; manually update the Vizio TV
Other scenariosFactory Reset the TV; contact the Vizio Customer support
Why Vizio TV Menu does not work

Let's now go over the various fixes to resolve issues with accessing the Menu on your Vizio TV.

Vizio TV Settings tab

Power Cycle the Vizio TV

Vizio TV unplugged

Refreshing your Vizio TV every once in a while could do wonders for your TV. Doing so could make your TV work more efficiently, speed up the loading time, or even clear up petty issues.

And what better way to refresh your Vizio TV than to power cycle it?

Power cycling essentially involves rebooting your TV the old fashion way (by pulling the plug), but with an added twist - it removes any static charges from the system.

It is a known fix for numerous troubles on Vizio TVs, such as Vizio TV stuck on SmartCast or when the Vizio Remote stops working.

'Nough said, here's how to power cycle your Vizio TV:

1. Unplug the power cable from the TV.

2. Leave it to rest for a few seconds.

3. Press and hold the Power button for a couple of seconds. Repeat this step a few times.

4. Plug back in the power supply and turn ON the TV.

Check for the issue now.

Check for Issues with the Vizio Remote

Vizio TV Remote

Even if one would be prompted to assume the faults lies entirely with the Vizio TV when the Menu stops working, the brunt may also lie with the Remote you use.

The Vizio Remote, like any other modern-day gadget, is prone to the many natural and otherwise elements at play that can wear down the device or even render it out of commission.

Wera and tear, chaffed rubber panels, accidental button pushes, broken IR LED sensors, etc., can all hinder the Remote from issuing the proper commands you intend.

In other words, so many things could thwart your attempt at opening the Menu tab using your Vizio Remote.

And so, when you have trouble accessing the Menu tab using your Remote with the Vizio TV, check for the following:

Vizio TV Remote power button

Check for accidental button pushes: Ensure that all the buttons on your Remote aren't being pushed inadvertently. If so, it could hinder other buttons from being triggered.

Check the IR LED sensor on the Remote: Broken or weak IR sensors will not send the proper signals to your TV when you press the Menu button on the Remote.

You can check whether the sensor is working by opening the Camera on your Smart device and pointing the Remote sensor at the Camera.

Press the Menu button and observe if you can see the sensor lighting RED. If not, the sensor may be at fault.

Vizio TV Remote batteries removed

Check and change the Remote Batteries: Weak or run-out batteries can also hinder the Remote from communicating with the Vizio TV.

If you haven't looked at changing the batteries on your Remote for some while now, it's high time you replace them with fresh ones.

Vizio Remote blinking RED is a good indicator of run-down batteries and other issues with the remote.

Inspect the Remote for physical damage: Broken Remote panels and chaffed-up rubber input are fundamental indicators of a broken or worn-out remote.

Run a thorough check for any such inconsistencies on the Remote. If you notice any such damage, it's time to replace your Remote.

Alternatively, you could use the SmartCast mobile app to communicate with your TV. Let's look at this next:

Use the Vizio Mobile App

Use the Vizio Mobile App

The SmartCast app (Vizio Mobile), a companion app to your Vizio SmartCast and Smart TVs, will help you confirm issues with the remote.

And how it does through the onboard Remote functionality, which you can avail of to control your TV as you would with your Vizio Remote.

If you can open and navigate through the Menu tab using the Vizio Mobile app, you can clear off any reservations about the issue - the culprit is the Vizio Remote.

With that said, here's how to set up and use the SmartCast app:

1. Connect your Smart device to the network the TV is connected to.

2. Open the appropriate application store on your device.

3. Search and download the Vizio Mobile app.

The Vizio Mobile app is currently supported on Android and iOS platforms.

4. Open the app and follow the onscreen prompts to create a Vizio account or continue as a guest.

5. On the following screen, select your Vizio SmartCast TV from the list of available devices.

6. Enter the 4-digit pairing code from the TV onto the app.

7. Now, click on the Control tile from the bottom of the screen.

8. Select your device to open a control panel, much like your Vizio Remote.

Tap on the Menu/Settings icon and see if it does open the Menu tab on your TV.

Manually Update the Vizio TV

Manually Update the Vizio TV

Updates are crucial for your gadgets to work as intended.

Through updates and patches, manufacturers supplement the security aspects of their devices and introduce newer features.

Also, security and otherwise updates help maintain the security integrity of your device and address various issues.

Some of the issues that have had a direct impact as a result of updating the Vizio TV include Vizio satellite speakers not working and flickering screens on Vizio TV.

And since we cannot access the Menu to get to the Update section on Vizio TV, we'll have to resort to a more manual method.

Follow these steps to update your Vizio TV manually:

1. On a PC, head on to Vizio.com, and search and download the latest or stable firmware version of your Vizio TV.

2. Extract the downloaded content.

3. Connect a USB stick(FAT-formatted) to the PC and copy the extracted content onto the drive.

4. Eject the USB stick from the PC.

5. Plug the USB stick into the TV while powered ON.

6. A pop-up alert should appear on the screen to inform you of the ongoing update.

Once the TV restarts after the update has been completed, check for the issue.

Factory Reset Vizio TV

Vizio TV powering up

Finally, let's get on with the ultimate fix for most issues on a Vizio TV - factory resetting it.

A factory reset sets in motion a procedure that completely wipes your system clean of all user-downloaded data and any resident bugs and errors.

All the settings, including the user-defined ones, get reverted to the factory defaults.

You essentially get a clean slate to start over again, free of bugs, errors, and all other anomalies.

Vizio TV flashing different colors and Vizio TV black screens are a couple of issues that have succumbed to factory resetting the Vizio TV.

Usually, all you have to do is to get into the TV menu and navigate to the Reset option to trigger a factory reset.

Since we cannot do that, we'll have to resort to a more hands-on method.

Even if Vizio TVs do not have a reset button, you can trigger a factory reset by following these steps:

1. Power ON the Vizio TV.

2. Press and hold the Input and Volume Down buttons together for about 15 seconds.

3. Follow the on-screen prompts (once they appear) to trigger a Factory Reset (press and hold the Input button)

Once the TV has been reset, set it up like new. Check for the issue now.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, a comprehensive yet informative guide on how to tackle the Menu not working issue on your Vizio TV.

You can also implement most of these fixes for issues like when Vizio TV gets stuck on the logo or when downloading an update.

Furthermore, you may also avail of the services of a trained TV professional to have your TV checked for any internal issues.

Damaged motherboard components and other hardware elements can also complicate things for you.

If you notice any such inconsistencies, feel free to contact the customer services of Vizio for any further assistance.

Other than that, the fixes mentioned here should suffice for this issue on your Vizio TV.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is the menu button on my Vizio TV?

You can find the Menu button on the Vizio Remote. It would either have a gear logo or feature the word MENU on the button.

How can I restart my VIZIO Smart TV?

You can restart your Vizio TV through a power cycle test or the system interface. Go to Menu> System> Reset & Admin> Soft Reset to restart your TV through the system interface.

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About Doug Stevenson

Hey! I'm Doug, My passion for tech started by fixing phones and computers for my friends and family.

I started Blinqblinq to give reliable tech advice to anyone who needs it, for free! If you have questions on anything tech-related, feel free to contact me.

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Doug Stevenson

Hey! I'm Doug, My passion for tech started by fixing phones and computers for my friends and family.

I started Blinqblinq to give reliable tech advice to anyone who needs it, for free! If you have questions on anything tech-related, feel free to contact me.

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