How to get to menu on vizio tv without remote

Smart TVs like Vizio have a significant benefit over traditional TVs because they can be operated without a remote control.

The majority of Vizio smart TVs have their device control mobile app that makes it easier to activate any Vizio TV without a remote control.

1. Using the Buttons on Your Vizio Smart TV

Each Vizio Smart TV is equipped with physical buttons. If you can’t access the power on and power off button of your Vizio TV using the remote, you can make use of these buttons.

See the location of Vizio power buttons.

The position of these buttons is usually at the backside of the TV in the lower right, or lower left (there are different locations for various models). More Power buttons like the channel controls, volume control buttons, and input buttons are available.

These can be used if you have misplaced your Vizio TV remote and want to operate or access the menu features. You can use these dedicated buttons before you get a new remote for your Vizio TV.

2. Using the Vizio SmartCast App

The SmartCast app enables you to add and manage apps directly from the phone on your Vizio TV, including iHeartRadi, Netflix, Hulu, and many more. The first step to controlling your Vizio TV if you’ve lost your remote is to download the Vizio SmartCast Application and set up the application on your smartphone.

Below are the different steps you need to take to set up Vizio SmartCast Application.

• Download the SmartCast App. Depending on your mobile device, you can download from either the iOS app store or Google Play Store.
• Select Devices and click Add at the top right side and select your TV on the list. If you don’t see your TV on the list, ensure that your phone has a Wi-Fi connection.
• You will be asked to keep your phone for a short time near the device. If you’re using the app for the first time, you’ll have to pair it.
• Once you’ve paired it, select the control icon at the bottom of the screen.
• Once you’ve selected it, the TV will be turned on by clicking on the power button.
• You can fully control the TV through your smartphone, just like a remote. You can change the volume, switch the TV on and off, set the aspect ratio, change the channel, etc.

To turn on your TV, you don’t need to open the app. If the TV is off, it will turn on automatically once you stream anything from your mobile app to the TV.

3. Using Nintendo Switch

Believe it not, your Vizio TV can be turned on using a Nintendo Switch. If the remote control is missing or is not within your grasp, you can use your Nintendo Switch as a replacement in the meantime.

• The first step is to connect to Vizio’s TV via the dock of your Nintendo Switch console.
• From the Home Screen, choose System Settings.
• In the left column, choose TV settings, then scroll the list down and click on the Match TV power state to turn it on.
• When the console is put to sleep, the input goes off. When the console is on, the TV switches immediately to the right input channel.

4. Using a PS4 (PlayStation 4)

You can turn your TV on with your PS4 when you launch the games console.

• The first step is to connect to your Vizio TV with an HDMI cable and launch your PlayStation 4 console.
• Choose System and click on  Settings.
• Choose Enable HDMI Device Connection.
• When PS4 is activated, the Vizio TV is automatically activated and switched to the correct entry. In addition, the PS4 is automatically activated by selecting that entry from the list.

Lost Your Vizio TV Remote?

Consider a universal TV. This cheap device allows you to control multiple devices around your home.

Conclusion

With the methods mentioned above, you now have more ways to control your Vizio TV without being remotely controlled. You can choose one that works best for you.

If you have an Vizio smart TV that’s not currently connected to your internet and you lost your Vizio remote, you’ll have to setup your WiFi some other way.

Luckily I’ve come up with a cheap and easy solution.

First power your TV ON and then reset it by pressing VOLUME DOWN and INPUT on your TV at the same time for 5 seconds. When prompted, press the INPUT button for 10 seconds. Then plug your keyboard into the USB port and complete the setup process using your keyboard.

Connect a USB keyboard to your Vizio TV

The first thing you need to do is factory reset your Vizio TV. Since you don’t have a remote, you’ll have to use the buttons directly on your TV.

Depending on what model you have, these buttons will either be on the right or left side, or directly underneath your TV screen.

Start with your TV powered on and then press and hold both the VOLUME DOWN button and the INPUT button at the same time for about 5 seconds.

Eventually a prompt will appear on the screen instructing you to press the INPUT button for 10 seconds.

After the 10 seconds are up your TV should begin resetting.

Now that your Vizio TV is reset, go ahead and plug in your USB keyboard into the back of your TV. The keyboard can be wired, or wireless, both will work.

Use the keyboard to complete the setup! When you get to the network setup screen, type in your WiFi network name and password and you should be good to go.

Connect an ethernet cable to your router and Vizio TV

If you don’t have a USB keyboard, maybe you have an ethernet cable?

Many Vizio TVs have ethernet ports at the back. Go ahead and check if yours does. If so, great, read on!

To connect your Vizio TV to the internet using an ethernet cable: 

1. Plug one end of the ethernet cable to an available ethernet port on your Vizio TV. 
2. Plug the other end of the ethernet cable directly into your router. 
3. You can turn the TV OFF then ON again at this stage using the POWER button at the back of the TV. Your TV should now recognize your wired connection.
4. That’s it, you should be connected to the internet! 

Connecting this way really depends on whether or not your router is close to your TV. If not, you’ll need a really long ethernet cable so it might not be worth it.

If this doesn’t work for you, keep reading.

Use a universal remote

If you don’t have a USB keyboard or an ethernet cable, then perhaps you have a universal remote lying around?!

If so, you’re in business. Simply follow these steps to get connected to the internet:

1. The most important step is to ensure your internet is on and working. 
2. Then turn on your Vizio TV.
3. Set up your universal remote following the instructions for Vizio brand TVs (you’ll need a specific code).
4. Using the universal remote, go to MENU.  
5. Then select NETWORK. 
6. Your Vizio TV will begin scanning for nearby WiFi networks.
7. Select your network for the drop down list and enter your WiFi password. 

Bam! You’re online!

Download Vizio SmartCast Mobile App

SmartCast is an app made specifically for Vizio TVs.

The Vizio SmartCast mobile app is compatible with Android and iOS and can double as a remote! 

Here’s how you use it:

1. Download the Vizio SmartCast app from the app store.
2. You have two options: you can create an account on the app, or you can use it as a guest. The skip option should be at the bottom of the screen. 
3. You’ll see a “Select Device” prompt on the screen. This will force the app to search for surrounding devices. Then select “Get Started”.
4. Select your TV as the device you want to connect with.
5. A 4-digit pin should appear on your Vizio TV. Enter this pin directly into the app.
6. That’s it, you should now be connected! Use your phone as a remote to setup your WiFi!

Download a remote app on your Smart Phone

You can also try using your smart phone to download a different remote app. These free apps allow you to control your TV without the official remote.

They operate using the simple premise of InfraRed. That’s why this is typically known as the “IR Blaster hack”.

This is how you can connect your Vizio TV to Wifi with the IR Blaster method.

1. Download any highly-rated remote app from the app store.
2. Launch the app. 
3. With your WIFi on, request a connection to the Vizio TV within the remote app. 
4. You should receive a request on your phone to input a connection code. Enter it. 
5. You’ll find the WiFi Menu option.
6. Connect your TV to the WiFi and enjoy. 

Most remote apps should work with Vizio TVs, but if you’re not having any luck you can try the SmartCast app.

Replace your lost or broken Vizio remote

If you really want to solve this issue once and for all just get a replacement Vizio remote.

These remotes are super affordable these days and using Amazon you can have it shipped to your house tomorrow.

If you’re interested, here’s a link to an Vizio replace remote on Amazon.

But hey, I’m not judging, maybe it’s late and you just gotta watch that new episode of Friends right now and hacking together a near term solution is all that matters.

Do your future-self a favor though and buy the replacement remote too. You’ll thank me later.

Conclusion

If you lost or broke your Vizio remote but you still want to connect your TV to WiFi, you can use a USB keyboard.

Just plug the USB keyboard into the back of your Vizio TV and then proceed to factory reset your TV and then go through the setup process using your keyboard.

If you don’t have a USB keyboard you can try one of the following:

1. Connect your Vizio TV directly to your router using an ethernet cord
2. Program a universal remote to work with your TV and then connect it to the internet
3. Download the Vizio SmartCast app and use your smart phone as a remote
4. Download a free remote app and use your smart phone as a remote

Ultimately, the best solution is probably to just buy a replacement Vizio remote. They are really affordable these days and you can have one shipped to your home tomorrow.

Hopefully these tips helped you connect your Vizio TV to WiFi! If you were successful connecting in a different way, let me know in the comments below!