Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

If an app on your Vizio TV is stuck or will not load, first close and reopen it if your model supports that, then restart the TV. A factory reset is a last resort because it can erase saved settings and account information. Vizio menu names and app controls differ by TV generation: older manuals refer to V.I.A. or V.I.A. Plus, while later models use SmartCast or VIZIO OS.

Start with the least disruptive fix

Check the connection and reopen a legacy V.I.A. app

For older V.I.A. TVs, Vizio’s quick-start guide recommends confirming that the TV is connected to the internet, pressing EXIT to close the app, and opening it again. If that does not resolve the problem, use the remote’s POWER button to turn the TV off, then turn it back on. This is legacy V.I.A. guidance; do not assume the same controls apply to SmartCast or VIZIO OS models. Vizio manuals

Restart the TV

A soft power cycle turns the TV off and back on, restarting its operating system without restoring all settings to factory defaults. The exact menu path depends on the model. Examples in Vizio manuals include:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • V-Series example: Menu > System > Reset & Admin > Soft Power Cycle, then select Yes.
  • 2020 M-Series example: Menu > Admin & Privacy > Soft Power Cycle.

On models covered by Vizio’s April 17, 2025 Google Cast update notice, the suggested route was All Settings > Admin & Privacy > Restart TV, sometimes labeled Soft Power Cycle; some older models use System > Reboot TV. These are model-specific examples, not universal instructions. If the labels on your screen differ, look up the manual for your exact model. Vizio V-Series and M-Series manuals · Vizio Google Cast Update, April 17, 2025

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Universal Remote Control XRT140 for VIZIO Smart TV Remote Replacement XRT136 XRT260 XRT270 Smartcast D, E, M, P, V, PX Series Smart TVs
  • 【KEY FEATURES】This remote control supports a faster transmission.The fastest response NOT over 0.2 seconds to lauch to your TV. It had been successfully tested to click the buttons highly over 150,000 clicks. Also with a longer distant transmit ( >12m/40ft)
  • 【UPGRADE MATERIAL】Fabulous High-end glossy design had been upgraded to the remote. Draw your sight view. ABS made to improve its durability, also keep you and your kids away from no harms
  • 【USER GUIDANCE】No worries and just use it right out of the box! No pairing or programming needed,insert 2 *1.5V AAA Batteries to get it to work (Batteries are not included with the package)
  • 【COMPATIBLE TVs】Compatible with All VIZIO LED LCD HD UHD HDR Smartcast 4K 3D Smart TVs, including D-Series, E-Series, M-Series, P-Series, PX-Series, V-Series, OLED-Series
  • 【REMOTE MODELS】This universal TV remote XRT140 is compatible with XRT136, XRT112, XRT122, XRT260, XRT302, XRT135, XRT510, XRT500, XRT100, VR1, VR2, VR10, VR15 and More

Can you delete, reinstall, or clear the cache for one Vizio app?

That depends on the TV platform and app controls available on your model. For SmartCast TVs, PBS says there is no delete-and-reinstall option like the one available on some other streaming devices. That guidance is specific to SmartCast; it does not establish that every Vizio generation lacks all app-specific controls. The cited guidance also does not provide a universal cache-clearing route, so do not rely on generic instructions that claim one applies across Vizio TVs. PBS: Basic Troubleshooting Tips for VIZIO SmartCast TVs

Soft restart or factory reset: which should you choose?

Option What it does Setup impact Menu path
Soft power cycle or restart Turns the TV off and back on to restart its operating system. Does not restore all TV settings to factory defaults. Varies by model; examples include Reset & Admin or Admin & Privacy menus.
Factory reset Restores TV settings to factory defaults. Can erase saved wireless and picture settings, custom settings, and account or login information. Varies by model; examples are listed below.

The sources do not establish a success rate for either option. Try a restart before considering a factory reset because the latter requires more setup afterward.

Rank #2
Sale
Universal for VIZIO Smart TV Remote Control Replacement XRT136
  • Compatibility Models : XRT136 TV Remote Compatible with all VIZIO smartcast V Series M Series D Series P Series PX Series E Series Smart TVs.Compatible with XRT140 / XRT260 / XRT136 / XRT270 / XRT112 / XRT122 / XRT302 / XRT135 / XRT510 / XRT500 / XRT100 / VR1 / VR2 / VR10 / VR15 and More VIZIO Smart TV Remote Control model
  • Free of Setup Requirements : Work right out of the box and without program. Put 2 AAA batteries (Not included) to replace your original remote control perfectly
  • Short Keys Launch : The remote features 6 shortcut buttons, giving you quicker access to your favorite apps
  • No Delay Response: Strongest signal by Infrared technology further transmission for multi-angle induction. Precisely control far from 40 feet.Fastest response not over 0.1 second to your TV, It supports over 150,000 clicks approved test
  • Premium After-sale: We provide a 100-day warranty return service. If you have any questions about your order, please feel free to contact us directly and we will get back to you within 12 hours

Factory-reset the TV only as a last resort

Before proceeding, make sure you are prepared to configure the TV again. Vizio warns that restoring factory defaults can erase settings changes, including wireless and picture settings; PBS also warns that custom settings and login information may be reset. The precise reset behavior and required steps depend on the model.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Model-specific menu examples

  • V-Series example: Menu > System > Reset & Admin > Reset to Factory Defaults.
  • 2020 M-Series example: Menu > Admin & Privacy > Reset to Factory Settings.

Your TV may ask for its system PIN, confirmation, and a new setup after the reset. Use the manual for your exact model if the wording or sequence differs. Vizio manuals · PBS SmartCast troubleshooting

Rank #3
Sale
Universal for VIZIO Smart TV Remote Control Replacement XRT140
  • COMPATIBLE MODELS: The XRT140 is compatible with almost all VIZIO Smart TV remote control models, XRT136 XRT135 XRT260 XRT270 XRT122 XRT112 XRT510 XRT500 XRT302 XRT100 and for more VIZIO TV remote control models
  • NO PAIRING REQUIRED: The XRT140 remote control features the latest infrared technology and does NOT require any pairing, just insert a fresh pair of AAA batteries to use (Batteries Not Included) and completely replace your old remote
  • NO DELAYED RESPONSE: Professionally tested, our XRT140 remote control further transmits the strongest signals for multi-angle sensing with infrared technology. Accurate control up to 40 feet, fastest response to TV in less than 0.2 seconds, and each button supports more than 150,000 clicks test. Completely compatible with your VIZIO Smart TV
  • 6 HOT SHORTCUTS: The XRT140 remote control includes shortcuts to 6 popular channels, giving you quicker access to your favorite apps
  • QUALITY AFTER-SALES SERVICE: We provide 60 Days After-sales. If there is any problem, please prioritize to contact us in time, we will reply you within 12 hours and will try our best to help you solve any problem as soon as possible

When the problem may be an update-related service issue

Not every app or casting failure means the app itself needs resetting. On April 17, 2025, Vizio published a notice about a Google Cast issue affecting certain 2016–2020 TVs and described an update rollout, with model-dependent update and restart steps. That notice is a dated, issue-specific example—not evidence of a current general outage or an explanation for every app problem. Check Vizio’s notice if your symptom involves Google Cast on one of the affected model generations. Vizio Google Cast Update

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

If you cannot navigate the TV menus

The restart and reset steps require a working remote. If yours is missing or unusable, a replacement remote may let you perform them, but it is not a fix for faulty app software. Verify that any replacement is compatible with your exact Vizio TV model before buying it.

Best Value
XRT136 Replace Remote Control fit for VIZIO Smart TV D50x-G9 D65x-G4
  • XRT136 Replace Remote Control fit for VIZIO Smart TV D50x-G9 D65x-G4 D55x-G1 D40f-G9 D43f-F1 D70-F3 V505-G9 D32h-F1 D24h-G9 E70-F3 D43-F1 V705-G3 P75-F1 D55x-G1 V405-G9 E75-F2 D32f-F1 D24f-F1 D43fx-F4 V655-G9 PQ65-F1 V605-G3 V555-G1 ;
  • M658-G1 M657-G0f M557-G0 V435-G0 D50f-F1 M55-F0 M70-F3 M558-G1 P659-G1 M507-G1 D32h-G9 PX65-G1 V556-G1 V436-G1 D55-F2f D50-F1 PX75-G1 D40f-F1 M65-F0 D55-F2 P759-G1 D24hn-g9 PQ75-F1 V555-G4 P55-F1 P65-F1;
  • D50xG9 D65xG4 D55xG1 D40fG9 D43fF1 D70F3 V505G9 D32hF1 D24hG9 E70F3 D43F1 V705G3 P75F1 D55xG1 V405G9 E75F2 D32fF1 D24fF1 D43fxF4 V655G9 PQ65F1 V605G3 V555G1 M658G1 M657G0f M557G0 V435G0 D50fF1 M55F0 M70F3 M558G1 P659G1 M507G1 D32hG9 PX65G1 V556G1 V436G1 D55F2f D50F1 PX75G1 D40fF1 M65F0 D55F2 P759G1 V755-G4 D24f-G1D32f-G1 V585-G1 M656-G4 M556-G4;
  • just put in new battery to use; with Watchfree key;
  • Works for VIZIO All Smart LED LCD HD 4K UHD HDR TVs D-Series,E-Series, M-Series, P Series, PX Series, V-Series; Package included: 1 x Remote Control;
Rank #4
Universal Remote Control for Vizio Smart TV XRT270 XRT260 XRT140 XRT136 FHD 4K QLED UHD Smartcast Quantum Pro D/E/PX/P/M/V Series TV Remotes Replacement
  • 【UNIVERSAL for VIZIO TV REPLACEMENT】Works flawlessly for ALL VIZIO SmartCast TVs including V-Series, M-Series, D-Series, P-Series, PX-Series, E-Series & models like D40fM-K09, V505M-K09, M55Q7-J01, P75Q9-J01, VQP75C-84 & more. Perfectly replaces XRT136, XRT140, XRT260, XRT270, XRT112, XRT122, VR1, VR2, VR10, VR15 & other original for VIZIO remotes.
  • 【PLUG & PLAY - NO SETUP NEEDED】 Simply insert 2 AAA batteries (not included) and start using it immediately. No complicated programming or pairing required. Works right out of the box.
  • 【FAST ACCESS SHORTCUTS & RESPONSE】 Features 6 dedicated shortcut buttons for quicker launching of your favorite apps. Enjoy a super-fast, no-delay response (under 0.1 seconds!) and reliable control from up to 50 feet away thanks to upgraded strong IR technology and multi-angle induction.
  • 【RELIABLE & BACKED BY SUPPORT】Built tough with over 150,000 click-tested durability. Feel confident with our premium 180-Day Warranty. Contact us with any questions - we promise a response within 12 hours.
  • 【UPGRADED PERFORMANCE & NOTE】Experience greater range (50+ ft) and more stable signal than your old remote. Please Note: This IR remote does NOT have voice control.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.