Fix: Vizio SmartCast not Working

When Vizio SmartCast isn’t working, users often experience problems like the app not loading or the TV not connecting to Wi-Fi. This can leave the SmartCast screen frozen or blank. These issues are usually caused by network connectivity problems, software glitches, or incorrect settings. The most common reason is a weak or unstable internet connection

It can also be caused by outdated firmware or incorrect router settings.

In this article, we will discuss different ways to solve this problem.

1. Power Cycle Your Vizio SmartCast TV

This issue might happen because of temporary glitches or wrong settings in the TV’s software. Doing a power cycle can help by fully restarting the system, clearing any errors, and restarting the SmartCast feature. 

1. On your TV remote, press the Menu button and select System.
2. Then select Reset & Admin.
3. Next, choose the Soft Power Cycle.

   

4. At the same time, power off your router.
5. When both devices are powered on, check if the TV is working properly.

If the soft power cycle did not help you, then:

1. Power off your TV using the power button on the TV.
2. Unplug your TV from the power source.

   

3. Then, hold down the power button on the TV for 20-30 seconds (while the TV is still unplugged).
4. Now plug the TV back into the power source.
5. Once again, hold the power button for 20-30 seconds.
6. Power on your TV and do not press any button on the remote or TV (except the power button to turn it on).
7. Wait for the SmartCast Home to appear and check if the problem is resolved.

2. Refresh DHCP Setting of Your Network

DHCP automatically gives unique IP addresses to each device on the network to avoid conflicts. If these settings stop working, your TV might not connect. By refreshing DHCP, you make sure your network gives out IP addresses correctly, allowing SmartCast to connect to your Wi-Fi.

1. Turn off your TV.
2. Launch your browser.
3. Open your router’s URL and enter your username and password.

   

4. Open your router’s settings page.
5. Locate the DHCP section of your router. It may be in Advanced, Setup, Network, or Local Network settings.
6. Enable DHCP. If it is already enabled, disable it, then re-enable it.

   

7. Save your settings and exit the setup.
8. Turn on your TV and check if it is working properly.
9. If issues persist, change your router settings to use Google DNS and check if the issue is fixed.

3. Check with Another Network

Sometimes, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) might block or limit services needed for SmartCast to work, causing connection problems. By switching to a different network, like a mobile hotspot or another Wi-Fi, you can avoid these restrictions and see if the problem is with your main network.

1. Connect your TV with another network or your mobile phone’s hotspot.

   

2. Check if your TV works properly.

4. Perform a Factory Reset on Your Vizio SmartCast TV

If none of the solutions works, doing a factory reset on your Vizio SmartCast TV can fix stubborn problems. This step returns the TV to its original settings, removing any software bugs, wrong settings, or bad updates. It also resets network settings, so the TV can start a new connection to your home Wi-Fi. Basically, it gives the TV a fresh start.

4.1 Factory Reset Through the TV Menu

1. On your TV’s remote, press the Menu button and select System.
2. Open Reset & Admin and then choose Reset TV to Factory Settings.

   

3. Wait for the reset process to complete.

4.2 Factory Reset Through the TV’s Buttons

1. Your TV has four buttons located on the side. The bottom two are Input and Volume Down (instructions may differ slightly depending on your model). Press these two buttons (Input and Volume Down) for 5-10 seconds until you see a bar at the top of your TV.
2. Press the bottom (Input) button for 5 seconds until your TV’s screen goes black.
3. Power on your TV and follow the instructions on the screen to set up your device.