Fix: Vizio SmartCast not Working

Your Vizio SmartCast TV may stop working due to a software glitch or non-optimal network settings. There can be various issues with your Vizio SmartCast TV that may hinder its operation, ranging from situations where a user cannot cast to the TV, to instances where a user encounters just a black startup screen or the Vizio TV fails to load.

Vizio SmartCast TV

Before attempting any of the solutions, ensure that you have a working internet connection and verify that the device is functioning properly.

Power Cycle Your Vizio SmartCast TV

The problem with your Vizio SmartCast may be the result of a simple software glitch, which can be addressed by a straightforward power cycle. Power cycling involves completely restarting the module, so all its temporary configurations are erased. When you turn it back on, it will re-initialize all the temporary settings.

  1. On your TV remote, press the menu button and select System.
  2. Then select Reset & Admin.
  3. Now select the Soft Power Cycle.
    Perform a Soft Power Cycle
  4. At the same time, power off your router.
  5. When both devices have powered on, check if the TV is working fine.

If soft power cycle did not help you, then

  1. Power off your TV from the power button of the TV.
  2. Now unplug your TV from the power source.
    Unplugging from the socket
  3. Then, hold the power button on the TV for 20-30 seconds (while the TV is still unplugged from the power source).
  4. Now plug back the TV to the power source.
  5. Once again, hold the power button of the TV for 20-30 seconds.
  6. Now power on your TV and do not press any button on remote or TV (except the power button to power on)
  7. Now, wait for the SmartCast Home to appear and check if the problem is solved.

Refreshing DHCP Setting of Your Network

If you are using incorrect or non-optimal DHCP settings for your network, it can cause the issue of SmartCast not working. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns an IP address to each device on your network. DHCP ensures that no two devices have the same IP address to avoid connection issues. However, there are cases where this module may become unresponsive and not assign an IP address to the SmartCast system. In this solution, we will re-enable the DHCP setting, which may get DHCP to work.

To change DHCP setting of your network, follow the instructions below (instructions for your router may slightly differ):

  1. Turn off your TV.
  2. Launch your browser.
  3. Open your router’s URL and enter your user name and password.
    Enter User Name and Password for Your Router
  4. Open your router’s settings page.
  5. Now look for the DHCP section of your router. It can be in Advanced, Setup, Network or Local Network settings.
  6. Then Enable your DHCP. If it is already enabled, then disable it and then re-enable it.
    DHCP Server Setting
  7. Save your settings and exit the setup.
  8. Now turn on your TV and check if it is working fine.
  9. If you are still having issues, then edit your router settings to use Google DNS and check if the issue is fixed.

Check with Another Network

Your ISPs use various techniques and methods to control web traffic and safeguard their users. In this practice, ISPs sometimes block certain services required by your TV to operate with the internet. To rule this out, try using your TV with a different network. If no other network is available, you can use your phone’s hotspot as an alternative. Essentially, attempt to connect to another ISP and see if the device starts working.

  1. Connect your TV with another network or your mobile phone’s hotspot.
    Using a HotSpot
  2. Now check if your TV is working fine.

Perform a Factory Reset on Your Vizio SmartCast TV

If nothing has helped you, it is time to factory reset your Vizio SmartCast TV. You can factory reset your TV through the menu or buttons if your TV is stuck in a startup loop or displays just a black screen. Here are some different methods available for resetting:

Factory Reset Through the TV Menu

  1. On your TV’s remote, press the menu button and select System.
  2. Now open Reset & Admin and then select Reset TV to Factory Settings.
    Reset Vizio SmartCast TV to Defaults
  3. Wait for the completion of the reset process.

Factory Reset Through the TV’s Buttons

  1. There are four buttons located on the side of your TV. The bottom two are Input and Volume Down (instructions for your TV 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. Now press the bottom (Input) button for 5 seconds until your TV’s screen goes black.
  3. Now power on your TV and follow the instructions on the screen to set up your device.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.