How to Fix Vizio SmartCast Not Working [5 Methods]

If you have a Vizio Smart TV, chances are that your Vizio Smart TV is a SmartCast model. Now, what is this Vizio SmartCast? Well, it is nothing but software for your Vizio smart TV. To be more precise, Vizio Smart Cast is a software suite designed for Vizio smart TVs that offers you a bouquet of entertainment options, from TV channels to videos. Tons of other streaming services are made for Vizio TVs by Vizio themselves.

With most Vizio smart TVs having Vizio SmartCast, there have also been times when Vizio TV owners have been reporting issues with the SmartCast feature, either showing you a blank screen or simply refusing to function altogether. If you are someone who owns a Vizio TV and is worried about how they can solve such issues if they ever experience it in the future, then you have come to the right place.

Fix Vizio SmartCast Not Working

If your Vizio Smartcast TV displays a black screen when you turn it on pressing other buttons on the TV remote doesn’t help, that is a sign of the Smartcast feature not working at all. However, there are a few troubleshooting methods available and you can follow them to fix Vizio Smartcast not working.

Test Network Connection

One of the best ways to first check and see if your network connection is the problem is by making use of the test network connection setting that is built into the Vizio SmartCast TV. Here are the steps to test your network connection.

  1. First, power up the TV and ensure that it is automatically connected to your Wi-Fi network.
  2. Select the Menu option or the settings icon on your Vizio SmartCast TV.
  3. Now under Settings, choose Network, followed by Test Connection.
    Vizio smartcast not working
  4. Now select Test Connection. Over here you will be able to see if the network is connected or if your network has issues related to speed.
    Vizio smartcast not working
  5. If your network is working properly, you will see a connected status under Test Connection.
  6. If it says not connected, your best bet is that there is a network-related issue.
  7. Now is the time to ring your ISP to see what the issue is and whether it can be resolved.

Change SmartCast Language

Sometimes, software glitches could be the reason why the SmartCast might just not work. Why change the language you may ask. Well, changing the language helps to refresh the SmartCast home screen and it will be forced to display content in the new language. Sometimes, this can work just right. Here is how you can change the SmartCast language on your Vizio SmartCast TV to fix the not working issue.

  1. Open up the Vizio TV Settings menu and select System.
  2. Highlight the Menu Language option and switch to another language say French or Spanish.
    Vizio smartcast not working
  3. The SmartCast home screen will now reload and try to display content in the newly selected language.
  4. With everything loading correctly, it is now time to change the language back to your preferred language.
  5. Now, the SmartCast should be loading normally as before without any issues whatsoever.

Enable Demo Mode

Sometimes it is best to simply switch inputs that are not working or loading correctly. Switching inputs will help to refresh the home screen and this should make the home screen work correctly. A demo mode is a mode where it will simply display pictures or videos that are stored in the TV itself. It is commonly used in stores to display content on it that will show off the display capabilities. Since it requires you to change inputs, this could help fix the SmartCast home screen. Here is how you can enable Store Mode to fix Vizio SmartCast TV not working problem.

  1. Open the Settings Menu on Vizio SmartCast TV.
  2. Scroll over to Admin & Privacy and select it.
  3. Now select Store Demo and that is it. Your Vizio SmartCast TV has now switched its input to the Store Demo.
  4. Let the Store Demo run for a few minutes before exiting out of it.
  5. Now, power the TV off using the buttons on the TV or by the remote itself.
  6. Power the TV back on with the remote or by the side buttons.
  7. You will now see a message on your screen stating that the Store Demo is going to be launched. Using the remote, simply press and hold the Input button on the remote or the TV.
  8. And that is how you can exit the Store Demo mode on your Vizio SmartCast TV.

Power Cycle the TV

Power Cycling the TV will help to get rid of temporary glitches that might have caused the Vizio Smartcast tv to not work properly. To perform a power cycle on your Vizio SmartCast TV do the following

  1. Open the Settings menu and select System.
  2. Scroll down and select Reset and Admin.
  3. Highlight and select the Soft Power Cycle option.
  4. The TV will now ask if you wish to perform a Soft Power Cycle. Select Yes.
  5. Your TV will power down and restart right away.

Alternatively, you can also simply turn the TV off by the remote and then disconnect the plug from the power outlet. Leave the TV disconnected for a minute or so and then plug it back into power the TV back on. The Vizio SmartCast should now be working perfectly fine. If any of the above options didn’t help to fix the not working Vizio SmartCast, it is time to perform a Factory reset on it.

Factory Reset the Vizio Smart Cast TV

The most effective solution to fix the problems of the Vizio SmartCast not working or displaying properly is to perform a factory reset. Do note that all your data will be cleared and, any adjustments that you have a custom set up for the TV will also be reset to their default values.

  1. Press the Menu button on your TV remote to enter the Settings Menu.
  2. Scroll down and select the Admin and Privacy option.
  3. Under Admin and Reset and select reset to factory settings. And the select Reset.
    Vizio smartcast not working
  4. The TV will now restart and bring you back to the first-time setup screen. 
  5. When you have completed the setup, you will be able to use your TV and the SmartCast Input should now be working perfectly without any issues.

And this is how you can fix the Vizio SmartCast not working. If for any reason whatsoever the SmartCast does not work even after performing a factory reset, you will have to contact customer care support for Vizio and have them look into the problem.

So that’s all on how to fix Vizio Smartcast not working issue. We hope you find the guide useful. In case of any queries let us know in the comment section below.

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Joshua D'souza

Enjoy games, 90's hip-hop, and tech. Loves exploring the infinite world of laptops and food. Every ready to provide assistance in anything that rocks his boat. Will gladly enjoy capturing memories through various lenses. Worked previously at PiunikaWeb as an author and researcher.

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