Vizio TVs offer smart features at affordable prices. You can install apps and games and use The WatchFree+ feature to view live TV channels hosted on the internet.
However, many users find the interface slow, resulting in a suboptimal experience. The TV loads the content slowly, struggles to open apps and cycle between them, and encounters frequent adverts.
In this post, we’ll discuss why your Vizio TV works at a turtle’s pace and the methods you can use to restore its speed.
Reasons for Vizio TV Operating Slowly
Here are a few reasons why your TV doesn’t work with the speed it did before:
- Poor network connectivity (wired or wireless).
- The memory or onboard storage is completely occupied.
- Outdated app or TV software.
- An old or obsolete model which cannot handle the latest apps and UI.
5 Methods to Fix the Vizio TV Slow Issue
Retrace the following methods sequentially to speed up your slow Vizio TV.
1. Check Network Connections
If the webUI in apps or the home page/WatchFree+ sections loads slower than usual or doesn’t respond quickly while streaming, you must check the network connectivity. Many users with Wi-Fi 5 or older modules complain about spotty network connectivity on the TV.
Move the router closer to the TV or run an ethernet cable to the TV if a vacant port is available. We suggest using Ethernet because you’ll face fewer network congestion issues.
Also, if you have too many devices connected to Wi-Fi while viewing TV (in case of a 50-100 Mbps plan), the content will load slower, and you’ll experience frequent buffering. So, you must upgrade your internet plan for higher-resolution streaming.
2. Clear Vizio TV Cache
Apps save cache for faster load times, but you’ll experience crashes and slow load times if it gets corrupted. So, try clearing the app cache on your Vizio TV.
Repeat the following steps:
Step 1: Press the Home button and select Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Apps > System apps and select the app name.
Step 3: Select the Clear cache option and then choose OK.
3. Update Outdated Apps and System Software
Outdated app and TV software will result in glitches and reduced performance. You can get rid of it by updating everything. If you have an old Vizio TV model with Vizio Internet Apps powered by Yahoo, the update process involves a few extra steps.
For StreamCast Vizio models, which are relatively newer, all app and TV updates are bundled in the system update.
Press the Menu button and navigate to Settings > System > Admin and Privacy > Check for Updates. Download and install the available update and reboot your TV.
4. Factory Reset the TV
The last software troubleshooting method is to reset the TV to its default settings. It can help remove all misconfigured settings and restore the TV to its original performance. Before that, try power cycling your TV and attempt a system reset.
Repeat the following steps to reset a Vizio SmartCast TV:
Step 1: Press the Menu button on the remote and select Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to System > Admin and Privacy > Reset to Factory Settings.
Step 3: Confirm your action and follow the on-screen steps to reset the TV.
If you have any older, non-SmartCast model, check our guide on resetting Vizio TV (any model).
5. Use a Streaming Device
If your Vizio TV is old and its hardware cannot handle modern apps or keep up with your streaming demands, use a streaming device like the Amazon FireStick, Roku, or Google TV Streamer.
It’ll breathe life into your old Vizio TV and handle all the performance and processing, leaving the TV as a simple output device. We have tried many streaming sticks, and believe us, it’s worth investing in one for old TVs and monitors.
Moreover, it’s much cheaper than investing in a new TV, a $300 or more investment.
FAQs
Q. How do I fix my Vizio TV from lagging?
Check your internet connection, close unnecessary apps, and update the TV software to eliminate the Vizio TV lag. Otherwise, it is a very old model that cannot keep up with modern streaming needs, so invest in a streaming stick.
Q. How to stop Vizio TV from buffering?
Buffering is a network-related issue where the platform or your internet connection is not working properly. Place the router close to the TV or connect an ethernet cable for uninterrupted, maximum connection speed.
Wrapping Up
These were the five methods to fix the slow Vizio TV problem. Mostly, it occurs due to a slow network connection, but the bundled bloatware is another major problem. If you hate the Vizio TV UI, you can use a streaming stick to change it for fewer ads and better performance.
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