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Vizio TV freezes – how to unfreeze a frozen Vizio TV

Last Updated on January 18, 2024
Vizio TV freezes
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If your Vizio TV freezes in the middle of a TV show or movie, and you want to fix it, you’ve come to the right place.

Electronics can freeze due to various reasons, including overheating or a software glitch. However, these issues are easy to fix and shouldn’t be a cause for worry, despite the issue seeming to be severe.

That said, we’ve put together a list of methods that you can try to resolve the Vizio TV freezing issue.

Methods to fix the Vizio TV freezing issue

Here’s how you can quickly fix the freezing issue on your Vizio TV.

Step

1

Power cycle your Vizio TV

Before you try anything else, try power cycling your Vizio TV, as it should resolve issues caused by bugs or glitches. Power cycling any electronic device removes residual power from the capacitors and circuitry, and doing so doesn’t damage your TV. 

Here is how you can power cycle your frozen Vizio TV: 

  • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket.
  • Press and hold down the power button on your Vizio TV for 30 seconds to a minute.
  • This should eliminate any remaining charge from the internal components.
  • Leave your Vizio TV for a few minutes before plugging it back. 
  • Power it up and see if it freezes again. 

There is another way to do this process: 

  • Turn your TV on.
  • Locate the “Menu” button on your remote and press it. 
  • This should display a list of options.
  • From those options, select “System.”
  • Another menu should appear, displaying the system settings. 
  • Choose the “Reset & Admin” option.
  • After that, look for the “Soft Power Cycle” option and select it. 

If this resolves the frozen Vizio TV issue, congratulations – you’re back to enjoying your favorite content interruption-free. If this method doesn’t work, then give the next one a shot.

Step

2

Check your internet speed

If you have a slow internet connection or if its performance is being compromised, then that could make it seem like your Vizio TV is freezing. So, it’s always a good option to leave nothing to chance, and checking your internet connection might indicate whether that’s the culprit. 

If it turns out that your internet is slow, then you can contact your ISP to upgrade your package according to your preferences. On the other hand, if you have a high-speed internet connection, checking how many devices are connected and how much bandwidth they consume could also give you an idea if the internet is freezing your Vizio TV.

One more thing to remember is that the equipment or the frequency you’re using might also be responsible for this issue. If you have an old modem or router that can’t support your high-speed internet, your TV won’t get the full bandwidth it needs. That said, if your Vizio TV is connected to Wi-Fi, consider changing the frequency from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz, as 2.4 GHz is prone to radio interference from other electronics.

Step

3

Try different applications

If you’re using an application such as Hulu to stream content and your Vizio TV freezes in the middle of an intense scene, that can be frustrating. Our mind would automatically blame the TV, but there is a chance that the application is the one at fault. 

Follow these steps to check whether an application or your Vizio TV is freezing.

  • Power up your TV and open the application you used the last time your Vizio TV froze.
  • Wait to see if it freezes again.
  • If it does, try to exit the application and open a different one.
  • Turn the TV off with the remote or unplug it from the power outlet if you can’t exit it.
  • Turn it on again, try a different application, and wait to see if the issue occurs again.
  • If it doesn’t, then go back to the original application.
  • If it gets stuck again, you have your answer. 

This can happen due to server-side issues or lag that prevents the application from operating normally, and your TV isn’t at fault.

Step

4

Clear your Vizio TV cache

A cache is a memory that saves stuff to load faster and save time. Clearing the cache could resolve the issue of your Vizio TV freezing. It’s a simple process and only requires your TV to be rebooted. 

  • Power up your Vizio TV. 
  • Press the “Menu” button on the remote.
  • This will open up a menu, and select the “System” option from there.
  • Select the “Reset & Admin” option.
  • This should display another menu; from that, select “Reboot TV.”

This should start the reboot process and shouldn’t take long to complete.

Step

5

Try updating your Vizio TV software.

If your Vizio TV freezes in the middle of operation, then one reason could be outdated or buggy software. If this is the reason, it is easy to fix, as it only needs updating.

Here is how you can update your Vizio TV software.

  • Turn on your Vizio TV.
  • Press the “Menu” button on the remote.
  • From the displayed menu, scroll to the “System” option and select it. 
  • Another menu for the system setting should be displayed.
  • In that menu, select the “Check for Updates” option.
  • Your Vizio TV should start looking for any updates released by the manufacturer.
  • If there are any updates, it should ask you to install them. 
  • Allow your TV to install the updates and wait for the process to be completed.

Step

6

Change the power off and picture mode settings

Changing the Auto Power Off or the Picture Mode settings could resolve your frozen Vizio TV issue. We’ll go over how to change both of these settings, starting with the Picture Mode. 

Changing the Picture Mode:

  • Power up your TV.
  • Press the “Menu” button on your remote. 
  • Select the “Picture” option from the menu.
  • This should open another menu with the “Picture Mode” option displayed at the top.
  • Try different modes and see if the freezing issue stops occurring with a certain one. 

Auto Power Off settings:

  • Turn on your TV.
  • Press the “Menu” button on your remote.
  • Select the “Timers” option from the displayed menu.
  • Select the “Auto Power Off” option.
  • Turn it off and see if this fixes the freezing issue.

Step

7

Factory reset your Vizio TV

Factory resetting any electronic usually fixes most issues unless the issue is with the hardware. This is because it removes all the settings and configurations and restores the device to its original state. This eliminates any problems caused by settings or bugs. 

You can factory reset your Vizio TV with the remote, but if your Vizio TV remote isn’t working, we’ve got you covered in that case as well. 

Factory reset with a remote.

  • Power up your Vizio TV.
  • Look for the “Menu” button on your remote and press it. 
  • Select “Reset & Admin.”
  • Select “Reset TV to Factory Defaults.”
  • If it asks for a passcode, enter “0000,” as generally, that is the default one. 
  • Select “Reset.”
  • Wait for the reset process to be completed.

Factory reset without a remote.

  • Press and hold down the “Input” or the “Power” button on your Vizio TV for 30 seconds.
  • Your Vizio TV should turn off, restart, and begin the factory reset process. 
  • Wait for the reset process to be completed.

Step

8

Contact Vizio support for further assistance

If none of these methods helped resolve the Vizio TV freezing issue, then contacting Vizio support for assistance is the way to go.

What does it mean when your TV keeps freezing?

If your TV keeps freezing, it could mean that the software needs to be updated or the cache needs to be cleared. TV freezing issues could also occur due to overheating, so if your TV is placed somewhere where direct sunlight can hit it, consider moving it to a cooler place and away from windows.

Conclusion

To sum up, your Vizio TV could be freezing due to a handful of reasons, such as outdated software, overheating, and more. These issues are easy to fix as you only need to update the software, relocate the TV, clear the cache, or power cycle your TV. However, if your Vizio TV still freezes even after trying all these methods, the issue is most likely with the hardware, and you should contact Vizio support in that case.

However, if you’re looking for potential degradation options, check out our best Vizio TV guide for the best picks.

Ussamah works as a content writer and editor at BGFG. He is experienced in tech, hardware, gaming, and marketing.