How Can I Turn On My Vizio TV Without a Remote?
How Can I Turn On My Vizio TV Without a Remote?
4 Answers

Losing the remote to your Vizio TV can be pretty annoying, but don’t worry, there are still a few tricks to get your TV up and running again. Here’s a rundown on how to turn on your Vizio TV without a remote.
First up, let’s talk about the old-school method: using the physical power button on your TV. Depending on your Vizio model, the button might be hiding on the back or bottom of the TV.
- Newer Models (post-2015): You’ll usually find the power button on the lower right corner of the back panel, near the HDMI ports. If your TV is wall-mounted, you might have to feel around a bit or take it off the wall to get to it.
- Older Models (pre-2015): Look for the power button on the front bezel, either on the side of the frame or in the lower left corner. These buttons are often stacked vertically, with the power button at the top.
Just make sure your TV is plugged in, find that button, and hold it down briefly to turn on your TV.
If hunting for a button sounds like a hassle, here’s a tech-savvy solution: use the Vizio SmartCast Mobile app. This app turns your smartphone or tablet into a virtual remote.
- Download and Install the App: Head to the Google Play Store or App Store, search for the Vizio SmartCast app, and get it on your mobile device.
- Set up the App: Once installed, open the app, create an account or log in, and make sure your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. The app should find your TV automatically, but if it doesn’t, you can manually add it through the device settings.
- Turn on the TV: After everything’s set up, you can use the app to power on your TV with just a tap.
Another handy trick involves HDMI-CEC compatible devices. If you have a game console like a PS4, PS5, or a streaming gadget like Apple TV, you can use them to turn on your TV.
- Enable HDMI-CEC on Your TV: Use the physical power button to turn your TV on, go through the menu to find the “System” or “CEC” settings, and switch on both CEC and ARC settings.
- Enable HDMI-CEC on Your Device: For a PS4, go to “Settings” > “System” and enable “HDMI Device Link.” On a PS5, hit “Settings” > “HDMI” and turn on “HDMI Device Link” and other related settings. Nintendo Switch users can find “TV Settings” under “System Settings” and turn on “Match TV Power State.”
Once set up, simply turning on your connected device will wake up your TV.
If these options don’t float your boat, grab a universal remote. They’re easy to program and can replace your lost Vizio remote.
- Find a Compatible Remote: Look for one that mentions Vizio compatibility.
- Program the Remote: Follow the instructions in the remote’s manual to enter programming mode, find and enter the Vizio code, and test if it works.
Lastly, for those with smart home setups, you can use voice commands to power on your Vizio TV, provided your TV and a voice assistant device (like Google Assistant or Alexa) are on the same network.
- Set up Voice Control: Link your smart device with your TV, usually involving the Vizio SmartCast app.
- Turn on the TV: Just say something like, “Hey Google, turn on the TV” or “Alexa, turn on the Vizio TV.”
Pro tips: Always make sure your TV’s power cable is plugged into a working outlet. If none of these methods work, consult Vizio’s customer support for further help.
These various methods should help you get your Vizio TV back up and running, even without the remote. Now you can dive back into your favorite shows without a hitch!

Turning on a Vizio TV without a remote can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry, there’s more than one way to do it. Let’s dive into some handy options you’ve got right at your fingertips.
First up, the good old physical power button. No fancy gadgets here—just you and your TV. Most Vizio TVs have these buttons nestled on the back or hiding along the bottom edge near the corners. Sometimes you’ll find it disguised as a little joystick. Press it, and voilà, your TV’s on. Simple, right?
But what if your TV’s connected to Wi-Fi and you’re more of a smartphone savant? The Vizio SmartCast app is your new best friend. Grab it from your app store, make sure your phone’s on the same Wi-Fi network, and pair it up with your TV. Just follow the app’s prompts, and soon you’ll be flipping through channels from your phone like you’re some sort of tech wizard.
Now, here’s an alternative that’s kind of neat—using an HDMI-CEC device. If you’ve got a PlayStation, Xbox, or something like a Roku, you’re in luck. Connect it to your TV, enable CEC in your TV’s settings, and let your console do the heavy lifting. When you fire up the console, your TV joins the party automatically. Super handy when you’re itching to dive into your next gaming session.
And, if you’re old school and prefer a physical remote, consider snagging a universal remote. These are pretty handy little gadgets, just make sure it’s compatible with your Vizio TV. Follow the setup instructions that come with it, and pretty soon, you can kick back and channel surf to your heart’s content.
So, whether you’re hitting the power button, tapping an app, using your console, or reaching for a universal remote, you’re not stuck when your original remote goes missing. You’ve got options, and that’s what really matters.

How to Switch on Your Vizio TV Without the Remote: Simple Hacks
Misplaced your Vizio TV remote? Don’t sweat it—here are some nifty ways to get your TV up and running without it. These methods are practical and straightforward, so hang tight and let’s dive in.
First, Try the Power Button on the TV
All right, this might sound obvious, but many Vizio TVs have a physical power button tucked away somewhere. It’s like finding a hidden treasure.
- Where to Look:
- Check the side or bottom edge for a little button you can press.
- It might also be hiding on the back where all the ports are located.
- How to Get It Going:
- Press and hold the button for a couple of seconds until the TV powers up.
- Some models might throw you a curveball, needing you to press volume and input buttons together—worth checking the manual for your specific TV.
Next Up: The Vizio SmartCast Mobile App
You can transform your smartphone into a TV remote using the Vizio SmartCast app. It’s like having a high-tech ace up your sleeve.
- Steps:
- Download the app and ensure your phone and TV are buddies on the same Wi-Fi.
- Open the app, find your TV, and tap the power icon to bring it to life.
- Heads Up: The TV needs to be in Quick Start mode, or this method won’t fly if it’s totally switched off.
If You’ve Got Connected Devices, Try HDMI-CEC
This is super handy—your TV can be turned on via other remote devices thanks to HDMI-CEC. It’s like tech magic!
- What to Do:
- Activate HDMI-CEC through your Vizio’s settings menu.
- Use a connected device’s remote—which will also bring your TV to life.
- Double-check: Only works with devices like certain consoles or DVD players with HDMI-CEC support.
Switch to Using a Universal Remote
If your original remote went MIA, a universal remote can step in to save the day.
- Setting It Up:
- Follow instructions with the universal remote to sync with Vizio codes—usually found in the remote’s manual.
- Once you hit the right code, the TV should switch on. It’s all about trial and error here.
- Tip: With a learning remote, you can replicate the original remote’s vibe if you’ve still got it handy.
Get Chatty with Voice Commands
Did you know? If your TV’s part of your smart home setup, saying a few magic words can work wonders.
- Example: Just say, “Hey Google, turn on [TV name],” and Bob’s your uncle.
- Condition: Make sure the TV isn’t completely turned off and that your smart home is all linked up.
Okay, so why might your TV refuse to switch on?
- Power Problems: Check the outlet, make sure everything’s plugged in, or see if the circuit breaker’s been tripped.
- Software Glitches: Sometimes a little update is all it takes to fix things.
- Hardware Issues: Could be a faulty button or some internal hiccup.
Quick Troubleshooting Tips:
- Reset the TV: Unplug the thing for about a minute before plugging it back in—pretty much a hard reset.
- Check Standby Light: A light suggests it’s just chilling in standby mode, so it should be easy enough to waken.
If none of these tricks work, maybe it’s time to ring up Vizio support, or you might just have to buy a new remote. Honestly, older models, the manual button, or a universal remote are your best bets. Keeping the TV’s firmware updated doesn’t hurt either.
With these tips, you should be able to turn on your Vizio TV even when the remote decides to play hide and seek.

Got a Vizio TV but can’t find your remote? No worries! Here are a few neat tricks to get it up and running without needing that pesky remote.
First up is the good old power button on the TV itself—yes, it’s not just a decorative feature! Dive into the side, back, or maybe even the bottom of your TV, and you’ll find the power button lurking there. Give it a good press and hold for a second, and voila, your TV should flicker to life.
But let’s say you’re all about the smartphone magic. Grab the Vizio SmartCast Mobile App from the App Store or Google Play. Once you open the app, just follow the instructions to sync it with your TV. Make sure your phone’s chilling on the same Wi-Fi network as your TV and let the app do its thing – scan and connect! Pretty soon, you’ll be using your phone like a remote to turn on the TV.
Now, if those options don’t float your boat, try getting yourself a universal remote. They’re a lifesaver when the original is MIA. After snagging one, crack open the manual and set it up with your Vizio TV. Once the setup is done, it’ll grant you remote powers over your TV like nothing ever happened.
Here’s a little tech trick for the adventurous – use HDMI-CEC. If you’ve got HDMI-CEC enabled devices like a cool Blu-ray player or game console, hook them up to your TV. Ensure HDMI-CEC is turned on both in your TV’s and device settings. What’s the magic here? Once you fire up your connected device, your TV might just turn on with it. Talk about devices helping each other out!
With these tips up your sleeve, you’ll have no trouble getting your TV on without that remote. But if things still feel off, consider reaching out to Vizio customer support to sort things out. Happy watching!