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VIZIO TVs include one of two remote types: a standard infrared (IR) remote or a SmartCast Bluetooth remote. IR remotes work instantly without any setup, while SmartCast Bluetooth remotes must be paired to your TV before use. This guide walks you through pairing a SmartCast remote, using a standard IR remote, programming either remote to control a soundbar or AV receiver, and troubleshooting the most common remote issues.

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Pair a SmartCast Bluetooth Remote

1

Insert Batteries

Open the battery compartment on the back of the remote and insert two AA batteries, making sure the polarity (+ and −) matches the markings inside the compartment.
2

Point at the TV

Hold the remote 1–3 feet away from your VIZIO TV. Press and hold the OK and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds to initiate pairing mode.
3

Wait for Pairing

The status LED on the remote will begin flashing, indicating it is broadcasting a Bluetooth pairing signal. A pairing notification will appear on your TV screen.
4

Confirm Pairing

Once the remote has successfully paired, the LED will stop flashing and remain solid briefly before turning off. Test the connection by pressing a few buttons such as the arrow keys or Home button.

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Standard IR Remote

Standard IR remotes require no pairing — they work automatically as soon as batteries are inserted. Simply open the battery compartment, insert two AA batteries, and point the remote toward the IR sensor located on the front panel of your TV. Because IR remotes communicate via infrared light, a clear line of sight between the remote and the TV sensor is required. Furniture, cabinets, or other obstacles between the remote and the sensor can block the signal and prevent the TV from responding.

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Program Remote for Soundbar / AV Receiver

1

Enter Programming Mode

Press and hold the TV button and the Volume Down button simultaneously until the remote’s LED flashes twice. This indicates the remote has entered programming mode and is ready to accept a device code.
2

Enter Device Code

Using the number buttons on the remote, enter the 4-digit code for your soundbar or AV receiver. A full list of compatible device codes is available at support.vizio.com. The LED will flash once to confirm the code has been accepted.
3

Test

Press the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to verify the remote is now controlling your soundbar or AV receiver. If the volume does not change on your device, repeat the steps above with an alternative code from the support site.

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Use SmartCast App as Remote

If your physical remote is lost or not working, download the free VIZIO SmartCast app (available for iOS and Android) to control your TV directly from your smartphone. The app replicates all remote functions including input switching, volume, and SmartCast navigation. See the SmartCast Setup guide for full pairing instructions.

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Troubleshooting

  • Replace the batteries with fresh AA batteries and confirm they are inserted with the correct polarity.
  • Ensure there are no objects blocking the line of sight between the remote and the TV’s IR sensor on the front panel.
  • If you are using a SmartCast Bluetooth remote, try re-pairing it by following the pairing steps above.
Factory reset the remote by pressing and holding the OK and Volume Down buttons for 10 seconds until the LED flashes three times. Release the buttons, then attempt the pairing process again from the beginning.
The programmed device code may have been lost or entered incorrectly. Re-enter programming mode and try the code again. If the issue persists, visit support.vizio.com to look up alternative codes for your soundbar or AV receiver model.
Dampen a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) and gently clean around and beneath the affected buttons. Avoid using excessive liquid and do not submerge the remote. Allow the remote to dry completely before use.
VIZIO replacement remotes are available at vizio.com or through VIZIO customer support at 1-844-254-8087.