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How To Connect Vizio TV To WiFi Without Remote? (Easy Fix)

By: Author Smart Haus Tips Staff

Posted on Last updated:

Whether the remote is missing or damaged, there are still several ways to connect a Vizio TV to WiFi without a remote.

A Vizio TV can be connected to WiFi without a remote by plugging the TV directly into the WiFi router with an ethernet cable or connecting a USB keyboard to the TV to enter settings manually. The Vizio SmartCast app will also give you access to your WiFi connection settings. 

While you will get the best experience from your Vizio TV with a remote, you can still connect your TV to a WiFi network and make full use of it.

Suppose you have lost or irreparably damaged the remote that came with your Vizio TV. In that case, it is best to order a new one as it will make your life much easier in the long run, especially if you usually operate your Vizio TV with the remote.

How To Connect A Vizio TV To The Internet Without A Remote

There is one tried and tested way to connect a Vizio TV to a WiFi network without a remote:

  1. Connect a USB keyboard to the TV and manually input the settings

The second option will connect your Vizio TV to the internet but requires an ethernet cable to work:

  1. Connect the TV directly to the WiFi router with an ethernet cable

Once your TV is connected to the internet again, how do you operate it? The best answer is to download the Vizio SmartCast App to a smartphone and use it in place of a physical remote

Keep reading for all the information and steps to use each option.

Connect A USB Keyboard To The TV And Manually Input The Settings

If you want to set up a Vizio TV to a WiFi network without using a remote, plugging a USB keyboard directly into the TV and manually inputting the settings is the best way.

Before you can plug a USB keyboard into your Vizio TV, you will need to factory reset the TV. To do this, follow these steps:

Step 1: Turn the TV on, then simultaneously press and hold the VOLUME DOWN and INPUT buttons for five seconds. The volume down and input buttons are usually found on the sides of the TV or underneath the screen.

Step 2: A prompt will appear on the screen asking you to push and hold the INPUT button for 10 seconds. Do this. After holding these buttons for ten seconds, the TV will start an automatic reset.

With the factory reset complete, follow these steps to connect a USB keyboard to your TV and connect it to the WiFi:

Step 1: Plug the USB keyboard into the TV’s USB port. Note that both wired and wireless keyboards will work.

Step 2: Use the keyboard to navigate through the menus. Enter the WiFi network name you wish to connect to and your password on the network setup screen.

Your Vizio TV should now be connected to the WiFi network.

Four Steps To Connect Vizio TV To WiFi With An Ethernet Cable

The second option for connecting your Vizio TV to a WiFi network is to cable the TV directly into the router, set up the connection, and manually enter the settings. Strictly speaking, you are not connecting to the wireless WiFi but cabling directly in, but this may be an option for you if you need to connect urgently.

You will need an ethernet cable long enough to reach from the TV to your WiFi router.

First, locate the ethernet port on the Vizio TV and the corresponding port on your WiFi router. Plug one end of the cable into the TV and the other end into the router.

Then follow these steps to connect the Vizio TV to the internet:

Step 1: Locate the power button on the Vizio TV and turn the TV on.

Step 2: Locate the Menu button on the TV. This is usually on the back or the front of the TV. (If there is no Menu button on your TV, you will not be able to connect to the WiFi using an ethernet cable. Why not try the previous option: Connect A USB Keyboard To The TV And Manually Input The Settings.)

Step 3: Navigate to the ‘Home Network’ option.

Step 4: In the ‘Home Network’ tab, select ‘Wired Network’.

Your Vizio Smart TV should now be connected to the internet. 

Download The Vizio SmartCast App To A Smartphone

If you have ordered a replacement remote but want to use your Vizio TV while you wait for the delivery, the Vizio SmartCast App is a good stopgap.

First, download the Vizio SmartCast App to your smartphone. Ensure both the Vizio TV and smartphone are powered on and connected to the same WiFi network.

Then do the following:

  1. Open the Vizio SmartCast App on your smartphone
  2. On the Home page, select the ‘Control Button’. This is found at the bottom of the page.
  3. Select ‘Devices’ in the top right corner. A drop-down list of all available devices will appear. Select the Vizio Smart TV on the list; this will connect the two devices.
  4. A control menu will appear with various function options. Use this menu to control the TV.
  5. To access the movement screen, swipe left. This screen will give you similar access to the directional pad on the physical remote.

Conclusion

While a lost or damaged Vizio Smart TV remote is not the ideal situation to be in, there are a few other options you can try to get your TV connected to WiFi and even control some of the settings and functions. While they require some hardware, USB keyboards or ethernet cables are fairly common in most modern households.

If none of these options above worked for you, the last resort is to try a universal remote, but these are often unreliable or buggy.