You are not the only one experiencing Vizio Smartcast TV Not Available or Smartcast TV Starting Up. Vizio Smartcast problems are quite common.
There is an easy solution that will work for most people who experience this.
Vizio Smartcast is not working
Soft Power Cycle your Vizio Smartcast if it isn’t working. Click “Menu” on the remote to go to System > Reset and Admin > Soft power cycle. Click “Yes” on the popup. This will cause the TV to turn off and reset itself, thereby fixing Smartcast
What is Smartcast?
Smartcast is Vizio’s built-in app platform that runs across all their TVs. Smartcast is similar to Amazon Firestick or Chromecast. Smartcast allows you to access hundreds of streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and many more.
These apps can be installed directly to Vizio TVs via Smartcast.
You can even control your TV with your smart speaker, so you can use Amazon Alexa and Google Home to voice-control it!
Turn on the TV
Power cycling your TV is the best thing to do if the Smartcast on your TV is not working.
This can be done in two ways. This is the easiest method, which I have just described – the Soft Power Cycle.
- Use the remote control to press the menu button.
- Select System.
- Choose Reset & Admin.
- Choose Soft Energy Cycle.
If that fails, you can always try the hard power cycling method.
- Turn off your TV by pressing the power button at the back or side.
- Unplug your TV outlet.
- Hold down the power button while the TV is unplugged for 20-30 seconds.
- Reset the TV in
- For 20-30 seconds, hold the power button.
- Wait for Smartcast’s logo to appear, then check if it works properly.
This power cycle removes any remaining power from your TV by holding down the power button when it is not plugged in.
You can try these other solutions if this doesn’t work.
Factory reset the TV
Sometimes, you may need to reset your Vizio TV factory to its original settings.
A factory reset will wipe all settings from your TV and restore it to its original state.
These steps will factory reset your Vizio TV if you are okay with it.
- Use the TV remote to select Menu.
- Select System.
- Open Reset & Admin.
- Select Reset TV. Factory Settings.
The factory reset should take place automatically. The TV will automatically restart after it is done, usually within a few minutes.
After your TV comes back on, make sure to reset all settings and connect it to your router.
Power cycle router/modem
If your TV has been factory reset and power cycled, but Vizio Smartcast is still not functioning, you can try power cycling the router/modem.
Smartcast can sometimes be fixed by simply restarting its router.
Hold down the power button until your router blinks. Then, turn it off. Next, press the power button again to turn it on.
Another option is to unplug it from the outlet and wait at least 60 seconds before plugging it in again.
The router will re-establish a link after a few minutes. After the router’s lights turn green, you can try again with Smartcast.
If your router is not working but the Smartcast is, you might consider moving it closer to your TV or purchasing a WiFi extender.
Upgrading the firmware of your TV
Vizio releases software updates every once in a while for your TV.
These updates are usually automatic, but they can sometimes be missed.
You may be using an outdated version of Smartcast. In that case, you should upgrade it.
Turn on your Vizio TV and press “Menu” with your remote. Scroll down to select “System”.
Click on “Check for Updates” to see the option.
The TV will automatically search for updates and install them. Your TV will automatically install any new updates if there are.
Turn off your TV after it has been installed. Then, turn it on again. That should have fixed your Smartcast problem.
Vizio support
If all of the Vizio Smartcast troubleshooting methods have failed, Vizio support might be able to help you.
They are experts in their product area so they may have some more ideas.
You can reach them at 1 (844)-254-88087 during the following hours:
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM CST
- Saturday-Sunday, 8:00 AM-9:30 PM CST
Hint: Monday through Friday, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM CST. So call then.
Vizio Warranty
This is always a desperate effort but If Vizio Smartcast does not work, you can check if your TV has an active warranty.
Once you describe the problem to Vizio, they will repair or replace it.
You can even get in-home service if your warranty covers it. It’s worth it!
Conclusion
Smartcast is Vizio’s built-in app platform that runs on all their TVs.
There are several reasons why your Vizio Smartcast may stop working. Although it is annoying, most of the solutions are simple and take only a few minutes.
These fixes are available in the following order:
- Power cycle your TV (soft or hard power cycle).
- Factory reset your TV
- Power cycle router/modem
- Upgrading your TV’s firmware to the most recent version
These fixes may not be enough to resolve the problem. You might also want to contact Vizio support or check your warranty for TV repair and replacement.
