How to Update Vizio TV Firmware: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your Vizio TV’s firmware updated ensures you enjoy the latest features, improved performance, and enhanced security. Firmware updates can fix bugs, improve picture quality, and add support for new apps or smart home devices. This guide explains two methods to update your Vizio TV firmware: automatically via the internet and manually using a USB drive. We also cover troubleshooting tips and answer common questions to make the process simple.

Why Update Your Vizio TV Firmware?

Firmware is the software that runs your Vizio TV, controlling how it operates and interacts with apps. Regular updates bring new features, such as improved SmartCast functionality, better app performance, or compatibility with devices like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. They also address security vulnerabilities and fix issues like app crashes or slow performance. For example, a 2023 update introduced the Vizio Home Screen feature for many Vizio TVs, enhancing the user interface .

Method 1: Automatic Update via Internet

Most Vizio SmartCast TVs, especially models from 2018 and later, update automatically when connected to the internet. However, you can manually check for updates to ensure you have the latest firmware. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Connect to the Internet

Your TV must be online to check for updates. To connect:

• Press the Menu button on your Vizio remote.
• Navigate to Network using the arrow buttons.
• Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
• Choose your network and enter the password if prompted.
• Test the connection to confirm it’s working.

If you’re having trouble connecting, check our guide on Vizio TV Wi-Fi issues.

Step 2: Access the System Menu

Once connected:

• Press the Menu button again.
• Scroll to System and press OK.

Step 3: Check for Updates

In the System menu:

• Select Check for Updates.
• The TV will search for available firmware updates.
• If an update is found, a prompt will appear asking you to confirm.

Step 4: Install the Update

If an update is available:

• Confirm the installation by following the on-screen instructions.
• The TV will download the update, restart, install it, and restart again.
• Do not turn off the TV during this process, as it may take several minutes.

After the update, you can verify the firmware version by going to System > System Information to ensure it matches the latest version listed on Vizio’s support page.

Method 2: Manual Update via USB

If your TV isn’t connected to the internet or is an older model, you can update the firmware using a USB drive. This method requires downloading the firmware from Vizio’s website and preparing a USB drive.

Step 1: Find Your TV’s Serial Number

You’ll need the serial number to download the correct firmware. Find it in one of these places:

• On the TV: Check the sticker on the back of the TV.
• In the Menu: Go to Settings > All Settings > Help > Admin & Privacy > System Information > TV Information.
• In the Vizio App: Open the app, tap the arrow next to your TV’s name, tap the info icon, and note the serial number.

If you need help locating the serial number, see our guide on finding your TV’s serial number.

Step 2: Download the Firmware

Visit Vizio’s Firmware Search page:

• Enter your TV’s serial number and click Get Firmware Data.
• If an update is available, click the link to the firmware download page.
• Download the firmware file, which is typically a ZIP file.

Step 3: Prepare the USB Drive

To prepare the USB drive:

• Use a USB drive with at least 2GB of storage, formatted in FAT32.
• On a computer, extract the ZIP file.
  • Windows: Right-click the ZIP file, select Extract All, choose the USB drive, and click Extract.
  • Mac: Double-click the ZIP file and drag the extracted files to the USB drive.
• Ensure the firmware files are in the root directory of the USB drive, not inside a folder.

Step 4: Reset the TV to Factory Settings

Before installing the firmware, reset your TV to avoid conflicts:

• Press the Menu button.
• Navigate to Admin & Privacy > Reset to Factory Settings.
• For older models, you may need to go to System or All Settings first.

Note: Resetting erases custom settings, so consider backing them up. Check our guide on resetting a Vizio TV for more details.

Step 5: Install the Firmware from USB

To install the update:

• Turn on the TV and plug the USB drive into the TV’s USB port.
• A banner should appear indicating the TV is installing the software.
• The TV will show a progress bar, turn off, and restart when complete.
• Do not remove the USB drive or turn off the TV during this process.

Step 6: Verify the Update

After the TV restarts:

• Go to System > System Information.
• Check the version number to confirm it matches the downloaded firmware.

If no update is available, your TV may be too old to support new firmware. In such cases, consider using a streaming device like Roku or Fire Stick.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems during the update, try these solutions:

TV Not Connecting to the Internet

• Ensure your Wi-Fi password is correct.
• Restart your router and TV.
• Move the TV closer to the router or use an Ethernet cable.
• See our guide on fixing Vizio TV Wi-Fi issues.

Update Fails or Gets Stuck

• Ensure the TV remains powered on during the update.
• Check for a stable internet connection or reformat the USB drive to FAT32.
• Restart the TV and try again.
• If the issue persists, contact Vizio Support.

No Update Available

• Verify the firmware version in System > System Information.
• If no update is found, your TV may already have the latest firmware or be an older model that no longer receives updates .

For other issues, such as power light blinking, check our guide on Vizio TV power light blinking fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Updating your Vizio TV firmware keeps your TV running smoothly with the latest features and security patches. Whether you use the automatic internet method or a manual USB update, the process is straightforward. Follow the steps above, troubleshoot any issues, and check Vizio’s support page for the latest information. For more TV tips, visit our guides on fixing a slow Vizio TV or adding apps to your Vizio TV.