Every TV has its quirks, but the blinking on and off issue seems particularly fond of Vizio models.
Let me distill the solution into simple, actionable steps to bring the stability back to your viewing experience.
The Clever Fix:
Power cycle the TV by unplugging the TV from the power outlet for 60 seconds, pressing the TV’s Power button for 30 seconds, and plugging the TV back in after a minute is up.
Why is my Vizio TV blinking on and off
Just last week, a close friend encountered the notorious blinking screen on her Vizio TV. It was like déjà vu; the screen flickering like a stubborn candle in the wind.
Dealing with this particular problem for a long time helps me determine the possible reasons behind this.
Whether it’s a flickering colors, vertical or horizontal lines, flickering spot, or an on and off problem, the problem could be due to any of the following:
- Incorrect picture settings
- Loose cable connections
- Software glitches
- Power supply problem
- Overheating
Worse case, the flickering spot on your Vizio TV is one of the clear signs of a backlight failure. This can occur when one or more of the backlight LEDs in your TV become defective.
Quick Solutions for a Vizio TV blinking on and off
Ensure to document all troubleshooting you will do. That way, you can specify the possible fixes you tried if you ended up calling technical support.
1. Power Cycle the TV
Experiencing flickering with your Vizio TV can be quite frustrating, but there’s a simple solution that you can try: power cycling your TV.
Take note that this trick not only fixes your Vizio TV blinking on and off, it also fixes different TV hiccups, like Vizio TV turning on by itself, stuck on black screen, won’t connect to Wi-Fi, sound not working, won’t turn on, etc.
The power cycling technique works by giving a refresh on the TV’s internal software and draining residual power that may be causing the issue..
To do this, unplug the TV for a minute. While unplugged, press the Power button for 30 seconds. Then, after a minute is up, plug the TV to the power outlet again.
If the flickering stops, congratulations! Your TV just need a quick power refresh.
If not, don’t worry, there are more options to explore.
2. Check the power cable and outlet
A TV won’t work properly if the power cable is damaged or poorly plugged to the power outlet.
Since the power cable is responsible for sending power to your TV, any damage could lead to inconsistencies in power delivery.
What you need to do is to inspect the cable for frays or bents. Then, unplug and re-plug the cable to the power outlet to ensure it’s properly plugged, and test the TV after.
Another factor that can cause your TV flicker on and off is a faulty power outlet.
This can be a real problem because it’s your TV’s source to receive enough electricity. If there’s something wrong with it, your TV’s going to have a hard time staying on. This might be why you’re just getting blinks instead of a steady picture.
Try plugging your TV into a different outlet, or test the current outlet with another device to confirm it’s working. And if it’s in a power strip or surge protectors, ditch it and connect it directly to the wall.
If switching outlets get your TV working, then the problem is the socket. If not, then let’s move to the next solution in the list.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on the power light – if it’s blinking, flickering, or changing colors, it might indicate power issues. Consider replacing the power supply if none of these steps resolve the blinking issue.
3. Check cable connections
Your screen may flicker due to a poor HDMI connection.
Take a look at all the cables connecting your TV to your devices, such as your Blu-ray player or gaming console.
Look for damages, such as cuts or mouse chews. If there’s no any damage on the cord, disconnect every cable then plug them back in nice and snug to ensure they’re in tight is all you need.
Check if the blinking on and off stopped after.
If that didn’t work, connect your devices using different HDMI cables and ports.
4. Adjust your TV’s settings
If you’re having trouble with your Vizio smart TV blinking on and off, it could be due to the picture settings.
I know it’s a pain to look at your TV right now, but bear a little more to do these setting adjustments. Try it one at a time and see what works for you.
Change the Picture Mode
Some picture modes might hog more power or use settings that are tough on your TV’s components, especially if it’s an older model.
By changing the picture mode to a less demanding setting (like Standard or Game), you might be able to stabilize your TV’s performance.
Here’s how to do it:
- Click the Menu button on the remote.
- Go to Picture > Picture Mode.
- Experiment with different modes to see which one provides the best image without causing the blinking issue.
Turn off Eco Mode
Eco Mode is designed to reduce the TV’s power consumption by dimming the backlight.
But if you turn Eco Mode off, your TV won’t mess with the backlight on its own anymore, and that could put an end to the blinking.
Here’s how to do it:
- Press the Menu button on the remote.
- Go to System, and look for Power Mode or Eco Mode.
- Select Normal or Off.
See if the blinking issue resolves.
- Adjust Brightness and Backlight Control
You can manually adjust settings of the brightness and backlight to lessen strain on the TV’s backlight.
Here’s how:
- Press the Menu button on your remote, and then go to Picture.
- Adjust the Brightness down to 90%.
- Adjust the Backlight Control slider (if available) to the left to decrease the backlight.
Keep nudging the backlight down until the flickering stops.
- Adjust the Adaptive Luma feature
Got a flicker? Adaptive Luma might be behind it.
The Adaptive Luma feature changes the backlight depending on what’s on your screen. So, your TV might appear flickering whenever this feature automatically does its task.
You can switch it off or play with the settings to see if that clears up the blinking.
Here’s how to disable the Adaptive Luma feature:
- Press the Menu button on your remote.
- Go to Picture > More > Advanced Picture.
- Turn off the Adaptive Luma.
- Adjust the Ambient Light Sensor
The TV’s Ambient Light Sensor is there to tweak the backlight based on how bright or dark your room is. So, if the lighting in your room keeps changing, it might confuse your TV and cause it to blink.
If you turn this sensor off, your TV will stick to one light setting, possibly stopping the blinking as well.
Here’s how to turn off Ambient Light Sensor:
- Press the Menu button on your remote.
- Go to Picture > More > Advanced Picture.
- Disable the Ambient Light Sensor.
5. Update Your TV’s Software
Periodically, Vizio releases firmware updates to improve functionality and fix bugs, including those that may cause blinking issues.
It’s essential to keep your TV updated with the latest firmware to ensure optimal performance.
Here’s how to check for updates:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Go to System > Check for Updates to see if there’s a new version available.
If there is an available update, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
6. Factory reset your Vizio TV
Your Vizio TV is still blinking on and off after trying simple solutions? In this case, it’s time for a factory reset.
A factory reset can help resolve several issues with your Vizio TV, including the blinking problem.
It restores the TV to its original settings, essentially giving it a fresh start.
Please note that a factory reset will erase your custom settings and preferences, so it’s important to keep this in mind before proceeding with this option.
Here’s how to perform a factory reset:
- On your remote, press the Menu button.
- Navigate to System > Reset & Admin > Reset TV to Factory Defaults.
- If it asks for a code, the default code is 0000.
- Confirm the action.
Alternatively, if your TV is blinking too much that it’s too hard to see the screen, here’s how to factory reset with the TV’s buttons only:
- While the TV is turned on, press the TV’s Volume and Source buttons simultaneously.
- Press the TV’s Input button for 10 seconds.
- Wait for the TV to reboot.
This should have fixed the issue.
No troubleshooting helps?
If nothing works, it’s time to make use of your TV’s warranty.
Your warranty is basically an agreement between you and the manufacturer, ensuring that any defects or issues will be resolved within a specified period.
So, take a moment to review your warranty coverage and determine if the blinking issue may qualify for a repair or replacement.
Contact Vizio customer support. Their team of experts can provide guidance on troubleshooting steps, offer assistance with any blink code interpretations, and arrange for a Vizio service technician to visit if necessary.
You can ring them at 1(844) 254-8087, request for a callback, or communicate via live chat.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for support, as it’s crucial to ensure your TV operates efficiently and provides you with the best possible viewing experience.
Remember, ready your proof of purchase when seeking out for assistance.
You might also need to narrate all fixes you tried. The more information you can provide, the faster they can help you resolve the problem and get your Vizio TV back to its optimal performance.
However, if your TV is no longer within warranty, it might be time to consult a professional and have it fixed or consider purchasing a new TV.
Maintaining your Vizio TV for the future
Keep in mind, even the best smart TVs can act up every now and then. But with proper care, you can minimize tech issues and ensure smooth viewing experiences.
Let me tell you the important things you need to remember to prevent this blinking issue from happening again in the future.
Firstly, it’s essential to keep your smart TV’s firmware up-to-date.
Firmware updates are created to fix common issues, improve performance, and provide new features. By doing so, you are ensuring that your TV is always at its optimal performance.
In addition to software updates, it’s a great idea to take care of your TV’s physical components – avoid direct sunlight on the screen, keep it free from dust, and don’t expose it to extreme temperature conditions.
If your TV is near a window where sunlight is hitting your TV, you might want to consider finding a better, well-ventilated space that will keep it cool.
Moreover, ensure your Vizio TV’s components, such as power cables and HDMI connections, are away from possible damage. If it’s in a location where people frequently trip over it, you might want to rearrange things so your connections stay safe.
Another handy trick is to power cycle your TV now and then. It’s like giving it a quick spa day to keep it running smoothly.
Finally, always be aware of your smart TV’s features and capabilities. Familiarize yourself with your Vizio TV’s settings and adjust them according to your preferences.
If you’re not sure about something, don’t hesitate to check the user manual or consult Vizio’s customer support.
Wrapping up
A blinking on and off screen can give you a serious fright, especially when you’re not ready to buy a new one.
Luckily, this is fixable if the issue is caused by a minor glitch in the system, wrong settings, or improper cable plugging.
Power cycling should always be your first step for any troubleshooting.
If power cycling didn’t help, these fixes can surely do the trick:
- Check the power cable and outlet
- Adjust your TV’s settings
- Update your TV’s software
- Factory reset your TV
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your Vizio TV may continue to blink on and off.
Your TV might be having a software or hardware issue. To confirm this, bring the TV to the professionals for a check up. Afterall, Vizio is only a call or chat away.