It’s a real bummer when your TV loses its Wi-Fi connection, and your remote chooses the same day to stop working.
The original Vizio Smartcast app has even become useless too because your TV needs to be connected to the network first to use the app as a remote.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this struggle.
Many people find themselves googling, “How can I connect my Vizio TV to Wi-Fi without a remote?” And I’m here to assure you that there are workable alternatives to get you back up and running.
While these fixes will save the day, I’d still recommend getting a replacement remote.
Nothing quite compares to the ease of having a TV-specific remote at your disposal.
But if your budget doesn’t allow for it right now or you’re waiting for a new one to arrive, we’ve got ways to tide you over.
So, let’s dive into the trick that lets you connect your Vizio TV to Wi-Fi without a remote.
The Clever Fix:
Take an ethernet cable and connect your TV to your Wi-Fi router. Then, switch the TV off and on again.
It’s as simple as that!
As soon as the ethernet cable is connected, your TV will automatically connect to the Wi-Fi.
You can then use the Vizio remote app to navigate your TV.
A wired connection can be a reliable permanent solution as well.
However, if your TV is too far from the Wi-Fi router to make this feasible, we can still get it connected using other methods.
The design of Vizio TVs champions the width of the screen, and that’s why they have limited onboard buttons.
Some models even have just one button (the Power button)!
While this sleek design is uncluttered, it does make things tricky if the TV becomes full-on dependent on the remote.
So, you can’t use the physical buttons alone to connect the TV to Wi-Fi.
However, you will need them (the Power button, Volume buttons, and Input button) to launch the network setup process.
If you’re struggling to locate the buttons, give your TV another once-over.
They are usually tucked away on the back, blending in seamlessly.
The user manual for your TV will also guide you to their exact location.
Alternative remotes you can use
Even without the original remote or an ethernet cable, you can still connect your TV to the network.
Here are the alternatives you can use:
- USB keyboard.
- Universal remote.
Pick whichever option is more accessible or convenient for you.
Once the TV is connected to the network, pair it with your Vizio Smartcast app.
Setting up the app
If you don’t have the Vizio Smartcast app yet, download it from the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
Here’s how to connect your TV to the app:
- Open the Vizio Smartcast app and create an account or use it as a guest.
- On the app, tap Select Device > Get Started.
- Select the TV you wish to connect it with.
- Enter the four-digit pin that appears on your TV screen into the app.
Note: Not all Vizio TV units are compatible with the Vizio Smartcast app.
If your TV doesn’t appear on the device list during set up, it likely isn’t compatible with the app.
How to connect Vizio TV to Wi-Fi without remote
1. Use USB keyboard
If you have a desktop computer at home, you can use its keyboard temporarily to set up the Wi-Fi.
This is probably the most accessible alternative you have.
However, to connect a keyboard, you must first perform a factory reset on the TV to initiate the setup process.
Remember, it’s a “factory reset.”
This means all your current configurations and data will be lost. You will need to reinstall the apps and tweak the settings again.
To perform a factory reset, follow these steps:
- Switch on the TV using the Power button.
- Hold down the Volume Down and Input buttons together for 5 seconds.
To connect your TV to the Wi-Fi using a keyboard, follow these steps:
- After the reset, wait for a prompt message to press the Input button.
- Press the Input button for 10 seconds.
- Plug your keyboard into the TV’s USB port.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
Use the arrow keys to move between selection and the Enter key to make a selection. Input your network details using the keyboard.
Once you’ve successfully connected to the network, connect your TV to the Vizio Smartcast app so you can control your TV wirelessly from your comfy sofa.
2. Use a universal remote
Ever heard of a universal remote?
It’s kind of a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to remotes—it might even replace your missing Vizio TV remote.
The cool thing? It can control multiple devices at the same time.
No more playing hot-potato with a bunch of remotes.
Have one lying around? Maybe it’s coupled with your set-top box or soundbar?
Well, you can use that little contraption to set up the Wi-Fi.
To set up your Wi-Fi using a universal remote, follow these steps:
- Turn on the TV using the Power button.
- Press the Setup button on your universal remote, and input the Vizio TV model code (try the code 5-5-6-1).
- Wait for the setup to complete.
- Using the universal remote, navigate to Menu > Network.
- Select your network and input the password.
This could totally be your new normal, especially if you’re using that remote on more than one device.
Would a USB mouse work?
You might be wondering, “If a keyboard works, wouldn’t a mouse too?”
Well, not really.
Plug a USB mouse into your TV and you won’t see a cursor or be able to control anything—it’s a bit of a bummer.
Sure, it’d be neat to explore your TV like a computer screen with a mouse, but it doesn’t look like that’s an option.
That being said, we’re not saying it’s completely off the table.
It didn’t work for me or some other folks, but you might want to give it a whirl.
It wouldn’t hurt to plug a mouse into that USB port.
If it works? Total game-changer.
Wrapping Up
If your TV remote is on the fritz or has mysteriously disappeared, the best fix is to get a new one.
There’s just nothing like having a remote that’s all about your TV.
If your budget’s a bit tight right now or you’re still waiting for your replacement to come in the mail, and your Vizio TV isn’t hooked up to Wi-Fi, an ethernet cable can be your best buddy.
It’ll connect your TV to Wi-Fi automatically—no typing necessary!
Once you’re connected, the Smartcast app can help you navigate your TV.
If you can’t do a wired connection, you’ve still got some cards to play – a keyboard or a universal remote.
A universal remote might be a good long-term solution, but chances are you’ll end up using it on all sorts of devices in different rooms.
You’ll always be better off with a dedicated TV remote.
Haven’t ordered a replacement yet?
You could check out the Vizio online shop. Or head to a brick-and-mortar store like Walmart to grab a Vizio remote or a universal one.
So, how’d it go?
Did you get your TV hooked up to Wi-Fi? What method did you go with?
