Is Your Vizio Soundbar Not Turning On? Find Fixes Here

If you’ve been hanging around this space for a while, you might know my bias towards American-based businesses. So, when it was time to upgrade my smart TV’s audio system, I knew I had to get my hands on Vizio soundbars. I’ve been eyeing their M Series for a while and knew it would curb my craving for a more neutral sound system with an improved surround performance.

Recently, I had to reset my parents’ Vizio TV (yes, they have me on speed-dial for this!). If that’s something that interests you, check out my step-by-step guide on how to reset your Vizio tv effortlessly. I’ve also compiled an ultimate list of Vizio universal remote codes to help my parents understand my gift; you can find it here!

Seeing my parents enjoy Vizio products, my patience wore thin last year’s holiday season. I went out with my friends for a celebratory dinner, only to return home with my beloved Vizio soundbar. I don’t remember why I took the long route to the restaurant, cutting toward the holiday fiesta when I could have simply walked two streets over. Well, I better not dissect my strange behaviour here; my friends did enough of that at the dinner. 

Fortunately, all that grief wasn’t for nothing. With my Vizio soundbar set up and running, I experienced firsthand why Vizio is the acme of excellence in America. The design of the soundbar is sleek and streamlined, almost refined to perfection. The audio quality was exactly what I had hoped for during my fantasies. Needless to say, I was over the moon. 

Although I did get a reality check soon after when, on one unfortunate evening, my Vizio Sound bar won’t turn on. If it were someone else, they would have panicked, but not me! I got down to the root of the problem and fixed it. If you want to know, scroll down to know more!

To make your Vizio Soundbar work, plug it into a working power outlet, and change your source device’s Audio Output and soundbar’s input. If there is no improvement, re-pair it with its source device, remove all other Bluetooth-enabled devices from its vicinity, and replace its remote batteries.

Why Is My Vizio Sound Bar Not Working?

Usually, when Vizio Soundbar doesn’t work, it either has a connectivity issue or a power supply issue. The specifics of the former revolve around its connection with source devices via Bluetooth, HDMI eARC, Digital Audio Output/Input, Optical cable, etc. Whereas the latter deals with interference with the soundbar’s power supply. 

Anyone with a little money on the line thinks the worst of every situation involving repairs and electronics. It makes sense, considering they are not cheap, but once you get a professional involved, you’ll have to pay even for a simple power cycle. 

That’s no good, is it?

Which is why instead of obsessing over the question, “Why is my Vizio sound bar not working?” I suggest getting down to the business and fixing it.

Vizio Sound Not Working – Solutions 

Not everything needs to be left in the hands of a stranger, especially when it comes to electronics. I’ve had my share of run-ins with the electricians and handymen, which is why I know they always start with the simplest fix and work their way up. 

Even the amateurs can try most of what the professionals recommend at home. I’ve outlined all of them below in order of priority:  

1. Power Cycle Your Vizio Soundbar 

There is no harm in trying the old-school solutions first to test the waters. Power cycling their devices is the first thing people do to reboot them because sometimes, all your soundbar needs is a fresh start. In that regard, resetting works like a charm! 

Power cycling your Vizio soundbar is not as simple as turning it on and off. You must wait a minute or two to let the system breathe and the power frizzle out of its cables. Here’s the correct way to power cycle your Vizio soundbar:

• Step 1:  Press the Power button on your Vizio Soundbar.
• Step 2: Unplug it from its power source.

If you are using your TV’s power source for the soundbar, then you must unplug it from your TV too. 

• Step 3: Wait 1 minute after the unplug.
• Step 4: Plug it again and turn on the soundbar. 

This fix is also valid for when the Vizio sound bar won’t power on.        

2. Secure External Connections

Some Vizio Soundbars use either Digital Audio ports or HDMI connections to receive audio signals from their source devices. A direct and uninterrupted audio signal is essential for the soundbar to give its best. I suggest buying cables that are durable, flexible, and less susceptible to overheating. You don’t need to buy the most expensive HDMI eARC cable Audio Output Toslink on the market; just buy the one with better quality. 

Before making the big purchase, I suggest switching between the ports in case a specific port is acting up. Don’t let dirt pile up in your ports; use a microfiber cloth to regularly clean your TV or any other electronic devices.  

3. Enable the Right Audio Output

When you use your soundbar with a TV, the setup might automatically switch between the TV’s in-built speakers and the soundbar. This happens when your soundbar doesn’t recognize your TV’s Audio Output despite the Bluetooth pairing, resulting in your Vizio soundbar not turning on. 

To ensure your soundbar finds the right Audio Output on your TV, do the following:

• Step 1: Turn on the TV.
• Step 2: Ensure that the TV is paired with your Vizio Soundbar
• Step 3: Find the Input button on the soundbar 
• Step 4: Long-press it until the lights on the soundbar start blinking 
• Step 5: The lights will stop blinking when the soundbar has found the correct Audio Output on your TV.
• Step 6: Play something on your TV, preferably a song with lyrics, to check if the issue is resolved.

If the problem persists, scroll down to the next solution. 

4. Pair Soundbar With TV Again  

If you see the Vizio sound bar not turning on with TV despite being connected to a power source, you have a “Vizio sound bar no power” issue on your hand. I see it happening more often when there is a distance between your Vizio soundbar and the TV. 

Here are a couple of things you can do to avoid a weak Bluetooth connection:

• Keep your soundbar and TV near each other.
• Remove any solid objects between the two.

If your area is plagued by frequent power outages or a similar issue, pair your soundbar and TV again every time electricity comes back on. 

To do this, do as follows: 

• Step 1: Navigate to your TV’s Settings and find the option for Bluetooth connectivity.
• Step 2: Unpair Vizio Soundbar from your TV.

You can try power cycling your TV and soundbar to kill two birds with one stone. 

• Step 3: Press the Bluetooth button on your soundbar. Now, the soundbar is switched to pairing mode.
• Step 4: Turn on your TV’s Bluetooth and search for the soundbar.
• Step 5: Connect the TV with the soundbar. 

You can always try pairing your soundbar with other devices to see if it’s at fault. Also, remove any other Bluetooth devices, connected or not, from its vicinity to stop any interference with its signal. 

Still, the Vizio soundbar won’t turn on? Time for some extreme measures. 

5. Perform Factory Reset

Most troubleshooting journeys start with power cycling and end with a hard factory reset. This solution will eliminate all viruses or bugs from your soundbar and wipe its memory clean; it’s like giving your soundbar a new life and rewriting its preferences. Each Vizio soundbar model has different Factory Reset Settings, so consult your model’s manual to know what needs to be done. Find your model’s User Manual here.

Why My Vizio Sound Bar Won’t Turn On

The “Vizio Sound bar not turning on” issue is specific to power-related discrepancies. It can be anything from an insufficient power supply and faulty cables to a damaged remote. There is always a chance of a circuit breaker tripping and a power outage disrupting the soundbar’s power supply. 

Vizio Sound Bar Won’t Turn On – Solutions

1. Change Vizio Remote Battery 

The signals between your Vizio sound bar and remote weaken beyond the 10 feet parameter. If your Vizio sound bar not turning on with your remote, move closer to your TV. Additionally, remove anything that can block the signals from your remote from reaching your sound bar. 

No luck? 

Try changing the batteries in your Vizio remote. You can check if your remote needs new batteries by putting the old ones in any other device. You can also press the button on your remote and point at the rear camera of your phone. You don’t need to change your remote’s batteries if you see a red light blinking in the camera.  

Struggling again?

Maybe there is something wrong with your Vizio remote. Try replacing it with a new one but not before trying the other solutions I’ve mentioned below. 

2. Supply Stable Power Source

A complete blackout from your soundbar means that the problem is in its power supply, not the remote. This solution is specific to the “Vizio Sound bar no power light” issue. 

Vizio Soundbars don’t have removable batteries that need replacement or a chargeable power circuit. They need a continuous and stable power supply to function optimally. Make sure your soundbar is connected to a working power source. To check if your power outlet is functional, try plugging in different devices in it. 

If you are using a power strip, check its connection with the soundbar. 

3. Change Faulty Power Cable 

Pet owners know the pain of coming across chewed-up power cables and scratched screens all too well. Most of the time, these unfortunate incidents lead to costly and frequent trips to the vet. I am a stickler for preventive measures, so I’d recommend using a mesh gate to prevent your pets and children from wreaking havoc on your home entertainment system. 

If you see any tears or marks on your power cables, replace them with new ones. Damaged power cables are a danger to your devices and a life hazard to your loved ones. Pro Tip: Buy long power cables and use clips or handles to keep them untangled.

FAQS

Q1. Why did my Vizio sound bar stop working?

Answer – Vizio Sound Bars stop working when they are not paired to your TV, have lost their power supply, have HDMI connections or other Bluetooth devices interfering with their signals, have low battery on their remote, and have the wrong audio source. 

Q2. Why my Vizio sound bar won’t turn on?

Answer – Vizio sound bar doesn’t turn on when they have a weak or no power supply, faulty power cables, low battery, or damaged remote. 

Q3. Why is my Vizio sound bar not working with Optical cable?

Answer – Vizio sound bar doesn’t work with Optical cable because of incorrect Audio Output from the source device. It recognises only PCM Audio Output from an Optical connection. Also, press Input on your Vizio remote and change it to Optical.

Conclusion 

This article is no less than a personal journey entry as I have included everything I did to fix my Vizio soundbar a couple of months ago. I have kept my instructions simple, concise, and easy to follow, but if there is still something that confuses you, I’d be happy to help. Comment your questions, and I’ll get back to you at my earliest. If not, you can always share your experience with Vizio soundbars with me.

Until next time,

James