How to Update Vizio Smart TV Firmware

Updating your Vizio Smart TV’s firmware ensures you have the latest features, performance improvements, and security patches. This guide walks you through checking your current version and updating via the TV’s menu or USB drive, and covers what to do if the update fails.

What You’ll Need

Your Vizio Smart TV remote
A stable internet connection (for the on-TV method)
A USB flash drive (for the manual method, if needed)
A computer with internet access (for downloading the firmware file)

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Update Over the Internet (Recommended)

Turn on your Vizio Smart TV and press the Menu button on your remote.
Use the arrow keys to navigate to System and press OK.
Select Check for Updates and press OK. The TV will now check for available updates.
If an update is found, select Update and press OK. The TV will begin downloading the update.
Wait for the download to complete. The TV may restart automatically during the process. Do not turn off the TV or unplug it while the update is installing.
Once the update is installed, the TV will restart and return to normal operation. You can verify the new firmware version by going to System > System Information.

Method 2: Update via USB Flash Drive

On your computer, go to the Vizio support website and navigate to the Support > Product Support page.
Enter your TV’s model number (found on the back of the TV or in the System Information menu) and search.
Locate the Firmware or Software section and download the latest firmware file. It will usually be a ZIP file.
Extract the ZIP file. You should see a file with a .bin or .img extension.
Copy the extracted file directly to the root (top-level) of a USB flash drive. Do not place it inside any folders.
Eject the USB drive safely from your computer.
Turn on your Vizio TV and plug the USB drive into one of the TV’s USB ports.
A message should appear on the TV screen asking if you want to update. Select Yes.
Wait for the update to complete. The TV may restart several times. Keep the USB drive plugged in until the TV returns to the home screen.
After the update, remove the USB drive and verify the firmware version in System > System Information.

Common Mistakes

Interrupting the update: Turning off the TV or unplugging it during the update can permanently damage the firmware. Always wait for the process to complete.
Using a wrong firmware file: Downloading firmware for a different model can cause the update to fail or brick the TV. Double-check your model number.
Placing the firmware file in a folder: The USB method requires the file to be at the root of the drive. If it’s in a folder, the TV won’t recognize it.
Not formatting the USB drive correctly: The USB drive should be formatted as FAT32. If it’s NTFS or exFAT, the TV may not read it.
Using a USB drive with other files: Some TVs have issues if the drive contains other files. For best results, use a clean USB drive.

Tips

Keep your TV connected to the internet regularly to receive automatic updates in the background.
Write down your current firmware version before updating, so you can confirm the update was successful.
If you have a Vizio SmartCast TV, you can also check for updates via the SmartCast home screen: go to Settings (gear icon) > System > Check for Updates.
To ensure a stable internet connection during the update, use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi if possible.
If the TV is wall-mounted, make sure you have easy access to the USB port before starting the manual update.

Troubleshooting

Update fails or gets stuck: If the update fails or the TV freezes during the process, try the following:

Unplug the TV from the wall outlet for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and try the update again.
If using the internet method, restart your router and ensure a strong connection.
If using the USB method, reformat the USB drive to FAT32, re-download the firmware file, and try again.
Try a different USB port on the TV.

TV does not recognize the USB drive: Verify the drive is formatted as FAT32 and the firmware file is at the root. Also, ensure the file is not corrupted by re-downloading it.

TV shows “No update available” but you know there is one: Wait a few days and try again. Updates are often rolled out gradually. You can also try the manual USB method.

TV is stuck on the Vizio logo after an update: This is rare but can happen. Unplug the TV for 10 minutes, then plug it back in. If it still doesn’t boot, you may need to perform a factory reset (check your manual) or contact Vizio support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my Vizio TV model number?

You can find the model number on the back of the TV, usually on a sticker or metal plate. It’s also listed in the TV’s menu under System > System Information.

How long does a Vizio TV firmware update take?

Most updates take 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the update and your internet speed. The TV may restart during the process.

Will updating firmware erase my settings and apps?

No, a standard firmware update preserves your settings, channels, and installed apps. However, it’s always a good idea to note your settings in case a rare update resets them.

Can I downgrade to an older firmware version?

Vizio does not officially support downgrading firmware. Attempting to install an older version can cause issues, so it’s not recommended.

Why does my TV say “No update available” when I know there is one?

Updates are often rolled out in phases. If your TV hasn’t received it yet, wait a few days and check again. You can also manually download the firmware from Vizio’s website and install via USB.

What should I do if the update fails and my TV is now unresponsive?

Unplug the TV for at least 30 seconds and plug it back in. If it still doesn’t respond, try the manual USB update method. If that fails, contact Vizio support for further assistance.

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