
If you can’t turn on your Vizio soundbar…
Don’t panic! It happens a lot of times to many other users.
Plus, it doesn’t always indicate that your audio device is faulty.
I bet you’d be surprised to know how easy it is to troubleshoot.
If you want to know what I mean, then…
Continue reading to learn:
- 15 ways to fix a Vizio soundbar that won’t turn on.
- Where the physical power button on a Vizio soundbar is.
- How to power cycle and reset it to resolve power connectivity errors.
- And so much more…
Why won’t my Vizio soundbar turn on?
Your Vizio soundbar won’t turn on because it’s unplugged from the outlet and has a faulty remote. A damaged power cable, loose outlet, tripped circuit breaker, and turned off power strip or surge protector can also cause the problem. If not, it must be due to electronic glitches or a defective PCB.
Vizio soundbar won’t turn on: 15 fixes
#1: Ensure that the soundbar is plugged in
Vizio soundbars need to be plugged into a power source all the time for them to work.
So, if your device won’t turn on…
Check whether its power cable is connected to an outlet. As someone may have pulled it out accidentally.
To help you out, here are some simple tips and tricks to prevent your soundbar from unplugging:
- Untangle the power cable.
- Use a longer power cable.
- Plug the soundbar into a power strip.
- Install adhesive cable clips or holders.
- Move the soundbar closer to the outlet.
- Place the power cable into a cable organizer box.
Suppose you have kids or pets at home. Consider installing mesh gates near or on the sides of your home entertainment setup.
This helps prevent them from accessing the power cables and ensures their safety.
#2: Use the remote at a closer range
If you’re using the soundbar remote to control your device…
Make sure to use it at a much closer range.
For your Vizio soundbar to respond, the remote should be within10 ft (3 m) from the soundbar.
Otherwise, your soundbar won’t receive the command signals from your remote. And so, it won’t turn on when you press the power button.
Note: The key here is to use the remote in the same room where your Vizio soundbar is.
Reading tip: 9 Steps To Fix Vizio Soundbar Bluetooth Pairing Problems
#3: Remove anything in front of the soundbar
Aside from distance, physical barriers can also affect the responsiveness of your soundbar.
For instance, objects that are in front of your device can block the command signals coming toward it.
Those objects can be a:
- Plant pot.
- Shelf decor.
- Cabinet door.
- Another device.
And even a human body!
So, if someone is standing in front of your Vizio soundbar, shoo them away…in a respectful manner. *smiles*
“Can you explain a little more about how it works?”
Your soundbar and its remote communicates using IR signals. Which is a type of light that isn’t visible to the human eye.
These IR signals travel from point to point.
So, if anything is blocking the soundbar IR sensor, your device will fail to follow the remote command. And so, it won’t turn on.
Note: Usually, the IR sensor of a Vizio soundbar is located right in the front center. Or near the physical control buttons.
#4: Replace the remote batteries
If that didn’t resolve anything, see whether your remote still has battery power.
And to do that, try this simple test:
Step 1: Grab any mobile device that has a rear camera. And open its camera app.
Step 2: Point the front of the remote to the camera lens.
Step 3: Press any button on the remote.
If you see a red light on the camera coming from the remote, your remote is fine. And you should try other solutions below instead.
But if not, it means that your remote battery is already drained. And you should replace the batteries as soon as possible.
Depending on your Vizio soundbar remote model, get:
When inserting a new set of batteries, make sure to put them in the correct position. Keep in mind the positive and negative contacts.
#5: Replace the soundbar remote
“I’ve already replaced my remote batteries. But my Vizio soundbar won’t still turn on.”
If that’s the case, then perhaps your remote is faulty.
And many things can cause that to happen, including:
- Old age.
- Excessive use.
- Water damage.
- Physical impact.
These things aren’t something that you can easily fix on your own. Especially if you’re not a tech expert.
So, if any of these happened on your soundbar remote, consider getting a replacement.
When getting a replacement, get one that’s compatible with your Vizio soundbar and remote.
And if you can, buy one directly from the Vizio shop.
#6: Press the physical power button
Suppose you can’t use your soundbar remote. Or the replacement isn’t arriving anytime soon…
Turn on your Vizio soundbar by pressing the physical power button.
All Vizio soundbars have physical control buttons. And they’re usually at the top center of the device.
However, the button styles vary depending on the soundbar model.
Now, here’s how to turn on your soundbar using the physical power button:
Step 1: Locate the control button on top of the device. They’re usually dark gray or black in color.
Step 2: Look for the POWER button, which has a circle-with-a-slash icon. And it’s usually the first button from the left.
Step 3: Press it once. Doing this should make the power button light up. Which indicates that the device is powered ON.
If not, then your soundbar is experiencing other issues. So, check the other fixes below.
#7: Reconnect the power cable
If you can’t turn on your soundbar using the physical power button either…
Then, there must be a problem with its power connection.
One easy way to troubleshoot power-related issues is to reconnect the power cable.
Doing this restarts the device. Which helps resolve glitches on its circuit board.
Here’s what you should do:
Step 1: Access the power cable of your Vizio soundbar.
Step 2: Disconnect one end of the power cable from the soundbar power port. It should be at the back of the device, alongside the input ports.
Step 3: Disconnect the other end of the cable from the power source.
Step 4: Reconnect the power cable to the soundbar first.
Step 5: Then, insert the cable prongs to the power source.
After that, you should be able to turn on your device either by pressing the power button on the remote. Or the physical power button on the device itself.
You might also like: Why does my Vizio soundbar subwoofer keep cutting out?
#8: Power cycle the soundbar
Or you can power cycle your Vizio soundbar to resolve power connectivity issues.
Note: This just simply restarts the device and deletes temporary data (RAM). So, you don’t need to worry about it getting disconnected from your other devices.
Here’s how to properly do it:
Step 1: Unplug the soundbar power cable from the power source.
Step 2: Press the POWER button on the device for about 5 seconds.
Step 3: Replug the soundbar from the power source.
Once done, try turning on your device.
If it still doesn’t work, try the next troubleshooting method below.
#9: Replace the power cable
No matter how hard you troubleshoot your soundbar…
If its power cable is damaged, your device won’t turn on.
So, if you can’t still use your Vizio soundbar at this point, check its power cable.
And look for any of these signs:
- Bite marks.
- Exposed wirings.
- Burnt or bent prongs.
- Badly bent wire, especially near the prongs.
If your soundbar power cable has any of these, consider it damaged. And make sure to get a 2-prong cable replacement immediately.
Note: A cable can also be defective without these obvious signs.
So, make sure to test other cables first. Before trying other fixes.
Editor’s pick: (13 Fixes) Vizio Soundbar No Sound
#10: Reset the circuit breaker

Do some of your devices don’t work as well? If yes, continue reading this section.
During a power surge, the circuit breaker will trip to prevent electrical hazards. Which shuts off the connected devices.
So, if your Vizio soundbar suddenly won’t turn on, check its circuit break. And see if it has been tripped.
Note: The circuit breaker is tripped if the switch is positioned in the middle.
To fix this issue, reset the circuit breaker.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Locate the circuit breaker of your media devices.
Step 2: Toggle the switch off and on twice.
After that, the circuit breaker switch should be in the ON position.
#11: Plug the soundbar into another outlet
Suppose your Vizio soundbar is the only device that isn’t working properly…
Try plugging your device into another power outlet.
The reason:
A power outlet can become faulty over time. Either due to old age or repeated exposure to power surges.
“How would I know if my outlet is faulty?”
There are 2 ways you can test its functionality:
- By using an outlet tester.
- By plugging other devices into the same outlet.
Using an outlet tester can be a little tricky. Especially if you’re not familiar with how electricity works.
So, I suggest just trying other devices on the same outlet.
To do that, plug a smartphone or wireless speaker into the same outlet. If it doesn’t turn on as well, then the outlet is definitely faulty.
And you should plug your soundbar into another nearby working power source.
#12: Turn ON the power strip or surge protector
Are you using a power strip or surge protector for your Vizio soundbar?
If yes, then make sure that it’s powered ON.
Note: This solution only works for power strips and surge protectors with a power button. If yours doesn’t have one, jump to the next solution.
The power strip and surge protector with a switch also acts as the soundbar’s power switch.
When turned off, it blocks the electricity from the outlet to your device. Which can make your soundbar appear “broken.”
So, if your soundbar isn’t turning on, toggle ON the switch of your power strip or surge protector.
#13: Use another power strip or surge protector
If your soundbar remote is fine, and the power outlet is working…
Perhaps your power strip or surge protector is defective.
Since it holds and controls the flow of electricity, it’s prone to overloading and short circuits. Which can cause the device to fail.
Consider it faulty if:
- Its LED light doesn’t light up.
- The other devices plugged into it don’t work as well.
If this is your case, replace your power strip or surge protector.
Note: Make sure to get one that can hold the voltage of your soundbar and other devices.
To get the best of it, buy a power strip with a surge protector.
#14: Factory reset the soundbar
If nothing has worked, reset your Vizio soundbar to its factory default.
Warning: Doing this deletes all data and disconnects your soundbar from other devices. So, only do this as your last option.
This is one of the very effective ways to resolve any power connectivity errors.
Not to mention that it’s super easy to perform.
Here’s how to do it:
Note: The steps may vary slightly depending on your device model. So, check your product manual as well.
Step 1: Ensure that the soundbar is plugged into a power source.
Step 2: Locate the Bluetooth and volume down buttons on top of the device.
Step 3: Press and hold the buttons for about 5 seconds.
The process is successful if you see the LED lights blink.
You can also watch this video to know where the specific buttons are located:
#15: Contact Vizio support
Suppose factory resetting your soundbar didn’t work as well, contact Vizio support.
But before you do that, make sure to prepare the following:
- Date of purchase.
- Warranty information.
- Vizio soundbar serial number.
- Vizio soundbar model number.
Depending on the issue of your soundbar, they may either offer to repair your device. Or provide you a product replacement or discount.