Vizio TV Keeps Restarting — How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Unplug the Vizio TV for 60 seconds to break a SmartCast crash loop. If it restarts during heavy use, overheating is likely — ensure the TV has clear ventilation space. If it restarts every few minutes even after a factory reset, the power supply board is failing.

Affected Models

Vizio V-Series
Vizio M-Series
Vizio P-Series
Vizio OLED
Vizio E-Series

Common Causes

Corrupted SmartCast firmware update causing a reboot loop
Overheating triggering the TV's thermal protection shutdown
HDMI-CEC command from a connected device sending a reboot signal
Failing power supply board causing voltage drops under load
SmartCast app crash causing the system to restart

How to Fix It

Power cycle the TV

Unplug from the wall for 60 seconds, then plug back in. This clears a SmartCast crash loop that a remote restart cannot fix.
Check for a pending firmware update

Menu → Admin & Privacy → Check for Updates. An interrupted SmartCast update is a leading cause of reboot loops on Vizio TVs. Connect to Wi-Fi and allow any available update to complete fully.
Disable CEC

Menu → Admin & Privacy → CEC → Off. A soundbar, Blu-ray player, or game console can send CEC commands that the Vizio TV interprets as a reboot request.
Check ventilation

Vizio TVs need at least 4 inches of clearance on all sides. Do not place the TV in a closed cabinet. If the TV shuts off after being on for 20–30 minutes, overheating is the cause.
Factory reset

Menu → Admin & Privacy → Reset TV to Factory Defaults → enter the PIN (default 0000). A factory reset clears corrupted SmartCast data. You will need to re-add apps and Wi-Fi afterward.

When to Call a Professional

If restarts continue every few minutes after a factory reset with no apps running, the power supply board is failing. Contact Vizio support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vizio TV restarts every time I change the input — why?

A CEC-enabled device is sending a restart signal when the input changes. Disable CEC: Menu → Admin & Privacy → CEC → Off. Then test input switching again.

Vizio TV restarted after a firmware update — is it bricked?

Probably not — a single restart after an update is normal. If it is stuck in a restart loop, unplug for 60 seconds. The update typically completes successfully on the next boot.

Vizio TV restarts only during streaming — why?

Streaming puts a higher processing load on the SmartCast chip. This can trigger overheating or reveal a power supply instability. Check ventilation first, then contact Vizio support if the issue persists.