How to Set Up Vizio TV Without Remote or Wi-Fi!

Lost your remote? No internet yet? Don’t worry—your Vizio TV can still be set up and used with a few workarounds. Whether you just moved in, misplaced the remote, or haven’t connected to Wi-Fi yet, this guide shows you exactly how to get your TV running without either one.

What You Can Still Do Without a Remote or Wi-Fi:

• Turn the TV on/off
  
  

• Change input source (HDMI, AV, etc.)
  
  

• Adjust volume
  
  

• Connect streaming or cable devices via HDMI
  
  

• Use your phone as a temporary remote
  
  

Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Use the Buttons on the TV

Every Vizio TV has physical buttons—usually on the back or underside of the screen. These may include:

• Power
  
  

• Volume Up/Down
  
  

• Input (Source switcher)
  
  

• Menu (on older models)
  
  

To turn on your TV:

• Press the Power button.
  
  

To change inputs:

• Press the Input button repeatedly until you reach the correct HDMI port.
  
  

Step 2: Connect a Streaming Device or Game Console via HDMI

You don’t need Wi-Fi on the TV itself if you connect a device that can use its own internet, such as:

• Roku, Fire TV, or Chromecast
  
  

• Apple TV
  
  

• PlayStation or Xbox
  
  

• Cable/satellite box
  
  

Steps:

1. Plug the device into an HDMI port.
   
   

2. Use the Input button on the TV to switch to that port.
   
   

3. Use the device’s own remote to control it.
   
   

Your Vizio TV will now act as a display. No remote or TV Wi-Fi required.

Step 3: Use the Vizio Mobile App as a Remote (Once You Have Wi-Fi)

Once you’re connected to Wi-Fi (even temporarily), you can:

1. Download the Vizio Mobile App from the App Store or Google Play.
   
   

2. Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network the TV is on.
   
   

3. Open the app — it will search for and connect to your Vizio TV.
   
   

4. You can now control power, inputs, volume, and apps from your phone.
   
   

No physical remote needed anymore.

Step 4: Use a Universal Remote

If you don’t have Wi-Fi or a smartphone, a universal IR remote is your best option.

• Get an inexpensive universal remote that supports Vizio TVs.
  
  

• Use the manual or auto-programming method to sync it to your TV.
  
  

• You’ll now be able to navigate the full menu, change inputs, and adjust settings.
  
  

Step 5: Use a Wired Ethernet Connection (Optional)

No Wi-Fi? Plug your TV directly into your router or modem using an Ethernet cable.

• Insert the Ethernet cable into the TV’s LAN port.
  
  

• Your Vizio TV should detect the wired connection automatically.
  
  

• Once online, you can perform updates, access SmartCast apps, and connect the Vizio Mobile App.
  
  

What You Can’t Do Without Wi-Fi or a Remote

• Access SmartCast apps (Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc.) without some form of network connection
  
  

• Navigate the full settings menu (you’ll need a remote or app)
  
  

• Use voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant
  
  

• Download updates
  
  

Quick Fixes and Backup Plans

1. Lost the Remote

• Download the Vizio Mobile App on your smartphone (iOS or Android).
  
  

• Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV.
  
  

• Open the app and control your TV directly from your phone.
  
  

• If you don’t have a smartphone, buy a universal IR remote that’s compatible with Vizio TVs.
  
  

2. No Wi-Fi Available

• If your TV is near your router, connect it using an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi.
  
  

• If you have a mobile hotspot on your phone, enable it and connect the TV to it temporarily to get online.
  
  

• Once connected, you can use SmartCast and the Vizio Mobile App.
  
  

3. Can’t Change Input

• Locate the physical buttons on the TV (usually on the side or bottom edge).
  
  

• Press the Input button to cycle through available sources (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.).
  
  

• Stop when you reach the input your device is connected to.
  
  

4. No Phone or App to Control the TV

• Purchase a basic universal remote (costs around $10–15).
  
  

• Make sure it supports Vizio TVs (check the packaging or product listing).
  
  

• Use the remote to access menus, change settings, and navigate SmartCast.
  
  

5. No Network, No Remote, No Phone

• Use the TV’s built-in buttons to turn it on and switch inputs.
  
  

• Plug in a streaming stick (like Roku, Fire Stick, or Chromecast) into an HDMI port.
  
  

• Use the remote that comes with the streaming device to control everything from that point forward.
  
  

Final Tip: Buy a Replacement Remote

For full access to settings, SmartCast, and updates, a remote helps.

• Look for an official Vizio remote or a universal remote with Smart TV support.
  
  

• You can find replacements online for $10–20.
  
  

• Some Vizio models also support voice remote or Bluetooth remotes for added convenience.
  
  

Summary

You can set up and use your Vizio TV without a remote or Wi-Fi—it just takes a few workarounds. Use the TV buttons to power on and switch inputs. Plug in a streaming device with its own remote or internet. Then, once you have Wi-Fi access, download the Vizio Mobile App for full control.