how to clear cache on vizio tv

Clearing the cache on a Vizio TV can help resolve issues with apps not working correctly, sluggish performance, or other software-related problems. Here’s a step-by-step guide to clearing cache on your Vizio TV:

Understanding Vizio TV Models

Before we begin, it’s important to understand that the steps to clear cache may vary depending on the model and platform (Vizio Internet Apps (VIA), Vizio Internet Apps Plus (VIA Plus), or SmartCast) of your Vizio TV. Unfortunately, on many newer Vizio SmartCast TVs, there’s no direct way to clear the cache as you would on a computer or smartphone. However, you can perform other actions to effectively refresh the system.

Clearing Cache on VIA or VIA Plus Models

If your Vizio TV runs on the VIA or VIA Plus platform, follow these steps:

1. Press the ‘Menu’ or ‘V’ button on your Vizio remote control to open the menu.
2. Using the arrow keys, navigate to the ‘System’ or ‘Help’ section.
3. Now look for an option that says ‘Clear Memory’, ‘Clear Cache’, or ‘Factory Reset’.
4. Select this option and confirm that you wish to proceed. Please be aware that this may log you out of any apps and erase personal settings.
5. Wait for the TV to complete the process, which might take several minutes.
6. Once the process is complete, you’ll need to set up your TV again.

Refreshing Cache on SmartCast Models

For Vizio SmartCast TVs, follow these generic steps to ‘refresh’ the system, which can help clear temporary files:

1. Power off your Vizio TV using the remote control or the power button on the TV itself.
2. Unplug the power cord from the back of the TV or from the electrical outlet.
3. Wait for about 60 seconds. During this time, press and hold the power button on the TV for 15 seconds. (Note: The power button on the TV, not on the remote control).
4. Plug the TV back in and power it on.
5. Check to see if the performance issues have been resolved.

While this method doesn’t explicitly clear the cache, it helps refresh the TV’s system, which can free up memory and performance resources.

Factory Reset as Last Resort

If the steps above do not resolve your issue, you can consider a full factory reset. However, keep in mind that a factory reset will erase all your personalized settings and data on the TV:

1. Press the ‘Menu’ button on the remote control and navigate to ‘System’ or ‘Settings’.
2. Find and select ‘Reset & Admin’ or a similar option.
3. Choose ‘Reset TV to Factory Defaults’ or ‘Reset to Factory Settings’.
4. Enter your parental lock code if prompted (the default is usually ‘0000’).
5. Confirm that you want to reset the TV.
6. Allow the TV to go through the reset process, which could take a few minutes.

Contacting Vizio Support

If after trying these steps, you’re still experiencing issues, it may be worth contacting Vizio customer support for further assistance or to see if there are any model-specific instructions for clearing the cache.

Final Notes

Always ensure that your Vizio TV’s firmware is up to date, as updates often include improvements and fixes that could resolve cache-related issues without having to clear the cache manually.