New year’s Eve is all about spending the best time with family, relatives & friends.
This year, we had a little family get-together at my home.
With pizza and popcorn ready, we had planned on making the best of our time together by watching a feel-good movie.
Scrolling through several family-friendly movie titles, we decided to go with Slumberland on Netflix.
I turned on my Vizio TV and clicked on the Netflix app icon.
To my surprise, a black screen appeared on the TV while I kept waiting for the app to load.
I even tried restarting the Netflix app several times but nothing helped.
Amidst our hectic schedule, we’d hardly have another chance for a family gathering in the following months.
To make sure we don’t lose out on this opportunity, I started Googling to find quick troubleshooting methods to solve the Netflix app black screen issue on my Vizio TV.
Searching through websites, community forums and reading relevant articles for over an hour, I finally found a solution that worked for users with the same issue.
Here’s what got the Netflix app running again and helped us enjoy the movie on Vizio TV:
To fix the Netflix app not working on Vizio TV, perform a factory reset on it. Press the “Menu Button” on the remote and select “System”. Navigate to “Reset & Admin” and click on “Reset TV to Factory Defaults”.
Factory Reset Your Vizio TV
Performing a factory reset is one of the most effective solutions to get the Netflix app up and running on your Vizio TV again.
Note that a factory reset will delete all the applications on your TV and reset all the settings back to default.
This implies that you’ll have to reinstall all applications including Netflix and log into your Netflix account again.
Follow these instructions to factory reset your Vizio TV:
- Press the Menu Button on your Vizio TV Remote
- Select the System option from the TV menu
- Navigate and select Reset & Admin option
- Finally, find and click on Reset TV to Factory Defaults
- If asked for a PIN, enter 0000 as the default value and click OK
- After your TV reboots, reinstall the Netflix app and log into your account
- Check if the Netflix app is working properly now
Power Cycle the Vizio Smart TV
While factory resetting your TV is most likely to fix issues related to the Netflix app, it’s a quite lengthy procedure and requires reinstalling all TV applications.
In case you want to try a quick and easy alternative before factory resetting your Vizio Smart TV, try power cycling it once.
A power cycle (also known as a soft reset) closes all background processes and applications running on the TV before it restarts.
This helps fix any minor bugs or temporary glitches that may lead to app crashes or black screen issues on the Netflix app.
There are two different ways to power cycle your Vizio TV– Using Soft Power Cycle Feature and Unplugging the TV
Using Soft Power Cycle Feature
Your Vizio TV has an effective Soft Power Cycle Feature that allows users to power cycle the TV directly from Settings.
Here’s how:
- Press the Menu Button on your TV Remote
- Go to System and select Reset & Admin
- Now click on Soft Power Cycle
- Once the TV restarts, try using the Netflix app again
Unplugging the TV
I’d recommend going with this method if the Soft Power Cycle Feature didn’t fix the issue:
- Unplug your TV from the power outlet
- Wait for at least 60 seconds (don’t rush this step)
- Meanwhile, press and hold the power button on your TV for 30 seconds. This will drain out any residual power left and allows the TV to soft reset properly
- Now plug the TV back in and turn it ON
- Try opening the Netflix app again and it should work perfectly now
Clear Netflix App Cache
Clearing the Netflix app’s cache can help solve several issues with the app including freezing issues, slow streaming, app crashes, and audio stuttering.
In case you’re not aware, an app cache is a collection of temporary data used to speed up certain processes.
The size of the app cache varies based on how old the app was installed on your device.
All the apps on your Vizio TV have cache files accumulated over time.
These files can get corrupt and cause certain issues while you try to use an app on your device.
Here’s how you can clear the Netflix App Cache on Vizio TV:
- Press the Menu Button on your Vizio TV Remote
- Now go to the Settings menu
- Select Apps & Go to System apps
- Search for the Netflix app and click on it
- Click the Clear Cache option
- Press OK to confirm
- Now try starting the Netflix app again
Reinstall the Netflix App on Vizio TV
Reinstalling the Netflix app can help fix the app not loading and freezing issues.
Here’s how to uninstall and reinstall the Netflix app on your Vizio TV:
and reinstall the Netflix app on the Vizio TV:
- Press the Home/Menu Button on your Vizio TV Remote
- From the app menu, select the Netflix app
- Press and hold the center button
- Now select Uninstall or Delete Netflix app from the pop-up message
- Once the app is uninstalled, go to the apps menu and search for the Netflix app again
- Click on Install and wait for the Netflix app to install again
- Open the app and sign into your Netflix account and check if it’s working properly.
Update Vizio Smart TV Firmware
Firmware updates can help fix minor bugs causing issues with apps on your Vizio TV.
Follow these steps to update the Vizio TV Firmware:
- Press the Home/Menu Button on your Vizio TV
- From the drop-down menu, select System
- Click on Check for Updates if available
- Once the update is installed, restart your TV and try using the Netflix app again
Check for Netflix Server Unavailability
Though less likely, there’s a chance that Netflix servers might be down when you’re trying to stream content on your Vizio TV.
Try using Netflix on other devices such as your smartphone or laptop to check if it’s working properly.
Go through the official social media handles of Netflix such as Twitter to check if they’ve posted something about server issues.
You can also use a third-party website known as DownDetector to verify if Netflix servers are available.
The website also provides real-time updates related to server issues based on your location.
If the Netflix servers are down, all you can do is wait until they fix it.
However, if there’s no issue related to the servers, move on to the next troubleshooting method.
Check your Network Connection
An unstable internet connection is most likely to cause issues with the Netflix app on your Vizio TV such as slow streaming, buffering, app not loading, etc.
I’d recommend going for the following manual checks to determine if there’s any problem with your internet connection:
- Check your network or connection speed via other devices (smartphones, laptops, etc.)
- Use any app that requires a high-speed internet connection such as YouTube, and check if it is working properly (no buffering or streaming issues)
- Perform a speed test on Google or Speedtest.net
Moreover, if you’re able to get into the Netflix app, you can also perform an in-app network check:
- Once in the Netflix app, go to Settings
- Navigate to Get Help
- Finally, click on Check Your Network and wait for the test to complete
Check the test results to ensure that there is no issue related to the network connection that is responsible for Netflix not working properly on your TV.
Netflix recommends up to 3 Mbps speed for High Definition (HD) and up to 5 Mbps for Full High Definition (FHD) streaming.
In case your internet speed is less than 3 Mbps, you’re most likely to experience buffering or slow streaming issues while using the Netflix app.
Upgrade your internet plan if you’re not on a high-speed network plan yet.
In case you encounter issues with the internet while performing the above manual checks to test your internet connection, restarting your WiFi router can help solve them.
Here’s how:
- Unplug your router from the power outlet
- Wait for about 30 seconds and then plug it back in
- Connect your Vizio TV to the router and try to access Netflix again
Get in Touch With Vizio or Netflix Support
As a last resort, getting in touch with Vizio Support may fix issues related to the Netflix app on your TV.
Authorized technical experts will provide the best possible solution available based on your issue.
You can visit the Vizio Customer Support page and search for verified solutions related to your specific issue.
You can also opt for a Customer Support Callback Request by filling out a form on the page describing your issue along with the TV model number, adding relevant images, etc.
For app-related issues such as a black screen with no sound issue, freezing, or stuck at loading, you can also connect with the customer support team at Netflix Help Center
Choose to connect with a verified Netflix Customer Service agent via a call or chat and describe your issue.
Bonus Tip: Alternative Ways To Use Netflix on Your Vizio Smart TV (100% Working)
I can sense the disappointment if none of the above-mentioned solutions have helped get the Netflix app up and running on your Vizio TV again.
To help you quickly get rid of the hassle of trying to fix the Netflix TV app, here are two easy alternatives to start streaming right away:
- Pair Your Phone/Laptop with Vizio TV
- Connect To A Streaming Device
Pair Your Phone/Laptop with Vizio TV
You can easily pair your phone or laptop with the Vizio Smart TV via screen-sharing while using the Netflix app.
Note that the procedure for screen-sharing will vary based on the smartphone you’re using.
You can choose to share the laptop/PC screen via HDMI cable on the Vizio TV.
Alternatively, you can use the screen-sharing or screen mirroring features available on your smartphone to establish a wireless connection.
Either way, once the screen is shared on the TV, open the Netflix app or website on your device and start streaming.
Note: This method won’t be useful if you’re on a mobile plan of Netflix.
Connect To A Streaming Device
Almost all leading streaming devices such as Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Roku are compatible with Netflix.
You can couple a streaming device and add the Netflix app to start streaming.
In case you don’t have a streaming device at home, I’d highly recommend investing a few dollars to get one.
This is because streaming devices provide the best possible streaming experience with high-end processors, an easy user interface, several streaming platform options, and the latest software.
Here’s how to couple a USB Stick streaming device including Fire TV Stick, Roku, or Chromecast on your Vizio TV:
- Plug the device into the HDMI port of the Vizio TV
- Change the input source of the TV to the HDMI port where the device is plugged in
- Once the streaming device home screen appears, add Netflix under the Apps/Channels section
- Open the Netflix app and start streaming
Stream ON
There may be several issues with the Netflix app on your Vizio TV such as the app freezing, not responding, not loading, a black screen issue, slow streaming, etc.
Based on the problem you’re facing, the troubleshooting methods may vary.
The most effective solution to solve issues with the Netflix app on your Vizio TV is to factory reset it.
A factory reset removes all applications and deletes existing app data on your TV.
Once the reset is complete, install the Netflix app again and log into your account. It should start working properly now.
A quick alternative to factory reset is power cycling your Vizio TV.
This stops all background processes and safely reboots your TV. Once the TV restarts, your Netflix app may start working normally again
The Netflix app on your Vizio TV may have corrupt cache files causing black screen or app freezing issues.
Thus, clearing the Netflix app cache can help solve it.
Try reinstalling the Netflix app on your TV and check if that helps solve your problem.
Ensure that the Vizio TV firmware and Netflix app are up to date to rule out any compatibility issues leading to app crashes or stuck at loading issues.
Going for a streaming device on your Vizio Smart TV can help cover all your streaming needs and ensure that you get the best possible streaming experience.
Smart TV processors aren’t ideal to support streaming apps such as Netflix for the long term.
Lack of processing power on your TVs can also cause apps to freeze and stop responding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to fix Netflix not working on my Vizio TV?
Factory resetting the Vizio Smart TV can help fix issues related to the Netflix app.
Before going for the factory reset, try power cycling your TV. Simply unplug the TV from the power outlet and leave it for about 60 seconds.
Meanwhile, press and hold the power button for 30 seconds. Plug the TV back in and try using the Netflix app.
How to check if Netflix servers are down?
Go through the official social media handles of Netflix such as Twitter to check if they’ve posted something about server issues.
You can visit the official Netflix status page for server issues or also verify through a third-party website DownDetector.com to get real-time status updates about Netflix server issues.
Does my Vizio Smart TV need an update?
Vizio Smart TVs automatically update to the latest firmware if they’re connected to the internet.
However, you can always try to check if your TV is up-to-date in case you’re having trouble using certain apps on it.
Here’s a guide to check or update your Vizio Smart TV firmware:
- Press the Home/Menu Button on your Vizio TV
- From the drop-down menu, select System
- Click on Check for Updates if available
- Once the update is installed, restart your TV and try using the Netflix app again
How do I uninstall and reinstall apps on my Vizio TV?
To fix issues related to apps on your Vizio TV, you can try reinstalling them.
Follow this easy guide to uninstall and reinstall apps on your TV:
- Press the Home/Menu Button on your Vizio TV Remote
- From the app menu, select the app you need to uninstall
- Press and hold the center button
- Now select Uninstall or Delete the app from the pop-up message
- Once the app is uninstalled, go to the apps menu and search for the same app again
- Click on Install and wait for the app to reinstall on your TV
What is the latest Vizio TV Update?
According to the official Vizio Support Page, the current firmware version for Vizio TVs is 1.520.24.2-2.
The new update provides a new quick setting menu, easy switching between WiFI networks, HBO Max playability improvements, etc.
