VIZIO has been experiencing technical difficulties with its recent firmware update. It has been causing a plethora of different issues such as backlight problems, slow start-ups, random powering off, flickering screens, and even more. Firmware is essentially a software program or set of rules that are accommodated in the device itself. Some of the VIZIO issues being experienced could be caused by internet issues or minor bugs in the firmware system. A firmware update can occur if a device is facing problems or new features are introduced. However, the update is supposed to correct the niches that need to be fixed, not make the status of the TV worse. Some people have found it helpful to correct these issues by power cycling the TV, which prevents the entrance of “bugs” that can be found in devices connected to the internet. The six-step process to this involves:

1. Power off the device with either the remote or the buttons located on the TV
2. Unplug the TV from the outlet
3. Press and hold the power button directly on the television to drain residual power
4. Plug the TV back into the outlet
5. Power on the TV
6. Attempt to update the TV

If these steps do not work, go with option two: Updating using a thumb drive. Highly recommend a “FAT” formatted 2 GB USB flash drive and a PC.

https://support.vizio.com/s/firmware-search?language=en_US

The four steps to this option include:

1. Download the firmware version from the above link
2. Extract the .zip file (one .zip with two files inside), and place the two files onto a USB drive. However, make sure there is nothing else on the USB drive, and do not put the files in any kind of folder
3. Turn the TV on and place the TV on input with no content showing- you should see a “No Signal” message
4. Inset the newly prepared flash drive into the USB slot. A banner will appear at the top of the display acknowledging the installation of new software. The TV will then reboot, or power off and then power back on). When the TV powers back on it will show a progress bar. When the progress bar is full, the TV will reboot.

To verify the new software has been installed, press the menu button on your VIZIO remote and select System, then System Information. The version should match the above version. Be sure you are looking at “Version” and not “Cast Version”. If the updates have not been yet applied and you are still on the same version as before, try option three.

Option three: Attempt to update with an old firmware file.

We suggest using this method if you are using a VIZIO D24H-G9, D32H-G9, or D40F-G9 and the TV is on version 3.22.xx. You will then use the same steps as option two during the download process. Required for this method would be a “FAT” formatted 2 GB USB flash drive and a PC.

The four steps you would take during this process are:

1. Download the linked firmware file: https://cdn.vizio.com/misc/FW/MG156/4.60.27-1MG156.zip
2. Extract the .zip file (one .zip file with two files inside), and place the two files onto a USB drive. Make sure there is nothing else on the USB drive and do not put the files in any kind of order.
3. Turn the TV on and place the TV on input with no content showing. You should then see a “No Signal” message
4. Insert the newly prepared flash drive into the USB slot. A banner will appear at the top of the display acknowledging the installation of new software. The TV will then reboot- power off and then power back on. When the TV powers back on it will show a progress bar. When the progress bar is full, the TV will then reboot.

To verify the new software has been installed, press the menu button on your VIZIO remote and select System, then System Information. The version should match the above version. Be sure to look at “Version” and not “Cast Version”.

If this option is unsuccessful as well, you may need a replacement Main Board. You can then reach out to us at cs@directtvparts.com to find the correct part for your TV.