Color issues on Vizio TV can occur in many forms, such as a faded picture, blurry screen, or lines running across the screen. If you are facing any of these issues, this troubleshooting guide will help.
Although rare, color problems can occur on a Vizio TV. But to know exactly the source of the problem, you have to know the exact issue you are facing.
For example, does the color appear faded, or is the screen blurry, but the images are not disturbed? Or do the colors look completely different compared to another TV?
These are the most common causes of Vizio TV color problems:
- Incorrect Picture Mode settings.
- Problematic HDMI cable.
- Loose HDMI, Component, or AV-S Video cable
- Outdated software
- Damage to internal components of your TV, especially the T-Con board.
So, how do you troubleshoot Vizio TV color problems?
This guide will only deal with issues with color. We have a separate guide for TVs with backlight and sound but no pictures. Make sure to check it out.
How to troubleshoot color problems on Vizio TV
Color problems on Vizio TV do not have a standalone solution. You may have to go through several troubleshooting steps before you find a working solution.
1. Check Picture Settings
Consider changing the Picture Settings in your Vizio TV as the first step of fixing color problems. Depending on your model, set the picture mode to Custom.
It may also be necessary to turn off other features, such as Ambient Light Sensor and Adaptive Luma.
- Press the MENU button on your remote.
- Select Picture.
- Change the Picture Mode to Custom.
- Select More and go to Advanced Picture.
- Select Adaptive Luma and change the setting to OFF.
- Then, Select Ambient Light Sensor and change the setting to OFF.
- Return to Picture Settings and change the settings on the menu.
If the option does not work, set all options in the Advanced Picture menu to OFF.
Consider toggling through the various Picture Modes in the Picture Settings. If factory default Picture Modes still cause color issues, set the Picture Mode to Custom. Then, adjust each setting until you correct the color problem.
2. Reset the Vizio Picture settings
Another way to fix colors is by resetting the current Picture setting.
- Press the MENU button on your remote.
- Select Picture.
- Select More.
- Select Reset Picture Mode and press OK.
- Confirm your selection.
Try switching between videos to see whether the issue is fixed.
3. Power cycle your Vizio TV
A power cycle will erase any memory issues causing the picture problem in your Vizio TV.
- Disconnect the power cord from the source.
- Hold down the power button on the side of the TV for at least five seconds.
- Reconnect the TV’s power cord and power on the TV.
Check whether a power cycle has fixed the problem.
4. Check the TV connections
Color distortion in Vizio TVs can also be due to cables that are not correctly connected. Therefore, check for any loose connections, particularly with the HDMI input.
Ensure the HDMI input is correct. In other words, if your video device is in HDMI 1, connect it to HDMI 1 on your TV.
Also, understand there is a correlation between picture quality and HDMI cable. Technically, a high-quality HDMI cable produces richer colors. Therefore, ensure you only use a compatible HDMI 2.1 cable.
If the cable is damaged, pictures will appear blurry or flicker. You should replace the damaged cable to fix this issue. Consider the iVANKY high-speed HDMI 2.1 cable with HDR 10+ support.
If there’s no change after switching the cable, it could be down to an issue with the HDMI ports.
5. Use a different viewing program
The color problem on your Vizio TV may be from something other than the TV itself or the video source.
Therefore, try viewing a video from a different source, like a DVD player or game console. If the new source does not have a color problem, then the previous video source requires some fixing. Consider updating or power cycling it.
6. Check for antenna interference
If you use a Vizio TV with an antenna, check it to ensure nothing interferes with it.
Antenna interference causes image distortion in TVs. Things that may cause interference include light switches, smartphone chargers, and other electronic components in your room.
Therefore, ensure nothing interferes with the antenna. You can also move the antenna to a different position.
7. Turn HDR ON or OFF
Vizio TVs have an HDR format that increases the contrast ratio. With HDR content, you will see more vivid colors, including darker black tones and brighter whites.
To enable HDR on Vizio TV:
- Find the HDMI port on your Vizio TV and connect the streaming device. The preferred port is HDMI 1 for HDR compatibility.
- Once connected, go to your Vizio TV’s Menu using the remote.
- Select Input Settings.
- Select HDMI port 1.
- Turn ON the Full UHD Color option.
The steps above will enable HDR content on the TV.
Although HDR has vibrant colors, sometimes, you experience a wider contrast than the standard image output. Therefore, turn it OFF if the color problem occurs because HDR is ON.
To turn off HDR on Vizio:
- Go to the Picture menu.
- Select More Picture.
- Select HDR.
- Toggle OFF the feature.
Restart your TV to see if you have fixed the issue.
8. Reset your Vizio TV to factory default
If the other suggestions didn’t work, you might have to factory reset your TV.
Factory resetting the TV means that you will lose your presets. Take a picture of any settings you would like to restore after the reset.
- Press the Menu button on your VIZIO remote.
- Select System.
- Select Reset & Admin.
- Select Reset to Factory Settings.
After the factory reset, see if you have fixed the color issue. Also, you will want to set the Picture Settings to your liking by adjusting features like brightness, color temperature, tint, and contrast.