Vizio firmware keeps your device secure and stable. Updates to the OS fix known bugs, improve behavior, add features, and much more.
To get the latest version, you could use the automatic updates or model-specific manual files. This is why you need to know the correct, safe way to update for your exact TV model.
Guide on how to update your Vizio Smart TV’s Firmware
Follow these steps to the letter to get the latest software on your set:
1. Confirm your model number and current firmware
Firmware files and instructions are model-specific. Using the wrong file or following the wrong steps can leave you stuck. So start here.
- Look on the TV bezel or the back panel for a sticker.
- Note the model number. Could be E50-E1, M65-E1, etc..
- If there are no such writings:
- Press the V (VIZIO) or Menu button on your remote.
- Navigate to System or Admin & Privacy.
- Find System Information or About to see the model label on-screen.
- Get the firmware version from the same place. So now you have the firmware or OS version number. For instance, 4.60.27.
- You should write both down or take a photo, as you’ll need them for support and for manual download pages.
2. Use the built-in “Check for Updates”
Vizio automatically pushes nearly all updates over the internet. So, using the built-in check is the safest path and the one the brand intends you to use. It avoids manual file handling and model mismatches.
Here is the procedure on how to update your Vizio Smart TV’s firmware automatically:
- Connect to the internet. This is done in Settings > Network > Check connection, or press V/Menu > Network.
- From the remote, press V/Menu or Home > go to System or Admin & Privacy on some models.
- Select Check for Updates. In some models, you will navigate to System > Check for Updates.
- If an update appears, confirm Download & Install. Don’t unplug the TV while it updates. The TV will reboot automatically when finished.
The process takes several minutes. The TV also restarts multiple times. Let it go through the process without interrupting. If there’s no update available, Vizio OS will say you’re up to date.
Also, often the reason an update won’t show is a network problem, not Vizio’s servers. Fixing connectivity will fix update problems in most cases.
- Restart all internet gear.
- Unplug your Vizio for several minutes.
- Plug back in, then check for updates again. This clears many temporary issues.
- Try wired Ethernet from the router directly to the TV and use the menu Network > Wired connection. Wired is more reliable for updates.
- Check date/time. If the TV’s clock is wrong, the update handshake can fail; set Date & Time to automatic under Settings.
- Retry Settings > System > Check for Updates.
If network tests fail, contact your ISP or try the manual USB approach below.
3. Manual USB firmware update
Some older or problem units require a manual update (if OTA fails permanently, if you’re recovering from corrupted firmware, or if community/official instructions require a staged update). Manual updates use a USB thumb drive and a firmware file from Vizio’s support pages. Do this only if Vizio provides a download for your exact model.
Below is the general pattern (model pages may vary):
- Confirm Vizio has a manual firmware file for your model
- Open a web browser on your computer and go to Vizio Support > Firmware Information or search for your model + “firmware” (For instance, “E48u-D0 firmware Vizio”).
- On the model support page, look for a downloadable firmware file and a PDF with USB update instructions. If no file is listed, your model does not support or require USB updates.
- Do not attempt to use files from other models.
- Prepare the USB drive.
- Use a small USB thumb drive of up to 32 GB. Back up any files on it, as the TV requires it to be empty.
- Format it to FAT32.
- If on Windows, just right-click the drive. Go to Format, then choose FAT32 and tap Start.
- On Mac, navigate to Disk Utility. Select MS-DOS.
- Copy and name the file exactly.
- Download the firmware file. Also include the PDF instructions from Vizio’s support page for your model.
- Some models require renaming. So, rename m220mvfwsu.img to something like fwsu.img. Just delete the prefixes to leave the fwsu.img.
- Copy the .img file to the root of your formatted drive. Do not put it inside a folder.
- Perform the USB update.
- Turn the TV on. Set the TV input to a source that shows “No Signal”
- Some instructions require the TV to be on an input with no active external device. Follow the PDF you downloaded exactly.
- Insert the USB drive into the TV’s rear USB port.
- The following general steps include unplugging the power, reinserting the power, and having the TV detect the file and begin the update.
- Other models instruct you to use the Menu to run Update via USB. In short, do exactly what the model PDF instructs.
- Wait as the Vizio installs the firmware. Do not unplug the TV or the USB drive until it finishes. The screen may show progress or reboot several times.
- Verify and remove the USB.
- When the Vizio finishes and returns to the home screen, go to Settings and find System or System Information. Once here, confirm the new firmware version. Only then should you safely remove the USB drive.
What to do if an update fails or the TV won’t boot, and other common problems
If the update stalls or your Vizio set keeps rebooting during install, unplug the power for several minutes. If the TV still loops after powering it on, try manual USB recovery.
For USB update, “No File Found” or “Not Supported”:
- Make sure the USB is FAT32 formatted.
- Ensure the file is in the root and the file name matches any renaming required by the PDF.
- Try a different USB port or a small, good-quality thumb drive.
If after updating apps misbehave, update or reinstall any problematic apps.
Escalate the problem through these avenues if you still have issues:
- Factory reset: If the Vizio set boots to menus, go to Settings > System. Find Reset & Admin or Reset to Factory Defaults. You’ll lose apps and settings, but it will clear update loops caused by corrupted files.
- Contact Vizio Support: If the TV won’t boot or the USB recovery fails, contact Vizio support. Don’t try unofficial firmware from random websites.