How to Scan for Channels on Vizio TV Without Remote

When you plug in a new set-top box to your Vizio TV, scanning for channels is essential to watch live TV. If you have a remote, channel scanning can be done simply by visiting the TV settings menu. In case the remote has been lost or not working, the task becomes challenging. Fortunately, there are alternate ways to scan channels on Vizio TV without a remote, such as using physical buttons, remote apps, and more. In this guide, we have explained the procedure for performing a channel scan on a Vizio TV in the absence of a remote.

Use the Physical Buttons to Scan for Channels on Vizio TV

The easiest method to scan for channels on Vizio TV when you don’t have a remote is using the physical buttons. The physical buttons available on your Vizio TV are the Input/Menu button, Power button, and Volume buttons. The location of those physical buttons on your Vizio TV will vary depending on the TV model. It may be on the back side of the TV, at the left or at the right side of the panel.

1. Press the Menu button on your TV panel and navigate to the Settings option.

2. Scroll down to the TV channels option and select it.

3. In that, select the Find Channels option, and your Vizio TV will scan for channels.

If you use an old Via Plus Vizio TV, there will be a slight change in the steps to scan for channels.

1. Press the Menu button on the TV to bring up the settings.

2. From the list, highlight the Tuner option and set Tuner Mode to Cable or Antenna based on how your TV is connected.

3. Once you set the Tuner Mode, scroll down and select the Auto Channel Scan option. Now, your Vizio VIA Plus TV will scan for channels on your set-top box.

In some Vizio TV models, there will be no Menu button. If you own such TV models, you cannot scan for channels using physical buttons. In that case, you can move to the next step, which is to scan for channels.

Use the Remote App to Scan for Channels on Vizio TV

The remote app converts your phone into a Vizio TV remote. So, you can use it to scan for channels. Install the official Vizio | WatchFree+ app on your smartphone from the Play Store or App Store. After installing the app, connect your smartphone and Vizio TV to the same WiFi connection. Then, launch the remote interface and access the TV Settings to scan for channels.

If you use an old VIA Plus Vizio TV and don’t have WiFi, you can use the IR remote app. It can directly control your Vizio TV by emitting infrared signals via your phone’s IR blaster, and no pairing is required. Some of the IR remote apps to control your Vizio TV are as follows.

Use a Keyboard to Scan for Channels on Vizio TV

Besides the above methods, you can use a wireless keyboard to scan for channels on Vizio TV. With this, you can control your TV just like your remote by sitting on the couch. Insert the USB dongle of your wireless keyboard into the external USB port on your Vizio TV. Then, toggle the power button on your keyboard. Your Vizio TV will recognize it, and you can use it to scan for channels by navigating to the Settings menu.

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