Connecting the Vizio soundbar to the TV will give an immersive audio experience. But when your device runs on outdated firmware, you may have some technical glitches. So, you have to check and update the Vizio Soundbar firmware frequently to keep it error-free. Basically, Vizio soundbars will update automatically when it is connected to a stable WiFi network. However, if your Vizio soundbar fails to update automatically, you can use the SmartCast app and USB drive to update the firmware manually.
This section will further take you through the steps to check for the soundbar update and the two methods to update your Vizio soundbar firmware to the latest version.
Latest Firmware Version of Vizio Soundbar
Check out the table below for the latest firmware version available for your soundbar model.
| Firmware Version | Vizio Soundbar Models |
|---|---|
| 2.1.0.4 | M51a-H6, M51ax-J6, and M512a-H6 |
| 1.40.02.1 | SB46312-F6, SB36514-G6, and SB36312-G6 |
| 3.1.3.1 | SB3630-E6, SB3651-F6, SB3631-E6, and SB3651-E6 |
How to Check Firmware Version on Vizio Soundbar
If you wish to know the current firmware version, you can check it from the soundbar display.
1. Press and hold the Volume up and Volume down buttons simultaneously on the soundbar.
2. Now, the display will indicate the version or it may say the version number.
Note: You can check the official website of Vizio to know the latest firmware version available for your Vizio soundbar.
How to Update the Firmware of Vizio Soundbar Using SmartCast
Usually, the Vizio Soundbar will automatically update when it is paired with the Vizio SmartCast app through WiFi. When it fails to update on its own, you need to update them manually.
Connecting Vizio Soundbar to WiFi using the SmartCast App
1. Download the Vizio SmartCast app on your smartphone.
2. Press the menu button on the Vizio soundbar remote.
3. Head to WiFi setup options using the arrow keys.
4. Now, use the play/pause keys to select and confirm the WiFi setup option.
5. If the soundbar is in pairing mode, the LED will begin to cycle as an indication.
6. On the Vizio SamartCast app, scroll down and tap on Devices Settings.
7. Tap the Add New Device option and follow the on-screen instructions.
8. Finally, your Vizio soundbar is connected to the WiFi network and set to undergo an update.
Update Vizio SoundBar Using SmartCast App
After connecting the soundbar to WiFi, you can begin to update the Vizio soundbar using the SmartCast app.
1. Head to Settings by launching the application and hit the System option.
2. Choose Check for update and press Yes to confirm.
3. The soundbar will power off when an update is available.
4. The new firmware will download and install automatically.
The process will take up to 30 minutes to complete the firmware update. After that, you can connect the Vizio soundbar to your TV and enjoy watching the content at high sound quality.
Note: The SamrtCast app will lose connection to the soundbar while installing the update. After the process is completed, the LED will remain on, and the SmartCast app connection will be restored.
Update Vizio Soundbar Using USB Flash Drive
If you’re facing issues updating the Vizio soundbar via WiFi, you can also use a USB flash drive to initiate the update without WiFi.
1. Head to the Vizio support page and enter your soundbar model on the search bar.
2. If you see any new update available, click it on to download it on your PC.
3. Once the download is completed, extract the zip file by loading it on a flash drive in FAT format.
4. Once done, unplug the USB flash drive from your PC.
5. Now, turn on your soundbar and put it into an input where no audio formats have been chosen.
6. Plug the flash drive into the USB port of the soundbar.
7. You will see the blinking of LED lights and wait until it becomes stable.
8. Now, the firmware has been successfully updated on your Vizio soundbar.
What are the Benefits of Updating the Vizio Soundbar?
Updating your Vizio soundbar to the latest version will yield a lot of benefits, including:
- Good bandwidth with HDMI
- Enhances subwoofer quality
- Possible to get Dolby Atmos support
- Smooth performance
- Fix the technical glitches
Can’t Update Vizio Soundbar – Possible Causes & Fixes
Unstable WiFi connectivity and technical glitches are the preliminary causes of update errors on Vizio soundbars. Try the below troubleshooting methods to fix the errors regarding firmware updates.
- Check the WiFi Connectivity: While updating the firmware via SmartCast, make sure to connect the soundbar to a stable WiFi network.
- Update the App: Updating the firmware wirelessly, check the SmartCast app version, and ensure it’s updated to the latest version.
- Restart Soundbar: Restart the soundbar by unplugging it from the power source and plug it in after a few minutes. After that, try to update your Vizio soundbar.
- Reset Vizio Soundbar: Finally, you can reset your Vizio soundbar to its factory defaults and try updating the firmware.
FAQ
When the device is kept far away and runs on outdated software, you will not be able to pair your Vizio soundbar.
