Even if Vizio TVs are cheap for a reason, it’s certainly not because they lack features. With access to streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, you also get free on-demand content through WatchFree+. Of course, at the center of any Vizio Smart TV is its remote control, which can help users access a variety of playback and quick controls. Though many buttons on the remote seem straightforward, some may be confused by the Star button in the same row as the Home button.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Star symbol, it’s essentially Vizio’s version of a Quick Menu button, giving users quick access to a variety of controls. However, users with Vizio TVs may not need this button, since the company also lets you access this menu by holding the OK button on certain remotes. Note that the quick menu feature is available on Vizio Smart TV models -H or newer.
Vizio televisions are known for having features that owners can easily miss, but the Star label on a remote isn’t supposed to be one of them. Nonetheless, it can still be an easy thing to gloss over due to its ambiguous design pattern. If you’re looking to save your favorite content or navigate to and customize specific apps, knowing how to use this button can save you a few steps. We can also help you update your TV if you need that information.
What do the buttons on my Vizio remote mean?
Bear in mind that for this article, we’re exclusively looking at the Vizio XRT19OR TV Remote and the XRT290R Voice Remote, as both of these have Star buttons included with them (seemingly the only difference between the two is that the Voice Remote replaces the Closed Captioning button with a Microphone button). For example, the remotes have six different buttons for launching certain apps, whereas users can also control items on-screen using the navigation wheel.
Users can also control the TV volume with the side volume buttons, and the power button is in the top-right corner. With the Quick Menu, users have several options. When navigating certain streaming content, you can use the Star button to save certain items to your Watchlist. Users can also hover over apps in an app row to customize that row or learn more about the app.
For those with Vizio televisions that came before the arrival of the Quick Menu in May 2024, your TV may have already been updated to include this feature (so long as the television is connected to the internet). However, be aware you can’t access this Quick Menu with a universal remote or through the mobile app remote. If you need to check for a software update on your Vizio TV, press the Menu button, go to Admin & Privacy Option, then select Check for Updates. Just be aware that newer Vizio TVs may also require you to create a Walmart account.
