How to Add an App to a VIZIO Smart TV

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

How to Add an App to a VIZIO Smart TV: A Comprehensive Guide

VIZIO Smart TVs offer an immersive viewing experience with their advanced display technology and a vast array of smart features. Whether you own a VIA, VIA Plus, or SmartCast model, adding apps can greatly enhance your access to entertainment, news, sports, and more. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to add apps to your VIZIO Smart TV, tailored to the specific model you own.

Identifying Your VIZIO Smart TV Model

First, it's crucial to determine which type of VIZIO Smart TV you have, as the process for adding apps differs slightly between models:

• VIA (VIZIO Internet Apps) TVs: These are older models that use the VIA platform.
• VIA Plus TVs: These models have a slightly updated interface compared to VIA.
• SmartCast TVs: The latest models that come with built-in Chromecast functionality and a different approach to app management.

Adding Apps on VIZIO VIA and VIA Plus TVs

Step 1: Access the VIZIO App Store

1. Power On Your TV: Ensure your VIZIO TV is powered on and connected to your home Wi-Fi network.
2. Open the VIA Interface: Press the V button on your remote to open the VIA or VIA Plus interface.

Step 2: Browse or Search for Apps

1. Navigate to the App Store: Use the arrow keys on your remote to access the app store or Yahoo TV Store, depending on your TV model.
2. Search or Browse for Desired Apps: You can browse through categories or use the search function to find the specific app you wish to install.

Step 3: Install the App

1. Select the Desired App: Highlight the app you want to install and press OK on your remote.
2. Add the App:some text
   • For VIA models: Select Install App.
   • For VIA Plus models: Select Add to My Apps.
3. Confirm the Installation: Follow any on-screen prompts to confirm and complete the installation process.

Step 4: Access and Launch the App

1. Return to the Home Screen: Press the V button on your remote to return to the home screen.
2. Locate Your App: Navigate to the My Apps section where you’ll find the newly installed app.
3. Launch the App: Highlight the app and press OK to open it and start using it.

Adding Apps on VIZIO SmartCast TVs

VIZIO SmartCast TVs come with built-in Chromecast, which changes the way apps are added and used compared to the VIA and VIA Plus models.

Step 1: Utilize Built-In Apps

1. Power On Your TV: Ensure your VIZIO SmartCast TV is powered on and connected to the internet.
2. Access Built-In Apps: Press the V button or the Home button on your remote to access the SmartCast home screen, which includes a selection of pre-installed apps.

Step 2: Cast Apps from a Mobile Device

SmartCast TVs primarily use casting technology to stream apps from your mobile device.

1. Install the App on Your Mobile Device: Ensure the app you want to use is installed on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Connect to the Same Wi-Fi Network: Make sure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your VIZIO SmartCast TV.
3. Cast the App:some text
   • Open the app on your mobile device.
   • Tap the Cast icon (a rectangle with a Wi-Fi signal in the corner).
   • Select your VIZIO TV from the list of available devices to start casting.

Step 3: Use the VIZIO SmartCast Mobile App

1. Download the SmartCast Mobile App: Install the VIZIO SmartCast Mobile app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Connect to Your TV: Open the SmartCast Mobile app and follow the prompts to connect it to your VIZIO SmartCast TV.
3. Browse and Control Apps: Use the SmartCast Mobile app to browse and launch apps directly on your TV.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter issues while adding apps to your VIZIO Smart TV, consider these advanced troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Internet Connection: Ensure your TV is connected to a stable internet connection. Navigate to Settings > Network to check and troubleshoot connectivity issues.
2. Update Firmware: Make sure your TV's firmware is up to date. Go to Settings > System > Check for Updates to ensure you have the latest version.
3. Restart Your TV: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve many issues. Power off your TV, unplug it for a few minutes, and then plug it back in and power it on.
4. Reset to Factory Settings: If persistent issues occur, consider resetting your TV to factory settings. This option is found under Settings > System > Reset & Admin > Reset TV to Factory Settings. Note that this will erase all settings and apps, so use it as a last resort.

Adding apps to your VIZIO Smart TV can significantly expand your entertainment options and enhance your viewing experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily install and use your favorite apps, whether you have a VIA, VIA Plus, or SmartCast model. If you encounter any issues, the troubleshooting tips provided should help you resolve them efficiently.

Contact Support.Com

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below, or Contact Support.Com for Personalized Assistance.

1. Introduction

The general expectation with Smart TVs is that you should be able to add your favorite apps and enjoy the content that they offer. Some Smart TVs are just like that, whereas others only provide a limited number of built-in apps that you have no control over. For several years, VIZIO Smart TVs allowed you to add your favorite apps. However, in 2016 they changed their approach with the launch of their SmartCast platform. This guide will show you what options you have to adding apps on your VIZIO Smart TV.

What You'll Need:

• No extra tools or supplies are needed.

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Before You Begin:

Connect to the Internet
To be able to use apps on your VIZIO Smart TV, it needs to be connected to the Internet:

• How to Connect VIZIO Smart TV to WiFi

How Are Apps Installed on a VIZIO Smart TV?

The capability of installing apps on your VIZIO Smart TV depends on the platform it is running on, the model series and when it was released:

• VIZIO VIA & VIA Plus TVs released until 2017 allow you to install apps from the Connected TV Store.
• VIZIO SmartCast HD TVs released between 2016 & 2017 do not allow you to install apps nor do they provide any built-in apps, but you can cast content from Chromecast-enabled apps installed on your phone or tablet.
• VIZIO SmartCast 4K UHD TVs released between 2016 & 2017 as well as all SmartCast TVs released since 2018 do not allow you to install apps. All the available apps are built into the platform. Besides that, you can also cast content from Chromecast-enabled apps installed on your phone or tablet as well as cast from Apple devices over AirPlay.

To easily determine which platform your VIZIO Smart TV is running on, check the images below for reference:

VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA)

The VIA platform is found on VIZIO Smart TVs released between 2009 & 2013. You can install apps on this platform.

VIZIO Internet Apps Plus (VIA Plus)

The VIA Plus platform is found on VIZIO Smart TVs released between 2013 & 2017. You can install apps on this platform.

SmartCast with No Apps

The SmartCast platform with no apps is found on VIZIO HD Smart TVs released between 2016 & 2017. You cannot install apps on this platform.

SmartCast with Apps

The SmartCast platform with apps is found on VIZIO 4K UHD Smart TVs released between 2016 – 2017 and all VIZIO Smart TVs released since 2018. You cannot install apps on this platform.

2. Add App on a VIZIO Smart TV

The only VIZIO Smart TVs that allow you to install apps are the ones running on the VIA Plus and VIA platforms. Expand the instructions below for the type of TV you have:

VIZIO Internet Apps Plus (VIA Plus)

1. Press the V button twice on the remote.
   

1. In the Fullscreen VIA Plus Apps Window you will see your installed apps under the My Apps tab.
   

1. Browse through the Featured, Latest, All Apps or Categories tabs to find the app you want to install.
   

1. Press and hold the OK button until "[App Name] has been added to your My Apps list" appears.
   

VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA)

1. Press the V button on the remote.
   

1. Select CONNECTED TV STORE.
   

1. Choose All Apps.
   

1. Navigate through the list of Apps and press OK on the desired App to bring up the option to install it.
   

1. Select Install App which is often located in the lower-left corner of the screen.