Vizio is one of the popular Smart TV brands in America. This is because they offer a wide range of affordable 4K Smart TVs. The TVs come with an inbuilt operating system known as Vizio SmartCast, which gives unlimited access to amazing free channels
With Vizio TV, you can install several applications like Spotify, Netflix, YouTube TV, Amazon prime, and more. But there are times users complain of not being able to access the Vizio TV store to install the apps and also cannot find their favorite apps.
Don’t worry! The steps below will guide you on how to locate and add apps to Vizio Smart TV, SmartCast, or Apple AirPlay. You can use SmartCast to project your phone to the TV and AirPlay allows you to project your iPhone to the TV. Also, you can access Android and on your TV.
How to add apps to Vizio TV
If you wish to add apps to your Vizio TV, make sure your internet connection is reliable and you will be needing a Vizio remote for the process. Follow the steps below to add apps to your Vizio TV.
- Put on your Vizio TV and tap the V button on the remote
- Go to the Yahoo TV store or CTV store using the arrow keys on your remote
- Tap the OK button to open the app store
- Locate the app you wish to add and click on OK
- Click on install App
All TV have stores where you get the apps you want. Vizio uses the two stated above. The only downside of these stores is that they do not contain plenty of apps such as LG TV, Android TV, etc. but, Vizio can help you skip this part using SmartCast and Apple AirPlay.
Using SmartCast
If you wish to use SmartCast on your Vizio TV, the steps below will guide you:
- Open the app store on your smartphone device
- Locate Vizio SmartCast Mobile and install it
- Once you are done with the download, open the app
- Click on the three lateral bars at the top, by the left side
- Then, select ‘Setup New Device’ and click on Get Started
- Choose the language you want
- Move your smartphone to the lower-left corner of your TV
- Choose your TV model from the list
- Input the code that appears on your TV screen to pair both devices
- You may have to update your TV. select update and restart afterward
Once you are done, you can use SmartCast. However, if your TV has a coaxial port tuner, you will need to do a channel scan. But, if your TV does not have one, you will accept the terms and services given on the next page. Then, you get to control your TV through SmartCast. If you are not using a new Vizio remote, this method is the best.
Using Apple AirPlay
Vizio supports AirPlay, which allows you to stream videos and view photos from your iPhone to your Vizio TV. also, you can easily cast your iPhone’s screen to your TV. To connect your Vizio TV to your iPhone via AirPlay and if you want to use iOS apps on your TV, the steps below will guide you.
- Make sure your Vizio TV and iPhone or iPad are connected to the same network
- Launch the app you want to mirror on your iOS device
- Search and click on the Apple AirPlay icon
- Choose Vizio TV from the list given
- Be patient for the content to appear on the screen
When you select the AirPlay icon, you will see your Vizio TV in the option.
How to update Vizio TV firmware
To make sure your Vizio TV supports the latest apps in the store, you have to update the firmware. Use the steps below to get it done.
- Use your remote to press the Menu
- Select System and Check for updates
- You will see a prompt on the screen “Do you want to check for updates”
- Tap Enter and wait for a few minutes to install the update
Installing apps on your Vizio TV is not hard. However, if you face any problems,
How to Add Apps to VIZIO Smart TV Using VIA
Also, you can add apps through VIA to your VIZIO smart TV, if it was built pre-2017. Use the steps below to get it done.
- On your remote, tap the V button and click on Connected TV Store
- Select All Apps
- Search for the app you want and tap OK
- Then, click the Install App option
How to Add Apps to VIZIO Smart TV Using VIA Plus
If you are operating your VIZIO smart TV on the VIA Plus platform and you wish to install apps, just follow the steps below:
- On your remote, tap the V button twice
- Select All Apps
- Search for the app you want and tap OK
- Then, click the Install App option
How to Delete an App from Your VIZIO Smart TV
You can remove a streaming service from your VIZIO smart TV, you will have to delete the app. But you can install it later if you want to. To delete an App from Your VIZIO Smart TV, follow the steps below:
- Select the My Apps option
- Highlight the icon of the app you want to remove
- Then, click on Delete from the submenu
- Tap on OK to delete
About the Different Vizio Systems
To add apps on your Vizio TV varies based on the system you are using: SmartCast, VIA, or VIA+.
Let’s check out the Vizio systems by the model year:
- 2018 and later: All Vizio smart TVs feature SmartCast.
- 2016 and 2017: Tunerless Home Theater Displays feature SmartCast.
- 2016 and 2017: Vizio smart TVs feature may be SmartCast or VIA+.
- 2015 and older: Vizio smart TVs feature VIA or VIA+.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
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How do I add apps to my Vizio SmartCast TV that is not listed?
If you want to add apps to your Vizio Smart TV that is not listed in App Store:
- Get a streaming device or computer that has the app you want (Example: Firestick 4k)
- Connect your device to your Vizio Smart TV via USB.
- Then, download more apps on your Vizio Smart TV from Google Play App Store
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Where is the app Store on Vizio TV?
Press the V button on your Vizio TV remote to go to the home screen. With VIA, select Connected TV Store > All Apps. With VIA +, select an app category (Featured, Latest, All Apps, or Categories)
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How do I update my old Vizio TV?
How to Update a VIZIO Smart TV Manually?
- Tap the V key on the TV remote.
- Click on System from the menu.
- Then select Check for Updates.
- The TV will start checking for updates.
- If a new update is available, verify you want to install it and be patient for the process to complete.
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What is the V button on VIZIO remote?
V Button – This button starts VIZIO Internet Apps or other component’s multimedia function, if available Volume Up/Down – This button turns the volume up or down. MUTE – This button turns the sound on and off.
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How do I use SmartCast on my Vizio TV?
To access the SmartCast TV home screen, press the “V” button on the remote, or select the SmartCast input using the input button. When the menu bar appears along the top select the magnifying glass icon. On the new screen, you can type in your favorite movie or TV show using the IR remote.