How to Add or Manage Apps on Vizio Smart TV?

VIZIO Smart TVs are known for their user-friendly interface and extensive range of apps that allow you to stream your favorite content. Whether you want to add new apps or manage the existing ones, VIZIO provides different platforms and methods depending on the model series and release year. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to add and manage apps on your VIZIO Smart TV, providing step-by-step instructions for each platform.

Let’s dive into each section and discover how to make the most of your VIZIO Smart TV.

Connecting Your VIZIO Smart TV to the Internet

Before you can add and manage apps on your VIZIO Smart TV, you need to ensure that it is connected to the internet. Follow these steps to connect your TV:

1. Press the Menu button on your VIZIO remote.
2. Using the arrow keys, navigate to the Network or Settings option.
3. Select Network Setup and choose the Wireless option if your TV supports Wi-Fi. If not, select the Wired option.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your home Wi-Fi network or Ethernet connection.

Once your TV is connected to the internet, you can proceed with adding and managing apps based on the platform your VIZIO Smart TV is running on.

Understanding VIZIO Smart TV Platforms

VIZIO Smart TVs are powered by different platforms, and the method for adding and managing apps varies depending on the platform. Here are the main VIZIO Smart TV platforms:

1. SmartCast with Apps: This platform is found on all VIZIO TVs released since 2018, as well as on 4K UHD TVs released between 2016-2017. It includes built-in apps that you can access directly from the TV’s interface.
2. SmartCast with No Apps: This platform is the first iteration of SmartCast and is found on VIZIO HD TVs released between 2016-2017. It does not have built-in apps, but you can cast content from Chromecast-enabled apps.
3. VIZIO Internet Apps Plus (VIA Plus): VIA Plus is an upgraded version of the VIA platform and is found on VIZIO TVs released between 2013-2017. It offers a wide range of apps that you can add and manage.
4. VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA): VIA is the older platform found on VIZIO TVs released between 2009-2013. It also provides an app store where you can add and manage apps.

Now that you have a better understanding of the different platforms, let’s explore how to add and manage apps on each one.

Adding and Managing Apps on SmartCast with Apps

The SmartCast platform with built-in apps offers a seamless way to access your favorite content directly from your VIZIO Smart TV. Follow these steps to add and manage apps on SmartCast with Apps:

1. Press the Input button on your VIZIO remote.
2. Choose the ‘SmartCast’ input from the options or press the V key or Home key near the center of your remote.
3. On the Apps and Inputs row, you will find the pre-selected favorite apps that were set up during the TV’s initial setup.
4. To check for app availability and updates, press the left arrow button on your remote while on the SmartCast input.
5. A menu will appear on the left-hand side. Navigate down and select Apps.
6. To search for specific apps, highlight and select App Search. Type in the app you are looking for using the on-screen keyboard.
7. To update your apps and input row, highlight and select Home Screen Apps. From this screen, you can easily update the apps that appear on your SmartCast home screen.

If you can’t find a specific app on the SmartCast platform, there are alternative methods to access content using Chromecast or AirPlay features.

Adding and Managing Apps on SmartCast with No Apps

If your VIZIO Smart TV runs on the SmartCast with No Apps platform, you can still enjoy a wide range of content by casting from Chromecast-enabled apps. Here’s how to do it:

1. Make sure your TV and the device you want to cast from are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On your device, open a Chromecast-enabled app such as Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify.
3. Look for the Cast icon, usually located in the top-right corner of the app’s interface.
4. Tap the Cast icon and select your VIZIO Smart TV from the list of available devices.
5. The app’s content will now be mirrored on your TV screen, allowing you to enjoy it without the need for built-in apps.

Adding and Managing Apps on VIZIO Internet Apps Plus (VIA Plus)

VIZIO Internet Apps Plus (VIA Plus) is an app platform available on select VIZIO Smart TVs released between 2013-2017. This platform offers a wide range of apps that you can add and manage. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press the VIA button twice on your VIZIO remote to access the Fullscreen VIA Plus Apps Window.
2. Under the My Apps tab, you will find the apps you have already added.
3. To add new apps, browse through the Featured, Latest, All Apps, or Categories tabs to find the app you want.
4. Highlight the app and hold the OK button on the remote as instructed in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
5. You will receive a confirmation message stating that the app has been added to your My Apps list.
6. To delete apps, go to the Fullscreen VIA Plus Apps Window and highlight the app you want to delete.
7. Hold the OK button on the remote and then press OK again to confirm the deletion.

Adding and Managing Apps on VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA)

VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA) is the older app platform found on VIZIO TVs released between 2009-2013. Although no longer supported on newer models, you can still add and manage apps on VIA. Here’s how:

1. Press the VIA button on your VIZIO remote to access the VIA interface.
2. Select Connected TV Store from the dock at the bottom of the screen.
3. Browse through the available apps using the All Apps, Latest, Featured, or Categories tabs.
4. Select the app you want to add and then choose Install App.
5. The app will be added to the dock at the bottom of the screen.
6. To delete apps, highlight the app in the dock and press the yellow button on the remote.
7. Select Delete App from the pop-up menu and confirm your choice by selecting Yes, delete.

Casting Content to Your VIZIO Smart TV

In addition to the built-in apps and app platforms, VIZIO Smart TVs support casting content from your devices using Chromecast and AirPlay features. Here’s how you can do it:

1. For Chromecast: Make sure your VIZIO Smart TV and the device you want to cast from are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open a Chromecast-enabled app on your device, tap the Cast icon, and select your VIZIO Smart TV from the list of available devices. The app’s content will now be mirrored on your TV screen.
2. For AirPlay: If you have an Apple device, you can use AirPlay to stream content to your VIZIO Smart TV. Make sure your TV and Apple device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the content you want to stream on your Apple device, tap the AirPlay icon, and select your VIZIO Smart TV from the list of available devices. The content will be displayed on your TV screen.

By leveraging the casting capabilities of your VIZIO Smart TV, you can access a wide range of content from various apps and devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add more apps to my VIZIO Smart TV?

The ability to add apps depends on the platform your TV is running on. SmartCast with Apps offers built-in apps that cannot be changed or added to. SmartCast with No Apps allows you to cast content from Chromecast-enabled apps. VIA Plus and VIA platforms enable you to add and manage apps from their respective app stores.

How do I update the apps on my VIZIO Smart TV?

For SmartCast platforms, updates are handled automatically by the content providers. Simply ensure that your TV is connected to the internet, and the updates will be downloaded and applied automatically. For VIA Plus and VIA platforms, updates are also automatically installed as long as your TV is connected to the internet.

Can I request a specific app to be added to the SmartCast platform?

While you cannot directly add apps to the SmartCast platform, you can contact the content provider and express your interest in having their app available on VIZIO Smart TVs. The decision to add new apps lies with the content providers.

What should I do if an app is not available on my VIZIO Smart TV?

If you can’t find a specific app on your TV’s platform, you can try casting content from Chromecast-enabled apps using the casting feature. Additionally, check if the app is available on other devices you own, such as smartphones or tablets, and consider casting it to your VIZIO Smart TV.

Troubleshooting Tips

• If you encounter issues with adding or managing apps, ensure that your TV is connected to the internet and has a stable internet connection.
• Restart your TV and try the app-related actions again. Sometimes a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches.
• Check for updates for your VIZIO Smart TV by going to the settings menu and selecting the Software Updates option. Install any available updates to ensure optimal app performance.

Conclusion

Adding and managing apps on your VIZIO Smart TV allows you to customize your entertainment experience and access a wide range of content. Whether your TV runs on the SmartCast platform, VIA Plus, or VIA, you now have the knowledge and step-by-step instructions to add apps, delete unwanted ones, and keep your TV up to date with the latest features. Enjoy the endless possibilities of streaming and casting content on your VIZIO Smart TV!