What to Know
- SmartCast: Download a Chromecast-enabled app to your phone. Tap the Cast logo to cast to the TV.
- Or, download an AirPlay-compatible iOS app and use AirPlay to stream an app's content.
- VIA/VIA+: Click V on a Vizio remote, select app and press OK > Install App (VIA), or press and hold OK (VIA+).
This article explains how to add apps to your Vizio smart TV featuring SmartCast. Additional information is provided for older Vizio TVs that feature Vizio Internet Apps (VIA) and Vizio Internet Apps+ (VIA+).
How to Add Apps to a SmartCast TV
SmartCast TVs come with a broad selection of more than 100 preinstalled core apps available on your SmartCast home screen. There's no functionality for downloading additional apps; however, new apps become available periodically and are available immediately after an update.
If there's an app you want to use that isn't available on your screen, you may still be able to access its content by downloading the app to your mobile device and using the TV's built-in Chromecast or AirPlay technology.
Cast an Application to Your Vizio TV
Casting to your Vizio TV works the same as casting using a Chromecast device.
On your mobile device, launch the Google Play Store.
Find the Chromecast-enabled app you want to cast to your Vizio TV and tap Install. Once installed, the app is integrated into your smartphone's cast selection.
Open the app, select the Cast icon, and choose your Vizio TV.
If you have other Vizio TVs or Chromecast devices in the house, you'll see them listed as choices.
Your content will begin playing on your Vizio Smart TV.
You can continue using your phone and even turn off the phone or leave the house with your device.
The casted content will stop playing when the program ends or when you use your Vizio remote to perform another function on the TV.
Stream Content to Your Vizio TV With AirPlay
To stream AirPlay content from an iOS app to your Vizio TV, you'll take advantage of the TV's built-in AirPlay capabilities.
Ensure your Vizio TV and iOS device are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Download the app whose content you want to stream onto your iOS device, and then launch the content.
Tap the AirPlay icon and choose your Vizio TV. The content on your device is now on the big screen.
How to Customize SmartCast Core Apps
More than 100 apps are installed in SmartCast-enabled Vizio TVs. You can access them directly on the screen without casting. It's easy to customize your app selection, so your favorites are easily accessible.
Using your remote control, select the Customize App Row icon.
Select an app and move it using the left and right arrow cursors. When done, select OK > Done. Select Cancel if you change your mind.
What Are VIA and VIA+?
Some older Vizio TVs use the VIA or VIA+ smart TV platform instead of SmartCast.
VIA and VIA+ platforms work like many other smart TVs. You have a set of core apps and can add more apps via an app marketplace. VIA and VIA+ also support mirroring or casting content from some apps using your mobile device.
How to Add Apps on a VIA or VIA+ TV
Netflix longer works on some Vizio 2012-2014 models. Contact tech support for your TV model for more details.
With VIA and VIA+ platforms, you'll have a set of core apps, such as Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, YouTube, Pandora, and iHeart Radio, but you can add many more apps from the Vizio app store. On some models, you can also add the Google Play: Movies and TV app.
Here's how to add more apps on smart TVs with Via and VIA+:
Click the V button on your Vizio TV remote to go to the home screen.
With VIA, select Connected TV Store > All Apps. With VIA +, choose an app category (Featured, Latest, All Apps, or Categories).
Select the app you want to add.
For VIA, press OK > Install App. For VIA+, press and hold OK until the app has been added to the My Apps list.
Installed apps display a colored star in the top-right hand corner of the app icon.
To play content from an installed app, select its icon using the remote.
To delete an app on a Vizio TV with the VIA or VIA+ platform, highlight the app and select Delete > OK. You can reinstall the app at any time via the app store.
About the Different Vizio Systems
Adding and managing apps on Vizio TVs and Home Theater Displays varies depending on your system: SmartCast, VIA, or VIA+.
Here's a look at Vizio systems by 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 either SmartCast or VIA+.
- 2015 and older: Vizio smart TVs feature VIA or VIA+.
Check the user guide to identify your system. Your TV or home theater display must be connected to your home network and the internet to use any of Vizio's app platforms.
How SmartCast Works
The foundation of SmartCast is the Google Chromecast platform, which allows app content to display on a TV via casting from a compatible mobile device. You don't have to plug in a Chromecast dongle because Chromecast is built into SmartCast technology. When you initiate a cast, the TV will automatically switch from the current source input (such as a TV channel or HDMI input) to the casting source.
Compatible apps will indicate that they're SmartCast-compatible, and SmartCast will even provide recommendations based on your viewing history. With the SmartCast mobile app, you can also control your Vizio TV's functions, including input selection, picture calibration, and sound settings.
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FAQ
Can I download a Vizio TV app on my smartphone?
Yes. The Vizio SmartCast Mobile app is available for iPhone and Android. The app is compatible with Vizio SmartCast TVs but not with older Vizio VIA and VIA+ TVs. You can download the Vizio SmartCast app for iPhone from the App Store or get the Android app from Google Play.
Can I watch Disney+ on my Vizio smart TV?
Yes. To download and watch Disney+, you must have a Vizio SmartCast TV with built-in apps. (As long as the TV is online, it will display all available apps, including Disney+.) Press V on the remote, select the Disney+ app and log in to watch.
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