You have reached the right destination if you have queries regarding How to Download Apps on Vizio Smart TV. This detailed guide will equip you with all the information you need.
I just bought the latest Vizio Smart TV Model and needed help downloading the various Apps available. Do you want to know more about it and get easy, tech-savvy tips and techniques? Well, then, you have landed at the right destination!
Regarding Vizio TVs, the company uses a first-party platform called SmartCast for all things Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more. However, there are a couple of other ways to get around this little roadblock, and we have covered all of them in this step-by-step guide.
Vizio is one of the top-rated TV brands in the market, renowned for phenomenal picture quality at affordable prices. And while the ‘Smart TV’ label is about as familiar to any flatscreens these days as saying a TV is HD, each brand has its innovative platform to connect you to the content you love most.
And so the Vizio Smart TV has options in return for its drawbacks. To get fully aware of all the details regarding this subject matter, read the article till the end!
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Internet Connectivity: A Must
First, your Vizio Smart TV must have a good internet connection. It is highly recommended to use Wi-Fi for such purposes, or no only will you find it difficult;t download apps, but also Vizio TV flickering issues.
Though the Vizio TVs have Bluetooth and the SmartCast System, and almost all the apps are installed, you still need an internet connection to access them.
To confirm that your TV is connected to the internet, go to the ‘Menu’ using the remote control and surf to select ‘Network.’ Wait for the Vizio TV to show the nearby available Wi-Fi networks list. Select the required network and ensure good connectivity for the better sinking of the two.
Vizio TV App Downloading: Various Ways
Access the App via the TV Browser
You can also download or access the required app via the TV browser. Follow the below-given steps for the same:
- Open your TV’s browser, whichever it might be.
- Enter the app’s name that you want to download and then press Space and input ‘apk’ on Smart TV. It should be “app name <space> apk for Smart TV.”
- Then, an option will be visible to download the application from the ‘app.’ Click it.
- Next, you’ll see the download apk file. Click it again.
- Scroll down, and you’ll see the download application button. Click it and press “OK” to continue the download.
- After the download completes, open the app.
- Click the Install button at the right part of the Download App on SmartCast TV.
- Wait for the process to finish, and you are done!
Screen Mirroring or Airplay
Another way to use any application not available on the Vizio Smart TV is screen mirroring. This allows you to screen directly from your preferred device.
However, you only need to activate the Airplay on your smart TV and Apple iPhone. Press the cast button and select your Vizio SmartCast TV from the list.
The basic steps for the same are mentioned below:
- Ensure your Vizio TV and iOS devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi.
- Download the app you want to stream onto your iOS device, then launch the range.
- Tap the AirPlay icon and select your Vizio TV Model. The content on your device will now be on the big screen.
Using Chromecast
This is like the screen mirroring or the Airplay technique, where you can stream content from any device to your Vizio Smart TV.
The main difference is that Apple AirPlay comes pre-installed on your Chromecast TV and iPhone, so you must check the control centers on each device to activate it!
This will have the same steps as the Airplay; the only difference is that you must choose Chromecast instead of Airplay.
Using a USB Drive
Use a USB flash drive to download third-party apps unavailable on the Smart TV. Find the correct APK file for the third-party streaming app or game online. Please save it to a USB and then to your smart TV.
Here are the steps for downloading third-party applications through a USB drive:
- Go to the Settings of your Vizio Smart TV.
- Now go to Security & Restrictions > Look for Unknown Sources.
- Please press the button to turn it On.
- Download the APK file you want to install to your USB drive.
- Plug the USB drive into your Vizio Smart TV.
- Open the ‘ES File Explorer’ and look for your desired file.
- Select it, download the application, wait a few seconds, and then open it.
Adding New Apps to SmartCast
SmartCast TVs have a broad selection of over 100 pre-installed apps available on your SmartCast home screen. There is no functionality for downloading additional apps; however, the new apps become available periodically and are available immediately after an update.
Vizio SmartCast turns every Vizio TV into a Smart TV — it has pre-installed applications, so you can use them immediately. Here is how you can locate and use the applications:
- Click “Input” on your Vizio remote control.
- Select “SmartCast” from the Input source menu.
- Select the “Apps” tab at the top of the screen.
- Locate the app you’re looking for, click it, and it will open immediately.
If you still can not find the application, you may need to use one of the other methods.
VIA and VIA+ and App Adding
Some older versions of Vizio TVs use the VIA or VIA+ smart TV platform instead of SmartCast. VIA and VIA+ platforms work almost like many other smart TVs. There is a set of leading apps; you can add more apps via an app marketplace.
With VIA and VIA+ platforms, you will have a set of leading apps, for example, Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, YouTube, Pandora, and iHeart Radio, etc., but you can add many others from the Vizio app store. Here is how to do so:
- Click the ‘V’ button on Vizio TV’s remote control on the home screen.
- With VIA, select the Connected TV Store > All Apps. Then, with VIA +, choose any one from the app categories.
- Select the app you wish to add.
- For VIA, press OK > Install app. For VIA+, press and hold ‘OK’ till the app is added to the ‘My Apps’ list.
- To play stuff from an installed app, select the icon using the remote.
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Helpful Answers
Can I watch Disney+ on my Vizio Smart TV?
Definitely, however, to download and watch Disney+, you must have a Vizio SmartCast TV with in-built apps. Press ‘V’ on the remote control, select the Disney+ app, and log in to watch your preferred content!
Does Vizio TV have an internet browser?
You won’t get an in-built web browser on Vizio smart TV, but with the help of streaming devices, the SmartCast Display, or a gaming console, you can easily access the internet on your Vizio smart TV web browser solution.
How do you download apps on the Vizio TV without the remote control?
Open the SmartCast App on your mobile phone. The SmartCast App helps you add and control apps on your Vizio Smart TV directly from your phone, Netflix, Hulu, iHeartRadio, and many others.
How do I mirror my phone to the Vizio TV?
Here are the basic steps:
- Open the Vizio Mobile app on your mobile device.
- After you have logged in, click on the toolbar in the top left corner of the screen.
- Select your Vizio TV from the list of available devices.
- Enter the four-digit pin on your Vizio TV screen to pair both devices.
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Wrapping Up
Though downloading apps might be complicated, the Vizio Smart TV is one of the best.
I hope the article assisted you in solving all your queries regarding the same. Thank you for making it to the end!
You may now stream your special series!