Vizio is one of the most utilitarian Smart TVs, and downloading the applications on it will simply make the TV viewing experience more comfortable. Downloading apps on a Vizio TV is quite easy, and there are several ways to do it. You can download apps on all models of Vizio TVs either directly from the respective app stores or via a USB drive or mirror the apps using the SmartCast/AirPlay feature on your Vizio TV.
Vizio TVs come in different models like Vizio Internet Apps, Internet Apps Plus, Vizio SmartCast, Vizio SmartCast 4K UHD, etc. The app-download procedure for the TV differs between each model.
Therefore, go through this article and learn all the methods to download apps on Vizio TVs, along with ways to Screen Mirror the app on your TV.
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Know the Vizio TV Models Before Installing Apps
The table below details Vizio TV models, their operating system, and their year of release. This information would be useful if you are a new user.
YEAR | MODEL |
---|---|
2009-2013 | Vizio Internet Apps (VIA) |
2013-2017 | VIA Plus |
2016-2017 | Vizio SmartCast HD |
Since 2018 | Vizio SmartCast 4K UHD |
How to Download Apps on Vizio VIA Plus TV
Vizio Internet Apps Plus TV has the Yahoo app store in it, which you can use to download apps. The download procedure is as follows.
1. Turn on your Vizio Internet Apps Plus TV and connect it to the internet.
2. Click the V button on your TV’s remote twice and go to the apps section. You can see the apps installed on your TV under the My Apps section.
3. To install new apps, scroll through the Featured, Latest, All Apps, and Categories sections and look for your desired app.
4. Now, using your TV remote’s direction controls, scroll to the app and highlight it.
5. Press and hold the OK button on your TV remote.
6. Release the OK button once the app gets added to your My Apps list.
NOTE: The notification, ‘(App Name), has been added to your My Apps list‘ and will appear once the app gets installed on your Vizio TV.
How to Download Apps on VIA Vizio TV
1. Connect your Vizio Internet Apps TV to a WIFI network.
2. Press the V button on your TV.
3. On the following screen, click the Connected TV Store and select All Apps.
4. Now, a list of all the available apps is displayed. Navigate and highlight the app you want to install, and press OK on the remote.
5. Select the Install App option and download the app onto your Vizio Internet Apps TV.
How to Download Apps on Vizio SmartCast TVs [2016 Models or Later]
At its release, a Vizio SmartCast TV didn’t allow users to download new apps onto their TVs. But recently, they have rolled out an update for Vizio SmartCast’s Home screen to let users download apps. So, update the firmware of your Vizio TV and proceed further.
1. Turn on your Vizio SmartCast TV and go to its Home screen.
2. While on its Home screen, press the left direction button to go to its Menu.
3. Scroll down, click on Apps, and enter the Apps section.
4. Under the Discover sub-section, select the app you want and go to its app page.
5. In that, tap on + Home Screen and install the app on your Vizio TV.
6. If the app is not listed on the front page, click on the App Search subsection and search for the required app.
NOTE: Vizio SmartCast TVs come without a V button on their remote. Instead, they are given a Home button with the same function as the V button.
How to Download Apps on Vizio TV Using a USB Drive
Here, we use a USB drive to install apps on your Vizio Smart TVs, and this method applies to all of its models. The entire procedure to do this is elaborated below.
1. Connect your Windows/Mac PC to the internet and open a web browser.
2. Search for the app’s APK file from a reliable website and download the file onto your PC.
3. Now, connect the USB drive and copy the APK file to it.
NOTE: Ensure there are no other files in your USB drive while copying the APK. Also, the USB drive has to be formatted to the FAT32 file system. You can do the formatting process on your Windows PC itself.
4. After this, insert the USB drive into your TV while it is turned off.
5. Then, turn on your Vizio Smart TV.
6. Now, a dialog box or a pop-up appears on your Vizio TV, requesting you to open a file on your USB drive. Choose My Files and select the particular APK file.
7. After this, the APK file will be extracted, and the app will be installed on your Vizio Smart TV.
Can I Screen Mirror Apps to Vizio Smart TVs
Yes. If you cannot install the app on your Vizio TV, you can still view the app’s content by mirroring it from other devices like a Smartphone or a PC. As Vizio TVs have both the AirPlay and Cast features, you can use them to mirror the app’s content from respective compatible devices.
To use Screen Mirror apps on Vizio TV, you should connect your Vizio TV and the Screen mirroring device to the same WIFI network and pair both devices.
Can I Download Apps on Vizio TV Using a Streaming Device
Yes. Vizio Smart TVs can be connected with a variety of streaming devices like Roku, Firestick, NVIDIA Shield, etc. These streaming devices have truckloads of apps in their respective app stores, which you download and view on your Vizio TV.
Why Can’t I Download Apps on Vizio Smart TV
If you are unable to download and install apps on your Vizio Smart TV, then the probable causes could be any of the reasons mentioned below.
- A poor or unstable internet connection is the primary reason why you can’t download the app on your Vizio TV. Check your internet connection and make the necessary changes.
- Some apps you are looking for might not be available on the app stores of VIA, VIA Plus, and SmartCast TVs. So, it will be a futile attempt in trying to download those apps.
- If you have not updated your Vizio SmartCast device for a while, then update the Vizio TV firmware to its latest version. Only then can you access its app-downloading feature.
- Too much accumulation of cache files can cause technical glitches on your Vizio TV. Try clearing your Vizio TV’s cache to eliminate the issue.
- Sometimes, a quick restart of your Vizio TV can fix any technical snags and let you download apps.
- If you are unable to pinpoint an accurate reason, try doing a factory reset of your Vizio TV and fix this issue. In most cases, you’ll be able to download apps on Vizio TV after a factory reset.
FAQ
If your TV doesn’t have a V button on its remote, it is a Vizio SmartCast TV. You can download apps on it by going to its Menu and clicking on Apps. In the Apps section, click on the app you want and tap on the + Home Screen option to install it on your TV.
Yes. You can download more apps on all Vizio Smart TV models.
Yes. The ESPN app is available on several Vizio TV models. You can also download streaming service apps like Sling, Spectrum, DirecTV, etc.
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