Key Takeaways
- Plex is only available on Vizio SmartCast TV models and not on VIA and VIA+ models.
- To Install Plex on Vizio SmartCast TVs: Open Apps section → Click on Plex app → Hit the +Home Screen button.
- To Activate Plex on Vizio SmartCast TVs: Launch the Plex app → Open the browser on PC or smartphone → Visit Plex Activation website → Sign in with credentials → Input the activation code → Click on the Submit option.
- To AirPlay Plex on Vizio TVs: Install the Plex app → Enter the login credentials in the required fields → Play your desired movie → Tap on the AirPlay icon → Select your Vizio TV.
- To Screencast Plex on Vizio TVs: Download the Plex app → Sign in with the credentials → Tap on the Screencast icon → Pick your Vizio TV → Play your favorite content.
I was looking for an on-demand streaming service to install on my Vizio TV and happened to find the Plex app. I went through the movie library and was surprised by the different movie genres they offer. When I checked the Plex app’s compatibility, I came to know that the app is compatible only with the Vizio SmartCast TV models, and luckily, I own the compatible model. After that, I added the Plex app to my home screen and started streaming the on-demand content online hassle-free.
Like me, If you are someone who wants to install the Plex app on your Vizio SmartCast TV, you can go through this guide. I have also described some of the alternative ways to stream the Plex content on the unsupported Vizio models.
How to Install Plex on Vizio SmartCast TV
To access the exclusive content on the Plex platform, you need to have a premium subscription. The base plan for Plex starts at $4.99/month. You shall visit the official website of Plex to upgrade to any of the subscription plans. After subscribing to Plex Premium, you can install the Plex app on your Vizio SmartCast.
Note: The Plex app is supported on all Vizio SmartCast models.
1. Power on your Vizio TV by pressing the Power button.
2. Then, connect your Vizio TV to a stable WiFi network.
3. Press the Left Arrow on the remote control to open the TV Menu.
4. From there, scroll down and select the Apps section.
5. If you do not find the Plex app on the list, enter Plex and hit search.
Note: If you cannot find the Plex app on your Vizio SmartCast even after using the search option, you can move on to the AirPlay or Screencast method.
6. Once you find the app, click the +Home Screen option to add the Plex app to the home screen.
7. After adding, you can navigate to the Apps & Inputs section to locate the Plex app.
How to Activate Plex on Vizio SmartCast TV
Once you have installed the Plex app on your Vizio TV, you must activate it to access the app.
1. Locate the Plex app from the Apps & Inputs menu to launch the app.
2. Plex’s activation code will appear on your Vizio TV screen.
3. Now, open the browser on your PC or smartphone and visit the activation site of Plex.
4. Input the appropriate login credentials and sign in to the app.
5. Enter the same activation code you see on your Vizio TV in the required fields of the Plex website.
6. Finally, hit the Submit option to finish the activation process.
Once the Plex account is activated, you can stream your favorite Plex shows on your Vizio TV.
How to AirPlay Plex on Vizio Smart TV
If you have a model that does not support the Plex app, you can use the AirPlay feature on Vizio TV to stream movies and shows on Plex from your iPhone or iPad.
1. Firstly, connect your Vizio SmartCast TV and the iOS device to the same internet.
2. On your iPhone or iPad, open the App Store and download the Plex app.
3. Once the Plex app is installed on your iOS device, launch the app and fill in the login credentials to access the app.
4. Play any of your favorite movies from the app’s library.
5. Now, hit the AirPlay icon on the media player screen of the Plex app.
6. A list of available devices will be displayed on the screen. From that, pick your Vizio TV.
7. If prompted, enter the AirPlay Passcode to pair your Smart television to your iOS device.
Once you have selected your Smart TV, the selected content on the Plex app will start to mirror your SmartCast TV.
How to Screencast Plex on Vizio Smart TV
If you own an Android smartphone, you can make use of the Screencast method to stream the Plex movies and shows on any of your Vizio TVs without installing the app.
1. Pair your smartphone with the same internet as that of your Vizio Smart TV.
2. Go to the Play Store on your Android smartphone and install the Plex app.
3. Open the downloaded app on your smartphone and enter the sign-in credentials to use the Plex app.
4. Tap on the Screencast icon on the top-right corner of the app’s screen.
5. From the list of available active devices, choose your Vizio TV.
6. Now, play your desired content from the Plex app.
Now, the content you play on your Android smartphone will be cast to your Vizio TV. If you want to end screen casting, hit the Cast icon and tap on Disconnect.
Can I Watch Plex on Vizio TV Via Other Streaming Devices
Alternatively, you can also use the streaming devices to stream the Plex content on your Vizio TVs. If the streaming device you are using is operating on a compatible OS, you can stream the Plex on your Vizio Smart TV. Here, I have listed some of the streaming devices that are compatible with the Plex app.
- Apple TV.
- Chromecast with Google TV.
- Roku Streaming Stick.
- Amazon Fire TV.
How to Fix Plex Not Working on Vizio TV
Are you facing problems with the Plex app while streaming its content on your Vizio TV? Do not fret. I have explained the common causes and the solution to resolve the issues with the Plex app.
- Poor Internet Network: The first thing to check when the Plex app is not working on your Vizio TV is the internet connection. If the WiFi network is improper, the played content will not load. You can restart the WiFi router to fix the issue.
- Cache Formation: There might be cache accumulation on your Vizio SmartCast TV. Make sure to clear the cache on your Smart television from time to time.
- Outdated Plex app: The Plex app might be outdated. Check if there are any latest updates and update the app on your Vizio TV.
- Temporary Bugs and Glitches: If the Plex app crashes or freezes in between, then there might be bugs or glitches. Try restarting your Vizio TV to resolve the issue.
- Outdated Vizio TV Software: Check if the Vizio TV software you are using is updated. If the TV software is outdated, you will face issues with the Plex app. Update the Vizio TV firmware to the latest version.
- Plex app Downtime: If none of the above methods work, there might be a problem with the Plex server. To check that, head over to the Plex Status website. If the server is down, you cannot do anything about it. Wait until it gets resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Plex offers a 30-day free trial for its new subscribers, and you can use it on your Vizio TV.
The Plex app is free to install, and watch limited content on Vizio Smart TV. But if you wish to unlock extra benefits, you must subscribe to its premium plan.