How to download apps on VIZIO TV? ( Step by Step Guide )

Thanks to the latest TV technology advancement, we can now use all those useful apps from a mobile on the TV directly. Connected to the internet, you can browse through hundreds of entertainment, news, and other types of apps at your fingertip.

Now, if you have got yourself a new TV and wondering how to download apps on VIZIO TV like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or other apps, then you have come to the right place. In this guide, I have discussed all the methods you can use to get apps on your VIZIO smart TV from the very basic.

VIZIO TV: Initial Setup and connecting to Wi-Fi

Before getting to the installation, you have to set up your TV and connect it to the internet. It might seem very basic, but I am starting things from the very basic for absolutely new users of VIZIO smart TVs. You can get those done quickly by following the steps mentioned below, from power and setup to internet connection.

• Step 1:
  After opening the box, the first thing to do is connect all the audio/ video and power cables. You can follow the manual for help.
• Step 2:
  After connecting all the cables, power the TV up. A window will pop up asking for your preferred language and usage type. First, select English as the language and then choose home use.
• Step 3:
  At this point, the system will automatically search for nearby Wi-Fi networks and ask you to connect to one. Select the Wi-Fi you use, enter the password and connect to the internet.
• Step 4:
  After the internet, it’ll ask you about some other options and lastly, select accept at the data collection permission window to finish set up.

Different ways of installing apps on VIZIO Smart TV

After you connect your VIZIO smart TV with the internet, now it’s time to get the apps you desire. Over the years, VIZIO TVs came with different platforms for apps installation. Before proceeding, you have to determine which VIZIO smart TV you have.

Before 2016, VIZIO had VIA and VIA+ platforms for app access. On the Plus platform, there was an expanded selection of apps available. Then in March 2016, VIZIO ultimately moved to the SmartCast platform. SmartCast allowed VIZIO users control over the apps and the TV via their smartphone or tablet.

If you wonder how to add apps to VIZIO smart TV, here is a complete breakdown of the timeline to determine which platform your VIZIO smart TV is on.

• 2009 – 2013: VIA (VIZIO Internet Apps)
• 2013 – 2017: VIA+ (VIZIO Internet Apps+)
• 2016 – 2017: VIA+/ SmartCast
• 2018 Onwards: SmartCast with apps

One thing to note here is that there is no separate installation here from any store. Typically there is a selection of VIZIO of different entertainment and streaming apps, and you can only select from those and install them on your TV.

Related: how to download hbo max on vizio smart tv

Installing apps on your VIZIO smart TV: Step by Step Guide.

As you can see, there are two ways of installing apps on your VIZIO TV. The first method is through VIA or VIA+, and the second method is by using SmartCast. Below I have discussed both the techniques in a detailed step-by-step guide.

1. Installing apps through VIA/ VIA+

SmartCast and SmartCast with apps are the latest technology available on VIZIO smart TVs. But before 2017, only VIA and VIA+ were available. If your VIZIO TV is from that time, follow the steps below to install apps on that TV.

• Step 1:
  After turning the TV on, press the home button twice. You’ll notice a button in the middle of the remote with either a V or Home icon on it.
• Step 2:
  If your TV has VIA, the home button on the remote will take you to the “Connected TV Store.” If it’s VIA+, you’ll go to VIZIO smart TV app store.
• Step 3:
  At both VIA and VIA+ app windows, you’ll notice multiple categories of apps to select from. Select the app by navigation button and press OK on the VIA platform. You’ll see an “Install App” popup. On VIA+, just press and hold the OK button until it appears in the My Apps list.

2. Installing apps through SmartCast on VIZIO smart TV

Here is the second technique for installing apps on your VIZIO TV. As all the TVs after 2018 has SmartCast for app use, you are most likely to have this on your unit. Currently, almost all the popular streaming and news apps are available and installed with SmartCast.

You can check the current lineup of SmartCast apps here. If you don’t find these apps on the list on your TV, and you are wondering how to download apps on VIZIO SmartCast TV, there is a way. You can also cast the new apps through your smartphone or tablet. This control from a smart device makes SmartCast the best app usage method on a VIZIO smart TV. To use the SmartCast, follow the steps mentioned below.

• Step 1:
  Open the google play store on your device.
• Step 2:
  From the list of supported apps, search the app you want to use on your TV from the list.
• Step 3:
  Download, install and sign in to the app on your device.
• Step 4:
  When you play content, you’ll notice a cast icon in the app. Press that icon to start casting that particular show or movie on your VIZIO smart TV.

Final Thought

The main attraction of a smart TV is those exciting and entertaining apps that let you stream your favorite shows and movies. So, to take full advantage of your VIZIO TV, you need to know how to get those apps over to your TV.

Now that you have gone through my article, you should know how to install apps on VIZIO smart TV. As you can see, the app download and installation are pretty straightforward on VIZIO TVs. Though it’s a little different than the app store-based system, VIZIO has done a great job of making most of the popular apps easily accessible.