The Easiest Way to Install Apps on a Vizio Smart TV

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Get apps like ESPN on your Vizio SmartCast, VIA, or VIA Plus TV

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: September 4, 2024 Fact Checked

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Adding Apps on a Vizio SmartCast TV

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Adding Apps on a Vizio Via and Via Plus

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Is there an app you want that isn't on your Vizio TV? Depending on your TV model, you might be able to download it. On newer Vizio SmartCast TVs, all the apps you'll need are already in the Apps section. If you have an older Vizio TV, you can download additional VIA apps. This wikiHow article teaches you how to download apps on Vizio Smart TVs.

Installing Apps on Your Vizio TV

If your Vizio TV has SmartCast (2016 and later), hit the left arrow on the remote, select "Apps," and search for an app.
If the app isn't available, you can cast apps from your phone using Chromecast or AirPlay.
If you have an older Vizio TV, you can download apps from the App Store by pressing "V" on your remote and selecting an app.

Section 1 of 2:

Adding Apps on a Vizio SmartCast TV

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Press the "input" button on your remote and select SmartCast. Alternatively, press the "V" or the "Home" key to open your Vizio TV's main screen. The buttons you have on your remote depend on your model of TV.
- Unlike other smart TVs, you don't need to install apps with SmartCast—they're all there waiting to be streamed. This means you won't be able to install any apps you can't find in SmartCast. Fortunately, plenty of apps are available.
- Make sure your Vizio TV is connected to the Internet.
- You can also connect to Wi-Fi without a remote.
You'll navigate to the left, opening a menu from the left side of your screen.^{[1]
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You need to press the "Down" arrow on your remote to navigate down.
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Search for an app. Scroll through this list to find the app you're looking for. You can see a list of all the available apps on Vizio's support page.
- SmartCast has a ton of apps and popular channels, including Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+, YouTube, TikTok, Fox Now, Peacock, CBS Sports, ESPN, the Food Network, HGTV, and the C.W.
- If you can't find the app you're looking for, like Spectrum's bundle of apps, you can't install it on your TV. Instead, you can install the app on your phone or tablet and use Chromecast or AirPlay to watch it on your Vizio TV.^{[2]
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While you can easily find all the available apps from this screen, you can also add it to the most-used section of your Home screen to access it quickly.

Section 2 of 2:

Adding Apps on a Vizio Via and Via Plus

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Press the V button on your remote. This will open the "Apps" menu.
- Keep in mind that your television must be connected to the Internet to download apps. You can also connect to Wi-Fi without a remote.^{[3]
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You'll see multiple tabs with category names (like Featured and Latest) at the top of the screen; selecting a category will let you view the apps within that category.
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Select an app you wish to download. Doing so will take you to the app's page.
- If you have a VIA+ (Vizio Internet Apps Plus) system, press and hold OK on the app until it's added to "My apps."
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Select Install. This button is just below the app's title on the left side of your screen.^{[4]
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- Once the app is added, you can see it from your Home screen.

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All modern Vizio TVs, or TVs manufactured since 2016, have the SmartCast platform.^{[5]
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Models ranging from 2013 to 2017 have either VIA or the VIA Plus platform.

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Make sure your TV is always connected to the internet. SmartCast TVs update automatically as long as they are connected, and you can get access to newer apps!

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