Vizio Smart TVs come with a variety of in-built apps preinstalled on them. But sometimes, those apps are not enough, and you want some more functionalities on your Vizio Smart TV. On the Vizio Smart TV, installing the app feature is available based on the model and platform it runs.
If your Vizio Smart TV is running on the VIA or VIA PLUS platform, then you are allowed to install apps from the connected TV store. On the flip side, the Vizio SmartCast model doesn’t allow you to download apps. Still, it comes with many preinstalled apps.
In this article, you will learn how to install apps on a Vizio Smart TV, depending on the platforms it’s running.
What Are VIA and VIA PLUS in Vizio Smart TV?
Vizio Smart TVs running VIA or VIA PLUS platforms are the only Vizio Smart TVs that allow downloading apps from the App Store. This platform lets you download apps directly onto your TV without needing to connect them to your computer or smartphone.
Vizio Smart TVs are preloaded with various apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, Spotify, HBO Now, etc. If you want to add more apps, you can easily download them from the VIA App Store.
How To Install Apps on a Vizio Smart TV With VIA Platform
Installing apps on your Vizio Smart TV running the VIA platform is very simple. Following the instructions below, you can install any app in a few seconds.
- Press the “V” button on your Vizio Smart TV remote.
- Select “CONNECTED TV STORE”.
- Choose “All Apps”.
- Select the app you want to install on the list of apps and press “OK”.
- Select the “Install App” button in the screen’s lower-left corner.
How To Install Apps on a Vizio Smart TV With VIA Plus Platform
Installing any apps is straightforward if your Vizio Smart TV runs with the VIA PLUS platform. Following the below instruction.
- Press the “V” button twice on your Vizio Smart TV remote.
- Under the “My Apps” tab, you will see all the apps currently installed on your TV.
- Press the right arrow button on your remote to “Featured”, “All Apps”, “Latest”, or “Categories” tabs to find the apps you want to install.
- Press and hold the “OK” button on your Vizio Remote until the app is added to your “My Apps” list.
What Is SmartCast on a Vizio Smart TV?
Vizio SmartCast is a new feature that lets you stream live TV directly to your television from your smartphone or tablet. This means you no longer need to watch shows on your phone or tablet, then switch over to your big screen.
With Vizio SmartCast, you can enjoy live TV anywhere without worrying about missing anything. You only need a Wi-Fi connection and a compatible device (smartphone or tablet).
You can also access your favorite apps and games through the SmartCast app. For example, you can play Angry Birds on your TV using the free Vizio app.
How To Install Apps on a Vizio Smart TV With SmartCast
To open apps on your Vizio SmartCast TV, press the “V” button on the center of your TV remote. All of the available apps will be displayed in the “App” row of the SmartCast home screen, and no downloading of the app is required.
If you are not seeing your favorite app, it is unavailable on the Vizio SmartCast platform. There is no way Vizio allows downloading apps on the SmartCast platform. Vizio regularly releases new updates to the SmartCast TV to add new features and apps.
But you can still watch those apps not listed on the Vizio SmartCast platform using the Chromecast or Airplay feature. As Chromecast is already inbuilt on your Vizio SmartCast TV, you can easily connect your smartphone or tablet within seconds.
Conclusion
As you have learned, only the Vizio Smart TVs running VIA or VIA plus platforms allow downloading apps onto your Vizio Smart TV. You cannot install any new apps not already available on the Vizio Smart TVs running the SmartCast platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your Vizio Smart TV is not running on VIA or VIA PLUS platform, then you cannot add any new apps to your Vizio Smart TV that is not listed.
Press the “V” button at the center of your Vizio SmartCast TV or press the input button and select SmartCast on your TV screen.
