The basic way to add apps to your Vizio TV
You add apps to a Vizio TV through the built-in app store, which Vizio calls the Vizio App Store or SmartCast depending on your TV model and year. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way whether you're adding Netflix, YouTube, or any other app your TV supports.
The app store is already on your TV — you don't need to download anything first. You navigate to it using your remote, find the app you want, and install it directly to your TV. Once installed, the app appears on your home screen and you can open it whenever you want.
Your TV must be connected to the internet for this to work. If your Vizio TV isn't connected to WiFi yet, do that first by going to Menu > Network > WiFi and selecting your network.
Key Takeaways
- Open the app store on your Vizio TV by pressing the V button on your remote or navigating to the home screen and selecting the app store icon.
- Search for the app you want by typing its name, or browse categories to find it.
- Select the app and press the button that says Install or Get — the app downloads and installs automatically.
- The app appears on your home screen once installation finishes, usually within a minute or two.
- If an app won't install, restart your TV and check that your internet connection is working.
Step-by-step: Installing an app on your Vizio TV
Step 1: Open the app store. Press the V button (the Vizio logo button) on your remote. This takes you to the home screen. Look for an icon that says App Store, Apps, or SmartCast and select it. On some older Vizio models, you may need to go to Menu > Apps instead.
Step 2: Search for the app. Once you're in the app store, you'll see a search box at the top. Use your remote to highlight it and type the name of the app you want — for example, "Netflix" or "YouTube". The TV will show you matching results as you type.
Step 3: Select the app from the results. Highlight the app you want and press OK on your remote. This opens the app's page, which shows a description, screenshots, and a button to install it.
Step 4: Install the app. Press the button that says Install, Get, or Add. The TV will download and install the app automatically. You'll see a progress bar or a message saying "Installing" — this usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed.
Step 5: Open the app. Once installation finishes, you can press a button to open the app right away, or go back to your home screen and find the app there. The app is now installed and ready to use whenever you want.
What to do if an app won't install
If you see an error message or the installation stops, the most common cause is a weak internet connection. Check that your TV is still connected to WiFi by going to Menu > Network and looking at the connection status. If the connection looks weak, move your router closer to the TV or restart both the TV and your router.
If the connection is fine, restart your TV completely. Press the power button on your remote to turn it off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then try installing the app again. This clears temporary files that sometimes block installations.
Some apps are not available in all regions or on all Vizio TV models. If you search for an app and it doesn't appear in the results at all, that app may not be supported on your TV. Check the app store's list of available apps to see what's offered for your specific model.
Finding apps that work on your Vizio TV
Not every app works on every Vizio TV. Older Vizio models may not support newer apps, and some apps are only available in certain countries. The app store on your TV only shows apps that are compatible with your specific model, so if you don't see an app in the search results, it's not available for your TV.
You can browse the app store by category to see what's available. Most Vizio TVs offer categories like Entertainment, Sports, News, and Streaming. Browsing these categories is a good way to discover apps you might not have thought to search for.
Popular apps that work on most Vizio TVs include Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Roku Channel, Peacock, and Pluto TV. If you're looking for a specific app and can't find it, try searching for an alternative that offers similar content.
Removing apps you no longer want
If you install an app and decide you don't want it, you can remove it from your TV. Go to your home screen, find the app you want to remove, and press and hold the OK button on your remote. A menu will appear with options including Remove or Delete. Select that option and the app will be uninstalled.
Removing an app frees up storage space on your TV and cleans up your home screen. You can always reinstall the app later if you change your mind — your TV will remember your login information for most apps, so you won't have to sign in again.
Signing in to apps after you install them
Many apps require you to sign in with an account before you can use them. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and most streaming services work this way. After you install the app, open it and you'll see a sign-in screen. Enter your username and password using your remote or a keyboard if your TV supports one.
Some Vizio TVs let you use your phone as a keyboard to type faster. Look for an option in the app that says "Sign in with phone" or "Use mobile keyboard" — if your TV supports this, you can use your phone's keyboard instead of the remote.
Once you sign in, the app remembers your account. The next time you open the app, you'll be logged in automatically unless you manually sign out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add apps that aren't in the Vizio App Store?
No. Vizio TVs only run apps from the official Vizio App Store. You cannot sideload apps from other sources or install apps that aren't in the store. If an app isn't available in the store, it's not compatible with your TV model.
Do I need to pay for apps?
Most apps are free to download and install on your TV. Some apps may charge a subscription fee once you open them — for example, Netflix or Disney+ — but the app itself is free to install. The app store will tell you if an app costs money before you install it.
How much storage space do apps use?
Most apps use between 50 megabytes and 500 megabytes of storage. Vizio TVs have enough built-in storage for dozens of apps, so you're unlikely to run out of space unless you install a very large number of apps. If your TV starts running slowly, removing apps you don't use can help.
What if my remote isn't working to navigate the app store?
Try replacing the batteries in your remote first. If that doesn't work, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If your remote still doesn't work, you can use the Vizio SmartCast app on your phone as a remote to navigate and install apps instead.
Can I move apps around on my home screen?
Yes. Go to your home screen, highlight the app you want to move, and press and hold the OK button. A menu will appear with an option to move or rearrange the app. Select it and use your remote to place the app where you want it.