How to Add Apps to Your Vizio Smart TV

The basic steps to add apps to a Vizio Smart TV

Most Vizio Smart TVs let you add apps through the built-in app store, which appears on your home screen. Press the V button on your remote (or the button with the Vizio logo), then look for an option called App Store, Apps, or Get More Apps. From there, you can browse available apps, select one, and install it directly to your TV. The whole process takes a few minutes and requires only your remote.

The exact name and location of the app store varies slightly depending on your TV model and when it was made. Older Vizio TVs (before 2016) may use a different system called Vizio Internet Apps Plus or VIA, while newer models use SmartCast. Both work the same way: find the app store, search or browse, and select install.

Key Takeaways

Press the V button on your remote to reach the home screen, then select App Store or Get More Apps to browse available programs.
Most apps install instantly and appear on your home screen or in an apps folder without requiring a restart of your TV.
Your Vizio TV must be connected to the internet (either by WiFi or ethernet cable) before you can download or use any apps.
If an app does not appear in the Vizio app store, you cannot install it directly on that TV model, though some Vizio TVs support screen mirroring from a phone or computer as an alternative.

What apps are actually available on Vizio Smart TVs

The apps you can install depend on your TV model and how old it is. Newer Vizio TVs (2016 and later) typically have Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Hulu, Prime Video, Paramount+, Max, Peacock, and Pluto TV available. Older models have fewer options and may not support newer apps like Disney+ or Max.

Vizio does not make its own apps — it uses apps built by the companies that own them (Netflix, Disney, Amazon, and so on). If an app you want is not in the Vizio app store, that company has not built a version for Vizio's system, and you cannot install it on your TV directly. This is different from a phone or computer, where you can often find workarounds.

How to check your internet connection before installing apps

Apps require an active internet connection to download and to run. Before you try to install anything, make sure your TV is connected. Press the V button, go to Settings (or System), then look for Network or WiFi. You should see either a WiFi network name listed or a wired connection status showing "Connected."

If your TV is not connected, you can add a WiFi network from this same menu. Select your network name, enter the password if prompted, and wait for the status to show "Connected." If you have an ethernet cable plugged into the back of your TV, the connection should be automatic — just check that the cable is fully inserted into both the TV and your router.

Installing an app step by step

Once you are on the home screen, locate the App Store. On newer Vizio TVs, it usually appears as a tile or icon on the main screen. On older models, you may need to scroll to find it. Select it with your remote and press OK or Enter.

Inside the app store, you can browse by category (Movies, TV, Music, and so on) or search for a specific app by name. Use the remote arrow buttons to navigate and the OK button to select. When you find an app you want, select it and look for an Install button. Press OK to start the download. Most apps download and install in under a minute, and you will see a confirmation message when it is done.

The app will then appear on your home screen or in an apps folder, depending on your TV model. You can launch it immediately by selecting it and pressing OK. You do not need to restart your TV.

Moving, organizing, or removing apps from your home screen

After you install an app, you can rearrange it on your home screen to put the ones you use most in easy reach. Press and hold the OK button on the app tile (the exact method varies by model — some TVs use a menu button instead). You should see options to move, remove, or organize the app. Use the arrow buttons to position it where you want, then press OK to confirm.

If you want to remove an app entirely, select it and look for a Delete, Remove, or Uninstall option in the menu. Removing an app frees up storage space on your TV and removes it from your home screen. You can always reinstall it later from the app store if you change your mind.

What to do if an app will not install or keeps crashing

If an app fails to install, the most common reason is that your TV does not have enough free storage space. Vizio Smart TVs have limited built-in memory, and installing many large apps can fill it up. Check how much space you have by going to Settings, then System or Storage. If you are running low, remove apps you no longer use and try installing again.

If an app installs but crashes when you open it, try restarting your TV. Unplug it from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This clears temporary files and often fixes crashes. If the app still does not work after a restart, it may not be fully compatible with your specific TV model. Check the Vizio support website or contact Vizio support with your TV model number (usually found on a sticker on the back of the TV) to confirm whether that app is supported.

Using your phone or computer to control apps on your TV

Some Vizio TVs support the Vizio SmartCast app, which you can download to your phone (available on both iPhone and Android). This app lets you control your TV and launch apps from your phone instead of using the remote. It is not required — the remote works fine — but it can be convenient if you frequently lose the remote or prefer using your phone.

If your TV supports screen mirroring (also called AirPlay on iPhones or Miracast on Android phones), you can also mirror content from your phone or computer directly to your TV. This is useful if you want to watch something that is not available as an app on your TV. Look for a Screen Mirroring or Cast option in your TV settings to turn this on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sideload apps onto my Vizio TV if they are not in the app store?

No. Vizio Smart TVs do not support sideloading apps the way Android phones do. You can only install apps that are officially available in the Vizio app store. If an app is not there, your only option is screen mirroring from a phone or computer.

Do I need a Vizio account to install apps?

No. You do not need a Vizio account to browse or install apps from the app store. However, you will need accounts with individual services — for example, a Netflix account to use Netflix, or a Disney+ account to use Disney+. These are separate from your Vizio account.

Will installing lots of apps slow down my TV?

Installing too many apps can fill up your TV's storage and cause it to run slowly or crash. If your TV starts acting sluggish, remove apps you do not use regularly. Most people do fine with 10 to 15 apps installed at once.

What if my Vizio TV is too old to support the app I want?

Older Vizio TVs (before 2015) have limited app support and may not receive updates to add new apps. If your TV is very old and does not have the app you want, screen mirroring from a phone or computer is your best option. You can also consider a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick, which plugs into your TV's HDMI port.

How do I update apps on my Vizio TV?

Most apps update automatically when your TV is in standby mode and connected to the internet. You can also check for updates manually by going to the app store, finding the app, and looking for an Update button. If an update is available, select it and press OK to install.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.