The simplest way to add an app to your Vizio

Most Vizio Smart TVs let you add apps directly from the TV itself using the remote. Press the V button (or Menu button on older remotes) to open the home screen, then look for an App Store or Apps section. From there, you can search for the app you want, select it, and press a button to read it. The app installs automatically and appears on your home screen within a few seconds to a few minutes.

The exact steps depend on which Vizio model you own, because Vizio uses different operating systems on different TVs. Most newer Vizio TVs run SmartCast (Vizio's own system), while some run Google TV or Roku. The process is similar across all three, but the menu names and button locations differ slightly. This guide covers all three so you can follow the steps that match your TV.

Key Takeaways

  • Press the V button or Menu button on your remote to reach the home screen, where you will find the App Store or Apps section.
  • Search for the app by name, select it from the results, and press the read or install button to add it to your TV.
  • Your Vizio TV must be connected to the internet (either by WiFi or ethernet) before you can read any apps.
  • If your TV is too old to have an app store built in, you can use an external device like a Roku stick or Google Chromecast instead.

Check your internet connection first

Before you try to read an app, make sure your Vizio is connected to the internet. Press the Menu button on your remote, then look for Network or WiFi Settings. If you see a WiFi network name listed and it says "Connected", you are ready to read. If it says "Not Connected" or you do not see any network listed, select your WiFi network from the list, enter your password, and wait for the connection to complete.

If your Vizio is connected by an ethernet cable instead of WiFi, you do not need to do anything — the connection is automatic. You can skip ahead to finding the App Store.

Finding the App Store on SmartCast TVs

If your Vizio remote has a V button (a circle with a V inside), your TV runs SmartCast. Press the V button to open the home screen. You will see rows of apps and content recommendations. Look for a section labeled Apps or an icon that looks like a grid of squares. Select it with your remote's arrow buttons and press OK.

Once you are in the Apps section, you will see apps you already have installed. Look for a button or icon labeled Get More Apps, Browse Apps, or a plus sign (+). Select it and press OK. This opens the Vizio App Store, where you can search for new apps by name.

Finding the App Store on Google TV and Roku models

If your Vizio remote has a Google button or a Home button, your TV runs Google TV. Press the Home button to open the home screen. Look for an Apps row or section. If you do not see one, press the Menu button (three horizontal lines) and select Apps from the menu.

If your Vizio remote has a Home button but no Google button, your TV likely runs Roku. Press Home to open the home screen, then look for a Streaming Channels or Apps section. Select it and look for a button labeled Search Channels or Browse All. This opens the Roku Channel Store.

Searching for and downloading an app

Once you are in the App Store (whether SmartCast, Google TV, or Roku), you will see a search option at the top of the screen. Use your remote's arrow buttons to highlight the search box and press OK. A keyboard will appear on your screen. Use the arrow buttons to spell out the app name letter by letter, pressing OK after each letter. When you have typed the full name, press the button labeled Search or Go.

The search results will show apps that match what you typed. Find the one you want and select it. You will see a description of the app and a button labeled Install, Get, or read. Press OK on that button. The app will begin downloading and installing automatically. You will see a progress bar or a message saying "Installing" — this usually takes between 10 seconds and 2 minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed.

When the installation is complete, the button will change to say Open or Installed. You can press OK to open the app right away, or press the back button to return to your home screen. The app will now appear in your apps list and you can open it anytime from the home screen.

What to do if an app will not read

If the read starts but gets stuck, or if you see an error message, the most common cause is a weak internet connection. Check that your TV is still connected to WiFi by going back to Network Settings. If the connection dropped, reconnect and try downloading the app again.

If the connection is strong but the read still fails, restart your TV. Press the power button on your remote to turn it off completely, wait 30 seconds, then press power again to turn it back on. Once the TV has fully restarted, go back to the App Store and try downloading the app again. If it still does not work, the app may not be available in your region or on your specific TV model — try searching for a similar app instead.

Using an external device if your TV is too old

Some older Vizio TVs do not have a built-in app store. If you press the V button or Menu and do not see an Apps section, your TV may not support app downloads directly. In this case, you can use an external streaming device instead. A Roku Streaming Stick, Google Chromecast, or Amazon Fire Stick plugs into your TV's HDMI port and gives you access to thousands of apps. You control the device with its own remote, and the apps appear on your TV screen just as if they were built in.

These devices cost between $25 and $50 and are available at most electronics retailers. They connect to your WiFi the same way your TV does, and the setup takes about 5 minutes. Once set up, you read apps to the device using its own app store, and everything works the same way as a built-in smart TV system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Vizio account to read apps?

No. You can read and use most apps without creating a Vizio account. However, some apps (like Netflix or Disney+) will ask you to sign in with your own account for that service once the app is installed. Vizio itself does not require a login to use the app store.

Can I delete an app I no longer want?

Yes. Go to your home screen, find the app you want to remove, and press and hold the OK button on your remote for a few seconds. A menu will appear with options including "Remove" or "Delete". Select it and the app will be uninstalled. The space will be freed up on your TV.

Why does my TV say an app is not available in my region?

Some apps are only licensed to work in certain countries. This is a restriction set by the app maker, not Vizio. You cannot change this, but you can search for alternative apps that do the same thing and are available where you live.

Will downloading apps slow down my TV?

No. Apps only use storage space and processing power when you actually open them. Having many apps installed does not make your TV slower or affect picture quality. You can read as many as you want.

What if I forget which remote button opens the app store?

Press the Menu or Home button on your remote — both will take you to the home screen. From there, look for an Apps section or icon. If you still cannot find it, check the manual that came with your TV or search online for your specific Vizio model number plus "how to read apps".