The simplest way to add apps to your Vizio TV
Most Vizio TVs come with an app store built into the home screen. You navigate to it using your remote, search for the app you want, and install it directly on the TV — no computer or extra device needed. The process takes about two minutes for most apps, though the exact steps depend on whether your Vizio runs SmartCast (the older system) or Vizio SmartCast OS (the newer one that started appearing around 2019).
The fastest way to find out which system you have is to press the V button on your remote and look at the home screen. If you see a grid of app tiles, you have the newer system. If you see a menu bar at the top with categories like "Featured" and "Apps," you have SmartCast. Both systems work the same way — you just navigate differently.
Key Takeaways
- Open the app store from your TV's home screen using your remote, then search for the app by name.
- Press the button labeled "Install" or "Get" when you find the app, and wait for it to read and appear on your home screen.
- Your TV needs to be connected to the internet (WiFi or ethernet) before you can read any apps.
- If an app won't install, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and try again.
- Not all apps work on all Vizio models — older TVs may not support newer versions of popular apps like Netflix or Disney+.
How to add an app on Vizio SmartCast OS (2019 and newer)
Press the V button on your remote to open the home screen. You will see a grid of app tiles. Look for an icon labeled "App Store" or a plus sign (+) — this is usually in the top row or on the far right. Select it with your remote and press OK.
Once the App Store opens, you will see a search bar at the top. Use the remote to highlight it and press OK, then use the on-screen keyboard to type the name of the app you want. For example, type "Netflix" or "YouTube." As you type, the TV will show matching results below. Highlight the app you want and press OK.
The app page will open and show an "Install" button. Press OK on it. The TV will read and install the app — this usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed. When it finishes, the button will change to "Open" or the app will appear on your home screen automatically. You can now launch it by selecting it and pressing OK.
How to add an app on older Vizio SmartCast (2018 and earlier)
Press the V button on your remote. You will see a menu bar at the top with options like "Featured," "Apps," and "Search." Use the arrow buttons on your remote to highlight "Apps" and press OK.
The Apps section will show you categories like "Popular," "Entertainment," or "Streaming." You can browse these categories, or use the "Search" option from the top menu to find a specific app by name. Highlight the app you want and press OK to open its details page.
On the details page, select the "Install" button and press OK. The TV will read the app. Once it finishes, the button will change to "Open" or "Installed." The app will also appear in your Apps section so you can launch it anytime. You do not need to do anything else — the app stays on your TV until you remove it.
What to do if your TV is not connected to the internet
Apps read over the internet, so your Vizio TV must be connected to WiFi or a wired ethernet connection before you can install anything. If you have not set this up yet, press the V button, then look for "Settings" or "Network." Select it and choose "WiFi" to see available networks. Enter your WiFi password when prompted.
If you are using an ethernet cable instead, plug one end into the back of your TV (look for a port labeled "Ethernet" or "LAN") and the other end into your router. The TV will detect the connection automatically. Once connected, you can return to the App Store and install apps normally.
Troubleshooting when an app won't install
If you press Install and nothing happens, or if the read stalls partway through, the first step is to restart your TV. Unplug it from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears the TV's memory and often fixes read problems. Once it restarts, go back to the App Store and try installing the app again.
If the app still will not install, check that your internet connection is working by opening another app you already have — Netflix, YouTube, or a weather app. If that app loads normally, your connection is fine and the problem is with that specific app. Try searching for it again in case there is a newer version available, or check the Vizio support website to see if that app is supported on your TV model.
Older Vizio TVs (2015 and earlier) may not support newer versions of popular apps. If you see a message saying the app is not compatible, your TV is too old to run that particular app. In this case, you can still use the app on a separate device like a Roku stick, Apple TV, or Fire Stick plugged into an HDMI port on your TV.
How to remove an app you no longer want
On newer Vizio SmartCast OS, highlight the app tile on your home screen, then press and hold the OK button for two seconds. A menu will appear with options including "Remove" or "Delete." Select it and press OK to confirm. The app will disappear from your home screen when ready.
On older SmartCast, go to the Apps section, highlight the app you want to remove, and press the Options button (usually marked with three lines or dots on your remote). Select "Remove" or "Uninstall" and confirm. Removing an app does not affect your TV's performance — you can always reinstall it later from the App Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add apps that are not in the Vizio App Store?
No. Vizio TVs only allow you to install apps from the official Vizio App Store. You cannot sideload apps from other sources or install apps from your phone onto the TV. If an app you want is not in the Vizio store, it is not supported on your TV model.
Do I need a Vizio account to read apps?
You do not need a Vizio account to read most apps. However, some apps like Netflix or Disney+ will ask you to sign in with your own account once they are installed on the TV. This is the app's account, not a Vizio account.
Why does my TV say an app is not compatible?
Vizio TVs from 2015 and earlier have limited processing power and memory, so newer versions of popular apps will not run on them. The app developer decides which TV models can support their app. If you see a compatibility message, that app straightforward cannot run on your specific TV model.
Can I move apps around on my home screen?
On newer Vizio SmartCast OS, yes. Press and hold the OK button on an app tile, then use the arrow buttons to move it to a new position. Press OK again to drop it in place. On older SmartCast, the app order is fixed and you cannot rearrange it.
What happens if I run out of storage space on my TV?
Vizio TVs have limited built-in storage, usually between 4 and 8 gigabytes. If you install many large apps, you may run out of space. Remove apps you no longer use to free up room. If you cannot remove enough apps, you may need to factory reset your TV, which erases everything and returns it to its original state.