The basic steps to add apps to your Vizio TV

Most Vizio Smart TVs come with an app store built into the TV itself. You access it using your remote, search for the app you want, and install it directly to the TV — no computer needed. The exact steps depend on which Vizio operating system your TV runs: SmartCast (older models), Vizio SmartCast OS (mid-range), or Google TV (newer models from 2022 onward). All three use the same general process, but the menu names and button locations differ slightly.

Before you start, make sure your TV is connected to the internet — either by ethernet cable or WiFi. The app store cannot load without a connection, and the read itself requires bandwidth. If your TV is not yet connected, go to Settings, then Network, and choose your WiFi network or plug in an ethernet cable.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the app store on your Vizio TV using your remote — the button location and name vary by model, but it is always on the home screen.
  • Search for the app by name, select it, and choose Install; the TV downloads and installs it automatically without any action from you.
  • Once installed, the app appears on your home screen or in an Apps folder, ready to open and use.
  • If an app will not install, restart your TV and check that your internet connection is stable before trying again.

Finding and opening the app store on SmartCast (older Vizio TVs)

On older Vizio TVs running SmartCast, press the V button on your remote to open the home screen. Look for an icon labeled "Apps" or "Featured Apps" — it usually appears as a grid of squares. Select it with your remote and press OK.

Once the app store opens, you will see a list of featured apps and a search option at the top. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to navigate to the search field, press OK, and type the name of the app you want. The on-screen keyboard will appear; use the arrow buttons to select each letter and press OK to confirm.

Finding and opening the app store on Vizio SmartCast OS (mid-range models)

On Vizio TVs running SmartCast OS, press the Home button on your remote. The home screen will show several rows of apps and content. Look for an icon that says "Apps" or shows a grid of squares — it is usually in the top row or in a menu labeled "All Apps."

Select the Apps icon and press OK. The app store will load, showing featured apps and a search option. Navigate to the search field using your arrow buttons, press OK, and type the app name using the on-screen keyboard. Press OK to search.

Finding and opening the app store on Google TV (2022 and newer Vizio models)

On newer Vizio TVs running Google TV, press the Home button on your remote. The home screen displays rows of apps and recommendations. Look for a "Search" icon at the top of the screen — it usually looks like a magnifying glass — or find an "Apps" section in the menu.

Select the Search icon and press OK. Type the name of the app you want using the on-screen keyboard. Google TV will show search results that include the app you are looking for. Select the app from the results and press OK to open its detail page.

Installing an app once you have found it

Once you have found the app in the store, select it and press OK to open its detail page. You will see information about the app, including a description, ratings, and an "Install" button. Select the Install button and press OK.

The TV will begin downloading and installing the app. This usually takes between 30 seconds and 2 minutes, depending on the app size and your internet speed. You will see a progress bar or a message saying "Installing" — do not turn off the TV or unplug it during this time. Once the installation is complete, the button will change to "Open" or the app will appear on your home screen automatically.

Finding your newly installed apps

After installation, the app appears in one of two places depending on your TV model. On SmartCast and SmartCast OS, newly installed apps usually appear in an "Apps" folder or section on the home screen. On Google TV, they appear in the "Apps" row or in your app library.

You can also rearrange your home screen to put frequently used apps in an easier-to-reach spot. Press and hold the app icon with your remote, and most Vizio TVs will let you move it to a different location on the home screen. The exact steps vary by model, so check your TV's manual if the hold-and-drag method does not work.

What to do if an app will not install

If the Install button is grayed out or the installation fails partway through, the most common cause is an unstable internet connection. Check that your TV is still connected to WiFi or ethernet by going to Settings, then Network, and confirming the connection status. If the connection shows as connected but the app still will not install, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Some apps also require a certain amount of free storage space on your TV. If you have installed many apps over time, your TV's storage may be full. Go to Settings, then Storage or Apps, and look for an option to uninstall apps you no longer use. Freeing up space often allows new apps to install. If the app is still not available in your region or on your specific TV model, the app store will show a message saying it is not compatible — in that case, the app straightforward cannot be installed on that TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Vizio account to read apps?

Most apps do not require a Vizio account to install. However, some apps like Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu will ask you to sign in with your own account after installation. You can install the app without an account and sign in later.

Can I delete an app I installed by mistake?

Yes. Press Home on your remote, find the app you want to remove, press and hold it, and select Uninstall or Delete from the menu that appears. The app will be removed from your TV when ready. You can always reinstall it later from the app store.

Why does my app store show different apps than my neighbor's Vizio TV?

The app store shows different apps based on your TV model, the operating system it runs, and your region. Newer Vizio TVs running Google TV have access to the full Google Play Store, while older models have a smaller selection. Your location also affects which apps are available.

What if my Vizio TV does not have an app store?

Very old Vizio TVs (before 2014) do not have a built-in app store. If your TV does not have an Apps button on the home screen, you can add apps using a Vizio SmartCast device (a separate streaming box) or by connecting a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick to an HDMI port on your TV.

Can I install apps from somewhere other than the Vizio app store?

On Google TV models, you can install apps from the Google Play Store, which is the same store available on Android phones. On older SmartCast models, you are limited to the Vizio app store. You cannot sideload apps (install them from outside the official store) on most Vizio TVs without technical modifications.