Installing apps on a Vizio Smart TV means using the built-in app store that comes with your TV
Vizio Smart TVs run on a system called SmartCast, which has its own app store built into the TV itself. You do not need a computer or external device — you navigate directly from your remote to find and install apps the same way you would on a phone. The process takes a few minutes and works the same way across most Vizio models made in the last five years.
The apps you can install depend on which Vizio model you own. Newer Vizio TVs (2016 and later) have access to hundreds of apps including Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, and Paramount+. Older models have fewer options. You need an internet connection — either WiFi or ethernet — and a Vizio account to read most apps, though some are free to install.
Key Takeaways
- Open the app store directly from your Vizio remote by pressing the V button or navigating to the SmartCast menu on your TV screen.
- Search for the app you want by name, or browse categories like Movies, TV, or Sports to find what is available for your TV model.
- Press the install button on the app page, and the app downloads and installs automatically — you do not need to do anything else.
- Once installed, the app appears on your home screen and you can open it when ready by selecting it with your remote.
- If an app will not install, check that your TV is connected to the internet and that your TV model supports that particular app.
How to open the app store on your Vizio TV
The fastest way is to use your Vizio remote. Look for the button with a large V logo — this is the SmartCast button. Press it once, and your TV will jump directly to the SmartCast home screen. From there, you will see rows of apps and content already installed on your TV.
If your remote does not have a dedicated V button, press the Menu button instead. Navigate to SmartCast or Apps using your arrow keys, then press OK. Either way, you will land on the same home screen. Look for an icon that says App Store or Browse Apps — this is where you search for new apps to install.
Searching for and selecting an app to install
Once you are in the app store, you have two options: search by name or browse by category. To search, look for a magnifying glass icon or a Search option at the top of the screen. Press it, and a keyboard will appear on your TV. Use your remote's arrow buttons to spell out the app name — for example, Netflix or YouTube — then press OK.
If you prefer to browse, scroll through the categories shown on your screen. Most Vizio app stores organize apps into sections like Movies & TV, Sports, Music, and News. Highlight any app that interests you, and your TV will show you a description, the app size, and an Install button. Not every app works on every Vizio model — if an app is not available for your TV, it will show a message saying so instead of an install button.
Installing the app and finding it on your home screen
When you find the app you want, highlight it and press the Install button using your remote. Your TV will begin downloading the app when ready — you will see a progress bar or a spinning icon while it works. Most apps finish installing in under a minute, though larger apps may take a few minutes longer. Do not turn off your TV or unplug it during this time.
Once the install is complete, the button will change from Install to Open. You can press Open right away to launch the app, or you can go back to your home screen and find it there. The newly installed app will appear in a row labeled My Apps or Installed Apps on your SmartCast home screen. From now on, you can open it anytime by navigating to that row and selecting it.
What to do if an app will not install
The most common reason an app will not install is that your TV is not connected to the internet. Check that your WiFi is turned on and connected — you can usually see this in the Settings menu under Network or WiFi. If you are using ethernet, make sure the cable is plugged in and that your TV shows a connection in the network settings.
The second reason is that your specific Vizio model does not support that app. Vizio's app store shows different apps depending on your TV's age and hardware. If you search for an app and it does not appear, or if you see a message saying it is not available for your device, that app straightforward is not compatible with your TV. Try searching for an alternative — for example, if one streaming service is not available, another usually is.
If an app starts to install but stops partway through, try restarting your TV. Unplug it from the wall for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully boot up. Once it is ready, go back to the app store and try installing again. If the problem continues, restart your internet router the same way — unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to reconnect.
Managing and removing apps you no longer use
As you install more apps, your home screen will fill up. You can remove any app you do not use anymore. Navigate to the app on your home screen, press and hold the OK button on your remote for a few seconds, and a menu will appear with options including Remove or Delete. Select that option, and the app will be removed from your TV. Removing an app does not affect your account or any saved data — you can always reinstall it later.
You can also rearrange the order of your apps on the home screen. Highlight an app, press and hold OK, and look for a Move option. Use your arrow keys to slide the app to a new position, then press OK to lock it in place. This helps you keep your most-used apps at the top of the screen where they are easiest to reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Vizio account to install apps?
Most apps require you to sign in with your own account — for example, your Netflix account or YouTube account — but not necessarily a Vizio account. Some free apps install without any account at all. When you try to install an app, the app store will tell you if you need to create or sign into an account before you can use it.
Can I install apps from outside the Vizio app store?
No. Vizio Smart TVs only allow you to install apps from the built-in SmartCast app store. You cannot sideload apps from a USB drive or read them from the internet the way you might on a computer. The app store is the only source for apps on your TV.
What should I do if an app keeps crashing after I install it?
Try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. Go to your home screen, highlight the app, press and hold OK, and select Remove. Then go back to the app store, search for the app again, and install it fresh. If it still crashes, the app may not be fully compatible with your TV model — try a different app that does the same thing instead.
How much storage space do apps take up on my Vizio TV?
Most apps are small — usually between 10 and 100 megabytes each. Your Vizio TV has built-in storage for apps, and you can typically install dozens of apps before running into space limits. If you do run out of space, the app store will tell you, and you can remove apps you no longer use to make room for new ones.
Can I update apps after I install them?
Yes. Vizio TVs usually update apps automatically when you are not using the TV, as long as it is connected to the internet. You can also manually check for updates by going to your home screen, highlighting an installed app, pressing and holding OK, and looking for an Update option if one is available.