How to Add, Delete and Update Apps on Any Vizio TV

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

How to Add, Delete, and Update Apps on Any Vizio TV

Vizio Smart TVs offer a range of apps that provide access to popular streaming services, games, and other content. Managing these apps is essential for a seamless viewing experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through adding, deleting, and updating apps on any Vizio TV.

Understanding Vizio TV Platforms

Vizio TVs come with different platforms depending on the model and year of manufacture. The primary platforms are:

• Vizio Internet Apps (VIA): Found on older Vizio Smart TVs.
• Vizio Internet Apps Plus (VIA Plus): An upgraded version of VIA.
• SmartCast: The latest platform, found on newer models, with built-in Google Chromecast functionality.

Adding Apps on Vizio TV

For Vizio Internet Apps (VIA) and VIA Plus

1. Press the V Button on the Remote
   • This will open the VIA dock at the bottom of the screen.
2. Access the App Store
   • Navigate to the Yahoo TV Store (for VIA) or the Apps section (for VIA Plus).
3. Browse and Select the App
   • Use the arrow keys on the remote to browse through available apps. Highlight the app you want to add and press "OK."
4. Install the App
   • Select "Install App" and press "OK." The app will be added to your VIA dock.

For SmartCast

SmartCast TVs do not allow manual app installation in the traditional sense. Instead, they use built-in apps and allow you to cast apps from your mobile device.

1. Ensure Your Device is on the Same Network
   • Make sure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your SmartCast TV.
2. Open the App on Your Mobile Device
   • Launch the app you want to cast (e.g., Netflix, YouTube).
3. Cast the App to Your TV
   • Tap the Cast icon within the app and select your Vizio SmartCast TV from the list of available devices.

Deleting Apps on Vizio TV

For Vizio Internet Apps (VIA) and VIA Plus

1. Press the V Button on the Remote
   • This will open the VIA dock at the bottom of the screen.
2. Highlight the App You Want to Delete
   • Use the arrow keys on the remote to navigate to the app you wish to remove.
3. Delete the App
   • Press the yellow button on the remote. Select "Delete App" and confirm your choice by pressing "OK."

For SmartCast

Since SmartCast doesn’t allow manual app installations, you cannot delete built-in apps. However, you can remove any unwanted apps from your mobile device’s cast list.

Updating Apps on Vizio TV

For Vizio Internet Apps (VIA) and VIA Plus

1. Press the V Button on the Remote
   • Open the VIA dock at the bottom of the screen.
2. Highlight the App to Update
   • Use the arrow keys to navigate to the app you want to update.
3. Update the App
   • Press the yellow button on the remote. If an update is available, select "Update" and press "OK." If no update option is visible, the app is already up-to-date.

For SmartCast

Apps on SmartCast TVs are automatically updated. However, ensuring your TV firmware is up-to-date can help keep apps running smoothly.

1. Press the Menu Button on the Remote
   • Open the settings menu.
2. Go to System Settings
   • Navigate to System > Check for Updates.
3. Update the Firmware
   • If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter issues while managing apps on your Vizio TV, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Restart Your TV: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor issues.
• Check Internet Connection: Ensure your TV is connected to a stable internet connection.
• Reset to Factory Settings: If all else fails, you can reset your TV to factory settings (note that this will erase all settings and data).

Managing apps on your Vizio TV is essential for optimizing your viewing experience. Whether you have a VIA, VIA Plus, or SmartCast TV, this guide provides the necessary steps to add, delete, and update apps easily. By following these instructions, you can ensure your TV has all the apps you need and runs smoothly.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with others who might need assistance with their Vizio TV. Enjoy your seamless entertainment experience!

Contact Support.Com

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below, or Contact Support.Com for Personalized Assistance.

1. Introduction

The general expectation with Smart TVs is that you should be able to add your favorite apps and delete the ones you don't want.

Some TVs have an app store from where you can download and install apps while others only provide a limited number of built-in apps that you cannot change. For several years, VIZIO Smart TVs allowed you to add and delete apps, however, in 2016 they changed their approach with the launch of their SmartCast platform.

This guide will show you what options you have to adding, deleting and updating apps on your VIZIO Smart TV.

What You'll Need:

• No extra tools or supplies are needed.

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Before You Begin:

Connect to the Internet
To be able to use apps on your VIZIO Smart TV, it needs to be connected to the Internet:

• How to Connect VIZIO Smart TV to WiFi

2. Which VIZIO Platform Do I Have?

The platform your smart TV is running on tells your TV how to operate, what to show on the screen and how you can interact with it. The specific platform a VIZIO Smart TV is running on depends on the model series and when it was released. To easily determine this, check the images below for reference:

SmartCast with Apps

The SmartCast platform with built-in apps is found on all VIZIO TVs released since 2018 as well as on 4K UHD TVs released between 2016 & 2017.

SmartCast with No Apps

The first iteration of the SmartCast platform is found on VIZIO HD TVs released between 2016 & 2017.

VIZIO Internet Apps Plus (VIA Plus)

The VIA Plus platform is found on VIZIO TVs released between 2013 & 2017 and is an upgrade to the VIA platform.

VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA)

The VIA platform is found on VIZIO TVs released between 2009 & 2013.

3. Can You Add, Delete or Update Apps on VIZIO SmartCast?

The short answer is no. The VIZIO SmartCast platform offers built-in apps that you can find at the bottom of the screen. You'll see apps such as Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu and even Disney+. For a more comprehensive list of available apps, you can visit www.vizio.com/smart-tv-apps.

Besides the built-in apps, you cannot add more or delete any of the existing ones. They are created and maintained by the companies providing the online content in partnership with VIZIO. They are loaded onto your TVs screen from the provider's server similar to how websites do. When the provider decides to add new features, improve existing ones or fix current issues, they will make the changes on their server which will then be reflected on your TV automatically when you launch the app. If there's a certain app that you would like to have on the SmartCast platform, you may want to contact the content provider and put in a request. Besides the built-in apps you can also cast content from Chromecast-enabled apps from a phone, tablet or computer, as well as cast from Apple devices over AirPlay.

A small number of TV models only run on the first iteration of the SmartCast platform. It doesn't have built-in apps nor can you add apps yourself. It only allows you to cast content from Chromecast-enabled apps from a phone, tablet or computer.

4. Add, Delete or Update Apps on VIZIO Internet Apps Plus

The only VIZIO Smart TVs that allow you to install apps are the ones running on the VIA Plus and VIA platforms. Expand the instructions below for the type of TV you have:

VIZIO Internet Apps Plus (VIA Plus)

1. Press the V button twice on the remote.
   

1. In the Fullscreen VIA Plus Apps Window you will see your installed apps under the My Apps tab.
   

1. Browse through the Featured, Latest, All Apps or Categories tabs to find the app you want to install.
   

1. Press and hold the OK button until "[App Name] has been added to your My Apps list" appears.
   

VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA)

1. Press the V button on the remote.
   

1. Select CONNECTED TV STORE.
   

1. Choose All Apps.
   

1. Navigate through the list of Apps and press OK on the desired App to bring up the option to install it.
   

1. Select Install App which is often located in the lower-left corner of the screen.
   

5. Add, Delete or Update Apps on VIZIO Internet Apps

The VIZIO Internet Apps platform shows your apps at the bottom of the screen.

There is a multitude of apps that you can choose from and add them to your screen from the Connected TV Store. You can also delete the ones you don't want, to keep them better organized. These apps are maintained by their developers and are updated automatically as long as your TV is connected to the Internet. Below you can find instructions on how to add or delete apps on this platform:

Add Apps on the VIA Platform

1. Press the VIA button on the remote.
   

1. Select Connected TV Store from the dock at the bottom of the screen.
   

1. Select All Apps, Latest, Featured, or Categories to find the app you wish to add.
   

1. Browse through the apps and select the one you wish to add.
   

1. Then select Install App.
   

1. The app will be added to the dock at the bottom of the screen.

Delete Apps on the VIA Platform

Some apps cannot be deleted due to contract and design.

1. Press the VIA button on the remote.
   

1. Highlight the app you wish to delete from the dock at the bottom of the screen.
   

1. Press the yellow button on the remote.
   

1. Select Delete App from the pop-up menu.
   

1. Then confirm your choice and select Yes, delete.
   

1. The app will be deleted from the dock at the bottom of the screen.