How to Add, Delete and Update Apps on Any Vizio TV
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.
Before You Begin:
To be able to use apps on your VIZIO Smart TV, it needs to be connected to the Internet:
1 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:
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.
The first iteration of the SmartCast platform is found on VIZIO HD TVs released between 2016 – 2017.
The VIA Plus platform is found on VIZIO TVs released between 2013 – 2017 and is an upgrade to the VIA platform.
The VIA platform is found on VIZIO TVs released between 2009 – 2013.
? Choose what you wish to continue with
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.
Before You Begin:
To be able to use apps on your VIZIO Smart TV, it needs to be connected to the Internet:
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:
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.
The first iteration of the SmartCast platform is found on VIZIO HD TVs released between 2016 – 2017.
The VIA Plus platform is found on VIZIO TVs released between 2013 – 2017 and is an upgrade to the VIA platform.
The VIA platform is found on VIZIO TVs released between 2009 – 2013.
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.
The VIZIO Internet Apps Plus 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 Smart TV App 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. For a list of available apps, you can visit www.vizio.com/via-chart. Below you can find instructions on how to add or delete apps on this platform:
Add Apps on the VIA Plus Platform
- Press the VIA button twice on the remote.
- In the Fullscreen VIA Plus Apps Window you will see your added apps under the My Apps tab.
- Browse through the Featured, Latest, All Apps or Categories tabs to find the app you wish to add.
- Highlight the app you wish to add and hold the OK button on the remote as instructed in the bottom right.
- You'll get a confirmation message that says "[App Name] has been added to your My Apps list."
Delete Apps on the VIA Plus Platform
- Press the VIA button on the remote.
- In the Fullscreen VIA Plus Apps Window you will see your added apps under the My Apps tab.
- Highlight the app you wish to add and hold the OK button on the remote.
- Then press OK to delete the app as instructed in the bottom right.
- Confirm you wish to Delete the app.
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
- Press the VIA button on the remote.
- Select Connected TV Store from the dock at the bottom of the screen.
- Select All Apps, Latest, Featured, or Categories to find the app you wish to add.
- Browse through the apps and select the one you wish to add.
- Then select Install App.
- 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.
- Press the VIA button on the remote.
- Highlight the app you wish to delete from the dock at the bottom of the screen.
- Press the yellow button on the remote.
- Select Delete App from the pop-up menu.
- Then confirm your choice and select Yes, delete.
- The app will be deleted from the dock at the bottom of the screen.