Smart TVs in today’s world are proving themselves to be the centers of entertainment where users can get the applications along with the streaming services. Of all the smart TV brands, Vizio is one of the most affordable and offers one of the highest-quality displays. However, one of the common issues that most users experience is the following: How to download apps on vizio tv without v button? There are several ways and multiple solutions exist to add applications to the VIZIO Smart TV even if the V button is not present.
Understanding Vizio Smart TVs
Vizio Smart TVs offer two main platforms:
- SmartCast: This is the newest Vizio TV, but it does not feature an app platform. However, users can cast different applications from devices on their Chromecast or AirPlay.
- VIA (Vizio Internet Apps) and VIA Plus: Vizio TVs produced before 2016 are equipped with this system, which has an app store through which various apps can be installed.
Even today’s Vizio TVs, which are manufactured with several apps in them, adding or downloading apps is still a challenge, particularly in scenarios when one does not have access to the V button on the remote control. But don’t worry—no matter what model of Vizio TV you possess—whether it is a newer or older model—there are procedures to download apps without using the V button.
How to Download Apps on Vizio TV Without V Button
Method 1:Using the Home Button to Add Apps on Newer Vizio TVs
If you own a new Vizio Smart TV, that is, a Vizio Smart TV that was produced after the year 2016, then you will not be disappointed that the TV does not have a V button since it does not get in the way of your downloading or usage of different apps. However, a similar button is included in every subsequent model, with the Home button acting as one.
Here’s how you can use it to add apps:
- Switch on your Vizio TV.
- Dispose of the power button on your Vizio remote and press the Home button.
- Press the arrow keys to move to the ‘Apps’ tab.
- Once you’re in the Apps section, you’ll see a list of available apps that are either already installed or can be downloaded.
- Use the search bar to type the name of the App you want to download.
- Highlight the App and press OK to select it.
- You can install the App and add it to your home screen by selecting the “+ Add to Home” option.
This method is perfect for those with newer Vizio models, where the interface allows for easy app navigation.
Method 2: Installing Apps Using Vizio Internet Apps (VIA and VIA Plus)
If your Vizio TV is an older model with the VIA or VIA Plus platform, follow these steps to download apps directly:
- Press the ‘Home’ button twice on your Vizio remote.
- Navigate to the ‘VIA Plus Apps Store’ or simply the ‘My Apps’ tab on the TV.
- Browse available apps using the tabs for categories like Featured, Latest, or All Apps.
- Once you find the app you want, select it and press the OK button to download it.
- The App will now appear under the ‘My Apps’ tab, where you can access it whenever you want.
This method is effective for users with pre-2016 models that feature the Vizio Internet Apps Store.
Method 3: Screen Casting From Your Smartphone or Laptop
For those interested in the app unavailable on Vizio TV, the best option is to use screencasting from a mobile device or computer. The Chromecast and AirPlay options are available on Vizio Smart TVs—they enable screen sharing from a smartphone or a laptop.
Screencasting from an Android Phone:
- Check that your phone and television are connected to the same Wi-Fi Network.
- Unlock the device of your preferred Smartphone that you wish to cast the content on the television screen.
- In this case, find the Cast icon on the application’s main interface.
- Choose your Vizio TV from the list of available devices.
- Your App will now appear on the Vizio TV screen.
Screencasting from an iPhone/iPad (Using AirPlay):
- Ensure that your iOS device and Vizio TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi connection.
- On the iPhone, go to the Control Center by swiping up only from the bottom part of the display.
- A single tap will bring you to the AirPlay interface, where you can select your Vizio Smart TV.
- Your app or content will now be mirrored on your Vizio TV.
Screencasting from a Laptop (Using Google Chrome):
- Ensure you use the same Wi-Fi for your laptop and Vizio TV.
- You now need to open Google Chrome on your laptop.
- Look at the top right corner of your screen, then click on the three dots, and click on cast.
- Scroll down to see the list of devices and select Vizio TV; the entire laptop’s screen will now be displayed on the TV.
This method is also flexible since it enables you to download several apps that may not be supported by Vizio TV.
Method 4: Using External Devices (Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Firestick)
If this seems a bit complex, you can turn to other devices such as Chromecast, Roku, or even Amazon Firestick, where you can actually download apps for your Vizio TV directly.
Steps to Use Chromecast:
- First, you should insert your Chromecast into one of the HDMI sockets of your Vizio television.
- Simply connect the Chromecast to your television and use your Smartphone and the Google Home app to start it.
- After setup, you can stream apps such as YouTube, Netflix, or Hulu to the TV using Chromecast on your phone.
Steps to Use Roku or Firestick:
- Connect the Roku or Firestick to the available HDMI outlet of the Vizio television set.
- Tap the device’s home screen and locate the program of the device’s native app store.
- I hope that all those people who have Vizio TV will search for and download the various apps they wish to use on it.
When you use these external devices, you can access many other applications and services for your Vizio Smart TV.
Method 5: Using a web browser to download apps
If your Vizio TV is web-capable, you can download DL apps using a browser, but you can also install DL apps from the Google Play Store on your computer or any smart device on your Vizio TV.
Steps to Download Apps via Browser:
- Go to your laptop or use your smartphone to open a web browser.
- You have to open the Google Play Store on your device and log in to your Google account.
- Go to the application store that you want to use to download the desired App.
- After you find the App, click on the Install button, then select your Vizio TV from the list of connected devices.
- Vizio TV supports the Screen mirroring feature, which will enable the automatic installation of the App when connected to the TV.
This method is extremely beneficial to users who like managing their applications from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is installing an application from the Play Store on Vizio television possible?
Not really. As far as my knowledge is concerned, Vizio TVs do not support the Play Store. But via screencasting or Chromecast or Fire Stick, you can use the Play Store apps as well as external devices.
Why won’t my Vizio TV respond in the center, and where is the volume button located if not on the V button?
The described version of Vizio Smart TVs includes components from 2016 and later, so the V button can not be found on it. Instead, they utilize the Home button to launch programs and various functions.
What if I wish to install an app not yet listed on the Vizio smart TV?
You can use screencasting to start streaming the App from your Smartphone or laptop or add extra devices like Roku or Amazon Firestick to download other applications.
Is it possible to install apps to Vizio television using a USB hosting port?
Yes, if you get an APK file, store it on a USB drive, and insert the USB drive into your Vizio TV, then it can be possible to install apps on it, although this is not very popular and also depends on the model of Vizio TV you are using.
How to update apps on Vizio Smart TV?
Most apps installed in Vizio Smart TVs are automatically updated, so users do not have to update them manually. However, to see if any updates are available, you must open the Apps page and choose which App you’d like to update.
Also Read: Connect VIZIO Soundbar to TV
