How to Add Apps to Your Vizio Smart TV

Vizio has quickly become one of the most popular smart TV brands in America. Their sets come equipped with the SmartCast operating system, offering direct access to leading streaming platforms right from your TV screen. While Vizio televisions already include built-in apps like Netflix and Disney+, many don’t realize you can customize SmartCast even further by downloading additional apps to your heart’s content.

In this simple, step-by-step guide, we’ll explore how

Vizio owners can access the SmartCast app store to install new apps for streaming specialty channels, playing games, controlling smart devices, viewing security cameras, and more—no external streaming device required!

What Makes Vizio Smart TVs Stand Out

Vizio smart TVs run on the SmartCast operating system, which allows you to access apps directly from the TV without needing external streaming devices like a Roku or Apple TV.

Here are some key highlights of Vizio’s SmartCast platform:

• Pre-loaded with top streaming apps – The moment you set up your Vizio TV, you instantly have access to all the major streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube and more without attaching any additional devices. For live TV streams, free trials to services like Hulu+ Live, YouTube TV and SlingTV are included as well.
• Adds new services automatically – SmartCast has new streaming services added all the time like Disney+, Apple TV+, Discovery+ and more so you always have the latest and greatest options.
• Voice controls with Alexa & Google Assistant– You can use voice commands to launch apps, search for content, adjust settings, control smart home devices and more. SmartCast works with both Amazon Alexa devices and Google Assistant enabled devices for versatile, hands-free voice control.
• Chromecast built-in – Easily cast movies, shows, music, photos, browser tabs and more straight from your smartphone or tablet to your Vizio TV. One tap casting for thousands of Chromecast-enabled apps.
• Vizio WatchFree – Enjoy over 185 free streaming channels spanning news, sports, movies, TV shows, music and more. No paid subscriptions needed for channels like NBC News Now, Fox Sports, Buzzr, Kids TV and so many others.

With SmartCast already offering so much in terms of free channels and built-in streaming services, you may wonder why youʼd even need to add more apps. Great question! Read on to understand the key benefits.

Why Add More Apps to Your Vizio TV

While your Vizio TV comes pre-loaded with the most popular streaming apps and free channels, here are 5 great reasons to further customize your SmartCast homepage with even more apps and services:

1. Specialty Streaming Channels

Add extra entertainment apps like ESPN+ for additional sports coverage, PBS Kids for excellent children’s content, niche movie services like MUBI, international channels through Plex and much more. Mix and match apps for all your unique interests.

2. Turn Your TV Into a Gaming Console

Transform big game nights by using your Vizio TV as a giant casual gaming screen! The SmartCast app store offers fan favorite pick up and play games like Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Solitaire and even basic fitness games to get you moving.

3. Enhanced Audio Listening

Install additional music services like Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio and more for endless playlists, internet radio stations, and podcast listening while cooking in the kitchen or relaxing on the couch.

4. Smart Home Automation

Control your Phillips Hue lights, adjust your Nest thermostat, monitor IP security cameras like Ring and Wyze, and manage dozens more smart home devices right from the convenience of your Vizio TV with dedicated IoT brand apps.

5. Remote Viewing Security Feeds

Access home security camera feeds from brands like Ring, Wyze Cam or Nest Cam. Quickly check activity at your front door or keep an eye on kids and pets anywhere in the house. Vital surveillance access is now remoted to your TV.

Now let’s get to actually finding and adding great new apps to your Vizio SmartCast TV!

How to Download & Add Apps on Vizio SmartCast TVs

Adding fresh apps on your Vizio Smart TV is quick and straightforward. Just follow these 5 simple steps:

1. Using your Vizio remote, select the SmartCast icon from the TV homepage. This opens the main SmartCast menu.

1. Select the App Store icon which looks like a shopping bag. This opens the app store where you can browse categories or search for specific apps.

2. Browse categories like New & Notable, Entertainment, Life & Style, Sports & Fitness etc. Or enter keywords in the search bar for particular app names.

3. Once you discover an app you want, select it and tap Download. Take note some apps are free while others charge a small fee or require a subscription.

4. After installing, carefully review and accept the permission requirements for that app to finalize setup. Then access it directly from the SmartCast homepage under “My Apps”.

Let’s look at a quick example of adding a useful app like the Wyze Cam home security camera app:

1. From SmartCast, open the App Store
2. Search for “Wyze Cam”
3. Select the Wyze app and tap Download
4. Accept permissions enabling Wyze access to WiFi, location, camera etc.
5. View live Wyze Cam feeds now via the newly added app!

While the SmartCast app catalogue covers many popular services, some apps like HBO Max currently aren’t available. But fear not, you can still enjoy them on your Vizio TV via Chromecast built-in!

Casting Apps to Vizio TVs

For apps lacking a SmartCast version, Vizio makes casting them from your mobile device easy breezy thanks to Chromecast direct integration.

Simply tap the Cast icon visible in thousands of iOS and Android apps when connected to the same WiFi network as your TV. Then sit back as Chromecast streams that app straight from your phone over to the big screen!

So between downloading apps directly to SmartCast and casting unavailable ones from your mobile device, you truly can customize your Vizio TV with virtually any app.

Recommended Apps to Add on Vizio TV

To recap, here are 8 great suggested apps to add more entertainment options, security camera access, and smart home controls:

• Spotify – Stream endless playlists and podcasts

• ESPN+ – Unlock more sports content
• Solitaire – Fun casual game to challenge friends
• Wyze Cam – View security cam feeds
• Nest – Control Nest thermostat and cameras
• Plex – Manage personal media and access Live TV
• IFTTT – Create custom voice commands
• Red Bull TV – Watch extreme sports events

We hope this guide gives you confidence to tailor your Vizio viewing experience by mixing and matching all your favorite streaming services, music, casual games and more. Feel free to add your own recommendations for must-have apps to install in the comments! Need help pairing your Roku remote to your TV? We’ve got you covered!