Are you wondering how to add apps to Vizio TV without the V button. If you know already then the V button on the Vizio TV remote control essentially provides access to a variety of features including downloading new apps.
If for any reason, itโs no longer working or unavailable, it becomes a bit of a challenge.
However, with the right steps, you can easily add or download apps to your Vizio TV even when there is no V button.
Table of Contents
Adding apps to the Vizio TV without the V button
Firstly, youโre required to identify your Vizio TV model.
This is because the OS platform on your TV plays a role in what will be showcased on the screen and how you interact with it.
In that case, the software used corresponds to the model series and the year it was released.
Weโll briefly cover the four categories of OS platforms;
- SmartCast with Apps โ This is a smart TV platform that comes with a dedicated app store. Content developed for this platform is grouped under the SmartCast label. It was introduced in TVs released after 2018. Itโs also found in a few of the 4K UHD TVs released in 2016 and 2017.
- SmartCast without Apps โ This OS platform was available in SmartCast-enabled TVs released between 2016 and 2017. It lacks a dedicated app store and doesnโt support installing apps externally.
- Vizio Internet Apps Plus (VIA Plus) โ With this, you can install apps from the native Vizio TV Store. Itโs available in Vizio TVs that were released from 2013 to 2017.
- Vizio Internet Apps (VIA) โ This is the most basic platform of them all. It supports installing apps from the Vizio TV Connected Store and is available on TVs that were released before 2013.
Once the model had been established, we can now move on to the next part where you can add or download apps to your Vizio TV without using the V button.
Add Apps using the Vizio Internet Apps Plus platform
This is the simplest and perhaps the most logical step in this guide.
The app store for the Vizio TV offers various apps and services that are tailored to your needs.
But before you start installing the apps, ensure the TV is receiving a strong internet connection.
- Take the remote and tap on the Home button twice.
- This should show you a screen with all of the apps already available on the device.
- Navigate to the All Apps section and look for the specific app you need to install.
- As soon as you find it, tap on OK to install it.
- Thatโs about all there is to it. Now that the app has finished installing, launch the app and start using it.
Use a Flash Drive to Sideload apps on your Vizio TV
This is the ideal method for people who donโt necessarily have a good internet connection.
It doesnโt work for every model of Vizio TV but certainly works for most of them.
The most important thing you need to remember here is that the flash drive should be at least 32 GB in size.
The flash drive must also have at least 20 GB of free space.
- Download and install the APK file of the desired app.
- Use your PC to ensure the file is saved properly on a flash drive. Itโs best to first remove any other files and documents stored on the Flash Drive.
- Switch off the TV and also disconnect it from the power source.
- Now plug in the Flash Drive and proceed to connect the TV back to a power outlet. Switch it back on.
- Automatically, the TV system will begin the process of sideloading your new app. Let it go to completion.
Use buttons on the Vizio TV to navigate the interface
Aside from the remote control, you can use the buttons on the TV itself for navigation.
These should help you in case your remote gets damaged or lost.
Coincidentally, thereโs nothing complicated about it.
- Connect your Vizio smart TV to a stable home network.
- Simultaneously long-press the Input and Volume Down buttons found on the TV.
- Now navigate to the Home menu and find the All Apps section.
- Proceed to search for any of desired apps on the list.
- Once youโve seen it, select the OK button and let it start installing.
- Wait for the app to finish installing, then press the Input button to go back to your main menu. Take a look at the apps installed and launch the app you just downloaded.
Screen Cast Apps from your mobile device to Vizio TV
See if your phone or tablet offers this feature.
This should make it easier to connect a mobile device to the TV screen and begin using it as conjoined.
By following the steps below, you should be able to start using a SmartCast app on your mobile device.
- First of all, connect the Vizio Smart TV and the device to the same network. You should also download a compatible Google Chromecast app on your mobile device i.e. Android and iOS.
- Launch the Cast function on your mobile device and choose the Vizio TV from the drop-down list.
- When prompted, enter the password for your Vizio TV to begin using a screen Cast app.
- Thatโs it! You should now be able to use any compatible apps on your mobile device and display them on a SmartCast-enabled Vizio TV screen.
Final Thoughts
This guide is essential for anyone who wishes to learn how to add apps on their Vizio TV without using the V button.
After all, youโre probably looking to make at least one or two adjustments to your TV along with its apps.
FAQs
Where is the V button on my Vizio remote?
The V button is usually found toward the center of the remote.
However, it may not always be in that specific area.
Instead, it may be hidden in a different spot.
Where is App Store on Vizio TV?
The App Store on Vizio TV is called the Connected TV Store and itโs easily found on the home screen.