It is widely presumed that when owning a Smart TV, one should be able to add apps they like and delete any they don't like.

With certain TV models, you have the choice to download and install apps through an app store, but many only offer a limited selection of pre-installed applications that can't be edited.

Back in 2016, VIZIO altered their Smart TVs, providing their users access to SmartCast as a replacement of the pre-existing app feature.

By following this guide from Fixwebnode, you can explore options for adding, deleting and updating apps on your VIZIO Smart TV.

Prerequisite

Before You Begin: Establish an Internet Connection. In order to use apps on your VIZIO Smart TV, you need to establish an Internet connection. 

See How to connect VIZIO Smart TV to WiFi.

What version of the VIZIO Platform am I using ? 

To ascertain which version of the platform an VIZIO Smart TV is running on, refer to the model series and time of release. 

An overview of the different versions is given here:

• SmartCast with Apps:  All VIZIO TVs released since 2018 come equipped with the SmartCast platform, featuring pre-installed apps, as well as 4K UHD models released from 2016 to 2017.
• SmartCast with No Apps: Between 2016 and 2017, VIZIO unveiled its HD TV models with it's first iteration of the SmartCast platform.
• VIZIO Internet Apps Plus (VIA Plus):  Between the years 2013 and 2017, VIZIO TVs with the upgraded version of their VIA platform, known as VIA Plus, were released.
• VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA):  VIZIO Internet Apps, or VIA, can be accessed through VIZIO TVs released between 2009 and 2013.

1. How to Add, Delete or Update Apps on VIZIO SmartCast ?

Is it possible to Add, Delete, or Update Apps on VIZIO SmartCast ? The short answer is no.

The VIZIO SmartCast platform provides a choice of built-in apps located at the bottom of your screen. This includes services such as Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu and Disney+.

To view a full listing of all the available apps, go to the following website: https://www.vizio.com/smart-tv-apps.

You are unable to add or delete any of the apps that come preinstalled with your VIZIO TV. These are created and maintained by the partners who provide the online content in partnership with VIZIO. The apps are transmitted to your TV via the provider's server, much as websites are.

After the provider makes a decision regarding new features, improvements, or bug fixes, they will apply the changes to their servers; when you launch the application on your TV, you will experience the changes.

If the app that you want to watch isn't already on SmartCast, you should contact the content provider to request that it be added to the platform. Aside from the apps included by default, SmartCast also has the capability to cast from Chromecast-enabled apps on your phone, tablet, or computer, as well as from Apple devices using AirPlay.

Only Certain TV models are solely compatible with the first iteration of SmartCast, meaning there is no way to download apps or add them afterwards. The only option is to cast any content from compatible Chromecast apps from a mobile, tablet or laptop.

2. How to Add, Delete or Update Apps on VIZIO Internet Apps Plus ?

The VIZIO Internet Apps Plus platform has a wide selection of applications that can be shown at the bottom of your TV screen. These apps come from the Smart TV App Store and can be added to, or modified, to help you personalize your viewing experience.

The developers of the apps maintain these and keep them automatically up-to-date, as long as it's connected to the Internet.

To view a list of available apps, simply go to https://www.vizio.com/en/smart-tv-apps. 

Here, you will find instructions on how to add or delete apps on your TV platform.

To Add Apps on the VIA Plus Platform:

• Press the VIA button twice on the remote.
• Then look under the My Apps tab in the Fullscreen VIA Plus Apps Window. 
• To find an app you want, look through the Featured, Latest, All Apps and Categories tabs.
• Then, select the one you would like and hold the OK button on the remote as it instructs in the bottom right.
• You will be alerted that "[App Name] has been added to your My Apps list".

To Delete Apps on the VIA Plus Platform:

• Press the VIA button on the remote control. 
• After being taken to the Fullscreen VIA Plus Apps Window, Navigate to the My Apps tab and locate the app that you would like to remove. 
• Highlight it and press and hold the OK button. 
• Confirm your choice to delete by pressing OK again in the small box at the bottom right. 
• Finally, Select  Delete to Delete the app.

3. How to Add, Delete or Update Apps on VIZIO Internet Apps ?

From the VIZIO Internet Apps platform, take your pick of apps that appear at the bottom of the TV screen.

Manage and organize them by adding the apps you want from the Connected TV Store or getting rid of those you don't need. And don’t worry, as long as you have an Internet connection, these apps are automatically maintained and updated by their developers.

This platform allows one to add or delete apps - instructions as follows.

To Add Apps on the VIA Platform:

• Press the VIA button on the remote.
• Then, navigate to Connected TV Store from the dock at the bottom of the screen.
• Now, Choose All Apps, Latest, Featured, or Categories and search for the desired app.
• Then hit Install App and see it appear on the dock at the bottom of the screen.

To Delete Apps on the VIA Platform:

• To remove an app from the dock at the bottom of the screen, first press the VIA button on the remote. 
• Once the app is highlighted, press the yellow button on the remote and choose Delete App from the pop-up menu. 
• Confirm your selection and press Yes, delete to fully remove the app. 
• The app will be deleted from the dock at the bottom of the screen.

Note: Most apps cannot be deleted due to contract and design.