How to add or remove Apps to Vizio TV without the “V” Button?

The V button on a Vizio TV remote is used to open Vizio Internet applications and can be used to install apps. If this button on your remote has been damaged or the replacement doesn’t have this button, adding apps to the Vizio TV can be a bit tricky. 

Types of Vizio TVs and How to Add Apps on Them

The process to install the apps on the Vizio TV without a V button depends on the type of TV you have. We can divide these TVs into the following four categories.

1. VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA)

These TV sets were produced before 2013. You can install apps on these TVs from the Vizio TV Store.

Add Apps on a VIA TV

1. Connect the TV to the Internet, either wired or wireless.
2. Press the Remote’s Home button twice to open the Apps screen.

   

3. Navigate to All Apps and search for the required app.
4. Install the app and launch it. Ta-Da, you are done.

2. VIZIO Internet Apps Plus (VIA Plus)

These models were produced between 2013 and 2017. You can also install apps on these TVs from the Vizio Store.

Add Apps on a VIA Plus Vizio TV

Use the same steps as discussed in the section of Add Apps on a VIA TV. 

3. SmartCast Without Apps

These TV sets were produced between 2016 and 2017. You cannot install apps on these TVs. These TVs also do not have built-in apps to use. Only Screencasting can be used with these TVs.

Use ScreenCasting on TVs with SmartCast without Apps

These TVs do not support apps. The best option for them is to use screencasting from other devices. These devices may be Android devices, iPhones/iPads, Macs, Windows, or Linux-based systems.

1. Launch the required app on your phone (such as Netflix) and tap the Cast or Airplay icon.
2. Select the Vizio TV and you will see the app on your TV’s screen. You can also Cast or Airplay the phone’s screen (not just the app) to the supported Vizio TVs.

   

If you have a PC or Mac, you can project, cast, or Airplay your system’s display to the Vizio TV. If you want to cast or project a browser window, simply open the browser menu and select Cast. In the devices shown, select the TV and you are done.

4. SmartCast with Apps

These TV models are produced after 2018. Some 4K UHD models released between 2016 to 2017 also have this type of firmware. These TVs have built-in apps but do not allow the installation of external apps. Either you can use pre-installed apps or use Screencasting.

Add Apps on a TV Supporting SmartCast with Apps

1. Connect the Vizio TV to the Internet and press the Input button on the remote. If the input button is not present or does not work, you may try the Home button.
2. Select Smartcast as the Input source and go to Apps.

   

3. Find and install the required app.
4. Launch it and hurray, you are done.

Other Methods

Aside from the above methods, you can also try the methods below to add apps to your Vizio TV without a V button. 

1. Use the Remote App

1. Download and install the Vizio Mobile app on your phone from the respective app store (i.e., Apple App Store or Google Play Store).

   

2. Launch it and connect it to your Vizio TV.
3. Open Apps and install the required app on your TV.
4. Launch the app and you are good to go.

2. Use the TV Buttons

1. Connect the TV to the Internet and simultaneously long-press the following buttons:

   Input
   
   Volume Down

   

2. Navigate to the Home screen and open All Apps.
3. Install the required app and launch it. That will do the trick.

3. Use a Flash Drive to Sideload Apps to the Vizio TV

Remember that this will only work with TV models that allow sideloading of the apps.

1. Download the APK file of the required app on a PC or your phone.
2. Copy the file to a flash drive, either through the system or using an OTG adapter with your phone. Ensure the USB drive is formatted in FAT32 and has a maximum size of 8 GB.
3. Power off the Vizio TV and unplug its power cable from the power source.
4. Plug the USB into the TV and power on the TV after plugging back its power cable.

   

5. The TV should automatically start loading the app and once done, launch the App and you are done.

4. Use a 3^rd Party Streaming Device

If none of the above methods works or does not meet your requirements, you can use a 3^rd party streaming device with your Vizio TV. These devices may include Google Chromecast, Amazon Firestick, or Roku.

How to Remove Apps from the Vizio TV without a V Button

The specific method to remove apps from the Vizio TV without a V button depends upon the TV model. General guidelines are as under:

1. Press the Home or Input button on the remote to launch Apps or Smartcast. You can also use the TV’s buttons or the Vizio Mobile app.
2. Navigate to the required app and expand its options.
3. Select Remove or Uninstall and confirm to remove the app.

   

If these methods do not work, then you can opt to purchase a Vizio TV remote with a V button (given that your TV supports the functionality). Have a suggestion or query, we are available in the comments section.