How to delete apps on VIZIO Smartcast TV 2021

This article explains how to add apps to your Vizio smart TV featuring SmartCast. Additional information is provided for older Visio TVs that feature Vizio Internet Apps (VIA) and Vizio Internet Apps+ (VIA+).

How to Add Apps to a SmartCast TV

SmartCast TVs come with a selection of core apps preinstalled on the TV. You can select these directly, but you can also access an additional group of apps that you can cast to the display or TV.

However, if you want to add apps outside of the core list or the preselected mobile apps available for immediate casting,you must add them to your smartphone to cast them to the TV, just as you do when using a Chromecast device.

Any apps you add that are not on the Core Apps list and installed on your TV reside on your smartphone, and you have to cast them.

The app addition process is the same as you perform on a Chromecast device.

1. Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

2. Select an available Chromecast-enabled app for casting.

3. Tap Install.

4. Once installed, the app is now integrated into your smartphone's cast selection.

5. To cast an app, open it and tap the Cast logo (same logo Chromecast uses) on the top of your smartphone screen.

   

After you initiate a cast and your content starts playing on the SmartCast TV or display, you can perform other tasks on your phone at the same time, without interrupting play, including finding other content to cast, making a phone call, turning the phone off, or even leaving the house with your phone.

How to Customize SmartCast Core Apps

Core apps are installed into the display or TV and can be accessed directly on the screen without casting.

To make managing the core apps easier, you can use Vizio's Customize App Row feature. This enables you to change the order in which the core apps are displayed on your home screen so that you can group your favorites closer together.

Here's how to use Customize App Row:

1. Using your remote control, select the Customize App Row icon.

   
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2. Select an app and move it using the provided left and right arrow cursors. When done select OK, then Done. If you decide that you don't want to move the app, you can select Cancel.

   
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Understanding VIA and VIA+

Many older Vizio TVs have the VIA or VIA+ smart TV platform.

VIA and VIA+ are set up similarly to most smart TVs. All of the apps reside in or can be added to the TV, allowing users to manage and add all their apps directly through the TV using the remote control. However, screen-mirroring and screencasting of a limited number of apps using compatible smartphones and tablets are also supported.

How to Add Apps on a VIA or VIA+ TV

With VIA and VIA+, a selection of apps is already preinstalled, such Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, YouTube, Pandora, and iHeart Radio, but you can add many more apps from the Vizio App Store. On some models, you can also add the Google Play: Movies and TV app.

Here's how to add more apps on smart TVs with Via and VIA+:

1. Click the V button your Vizio TV remote control to get to the apps home menu.

2. Click on one of the options on the top the screen that takes you to the App Store options (Featured, Latest, All Apps, or Categories).

3. Next, highlight the app(s) you want to add that is not already on your list.

4. For TVs that have VIA, press OK and scroll to Install App. After the app installs it is be added to your viewing selection.

5. For TVs that have VIA+, press and hold OK until the app has been added to the My Apps list.

   Installed apps display a colored star in the top-right hand corner of the app icon.

6. To select and play content from an installed app, click on its associated icon using the TV's remote control.

Delete a Streaming Service From Your My Apps List

1. Highlight the icon for the specific app you want to delete. A submenu appears that includes a delete option.

2. Click OK next to the delete option to remove the app.

About the Different Vizio Systems

The process of adding and managing apps on Vizio TVs and Home Theater Displays varies depending on your system. Those systems are SmartCast, VIA, and VIA+.

Vizio systems breakdown by model year:

• 2018 and later: All Vizio smart TVs feature SmartCast.
• 2016 and 2017: Tunerless Home Theater Displays feature SmartCast.
• 2016 and 2017: Vizio smart TVs feature either SmartCast or VIA+.
• 2015 and older: Vizio smart TVs feature VIA or VIA+.

Check the user guide for your specific model for system identification. Your TV or home theater display needs to be connected to your home network and the internet to use any of Vizio's app platforms.

A Word About How SmartCast Works

The foundation of SmartCast is the Google Chromecast platform in which internet app content can be displayed on a TV by casting it from a compatible smartphone or tablet. This means that instead of plugging a Chromecast dongle into the TV, the TV has Chromecast built-in.

In addition to streaming content, the SmartCast smartphone/tablet app goes beyond casting by providing control for all TV functions, including input selection, picture calibration, and sound settings. Also, when you initiate a cast, the TV will automatically switch from the current source input (such as TV channel or any of the HDMI inputs) to the casting source.

When selecting a TV or movie title, SmartCast allows you to see what apps it is available on instead of checking each app to find it. SmartCast also provides recommendations based on your viewing history.