How to Update Apps on Vizio TV [2 Easy Ways] (Updated)

Is your Vizio TV running sluggish apps? Are you missing out on new features because your apps are outdated? You‘re not alone. Many Vizio TV owners struggle with keeping their apps current, especially those with older models.

Unlike other smart TVs that run on Android TV OS, Vizio uses its own operating systems—either the older VIA (Vizio Internet Apps) or the newer SmartCast. This unique approach creates specific challenges when it comes to updating apps.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through two proven methods to update apps on your Vizio TV, with special attention to older models that often need extra help. By the end, you‘ll have all the tools you need to keep your Vizio TV running smoothly with the latest app versions.

The Evolution of Vizio Smart TVs

Before diving into update methods, let‘s understand how Vizio TVs have evolved over the years, as this directly impacts how apps are updated on different models.

Vizio‘s Journey in the Smart TV Market

Vizio entered the smart TV market in 2009 with their first Internet Apps (VIA) platform. Since then, they‘ve gone through several iterations:

• 2009-2014: First-generation VIA platform with limited app selection
• 2014-2016: VIA+ platform with expanded app ecosystem
• 2016-Present: SmartCast platform with built-in Chromecast functionality

This evolution reflects Vizio‘s shift from a traditional app store model to a more streamlined, casting-focused approach. According to market research firm Statista, Vizio currently holds approximately 13.7% of the North American smart TV market share, making them the third largest smart TV manufacturer behind Samsung and LG.

Market Position of Vizio TVs

This data shows how Vizio has steadily grown while transitioning from a traditional app store model to a hybrid approach with fewer but more curated native apps, supplemented by casting capabilities.

Understanding Vizio TV Operating Systems

The update process differs significantly depending on which operating system your Vizio TV runs. Let‘s examine each system in detail.

VIA vs. SmartCast: What‘s the Difference?

VIA (Vizio Internet Apps) is the older operating system found on Vizio TVs manufactured before 2016. VIA TVs have these characteristics:

• App store accessible through the VIA button on the remote
• Apps are downloaded and stored directly on the TV
• Limited storage space (typically 1-4GB)
• Processor speed: 600-900 MHz (varies by model)
• RAM: 256MB-1GB (varies by model)
• Update method: Manual through app store or system updates

SmartCast is Vizio‘s current operating system, introduced in 2016. SmartCast TVs have these features:

• Built-in Chromecast functionality
• Most apps are not installed on the TV but streamed from the cloud
• Processor speed: 1.0-1.5 GHz quad-core (varies by model)
• RAM: 1-2GB (varies by model)
• Update method: Primarily through automatic system updates
• Remote app control via mobile devices

Technical Specifications Comparison

How to Identify Your Vizio TV Model

Not sure which system your TV uses? Here‘s how to check:

1. Look at your remote control. If it has a "V" button or "VIA" button, you likely have a VIA TV.

2. Check the manufacturing date:

   • Pre-2016: Likely running VIA or VIA+
   • 2016 or newer: Running SmartCast

3. Examine the interface:

   • VIA: Grid-style app layout with a dedicated app store
   • SmartCast: Row of apps at bottom of screen, no traditional app store

4. Check the model number on the back of your TV and reference this format:

   • E##-## (older VIA models)
   • M##-## or P##-## (mid-range and premium models)
   • The first two digits after the letter indicate screen size
   • The last two digits typically indicate the model year (e.g., E65-E1 is a 65" from 2017)

5. Use the system information screen:

   • Press Menu on your remote
   • Navigate to System > System Information
   • Look for "TV Version" or "SmartCast Version"

Now that you know which system you‘re working with, let‘s explore how to update apps on each type.

Method 1: Updating Apps on Older Vizio TVs via the App Store

This method works best for older Vizio TVs running the VIA or VIA+ platform. These TVs store apps locally and allow you to manage them through an app store interface.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Power on your Vizio TV and ensure it‘s connected to the internet. A stable connection is crucial for downloading updates.

2. Check your internet connection by going to:

   • Press the Menu button on your remote
   • Navigate to "Network"
   • Select "Test Connection"
   • Minimum recommended speed: 5 Mbps for standard streaming, 15+ Mbps for HD
   • If the connection fails, troubleshoot your network before proceeding

3. Access the Vizio App Store by pressing the "V" button or "VIA" button on your remote control. This button typically has the Vizio logo on it.

4. Navigate through the app gallery using the arrow keys on your remote. You‘ll see a grid of available apps.

5. Select the app you want to update by highlighting it and pressing OK.

6. Press the yellow button on your remote. This brings up additional options for the selected app.

7. Look for the "Update" option. If an update is available, you‘ll see this option in the menu. Select it to begin the update process.

8. Wait for the update to complete. Depending on your internet speed and the size of the update, this could take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.

9. If no update option appears, the app may already be up to date, or updates might not be available through this method. In this case, try the alternative approach of deleting and reinstalling:

   • Select "Delete" from the app options menu
   • Return to the App Store
   • Find and reinstall the app, which will give you the latest available version

App Update Sizes for Popular Vizio VIA Apps

Understanding the size of app updates helps you plan for download times and storage management:

Note: These are approximate values and may vary based on specific TV models and app versions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with App Store Updates

Problem: The update option doesn‘t appear

• Solution: Your app might already be the latest version, or updates might be managed through system updates instead.
• Technical reason: Vizio sometimes phases out app updates for older models, focusing resources on newer platforms.

Problem: Update fails to download

• Solutions:
  • Check your internet connection
  • Restart your TV and try again
  • Make sure your TV has enough storage space (go to Settings > System > Memory to check)
  • Try updating during off-peak hours when network traffic is lower

Problem: App store is slow or unresponsive

• Solutions:
  • Restart your TV
  • Perform a soft reset by unplugging the TV for 60 seconds
  • Check for system updates that might improve performance
  • Clear app cache if your model supports this feature

Problem: "Not enough memory" error

• Solutions:
  • Delete unused apps to free up space
  • Clear app cache and temporary files
  • Perform a soft reset to clear memory
  • As a last resort, factory reset the TV

Method 2: Updating Apps via System Update

For both VIA and SmartCast TVs, system updates often include app updates. This is especially true for SmartCast TVs, where most apps are managed through the system software rather than individually.

Automatic System Updates

1. Ensure your TV is connected to the internet through a stable Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.

2. Enable automatic updates (if not already enabled):

   • Press the Menu button on your remote
   • Navigate to System > Check for Updates
   • Make sure "Auto Update" is turned ON

3. Your TV will periodically check for updates when it‘s in standby mode. To ensure your TV can receive updates:

   • Keep your TV connected to the internet even when not in use
   • Don‘t completely power off the TV (use standby mode)
   • Make sure the "Quick Start" option is enabled in your power settings

Manual System Update Check

1. Power on your Vizio TV and make sure it‘s connected to the internet.

2. Press the Menu button on your remote control.

3. Navigate to "System" using the arrow keys.

4. Select "Check for Updates" and press OK.

5. If an update is available, you‘ll be prompted to download and install it. Select "Yes" to proceed.

6. Wait for the update to download and install. This process may take 10-30 minutes depending on your internet speed and the size of the update.

7. Your TV will restart once the update is complete. After restarting, many of your apps should be updated to their latest versions compatible with your TV model.

System Update Frequency and Size

Based on data collected from Vizio support forums and user reports:

Note: These are approximate values and may vary based on specific models and update content.

Updating via USB (Alternative Method)

For TVs with unreliable internet connections or those experiencing update difficulties, you can use the USB update method:

1. Visit the Vizio support website on a computer at support.vizio.com.

2. Find your specific TV model and look for available firmware downloads.

3. Download the latest firmware to your computer.

4. Format a USB drive to FAT32 format. Important: This will erase all data on the drive.

   • USB drive requirements:
     • Minimum 2GB capacity (4GB or 8GB recommended)
     • FAT32 format only (not NTFS or exFAT)
     • No other files should be on the drive

5. Extract the downloaded firmware and copy the files to the root directory of your USB drive.

6. Insert the USB drive into a USB port on your powered-on Vizio TV.

7. Your TV should automatically detect the update files and prompt you to install them. If not, go to System > Check for Updates and the TV should recognize the USB drive.

8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.

9. Remove the USB drive once the update is complete and your TV has restarted.

App Compatibility Across Vizio Generations

One of the biggest challenges for older Vizio TV owners is app compatibility. As streaming services update their platforms, older TVs may lose support. Here‘s a compatibility chart for popular apps across Vizio generations:

*Limited Support: Basic functionality works but newer features may be unavailable, or the app may experience performance issues.

This data highlights why keeping apps updated is crucial, but also shows the limitations many older Vizio TV owners face as support for their devices diminishes over time.

Special Considerations for Older Vizio TVs

Older Vizio TVs (especially those manufactured before 2014) face unique challenges when it comes to app updates. Here are some important considerations and workarounds:

Limited App Support

Older Vizio TVs may no longer receive updates for certain apps as developers focus on newer platforms. If you find that apps are outdated and no updates are available, consider these facts:

• Some streaming services have discontinued support for older smart TV platforms
• Older TVs have limited processing power that may not support newer app versions
• Storage limitations can prevent installation of larger, modern apps

Storage Management for Older Models

VIA TVs have limited storage space. To optimize your TV‘s performance:

1. Delete unused apps to free up space:

   • Press the VIA button
   • Navigate to the app you want to remove
   • Press the yellow button
   • Select "Delete" and confirm

2. Clear app cache if your model supports it:

   • Go to Settings > System > Memory
   • Select "Clear Memory" or "Clear Cache