If you see that button, pressing it will bring up an on-screen home screen filled with app icons like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu, which is a clear sign that your Vizio TV is a smart TV.
How can I tell if my Vizio TV is a smart TV: the fastest ways
The most direct method to determine if your Vizio TV is a smart TV is to check the remote control. Smart Vizio TVs include a dedicated button that launches the smart platform. If your remote has either of these, your TV is a smart TV. Pressing that button should instantly display a home screen with app icons, confirming the TV's smart capabilities.
Check the model number for smart TV identifiers
If you want a definitive answer without turning on the TV, locate the model number. This number is typically found on a sticker on the back of the TV. You can also find it by powering on the TV, pressing the "Menu" button on your remote, navigating to "System" or "Help," and selecting "System Information" or "About." For SmartCast TVs, the model number is also available within the VIZIO Mobile App after pairing your device. The model number helps identify the TV's series and year of development, which can indicate smart features. Look for model numbers that include "SmartCast," or that start with the letters "E," "M," or "P" followed by a number. These prefixes often denote smart TV series.
Identify the software platform: SmartCast, VIA Plus, or VIA
Once you have accessed the System Information menu, you can definitively confirm the TV is a smart TV by identifying its software platform. Vizio Smart TVs operate on the VIZIO OS platform, which includes SmartCast. Older Vizio Smart TVs may use platforms called "VIZIO Internet Apps Plus" (VIA Plus) or "VIA." To find this information, navigate to the system information screen as described above. The platform name will be listed there. This is a more precise way to confirm your Vizio TV is a smart TV than simply checking the remote, as it reveals the specific operating system running the smart features.
Confirm internet connectivity options
As a final check, you can confirm smart capabilities by verifying the TV's internet connectivity options. Navigate to the TV's settings menu and look for network or connection options. A smart TV will have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing it to connect to your home wireless network. It may also include an Ethernet port for a wired connection. If the settings menu offers options to set up a Wi-Fi network or connect via Ethernet, this is another strong indicator that the TV is a smart TV. This step is useful if you want to check whether your TV is a smart TV but the remote is missing or the home screen is not accessible. Vizio Smart TVs include technology like Automated Content Recognition (ACR) to understand viewing behavior, which can be managed in the TV's settings under "Viewing Data." The ability to connect to the internet is what enables these features, distinguishing it from a non-smart television. For comparison, a Tizen smart TV (What Is Tizen Smart TV) is a different platform used by other brands, but Vizio exclusively uses its own VIZIO OS, SmartCast, VIA Plus, or VIA platforms.
