You can quickly tell if your Vizio TV is a smart TV by checking for built-in internet connectivity and pre-installed streaming apps. If your Vizio TV has a Wi-Fi or Ethernet option in its settings menu, or if you see apps like Netflix or YouTube already on the screen, then your Vizio TV is a smart TV.
Quick ways to know if your Vizio TV is a smart TV
These immediate checks can confirm smart capability without digging through menus. Look for a Wi-Fi or Ethernet option in the TV's settings. Check for pre-installed apps like Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube. Also, look for a 'Cast' input on your remote or input selection screen. If you see any of these, your Vizio TV is a smart TV.
Check the on-screen menu for network settings
Navigating to the network menu is a reliable way to confirm smart features. Press the Menu button on your remote. Use the arrow keys to highlight and select the Network or Settings option. If you see options for Wi-Fi or Wired Network (Ethernet), your TV is a smart TV. This menu confirms the TV can connect to the internet, a core requirement for smart functionality.
Look for pre-installed streaming apps
Finding pre-installed streaming apps immediately identifies your Vizio TV as a smart TV. Press the Menu button on your remote. Navigate to the Apps or App Store option. If you see apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video already listed, your TV has built-in smart features. These apps require an internet connection and are a hallmark of a smart TV.
Find the model number on your Vizio TV
Identify older Vizio smart TVs with VIA or VIA Plus
Older Vizio smart TVs may use platforms called VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA) or VIZIO Internet Apps Plus (VIA Plus). To check, power on the TV and press the Menu button. Highlight and select "Help" or "System," then select "System Information." If you see "VIA" or "VIA Plus" listed, your TV is an older smart TV model. This distinguishes it from the current SmartCast system. Knowing this helps you understand your TV's capabilities, even if it does not use a modern platform like a Tizen smart TV.
Use the Vizio Mobile App to identify a SmartCast TV
The Vizio Mobile App can confirm if your TV is a SmartCast Home Theater Display or HDTV. Power on your TV. Open the Vizio Mobile App on your phone or tablet and select your TV. Tap the Settings Gear icon, then select "System," and then "System Information." The app will display system details, confirming if your TV is a SmartCast model. This app also serves as an ultimate entertainment companion for controlling your TV.
What to do if your Vizio TV is not a smart TV
If your Vizio TV lacks built-in Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or pre-installed apps, it is not a smart TV. You can still add smart functionality by using an external streaming device, such as a streaming stick or box. These devices connect to your TV's HDMI port and provide access to apps, streaming services, and internet connectivity, effectively turning your non-smart TV into a smart one.
