Introduction
Accessing the Internet through your Vizio Smart TV opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you want to browse the web, stream videos, or access online services, having a web browser on your TV can greatly enhance your entertainment experience. While Vizio Smart TVs come with a variety of pre-installed apps, they don’t natively include a built-in Internet browser like Internet Explorer.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t access Internet Explorer on your Vizio Smart TV. In this article, we’ll explore a few options that allow you to browse the web using Internet Explorer on your television screen. Whether you prefer using the built-in capabilities of your Vizio Smart TV or leveraging external devices, there’s a solution that will allow you to navigate the web using this popular browser.
By following the steps outlined below, you’ll be able to enjoy the features and functionalities of Internet Explorer on your Vizio Smart TV, making it easier to access websites, watch online videos, or even having the convenience of online shopping right from your living room.
Option 1: Using the built-in Internet Explorer app
If you have a Vizio Smart TV that comes with a built-in Internet browser app, accessing Internet Explorer is as simple as launching the app. Here’s how you can do it:
- Turn on your Vizio Smart TV and navigate to the home screen.
- Look for the Internet Explorer app icon, which may be labeled as “Browser” or “Web Browser.”
- Select the app by using your TV remote to highlight the icon and pressing the “OK” or “Enter” button.
- The Internet Explorer app will launch, and you’ll be presented with a search bar or a home page where you can enter website addresses or search terms.
- Use the arrow keys on your remote to navigate through web pages.
- Press the “OK” or “Enter” button to select links or buttons on web pages.
- Enjoy browsing the web with Internet Explorer on your Vizio Smart TV.
While using the built-in Internet Explorer app on your Vizio Smart TV offers convenience, it’s important to note that the functionality and capabilities of this app may be more limited compared to the desktop version of Internet Explorer. Some websites may not render properly or have limited functionality due to compatibility issues.
Remember to check for updates on your Vizio Smart TV regularly, as software updates may include improvements to the built-in browser app, allowing for a better browsing experience.
Option 2: Casting Internet Explorer from a mobile device
If your Vizio Smart TV doesn’t have a built-in Internet browser, you can still access Internet Explorer by casting it from a mobile device. Casting allows you to mirror your mobile device’s screen onto the TV, giving you the ability to navigate the web using Internet Explorer. Here’s how you can do it:
- Ensure that both your mobile device and your Vizio Smart TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- On your mobile device, open the Internet Explorer app or any other browser that supports casting.
- Open the website or webpage you want to view on your TV.
- Look for the casting icon, which is typically a rectangle with a Wi-Fi signal. It may be located in the toolbar or the settings menu of your browser.
- Select the casting icon, and a list of available devices will appear.
- Choose your Vizio Smart TV from the list of available devices.
- Your mobile device’s screen will be mirrored on the TV, including the browser window with the webpage you wanted to view. You can now navigate the web using Internet Explorer.
While casting Internet Explorer from a mobile device allows you to access the browser on your Vizio Smart TV, keep in mind that the performance and user experience may vary depending on the quality of your Wi-Fi connection and the capabilities of your mobile device.
Additionally, some websites and web pages may not be optimized for casting, resulting in suboptimal viewing experiences. It’s always a good idea to check for compatibility and test a few websites to ensure a smooth browsing experience.
Option 3: Using a streaming device with Internet Explorer
If your Vizio Smart TV doesn’t have a built-in Internet browser and casting is not an option, you can still access Internet Explorer by using a streaming device that supports the browser. Here’s how you can do it:
- Connect a compatible streaming device, such as a Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, or Chromecast, to your Vizio Smart TV.
- Set up your streaming device according to the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure that it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Vizio Smart TV.
- Once the streaming device is set up, navigate to the app store or channel store on the device.
- Search for and install the Internet Explorer app or any other browser app that you prefer.
- Once the browser app is installed, open it and start browsing the web using Internet Explorer.
Using a streaming device with Internet Explorer gives you the flexibility to access the browser on your Vizio Smart TV. However, it’s important to note that the browsing experience may be affected by the capabilities and performance of the streaming device.
Also, keep in mind that some browser apps available on streaming devices may have limitations compared to the desktop version of Internet Explorer. Certain websites or features may not be supported, and the user interface may differ from what you’re accustomed to.
Before choosing a streaming device, it’s a good idea to research and compare the available options to ensure that the browser app provides the functionality and compatibility you need.
Option 4: Connecting a computer or laptop to the Vizio Smart TV
If you want to have a full-fledged browsing experience with Internet Explorer on your Vizio Smart TV, you can connect a computer or laptop directly to the TV. This option allows you to utilize the power and capabilities of your computer while enjoying the convenience of a larger screen. Here’s how you can do it:
- Ensure that your computer or laptop has an available HDMI output and that your Vizio Smart TV has an available HDMI input.
- Connect one end of an HDMI cable to the HDMI output port on your computer or laptop.
- Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI input port on your Vizio Smart TV.
- Use your TV remote to switch the input source to the corresponding HDMI input where your computer or laptop is connected.
- Turn on your computer or laptop and wait for it to boot up.
- Once your computer or laptop is powered on, your Vizio Smart TV will display your computer’s screen.
- Open Internet Explorer on your computer and start browsing the web.
Connecting your computer or laptop to your Vizio Smart TV provides you with the full capabilities of Internet Explorer on a big screen. You can enjoy full access to websites, online videos, and other web-based services without any limitations.
Additionally, this option allows you to take advantage of other features and applications on your computer, such as streaming services, productivity tools, and more.
It’s important to note that the performance of Internet Explorer and overall browsing experience will depend on the capabilities of your computer or laptop. Ensure that your computer meets the necessary requirements for smooth browsing and consider using a wireless keyboard and mouse to enhance navigation convenience.
Conclusion
Accessing Internet Explorer on your Vizio Smart TV may require a bit of extra effort, but it opens up a world of possibilities for browsing the web and enjoying online content from the comfort of your living room. Whether you have a built-in Internet browser app on your TV, cast it from a mobile device, use a streaming device, or connect a computer or laptop directly, you can experience Internet Explorer on your Vizio Smart TV.
Each option has its pros and cons. Using the built-in Internet Explorer app on your Vizio Smart TV provides convenience, but it may have limitations in terms of functionality and compatibility. Casting Internet Explorer from a mobile device allows you to use the browser on your TV, but the performance may depend on the quality of your Wi-Fi connection. Using a streaming device with Internet Explorer offers flexibility, but the browsing experience may vary based on the capabilities of the device. Connecting a computer or laptop directly to the TV provides the full capabilities of Internet Explorer on a larger screen, but it requires additional hardware and setup.
Consider your preferences, the capabilities of your Vizio Smart TV, and the resources you have available to determine the best option for accessing Internet Explorer on your TV. Regardless of the method you choose, you’ll be able to browse the web, stream videos, and enjoy the features of Internet Explorer, making your entertainment experience on the Vizio Smart TV even more immersive and enjoyable.
Remember to regularly check for updates, explore compatibility with websites, and experiment with different options to find the setup that works best for you. Happy browsing!