Yes, you can browse the internet on a Vizio smart TV, but not with Internet Explorer. That browser is discontinued and was never available as an app on Vizio TVs, so you will need to use screen mirroring from a phone or tablet, or connect a computer via HDMI to get a full web browsing experience.
Can you browse the internet on a Vizio smart TV?
The direct answer is yes, but not through Internet Explorer. Microsoft ended support for Internet Explorer 11 on June 15, 2022, and it was never built into Vizio TV software. To browse the web on your Vizio TV, you must use alternative methods like casting from a mobile device or connecting a laptop. These approaches give you access to modern browsers such as Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge on your television screen.
Why Internet Explorer isn't on your Vizio TV
Internet Explorer was a desktop browser for Windows computers, not a smart TV app. Microsoft officially ended support for the last version, Internet Explorer 11, in June 2022, meaning it no longer receives security updates or technical support. The company recommends users transition to Microsoft Edge, which includes an "Internet Explorer mode" for backward compatibility on Windows PCs, but this feature is not available on Vizio TVs. Trying to find Internet Explorer on your Vizio TV will only lead to frustration, so it is best to focus on the working alternatives below.
Cast a web browser from your phone or tablet
Screen mirroring lets you display your mobile device's browser on your Vizio TV. This method works with any browser on your phone or tablet, such as Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge. To get started, follow these steps:
- Make sure your mobile device and Vizio TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the browser app on your phone or tablet and navigate to the website you want to view.
- Look for the casting icon (often a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol) in the browser's toolbar or menu.
- Select the casting icon and choose your Vizio TV from the list of available devices.
- Your mobile screen will mirror on the TV, showing the browser window. You can then navigate using your phone or tablet.
This approach is simple and requires no extra cables. Keep in mind that performance depends on your Wi-Fi connection strength, and some websites may not display perfectly when mirrored.
Connect your laptop to get a full desktop browser
For a complete browsing experience with a full desktop browser like Microsoft Edge, connect your laptop directly to the Vizio TV using an HDMI cable, or you can connect laptop to Vizio smart TV wirelessly to avoid cable clutter. This method gives you the same web capabilities as using a computer monitor. Here is how:
- Check that your laptop has an HDMI output and your Vizio TV has an HDMI input.
- Connect one end of an HDMI cable to your laptop and the other end to the TV.
- Use your TV remote to switch the input source to the HDMI port you used.
- Turn on your laptop. The TV will display your laptop's screen.
- Open any browser on your laptop, such as Microsoft Edge, and start browsing.
This option provides the most reliable and feature-rich browsing, including support for complex websites and online services. For easier navigation, consider using a wireless keyboard and mouse. The browsing speed will depend on your laptop's performance.
Explore more browsing options on your Vizio TV
For maintaining your TV's performance, you may also want to update my Vizio smart TV to ensure you have the latest software, which can improve compatibility with casting and connected devices. While Internet Explorer is not an option, these alternatives let you browse the internet on your Vizio smart TV effectively.
