How To Get Disney Plus On Old Vizio Smart TV

Introduction

Welcome to the wonderful world of Disney! With its vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content, Disney Plus has taken the streaming world by storm. Whether you’re a fan of beloved classics, Marvel superheroes, Star Wars adventures, or captivating documentaries, Disney Plus offers something for everyone. Disney Plus is the ultimate entertainment platform, allowing you to immerse yourself in the magic of Disney anytime, anywhere.

If you are the lucky owner of an old Vizio Smart TV, you might be wondering if you can access Disney Plus on your device. While newer models of Vizio Smart TVs come with built-in support for Disney Plus, older models may require a few workarounds to enjoy the Disney magic on the big screen.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps to get Disney Plus on your old Vizio Smart TV. We will explore different methods, including updating your TV’s firmware, sideloading the Disney Plus app, using Chromecast, and connecting external streaming devices.

So, if you’ve been eagerly waiting to stream your favorite Disney movies and shows on your Vizio Smart TV, let’s dive in and discover how to make it happen. Get ready to experience the enchantment of Disney right from the comfort of your own living room!

What is Disney Plus?

Disney Plus, also known as Disney+, is a popular streaming service that offers a vast collection of content from various Disney-owned properties. Launched in November 2019, it quickly became a favorite among fans of all ages.

With a subscription to Disney Plus, you gain access to a treasure trove of entertainment options. From classic Disney animated films like “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast” to the latest Marvel superhero movies and Star Wars sagas, Disney Plus has something to please everyone.

In addition to its extensive movie library, Disney Plus is home to exclusive television shows and series. Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe can enjoy original Marvel TV series like “WandaVision,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” and “Loki.” For Star Wars enthusiasts, there are critically acclaimed shows like “The Mandalorian” and the animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”

Disney Plus doesn’t just cater to fans of Disney and Marvel. It also offers content from other popular brands under the Disney umbrella, including Pixar Animation Studios and National Geographic. From heartwarming Pixar films like “Up” and “Toy Story” to captivating National Geographic documentaries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the standout features of Disney Plus is its ability to stream content in 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos audio, providing a truly immersive viewing experience. This is especially appealing for those with high-definition televisions and sound systems.

Disney Plus also allows subscribers to create individual profiles for family members, making it easy to customize content recommendations and control viewing preferences. With the ability to stream on multiple devices simultaneously, you can enjoy Disney Plus on your smart TV, smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Whether you’re a Disney fan, a Marvel enthusiast, or a Star Wars fanatic, Disney Plus offers a world of entertainment at your fingertips. Now that you know what Disney Plus is all about, let’s explore how you can access it on your Vizio Smart TV!

Compatibility of Disney Plus with Vizio Smart TVs

The compatibility of Disney Plus with Vizio Smart TVs depends on the model and the operating system running on the TV. Disney Plus is officially supported on Vizio Smart TVs with the SmartCast platform, which includes models released in 2016 and later.

If you own an older Vizio Smart TV, it may not come with the SmartCast platform, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. There are still ways to access Disney Plus on your older Vizio Smart TV, which we will explore later in this article.

For Vizio Smart TVs that are compatible with the SmartCast platform, you can easily download the Disney Plus app from the built-in app store. Once installed, you can launch the app, sign in with your Disney Plus subscription, and start enjoying all the magical content that Disney Plus has to offer.

It’s important to note that while Disney Plus is available on Vizio Smart TVs with the SmartCast platform, the specific features and user interface may vary depending on your TV model and firmware version. The app experience on newer models may be more seamless and feature-rich compared to older models.

If you’re unsure whether your Vizio Smart TV is compatible with Disney Plus, you can check the Vizio website or refer to your TV’s user manual for more information. The website and user manual will provide details on the supported apps and features of your specific TV model.

Now that you know about the compatibility of Disney Plus with Vizio Smart TVs, let’s move on to the next section, where we’ll guide you on identifying your Vizio Smart TV model and updating its firmware. These steps are crucial for ensuring the smooth installation and usage of the Disney Plus app on your Vizio Smart TV.

Identifying your Vizio Smart TV model

Before you can proceed with getting Disney Plus on your Vizio Smart TV, it’s important to identify the specific model of your TV. This information will help you determine the compatibility of your TV with the required software and apps.

Here’s how you can easily identify your Vizio Smart TV model:

1. Locate the label on the back of your Vizio Smart TV. It is usually placed towards the bottom or side of the TV.
2. Look for the model number. It is typically a combination of letters and numbers that uniquely identifies your TV model.
3. If you have trouble finding the label or the model number is not clearly visible, you can check your TV’s settings menu. Press the Menu button on your TV remote, navigate to Settings, and look for the System Information or About section. The model number should be listed there.

Once you’ve located the model number, take note of it as you will need it for the subsequent steps in setting up Disney Plus on your Vizio Smart TV.

It’s worth noting that different Vizio Smart TV models may have variations in the available features and firmware updates. So, having the accurate model number will help you ensure that you’re following the correct procedures and guidelines.

Now that you have identified your Vizio Smart TV model, it’s time to move on to the next step: updating your TV’s firmware. Updating the firmware is crucial to ensure that your TV is running the latest software version, which can enhance performance and compatibility with various apps, including Disney Plus.

Updating your Vizio Smart TV’s firmware

Keeping your Vizio Smart TV’s firmware up to date is essential to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with various applications, including Disney Plus. Firmware updates often include bug fixes, security improvements, and new features that enhance the overall user experience on your TV.

Here are the steps to update your Vizio Smart TV’s firmware:

1. Connect your Vizio Smart TV to the internet. Ensure that your TV is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network or wired Ethernet connection.
2. Using your TV remote, press the Menu button to access the settings menu.
3. Navigate to the System or Support section within the settings menu.
4. Look for the option labeled “Check for Updates” or “Firmware Update.”
5. Select the option and wait for your Vizio Smart TV to check for available firmware updates.
6. If an update is found, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the update. Please note that the update process can take some time, so remain patient and avoid turning off your TV during the update.
7. Once the update is complete, your Vizio Smart TV will restart. After the restart, your TV should be running the latest firmware version.

It’s important to regularly check for firmware updates for your Vizio Smart TV. Manufacturers release updates periodically to address any issues and improve the performance and compatibility of the TV. By keeping your TV up to date, you ensure that it is ready to support the latest features and apps, including Disney Plus.

Now that you have updated your Vizio Smart TV’s firmware, the next section will cover the availability of the Disney Plus app for Vizio Smart TVs. We will explore the official app availability as well as alternative methods of accessing Disney Plus on your TV.

Disney Plus app availability for Vizio Smart TVs

Officially, Disney Plus is available on Vizio Smart TVs with the SmartCast platform, which includes models released in 2016 and later. For these compatible Vizio Smart TVs, you can easily download the Disney Plus app directly from the built-in app store.

To check if the Disney Plus app is available on your Vizio Smart TV, follow these steps:

1. Ensure that your Vizio Smart TV is connected to the internet.
2. Using your TV remote, press the “V” button or SmartCast button.
3. Navigate to the app store or app store icon.
4. Search for “Disney Plus” or browse through the available apps.
5. If the Disney Plus app is listed, select it and follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the app.
6. Once installed, launch the Disney Plus app and sign in with your Disney Plus subscription credentials.

If the Disney Plus app is not available in the built-in app store or you have an older Vizio Smart TV model that does not support the SmartCast platform, don’t worry. There are alternative methods to access Disney Plus on your Vizio Smart TV, which we will explore in the upcoming sections.

Now that you know about the official availability of the Disney Plus app for Vizio Smart TVs, let’s dive into the next section, where we will guide you on sideloading the Disney Plus app on your Vizio Smart TV. Sideloading allows you to manually install applications that are not available in the official app store.

Sideloading Disney Plus on Vizio Smart TV

If the Disney Plus app is not officially available on your Vizio Smart TV or you have an older model that doesn’t support the SmartCast platform, you can still sideload the Disney Plus app onto your TV using alternative methods.

Sideloading refers to manually installing applications on your device using external files. Here’s how you can sideload the Disney Plus app on your Vizio Smart TV:

1. First, ensure that your Vizio Smart TV is connected to the internet.
2. On a separate device, such as a smartphone or computer, download the APK (Android Package) file for the Disney Plus app. Make sure to download it from a reliable source.
3. Transfer the downloaded APK file to a USB flash drive or an external storage device.
4. Connect the USB flash drive or external storage device to one of the available USB ports on your Vizio Smart TV.
5. Using your TV remote, navigate to the File Browser or USB section in the TV’s menu.
6. Locate the Disney Plus APK file on the USB flash drive or external storage device and select it.
7. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the Disney Plus app on your Vizio Smart TV.
8. Once the installation is complete, you can launch the Disney Plus app and sign in with your Disney Plus subscription credentials.

It’s important to note that sideloading apps on your Vizio Smart TV may require additional steps and settings adjustments, depending on the TV model and its firmware. Refer to your TV’s user manual or online resources for specific instructions on sideloading apps.

Sideloading the Disney Plus app allows you to enjoy all the magical content on your Vizio Smart TV, even if it is not officially supported. However, keep in mind that sideloaded apps may not provide the same level of seamless integration or features as the official app.

If sideloading is not a feasible option for you, don’t worry. In the next section, we will explore another method of streaming Disney Plus content on your Vizio Smart TV using Chromecast.

Using Chromecast to stream Disney Plus on Vizio Smart TV

If your Vizio Smart TV doesn’t support the SmartCast platform or lacks official support for the Disney Plus app, you can still stream Disney Plus content on your TV using Chromecast. Chromecast is a device that allows you to cast, or wirelessly stream, content from your smartphone, tablet, or computer to your TV.

Here’s how you can use Chromecast to stream Disney Plus on your Vizio Smart TV:

1. Ensure that your Vizio Smart TV has an available HDMI port.
2. Purchase a Chromecast device and connect it to one of the HDMI ports on your Vizio Smart TV.
3. Plug the Chromecast device into a power outlet.
4. On your smartphone, tablet, or computer, download and install the Disney Plus app from the respective app store.
5. Connect your device to the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast device.
6. Launch the Disney Plus app and sign in with your Disney Plus subscription credentials.
7. Look for the Chromecast icon, typically in the top-right corner of the app’s interface.
8. Tap the Chromecast icon and select your Chromecast device from the list of available devices.
9. Choose a Disney Plus movie or TV show and it will start playing on your Vizio Smart TV.

By using Chromecast, you can enjoy Disney Plus content on your Vizio Smart TV by simply casting it from your device. Chromecast acts as a bridge between your device and the TV, allowing you to stream your favorite Disney movies and shows on the big screen.

Please note that using Chromecast requires a stable Wi-Fi connection and a compatible device with the Disney Plus app. Additionally, the performance and video quality may depend on the capabilities of your device and Wi-Fi network.

If you prefer a more integrated streaming experience or don’t have a device to use with Chromecast, there’s another option available, which is connecting external streaming devices to your Vizio Smart TV. We will explore this option in the next section.

Connecting external streaming devices to your Vizio Smart TV

If your Vizio Smart TV doesn’t have built-in support for the Disney Plus app or you prefer a more integrated streaming experience, you can connect external streaming devices to your TV. These devices offer a wider range of streaming options and allow you to access various apps, including Disney Plus.

Here are the steps to connect external streaming devices to your Vizio Smart TV:

1. Identify the external streaming device that suits your needs. Popular options include Roku Streaming Stick, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, and Android TV boxes.
2. Connect the streaming device to one of the available HDMI ports on your Vizio Smart TV.
3. Plug the streaming device into a power outlet.
4. Switch the input source on your Vizio Smart TV to the corresponding HDMI port where the streaming device is connected.
5. Using your TV remote, follow the on-screen prompts to set up the streaming device, including connecting it to your Wi-Fi network.
6. Once the setup is complete, navigate to the app store on the streaming device.
7. Search for the Disney Plus app and install it on the device.
8. Launch the Disney Plus app on the streaming device and sign in with your Disney Plus subscription credentials.
9. Choose a movie or TV show from the Disney Plus library, and it will begin streaming on your Vizio Smart TV.

Connecting external streaming devices to your Vizio Smart TV expands your streaming options and allows you to access a variety of apps, including Disney Plus. These devices often come with user-friendly interfaces and offer additional features, such as voice control and advanced search options.

It’s important to note that the specific steps and settings may vary depending on the streaming device you choose. Refer to the device’s user manual or online resources for detailed instructions on setting up and using the device with your Vizio Smart TV.

In the next section, we will explore alternative streaming options for Vizio Smart TVs that don’t have the official Disney Plus app or require additional workarounds.

Exploring alternative streaming options for Vizio Smart TVs

If your Vizio Smart TV does not have official support for the Disney Plus app or if none of the previous methods work for you, there are still alternative streaming options available to enjoy Disney Plus content on your TV.

One option is to use a gaming console such as Xbox One, PlayStation 4, or Nintendo Switch. These consoles often have dedicated app stores where you can download and install the Disney Plus app. Simply connect your gaming console to your Vizio Smart TV using an HDMI cable, navigate to the app store, find the Disney Plus app, download it, and sign in with your Disney Plus subscription.

Another alternative is to use a streaming media player, such as an Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku Streaming Stick, or Google Chromecast with Google TV. These devices connect to your TV’s HDMI port and offer access to a wide range of streaming apps, including Disney Plus. Simply set up the streaming media player, install the Disney Plus app from the respective app store, sign in, and start streaming your favorite Disney content.

If you have a laptop or desktop computer, you can also connect it to your Vizio Smart TV using an HDMI cable. Once connected, open a web browser on your computer, navigate to the Disney Plus website, sign in with your subscription credentials, and start watching Disney Plus content on your TV.

Alternatively, you can use a mobile device with the Disney Plus app and cast the content to your Vizio Smart TV using built-in casting features like Apple AirPlay or Google Cast. Make sure your TV and mobile device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, launch the Disney Plus app on your device, select a movie or TV show, tap the casting icon, and choose your Vizio Smart TV from the list of available devices.

While these alternative streaming options may require additional setup or external devices, they provide you with the flexibility to enjoy Disney Plus content on your Vizio Smart TV.

Now that we have explored various methods to access Disney Plus on your Vizio Smart TV, it’s time to wrap up this article. Remember to choose the method that works best for your specific TV model and preferences, and get ready to immerse yourself in the magical world of Disney!

Conclusion

Congratulations on discovering how to get Disney Plus on your Vizio Smart TV! Although not all Vizio Smart TV models have built-in support for the Disney Plus app, we have explored various methods to make it possible for you to enjoy Disney’s magic on the big screen.

First, we learned about Disney Plus, the popular streaming service that offers a vast collection of movies, TV shows, and original content from Disney-owned properties. Then, we delved into the compatibility of Disney Plus with Vizio Smart TVs and identified how to check if your TV model supports the app.

If your Vizio Smart TV is compatible, we guided you through the process of downloading the Disney Plus app from the built-in app store. For those with older or unsupported models, we provided alternative methods such as sideloading the app using a USB drive, using Chromecast to stream from other devices, or connecting external streaming devices like gaming consoles or media players.

We also emphasized the importance of regularly updating your Vizio Smart TV’s firmware to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with apps like Disney Plus.

If none of the official or alternative methods worked for you, we explored alternative streaming options, including using gaming consoles, streaming media players, or connecting your computer or mobile devices to your Vizio Smart TV.

By following the methods outlined in this article, you can now enjoy all the enchanting content that Disney Plus has to offer on your Vizio Smart TV!

Remember, technology is constantly evolving, and new methods may emerge in the future. Be sure to stay updated with the latest advancements and explore the official Vizio and Disney Plus websites for any specific instructions or updates related to your TV model and app compatibility.

Now, gather your loved ones, grab the popcorn, and get ready for hours of magical entertainment with Disney Plus on your Vizio Smart TV. Happy streaming!