How To Install Plex On Vizio Smart TV

Introduction

Welcome to this guide on how to install Plex on your Vizio Smart TV! Plex is a powerful media server application that allows you to organize, stream, and access all your favorite movies, TV shows, music, photos, and more in one place. By installing Plex on your Vizio Smart TV, you can transform it into a multimedia hub, bringing all your media content to the big screen.

Plex offers a user-friendly interface, intuitive navigation, and a range of customization options, making it a popular choice among media enthusiasts. Whether you want to enjoy your personal media collection or explore a wide range of streaming services, Plex has got you covered.

In this guide, we will take you through a step-by-step process to install and set up Plex on your Vizio Smart TV. But before we dive into the installation process, let’s make sure you have everything you need to get started.

Prerequisites:

• A Vizio Smart TV with SmartCast capabilities
• An internet connection
• A compatible device to set up and manage Plex (such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet)

Once you have these prerequisites, you are ready to proceed with the installation. We will guide you through each step, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free setup process.

Prerequisites

Before you begin installing Plex on your Vizio Smart TV, make sure you have the following prerequisites:

• Vizio Smart TV with SmartCast capabilities: Ensure that your Vizio Smart TV is compatible with Plex. Most Vizio Smart TVs come with SmartCast preinstalled, which allows you to access various streaming applications. To confirm if your TV supports Plex, check the manufacturer’s documentation or visit the Vizio website for compatibility information.
• Internet connection: A stable and reliable internet connection is essential for streaming media content through Plex. Make sure your Vizio Smart TV is connected to the internet either through Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
• Compatible device for Plex management: While the installation process is specific to your Vizio Smart TV, you will need a separate device to set up and manage your Plex media server. This could be a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Ensure that the device you choose is compatible with the Plex media server software.

Having these prerequisites in place will ensure a smooth and successful installation of Plex on your Vizio Smart TV. It’s important to note that Plex offers a range of features and functionality based on your hardware capabilities and Plex subscription level. Refer to the Plex website for more information on the hardware requirements and additional features.

Once you have confirmed that you meet all the prerequisites, you are ready to proceed to the next steps, where we will guide you through the installation process and show you how to set up Plex on your Vizio Smart TV.

Step 1: Check the Compatibility of Your Vizio Smart TV

Before installing Plex, it’s crucial to ensure that your Vizio Smart TV is compatible with the Plex app. Here’s how you can check:

1. Refer to the TV’s user manual: Start by taking a look at your Vizio Smart TV’s user manual. It will provide specific details about the supported apps and features.
2. Visit the Vizio website: Head to the official Vizio website and navigate to the support section. Here, you can search for your specific TV model and review its compatibility with applications like Plex.
3. Check the SmartCast compatibility: Vizio Smart TVs typically come with SmartCast, their built-in smart TV platform. Confirm that your TV has SmartCast capabilities, as this is where you’ll find and install Plex.

By checking the compatibility of your Vizio Smart TV, you can ensure that it meets the necessary requirements to install Plex. If your TV isn’t compatible, don’t worry! You may be able to use alternative methods to access Plex on your TV, such as screen mirroring or using additional streaming devices.

It’s always important to verify the compatibility beforehand to avoid any frustrations during the installation process. Once you’ve confirmed that your Vizio Smart TV is compatible with Plex, you can move on to the next steps.

Step 2: Connect Your Vizio Smart TV to the Internet

In order to download and install the Plex app on your Vizio Smart TV, you need to ensure that your TV is connected to the internet. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Power on your Vizio Smart TV: Ensure that your TV is turned on and ready to be set up.
2. Access the Settings menu: Using your Vizio remote, navigate to the home screen and locate the Settings menu. It is usually represented by a gear or cog icon.
3. Select Network or Network & Internet: Depending on your TV’s interface, choose the option that corresponds to network settings. This allows you to configure the internet connection.
4. Choose Wired or Wireless: If you’re connecting via Ethernet cable, select the Wired option. If you’re connecting via Wi-Fi, select the Wireless option.
5. For Wired Connections: If you’re using an Ethernet cable, simply connect one end to your Vizio Smart TV and the other end to your modem or router. Your TV should automatically detect and establish a connection.
6. For Wi-Fi Connections: If you’re connecting wirelessly, select your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks. Enter the password when prompted, and your Vizio Smart TV will connect to the Wi-Fi network.
7. Test the internet connection: After establishing the connection, it’s recommended to test the internet connectivity on your Vizio Smart TV. Most smart TVs have an option to test the internet connection within the network settings menu.

By connecting your Vizio Smart TV to the internet, you ensure that the TV has access to the necessary resources to download and install the Plex app. Once the internet connection is successfully established, you can proceed with the next steps of installing Plex on your Vizio Smart TV.

Step 3: Open the Vizio SmartCast App Store

After connecting your Vizio Smart TV to the internet, it’s time to open the Vizio SmartCast app store to access the Plex app. Follow these steps:

1. Power on your Vizio Smart TV: Make sure your TV is turned on and connected to the internet.
2. Access the SmartCast home screen: Using your Vizio remote, navigate to the home screen of your TV’s SmartCast interface.
3. Open the App Store: Look for the “V” button or the “SmartCast” button on your remote control. Press it to open the Vizio SmartCast app store.
4. Explore the available apps: Once in the app store, you’ll find a wide range of applications available for download. These include streaming services, games, and multimedia apps like Plex.
5. Search for the Plex app: To make the search easier, you can either use the on-screen keyboard to type “Plex” or browse through the different categories until you find the Plex app icon.

The exact steps for accessing the app store may vary depending on your specific Vizio Smart TV model and the version of SmartCast. However, the process generally involves navigating to the home screen and opening the app store or pressing a designated button on the remote control.

Once you have successfully opened the Vizio SmartCast app store, the next step is to search for and install the Plex app, which will be covered in the following step.

Step 4: Search for the Plex App

Now that you have accessed the Vizio SmartCast app store, it’s time to search for the Plex app. Follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the search bar: Use your remote control to navigate to the search bar within the Vizio SmartCast app store.
2. Enter “Plex” in the search field: Using the on-screen keyboard, enter “Plex” as your search query.
3. Start the search: Once you’ve entered the search term, initiate the search by selecting the search button or pressing the Enter key on your remote.
4. Browse the search results: The app store will display the search results for “Plex.” Browse through the list of apps until you find the official Plex app.

Some Vizio Smart TVs may also provide suggestions or popular apps related to Plex. Make sure to check those recommendations as well. Look for the app with the Plex logo and appropriate description to ensure that you are installing the official Plex app.

If you are unable to locate the Plex app through the search function, it’s possible that Plex may not be available on your specific Vizio Smart TV model or in your region. In such cases, you can consider using alternative methods, such as screen mirroring or connecting a separate streaming device to your TV, to access Plex.

Once you have found and selected the Plex app in the app store, you can proceed with the installation process, as explained in the next step of this guide.

Step 5: Install the Plex App

After finding the Plex app in the Vizio SmartCast app store, it’s time to install it on your Vizio Smart TV. Follow these steps:

1. Select the Plex app: Using your remote control, highlight the Plex app in the search results or app listings.
2. Open the app details page: Once the Plex app is selected, press the enter button on your remote to open the app details page.
3. Read the app description: Take a moment to read through the app description, which will provide a brief overview of Plex’s features and functionality.
4. Choose “Install” or “Add to My Apps”: On the app details page, you will find an option to install or add the Plex app to your list of installed apps. Select this option to proceed with the installation.
5. Wait for the installation to complete: Once you have selected the install option, the Plex app will begin to download and install on your Vizio Smart TV. The installation process may take a few moments, depending on your internet connection speed.
6. Confirm the installation: Once the installation is complete, you will receive a confirmation message or be redirected back to the app store. This indicates that the Plex app has been successfully installed on your Vizio Smart TV.

Congratulations! You have now successfully installed the Plex app on your Vizio Smart TV. The app is ready to be launched so that you can start enjoying your favorite media content. In the next step of this guide, we will show you how to launch the Plex app on your Vizio Smart TV.

Step 6: Launch the Plex App

Now that you have installed the Plex app on your Vizio Smart TV, it’s time to launch it and start enjoying your media collection. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Return to the home screen: Using your remote control, navigate back to the home screen of your Vizio Smart TV.
2. Locate the Plex app: Look for the Plex app icon among your installed apps. Depending on your TV model and interface, you may find it on the home screen or within a designated apps menu.
3. Highlight and select the Plex app: Using the navigation buttons on your remote, highlight the Plex app icon and press the enter button to launch it.
4. Wait for the app to load: After launching the Plex app, it may take a few moments for the app to load and initialize. Be patient as the Plex app prepares to display your media library.
5. Sign in to your Plex account (if needed): If you have an existing Plex account, you will be prompted to sign in to access your media library and personalized settings. Use the on-screen keyboard to enter your email address and password, then select the sign-in option. If you don’t have a Plex account, you can create one within the app.
6. Explore your media library: Once you’ve signed in to your Plex account, the app will display your media library. You can browse through your movies, TV shows, music, photos, and more using the intuitive navigation interface.

With the Plex app launched on your Vizio Smart TV, you now have access to a wide range of features for organizing, streaming, and enjoying your media collection. Whether you want to watch your favorite movies, listen to music, or showcase your photos, Plex provides a user-friendly interface to make the most of your media experience.

In the next step, we will discuss how to sign in to your Plex account or create a new one, allowing you to access your personalized media content.

Step 7: Sign In or Create a New Plex Account

To fully access your personalized media library and enjoy the features of the Plex app on your Vizio Smart TV, you may need to sign in to your Plex account or create a new one. Here’s how you can do it:

1. If you already have a Plex account, select the “Sign In” or “Log In” option within the Plex app on your Vizio Smart TV.
2. Using the on-screen keyboard, enter your Plex account email address and password.
3. Select the “Sign In” or “Log In” button to proceed.
4. If the entered credentials are correct, you will be successfully signed in to your Plex account, and your media library will load.
5. If you don’t have a Plex account, select the option to create a new account within the Plex app.
6. Enter the required information, including your email address, desired password, and any other necessary details.
7. Follow the prompts to complete the account creation process.
8. Once your Plex account is created, sign in using the newly created credentials.
9. Your media library will now load, and you can begin organizing and streaming your favorite movies, TV shows, music, and more.

Signing in to your Plex account allows you to access your media library across different devices. It also enables you to sync your media, create playlists, and customize your Plex experience with advanced features.

If you encounter any issues during the sign-in process or need assistance with your Plex account, refer to the Plex support documentation or visit the official Plex website for further guidance.

With your Plex account signed in or created, you’re ready to move on to the next step, where we will guide you to add your media to Plex.

Step 8: Add Your Media to Plex

Now that you have signed in to your Plex account on your Vizio Smart TV, it’s time to add your media to Plex and start enjoying your favorite movies, TV shows, music, and more. Follow these steps:

1. On the Plex home screen, navigate to the “Add Library” option.
2. Select the type of media you want to add to Plex. This could be Movies, TV Shows, Music, Photos, or other specific categories.
3. Choose the location of your media. Depending on your setup, you can select from options like adding media from your computer, external hard drive, or network-attached storage (NAS) device.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to browse and locate the folder where your media is stored.
5. Select the folder(s) containing your media files and confirm the selection.
6. Configure the library settings, such as the media scanner, agents, and metadata options. These settings ensure that Plex properly organizes and displays your media.
7. Wait for Plex to scan and analyze your media files. Depending on the size of your library, this process may take some time.
8. Once the scanning is complete, Plex will display your media library with all the added content.
9. Navigate through your media library, browse by genre, search for specific titles, and enjoy streaming your media directly on your Vizio Smart TV.

By adding your media to Plex, you can easily access and stream your favorite content from one centralized location. Plex automatically organizes your media, downloads metadata, and provides a visually appealing interface for a seamless streaming experience.

If you have media located on multiple devices or platforms, you can create additional libraries on Plex and repeat the steps above to include content from various sources.

With your media added, you can now explore the various features of Plex, such as creating playlists, customizing subtitles and audio settings, and even enjoying remote access to your media when you’re on the go.

That concludes the steps for installing and setting up Plex on your Vizio Smart TV. You’re now ready to enjoy your media collection with the convenience and versatility of the Plex app. Happy streaming!

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed and set up Plex on your Vizio Smart TV. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can now enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, music, photos, and more, all from the comfort of your living room.

Plex provides a seamless and user-friendly media server solution, allowing you to access and stream your media collection on various devices. With Plex installed on your Vizio Smart TV, you can transform it into a multimedia hub, bringing together all your entertainment in one place.

Remember, before you begin the installation process, ensure that your Vizio Smart TV is compatible with Plex and is connected to the internet. Having these prerequisites in place will ensure a smooth installation and setup experience.

Once Plex is installed, you can explore its features, customize your media library, create playlists, and enjoy personalized streaming recommendations. Plex brings convenience and organization to your media collection, making it easier than ever to access and enjoy your favorite content.

If you need further assistance or encounter any issues during the installation or setup process with Plex, be sure to refer to Plex documentation or visit their support resources. Plex has an active community and support channels to help you get the most out of the app.

Thank you for following this guide on how to install Plex on your Vizio Smart TV. We hope you have a fantastic experience using Plex to enhance your media streaming and entertainment. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the seamless Plex experience on your Vizio Smart TV!