How to Get Web Browser on Vizio Smart TV – Easy to Follow

Last Updated on October 7, 2023 by Jhonni Jets

How to Get Web Browser on Vizio Smart TV

How to Get Web Browser on Vizio Smart TV – Easy to Follow

A smart TV is a modern equipment that makes it very easy to stream movies and TV shows, and newer models of these Smart TVs offer outstanding features such as voice controls and smart home integration.  

You would be surprised to know that most of the TVs are considered as Smart TVs with Internet connectivity and apps for streaming and smart home functions.

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It is quite challenging to understand what makes a TV smart and what all those capabilities are that make it a TV smart. All TV nowadays comes with little different specifications that vary from one brand to another, even if they differ from model to model.

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A growing number of models now include Voice recognition tools like Amazon, Alexa, and Google Assistant, voice-controlled switching of channels, and searching of programs. No doubt, Smart TV is a gateway to the outside world. It brings every little detail of it to life.

Check if Your Vizio TV Model Supports Apps

The first thing you’ll want to do is check if your Vizio TV even supports downloading apps. Most newer Vizio models (2016 and later) have the Vizio SmartCast operating system which allows you to download apps directly onto the TV.

To check if your Vizio TV supports apps, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Home screen on your Vizio Smart TV.
  2. Look for the V logo. If your TV has the V logo, it is a SmartCast TV that supports apps.
  3. Alternatively, go to Settings > System > About. If you see “Vizio SmartCast” listed, your TV supports apps.

If your Vizio TV does not support apps, unfortunately, you won’t be able to download a web browser directly onto the TV. Your only options would be casting or connecting a device.

How to get a web browser on Vizio Smart TV

Use Chromecast Built-in

If your Vizio Smart TV has Chromecast built-in, you can cast web browsers from your phone or tablet to the TV.

Here’s how:

  1. Make sure your phone/tablet and Vizio TV are connected to the same WiFi network.
  2. Open a web browser app on your phone or tablet. Some good options are Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge.
  3. Tap the Cast button within the web browser app.
  4. Select your Vizio TV from the list of available devices to cast to.
  5. The web browser on your phone/tablet will now be cast and mirrored onto the big screen.
  6. Navigate to any website you want to view on your TV.

The Chromecast method is easy and convenient, allowing you to access browser capabilities on your Vizio TV without actually installing anything directly on the TV.

Use AirPlay Mirroring

If your Vizio TV supports AirPlay and you have an iOS device, you can mirror any web browser from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to the TV using AirPlay.

To set up AirPlay mirroring:

  1. Make sure both your iOS device and Vizio Smart TV are connected to the same wireless network.
  2. On your iOS device, open the Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner of the screen.
  3. Tap on the Screen Mirroring icon. This looks like a rectangle with arrows pointing out.
  4. Select your Vizio TV from the list of available devices.
  5. Your iOS device’s screen will now be mirrored on the TV. Open Safari or any web browser app and navigate to websites to view them on the big screen.

The benefit of using AirPlay is that it works seamlessly between your iOS devices and TV without any additional apps or devices needed. The only requirement is that your Vizio TV must be AirPlay compatible.

Use Streaming Devices

Another option is to connect streaming devices like Roku, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, etc. to add web browsing capabilities.

Streaming devices simply plug into the HDMI port on your Vizio TV. Once connected, you can install the web browser apps made specifically for that streaming platform.

For example, on Roku you can add the Roku Channel Web Browser app. Apple TV has Safari browser available. Amazon Fire TV has Silk Browser.

The benefit of using streaming devices is that they not only add web browsing, but also give you access to thousands of streaming apps, games, and more that wouldn’t normally be available on a Vizio TV.

Connect a Laptop or Smartphone

If you have a laptop, you can connect it to your Vizio TV using an HDMI cable. This will essentially turn your TV into a giant external monitor allowing you to view any web browser on your laptop screen.

To set this up:

  1. Connect your laptop to the Vizio TV using an HDMI cable.
  2. On your laptop, select the option to duplicate or extend your display onto the TV screen.
  3. Now you can access any web browser and websites on your laptop which will be displayed on the TV.

Similarly, you can connect smartphones and tablets to the Vizio TV via HDMI adapter cables. This lets you mirror and control the mobile web browser onto the big screen.

Use the Built-In Vizio SmartCast Home Screen

Vizio’s SmartCast TVs have a built-in home screen that provides some basic web browsing capabilities even without downloading any apps.

To access the web from the Vizio home screen:

  1. Go to the Home screen menu.
  2. Scroll down and select the “More Ways to Watch” option.
  3. This will open a web browser-like interface where you can select categories or enter URLs to visit sites.

While limited, the built-in browser on the home screen can provide quick access to streaming sites and online content without any additional setup needed.

Download Web Browser Apps

If your Vizio Smart TV has the SmartCast operating system and supports apps, you can download dedicated web browser apps directly onto your TV. Here are some good web browser app options for Vizio Smart TVs:

1. Puffin TV Browser

Puffin TV is a free web browser app optimized specifically for smart TVs. It has smooth scrolling and streaming playback support.

To get Puffin on your Vizio TV:

  • On the Home screen, select the Apps icon.
  • Open the App Store.
  • Search for “Puffin TV Browser”.
  • Select Download to install Puffin onto your TV.

Once installed, open Puffin to start browsing the web on your Vizio screen.

2. Firefox TV Browser

Mozilla’s Firefox browser is also available as a free app for Vizio TVs. It renders web pages in a TV-friendly interface.

To download Firefox:

  • Go to the Apps menu.
  • Open the App Store.
  • Search for “Firefox TV Browser”.
  • Select Add to download and install.

Firefox should now be available to open from the Apps menu and use for web browsing.

3. Opera TV Browser

Opera TV is another excellent web browser choice with smooth scrolling, a customizable speed dial, and voice commands.

To get Opera on Vizio:

  • Go to Apps and open the App Store.
  • Search for “Opera TV Browser”.
  • Choose Download to install.

Once installed, you can launch Opera from the Apps menu and start browsing sites.

Trying out a few different web browser apps is recommended to see which interface and features you prefer best on your Vizio Smart TV.

The ending line

There are a variety of methods you can use to get web browsing on your Vizio Smart TV ranging from casting from your smartphone to downloading web browser apps directly onto the TV. Consider which options are compatible with your specific Vizio TV model and what your main browsing needs are on the TV to choose the right web access solution. With the right setup, you’ll be surfing the web conveniently on your Vizio big screen in no time.

The only minus point these Vizio Smart TVs have is smart HDTV is that you are unable to access the Vizio smart cast web browser. But thanks to its built in apps, with them it’s still exciting to discover the unlimited televisual content on the Vizio Smart TV operating system.

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