If you have a Vizio Smart TV, then you already know how amazing they are! They’re packed with features, meaning you can access the web and streaming services, rather than just flick through the channels.
One of the best features of the Vizio Smart TV is how easy it is to connect your phone to the TV. Casting your phone to your TV is great for family get-togethers, where you can watch vacation or holiday videos on the big screen instead of all huddling around your phone.
Vizio TVs also let you connect more than one device, meaning you can alternate between content on a variety of devices without having to disconnect and reconnect.
But how exactly do you do this? Well, the short answer is that you need to install the Vizio SmartCast Mobile App. Then, pair your TV and phone with the app and complete the process by inputting a 4-digit PIN.
Below, we’ll go into greater detail about how to connect your phone to a Vizio Smart TV, whether you have an iPhone or an Android, but first, let’s take a closer look at the Vizio SmartCast Mobile App.
What Is The Vizio SmartCast Mobile App?
Vizio SmartCast Mobile App allows you to connect wirelessly your smartphone to your Smart TV with your home’s Wi-Fi network.
It lets you control your Smart TV easily with your phone via the app. You can use the app to surf the web, turn your TV on and off, play and pause videos, alter display settings, and a lot more.
Vizio SmartCast is only compatible with Smart TVs made after 2018. This is a smooth-running app, but it can occasionally malfunction. However, there is an easy fix! Check the strength of your Wi-Fi before switching the language to reload the user interface.
Connecting Your iPhone To Vizio Smart TV
To connect your iPhone to your Vizio Smart TV, your television needs to have an AirPlay option and needs to be running on the latest version of the software. Your iPhone also needs to be running on iOS 12.4 or a more recent version.
Here are the steps to connecting your iPhone to your Vizio Smart TV:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Select the Extras option.
- Select the ‘On’ option on AirPlay.
- Open the Control Center on your iPhone and pick Screen Mirroring.
- From the devices list, choose the Vizio TV.
- On your iPhone, enter the 4-digit PIN displayed on your Smart TV.
Occasionally, AirPlay may not work on your Vizio Smart TV. This tends to happen when your Vizio TV and your iPhone are not connected to a shared Wi-Fi network.
Connecting Your Android Phone To Vizio Smart TV
It’s incredibly simple to connect your Android phone to your Vizio Smart TV. There are many ways you can achieve this, but the most convenient way is via the Vizio SmartCast Mobile App.
Here, you will learn how to connect your Android phone using the SmartCast app and without the app.
Connecting With The SmartCast App
- Open the Vizio SmartCast Mobile App on your Android phone.
- Log in or sign up for a Vizio account.
- Select the toolbar option.
- From the devices list, choose the Vizio TV option.
- Select ‘Start.’
- On your phone, enter the 4-digit PIN displayed on your Smart TV.
- Link your TV and a phone to a shared Wi-Fi network.
Connecting Without The SmartCast App
- Go to your Android phone’s Settings.
- Search for Wireless Display or Screencast and select the ‘Casting’ option.
- Link your TV and phone to a shared Wi-Fi network.
- Choose the Vizio TV from the list of devices.
Connecting Your PC To Vizio Smart TV
Yes, you can even connect your PC to a Vizio Smart TV! You can cast your laptop onto a larger screen, giving you more space to watch movies and TV, or play video games.
Here are the steps for connecting your PC to your Vizio Smart TV:
- Open Google Chrome.
- Link your TV and phone to a shared Wi-Fi network.
- Click on the three dots at the right of the search bar.
- Select Cast on the prompt menu.
- Choose the Vizio TV from the list of devices.
- Either select the Desktop casting option or the Browser casting option.
- Accept and allow the cast prompt.
You can even use Vizio Smart TV as a PC monitor. All you need to do is plug an HDMI cord into your smart TV and laptop, and change the TV input to the HDMI port.
What If Your Phone Isn’t Connecting To Your Vizio Smart TV?
Hopefully we have demonstrated how easy it is to connect your phone to your Vizio Smart TV, but you may experience connection issues if you can’t use your phone via the TV. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons why your phone may not connect to your Vizio Smart TV.
TV Firmware Updates
If your Vizio TV is not updated to the newest firmware then you will be unable to connect your phone to your TV.
Follow these steps to update your TV:
- Press the Home button on your TV remote.
- Select ‘Extras.’
- Select the System tab.
- Check and Allow the newest update.
Check The Power To Your TV
You might have connectivity issues if your TV is linked incorrectly to the power source. Follow these steps to check your TV’s power source:
- Remove the Power cable from the outlet.
- Press the Power button on your TV remote for 3 to 5 seconds.
- Turn the TV on once you’ve plugged the power cable back in.
Final Thoughts
Connecting your phone – and even your PC – to your Vizio Smart TV gives you a larger screen to watch a movie, binge your favorite shows, and play video games.
You can connect your smartphone with a third-party app or an HDMI cable, and while it is a very simple process, you may experience firmware issues with your TV.
To resolve these issues, you may need to get in touch with Vizio support. You can contact them online or via telephone.