Vizio TV remote app: pair your phone with a SmartCast TV

Most Vizio smart TVs sold from about 2016 onward use SmartCast; earlier internet-connected models generally use VIA. Find the model number on the label on the back of the TV and look it up on Vizio’s support site if you are unsure.

1. Turn on the TV and connect your phone to the same home network.
2. Open TV Remotely and select the Vizio TV. Allow local network access if your phone asks.
3. Read the PIN on the TV screen and type it into the app. The code expires after a short time.
4. Test navigation, volume and inputs one at a time.

Unlike Samsung or LG, a Vizio TV does not ask you to select Allow with a remote: the PIN is the approval. That makes pairing possible without the original remote, as long as the TV is on and already connected to your network.

If the app says the PIN did not match or took too long, connect again to get a fresh code and type it promptly. If the app says another pairing request is already open, dismiss the old one on the TV and try again.

If no PIN appears and the TV is missing from the list, use the TV-not-found checklist or connect by IP address. On iPhone, check Local Network permission.

Navigation, volume, channels, inputs, power and launching supported apps, with the app list varying by model. Typing from your phone is not available on Vizio, so use the on-screen keyboard. Turning the TV back on from standby needs Wake on LAN switched on in the TV’s network menu; see turning on a TV with your phone.

Vizio’s own app is built for Vizio TVs and Vizio account features. TV Remotely is an independent remote that gives you one layout across a Vizio and the other TV platforms in your home. Choose based on the TVs you own. Read the compatibility table before installing, or check availability.