Can You Use a Vizio Smart TV without a Remote?

a smart tv in a living rooma smart tv in a living room

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Smart technology keeps getting smarter and smarter, and Vizio smart TVs are no exception. Smart TVs can now play your favorite shows from nearly all casting services, all without picking up your remote. Setting up your new TV or using a new feature can be daunting, but Vizio makes it easy to use a Vizio smart TV when you don’t have a remote.

You can use a Vizio smart TV without a remote by controlling the TV with the buttons found on the TV or by using the Vizio Smartcast app as a remote. The Vizio Smartcast App will allow you to have the full function of the TV.

Keep reading to learn about the Vizio Smartcast app, and how to control your Vizio smart TV without a remote.

How to Use Vizio Smart TV without a Remote

You can use a Vizio smart TV without a remote by taking advantage of the buttons found on the side or underneath the TV or using the Vizio Smartcast app.

Using Buttons Found on the TV

Every Vizio TV model will vary, but all Vizio TVs do have at least one button found on the TV, with many having four buttons. These buttons are typically found on the back of the TV on the lower left or right. Refer to your specific user manual if you can’t find your Vizio TV buttons.

Vizio TVs with One Button

For Vizio TVs with one button, you can power on the TV by quickly pressing the singular power button found on your TV. Once the TV is on, you can select the input of your TV by quickly pressing the power button again to scroll through the available TV inputs. To power off the TV, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.

Vizio TVs with Four Buttons

For Vizio TVs with four buttons, you can control power, input, and volume. These four buttons will be found on the back of your TV, stacked on top of each other. Power is the top option, followed by Volume Up, Volume Down, then Input.

For all other functions of your Vizio TV, you will need the remote or the Vizio Smartcast App.

Using the Smartcast App to Control Vizio TV

One of the best features of Vizio smart TVs is the option to use the Vizio Smartcast app. The Vizio Smartcast app allows you to control your Vizio TV like a remote as well as connect different streaming apps to cast content directly to your TV. The Smartcast App gives you all the functions of a remote conveniently installed on your phone.

The Vizio Smartcast App is available for both Apple and Android and is free to download.

What Apps Can I Connect to the Vizio Smartcast App?

You can connect to dozens of streaming apps within the Vizio Smartcast App. Some of the most popular apps are:

  • Netflix
  • Prime Video
  • Hulu
  • Disney+
  • HBO Max

Can I Connect Multiple Vizio TVs to the Vizio Smartcast App?

Often, people have multiple TVs throughout their house. If you happen to have multiple Vizio Smartcast TVs, you can control them all from the same app.

You can connect all of your Vizio Smartcast TVs to the Vizio Smartcast App. Once you have your TVs set up in the app, you can switch between TVs using the dropdown menu found in the center at the very top of the app. Just make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your TVs.

Can I Change My Vizio TV Settings without a Remote?

Using just the buttons found on your Vizio TV, you will not be able to change any settings. To change your Vizio TV settings without a remote, you will need the Vizio Smartcast App. The Smartcast app gives you access to all of the functions of a regular remote right from your phone.

Can I Control My Vizio TV with Google Assistant or Alexa?

Connecting your Vizio Smartcast TV to Google Assistant or Alexa is an easy option for hands-free TV control. Simply connect your Vizio Smartcast App to your Amazon Alexa or Google Home app. Then all you have to say is, “Hey Google, Play Bridgerton on Netflix on the Livingroom TV,” and will have your favorite shows loading onto your Vizio Smartcast TV instantly.

Can I Replace My Vizio TV Remote?

All sorts of scenarios can occur that leave your remote no longer usable. Luckily with Vizio, it is easy and affordable to replace your physical remote with a new one. A replacement remote is a great option for those who would like to continue using a physical remote rather than an app on a day-to-day basis.

Conclusion

Vizio has made it easy to control their TVs without a remote. Directly on the TV, you can control the power, input, and sometimes even volume. With the Vizio Smartcast app, you can do anything you can with a remote right on your phone. You can even control programming, volume, and more with Google or Alexa.

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