How to Add and Manage Apps on a Smart TV
Smart TVs, also known as connected TVs, allows users to access internet-based services through direct connection to the internet or through an external device. One of the most significant advantages of a smart TV is the ability to add and manage apps, which enhance the user experience by providing access to various online services and content. In this article, we will discuss how to add and manage apps on a smart TV.
Adding Apps on a Smart TV
The process of adding apps on a smart TV varies depending on the platform your TV uses. Here, we will discuss the two widely used smart TV platforms:
Android TV
Android TV, developed by Google, is commonly found on TVs from Sony, TCL, and Philips. Adding apps on an Android TV is pretty straightforward as you only need to access the Google Play Store.
Step 1: Go to the home screen of your smart TV.
Step 2: Look for the Google Play Store app on the home screen and click on it.
Step 3: You will be prompted to sign in to your Google account. If you don’t have one, you can create a new one.
Step 4: Once you are signed in, you can search for the apps that you want to add and install them.
Step 5: After installation, you can access the new apps from the home screen or the app drawer.
SmartCast
SmartCast is a smart TV platform developed by Vizio, and it is commonly found on Vizio TVs. Adding apps on a SmartCast-enabled TV is done through the Vizio SmartCast app.
Step 1: Download and install the Vizio SmartCast app on your mobile device.
Step 2: Launch the app and follow the prompts to connect it to your Vizio Smart TV.
Step 3: Click on the “Discover” tab on the Vizio SmartCast app to browse for available apps.
Step 4: Find the app you want to add and click on it.
Step 5: Click on the “Watch Now” button to add the app to your Vizio Smart TV.
Managing Apps on a Smart TV
Managing apps is an essential part of optimizing the smart TV experience. It involves removing apps that you no longer need or use, updating outdated apps, and rearranging the apps in the way you find convenient.
To manage apps on a smart TV, follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to the home screen of your smart TV.
Step 2: Navigate to the app you want to manage using the directional buttons on your remote.
Step 3: Click on the settings icon (usually depicted with an “i” icon) on the app to open its settings.
Step 4: Select the option to remove, update or rearrange the app as needed.
Tips for Adding and Managing Apps on a Smart TV
– Avoid overloading your TV with too many apps. Adding too many apps can slow down the TV’s performance.
– Before downloading apps, ensure that your TV has enough storage space.
– Keep your apps up-to-date to access the latest features and avoid compatibility issues.
– Organize your apps in a way that makes them easily accessible.
– Always ensure that you have installed apps from trusted sources to avoid installing malware on your TV.
Conclusion
Adding and managing apps on a smart TV is an integral part of enhancing the user experience. With the ever-expanding ecosystem of smart TV apps, being able to manage them effectively is crucial. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can easily add, remove, update and rearrange the apps on your smart TV.