Hey there! Did you know that since 2016, Vizio has been doing something really awesome with their smart TVs? They’ve added Apple AirPlay right into the television – that means you don’t need any extra gadgets or messy cords to use it.
The best part? It’s super easy to switch on. Let me show you how!
How to Turn On AirPlay on Vizio TV
Ready to learn how to use Apple AirPlay with your Vizio TV? It’s like magic – you can see everything from your Apple device right on your big TV screen! Let’s get started:
Step 1: Find AirPlay on Your TV
First, grab your Vizio remote and press the HOME button (that’s the SmartCast button). Then move over to the “EXTRAS” section. Hit OK, scroll down to find “Apple AirPlay,” and switch it ON.
Step 2: Connect Your Apple Device
Now, take your Apple device (like your iPhone) and swipe down from the top to open the quick actions menu. Tap on “Screen Mirroring,” and your Vizio TV should pop up on the list. Just select it, and you’re almost there!
What If You Can’t Find Your TV on the List?
If your Vizio TV isn’t showing up, it might be because your Apple device and the TV are on different WiFi networks. Remember, AirPlay works only when both devices are on the same WiFi.
Quick Tech Tip: WiFi Networks
Most WiFi routers today have two types of signals – 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz. It’s like having two different WiFi lanes in your home! If your Vizio TV is on one (like 2.4 GHz) and your Apple device on the other (like 5.0 GHz), they won’t connect. So, make sure they are on the same WiFi network. Check your Vizio TV’s WiFi by pressing MENU on your remote and going to NETWORK.
Setting Up AirPlay
Make sure your Vizio TV has the latest updates. Then, do the same steps as before: HOME (SmartCast) > EXTRAS > Apple AirPlay. Turn AirPlay ON and set the connection code to “First-Time Only” for safety.
Connecting Your Device
On your Apple device, swipe to open the quick actions menu, tap “Screen Mirroring,” and select your Vizio TV. A code will pop up on your TV. Enter that code into your phone, and voila! You’re connected.
Watching Videos and More
To watch a YouTube video on your TV, just open the video on your device, tap the casting icon, and choose your Vizio TV. The sound will come from your TV now, not your phone.
Note for iPhone Users: If you have an older iPhone with a physical HOME button, you’ll need to swipe UP to find the Screen Mirroring option.
Using a Mac?
If you’re using a Mac, click on the Control Panel icon at the top, select Screen Mirroring, and choose your Vizio TV.
Which Vizio TV models support AirPlay?
Wondering if your Vizio TV can use that cool AirPlay feature? Well, it depends on how old your TV is. Not all Vizio TVs can work with AirPlay, but many do! Let’s see if yours is one of them.
List of Vizio TVs That Are AirPlay-Friendly
Here’s a list of Vizio TV models that are buddies with AirPlay. See if your TV is on this list:
- The Super-Cool VIZIO OLED: Only the 2020 model
- The Awesome VIZIO P-Series Quantum X: Models from 2019 and 2020
- The Amazing VIZIO P-Series Quantum: Models from 2018, 2019, and 2020
- The Classic VIZIO P-Series: Models from 2016, 2017, and 2018
- The Marvelous VIZIO M-Series Quantum: Models from 2019 and 2020
- The Great VIZIO M-Series: Models from 2016, 2017, and 2018
- The Cool VIZIO E-Series: 2016, 2017, and 2018 UHD models
- The Versatile VIZIO V-Series: 2019 and 2020 models
- The Dependable VIZIO D-Series: 2018 and 2019 models
Remember: Your TV might need the latest software update to use AirPlay. And for your Apple device? Make sure it’s running on iOS version 12.4 or newer.
What If AirPlay Isn’t Showing Up?
If you don’t see AirPlay in your TV settings, your Vizio model might not support it. Don’t worry! You can double-check by looking up your TV’s model number on the Vizio website. They’ll tell you if AirPlay is a go or no-go.
Troubleshooting AirPlay on Your Vizio TV: Easy Fixes!
So, your Vizio TV supports AirPlay, but it’s not playing nice? No problem! Most of the time, these hiccups are just temporary and can be fixed quickly. Let’s dive into some tried-and-true solutions.
1. The Magic of Unplugging
First, try the easiest trick in the book – unplug your TV. But here’s the key: Wait a FULL 60 seconds (maybe do a little dance or grab a snack) before plugging it back in. While waiting, press and hold the power button on the TV (not the remote!) for 30 seconds. This helps the TV reset itself.
2. Restart Your Vizio TV
Most issues with AirPlay are just tiny software bugs. Restarting your TV usually sends these bugs packing. And hey, restart your Apple device too while you’re at it!
3. Check Your MacBook’s Firewall
If you’re using a MacBook, its firewall might be blocking AirPlay. Go to System Preferences > Security and Privacy > Firewall, and adjust the settings. You can turn off the firewall or uncheck ‘Block All Incoming Connections.’
4. Update Your Vizio TV Software
Your TV needs the latest updates to stay in top shape. Press the V key on your remote, select System > Check for Updates. If there’s an update, go ahead and install it.
5. Avoid Using Vizio SmartCast App as a Remote
Using the Vizio SmartCast app on your phone while trying AirPlay? Try stopping that and use the regular remote instead. Close the app before connecting to AirPlay again.
6. Give Your Router a Break
Sometimes, your WiFi router needs a quick restart. Unplug it, wait a bit, and plug it back in. This can smooth out any network issues.
7. Update Your Apple Device
Check for updates on your Apple device too – they can make a big difference.
8. Reset Network Settings on Your Apple Device
For iPhone users: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This freshens up your phone’s network connection.
9. Reset Paired Devices on Your TV
Try resetting the paired devices on your TV. Go to HOME (SmartCast) > EXTRAS > Apple AirPlay > Require Code > Reset Paired Devices.
10. The Last Resort: Factory Reset Your TV
If nothing else works, you might need to reset your TV to its factory settings. It’s a bit of a chore, but it can fix stubborn issues. Go to Menu > System > Reset & Admin > Reset TV to Factory Defaults. The default code, if asked, is 0000.
If you lost your remote, you can still reset your TV. Find the power button on the TV, press and hold the volume down and source buttons, then hold the input button for 10 seconds.
Wrapping Up: Making AirPlay Work on Your Vizio TV
Alright, let’s do a quick recap on how to get AirPlay up and running on your Vizio TV:
Turning On AirPlay: A Breeze!
- Check the WiFi: Ensure your Vizio TV and Apple device are on the same WiFi network.
- Press HOME: On your Vizio remote, hit the HOME (SmartCast) button.
- Go to EXTRAS: Scroll over to this option.
- Activate AirPlay: Click OK, find Apple AirPlay, and turn it ON.
- Use Your Apple Device: Swipe down on it, tap on ‘Screen Mirroring,’ and choose your Vizio TV.
Still No Luck? Here’s What to Do Next:
If AirPlay is being stubborn, don’t sweat it! Try these steps:
- Restart Your TV: Just turn it off and on again.
- Firewall Settings: If you’re using a computer, try turning off its firewall.
- Update Your TV: Make sure your Vizio TV has the latest software.
- Use the TV Remote: If you’re using your phone as a remote, switch back to the traditional remote.
- Restart Your Router: Give your WiFi router a quick reboot.
- Reset Paired Devices: In your TV settings, reset the devices that have connected via AirPlay.
- Factory Reset: As a last resort, reset your Vizio TV to its original factory settings.
Getting AirPlay to work with your Vizio TV is usually straightforward, but if you run into trouble, these steps should help sort things out. Remember, the key is to keep your devices updated and on the same WiFi network. Happy streaming!
