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Can You Watch ESPN on Vizio Smart TV?

For many sports fans, not being able to watch ESPN on their Smart TV can make or break the decision to purchase a specific brand of TV. ESPN, like most other networks, has released a series of subscription services that can be accessed through their app on your Smart TV. So what about watching the ESPN App on a Vizio Smart TV?

You can watch ESPN on your Vizio Smart TV, but the answer is a little more complicated than just yes or no. To watch ESPN on your Vizio Smart TV, you need an additional service to allow for streaming. Vizio does not have a specific app for ESPN, so you’ll need to use an outside source. 

Flatscreen tv in the living room

While it may seem frustrating that you need to use an outside source to stream ESPN, it isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Like with many apps, there are plenty of options to stream them, even if they are not available directly through your Smart TV service. For many people, there are usually additional devices that you have attached to your Smart TV to improve access to streaming services.

Can’t Find ESPN App on Vizio Smart TV

Holding a remote while point at the tv

When looking for streaming apps on your Vizio SmartCast, there may be some that are not currently available. When it comes to streaming apps, some have yet to be available for certain Smart TV brands. While apps become more available over time, you can constantly check to see updates with your Vizio Smart TV firmware to see if there are any changes.

If you can’t find the ESPN App on your Vizio Smart TV, this is because it is currently not available for download on SmartCast. The ESPN App may be available to download on your Vizio Smart TV in the future. However, there is no specific date for this app’s release.

One way to know if an app will become available on your Vizio Smart TV is to highlight an app that you are interested in. Once the correct version is compatible with your Vizio Smart TV, you will be alerted. You can also check back from time to time in SmartCast to see if the app has become available. 

Can You Download ESPN App on Vizio Smart TV?

Flatscreen tv in the living room

Yes, you can download the ESPN app on a Vizio Smart TV. To do so, press the ‘V’ button on your remote to open the Vizio App Store. Navigate to the ‘Search’ bar, type in “ESPN,” and select the ESPN app from the results. Click ‘Install’ or ‘Add to My Apps’ to begin the installation process.

What Can You Do to Watch ESPN on Vizio Smart TV?

Flatscreen tv in the living room

While you cannot currently download the ESPN App on your Vizio Smart TV, don’t despair. Sports lovers can still stream ESPN on their Vizio Smart TV, this just takes a little additional work. There are a couple ways that you can play ESPN on your Vizio Smart TV.

To watch ESPN on your Vizio Smart TV there are a few methods that you can use. You can use Apple AirPlay, but you need to make sure that your Vizio Smart TV has been updated. If your Vizio Smart TV has not been updated, there is a good chance that AirPlay will not work for you.

To use AirPlay on your Vizio Smart TV, you first need to be signed in to your ESPN App on your phone. If you are attempting to watch ESPN Plus, which is a service that offers live broadcasts of your sports programming, make sure that you have that in your subscription services. Once you are signed in to your app and both your phone and Vizio Smart TV are connected to the same WiFi network, you can begin playing your content.

You will see an icon for AirPlay. This will bring up available devices. If you are in a space with more than one device, scroll through until you find the device labeled Vizio Smart TV. Once you select this, your ESPN content should begin playing on your Vizio Smart TV.

You can also watch ESPN on your Visio Smart TV by using Google Cast. Like with AirPlay, you need to be signed in to your ESPN App. If you are looking for live sports broadcasting, make sure that you are subscribed to ESPN Plus. You need to have both your device and your Vizio Smart TV connected to the same WiFi network for this to work. Begin playing your ESPN content on your device and when you notice the Google Cast icon, select that. You then need to select your Vizio Smart TV as the device that you would like to display your Google Cast program on. After selecting your Vizio Smart TV, you should see your program displayed on your Vizio Smart TV.

You can also watch ESPN on your Vizio Smart TV if you have external devices. Devices such as Amazon FireSticks, Roku, Apple TV, a laptop, Xbox, and Playstations, will allow you to download the ESPN App. Then you will just have to be on the correct HDMI output and you will be able to play your ESPN App. 

Again, with these methods, you will be prompted to sign in to your ESPN account and you can review your subscription services. Depending on what you are looking to watch, you may need to add additional services to your ESPN account.

ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on March 25, 2022.

Can You Watch ESPN on Vizio Smart TV?

Flatscreen tv in the living room

You can watch ESPN on your Vizio Smart TV, but it is a little more work than simply downloading an app. The ESPN App is not available yet through SmartCast. This means that to stream ESPN on your Vizio Smart TV, you need to use outside devices. You can use AirPlay or Google Cast if you do not want to deal with HDMI attachments. Otherwise, many devices are compatible with your Vizio Smart TV and can support the ESPN and ESPN Plus App.