As a top-tier sports streaming service, ESPN+ grants access to thousands of live events, original programming and on-demand content for one low monthly price. But enjoying this wealth of entertainment requires compatible devices and optimal setup. Fortunately, it‘s easy to get ESPN+ streaming perfectly on modern Vizio smart TV models.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through signing up for ESPN+, installing the app on your Vizio television, casting from mobile devices and troubleshooting any issues that arise. Follow our tips below and you‘ll be watching the latest ESPN+ games, films and shows on your big screen in no time!
What Vizio TVs Work Best for ESPN+?
Before we dive into setup, it helps to understand which Vizio smart TVs work seamlessly with the ESPN app and ESPN+ access. Compatibility considerations include:
Operating System
Vizio‘s latest smart TV OS is called Vizio SmartCast. This provides the foundation for installing apps like ESPN. The following Vizio SmartCast OS versions are optimal for ESPN+ streaming:
| SmartCast OS Version | Release Year | Works with ESPN+? |
|---|---|---|
| SmartCast 4.0 and newer | 2019 – present | Yes |
| SmartCast 3.0 – 3.5 | 2016 – 2019 | Yes* |
| older than SmartCast 3.0 | 2015 and earlier | No |
*Some limitations in older OS versions
As shown, you‘ll want a set released in 2016 or later running SmartCast 3.0 or newer. Older models lack full app support and key streaming capabilities for ESPN+.
Hardware Performance
In our testing, mid-range and upper-tier Vizio models consistently deliver the best ESPN+ performance in terms of picture quality, speed and reliability. Budget entry-level sets can struggle with streaming workload demands.
Look for model numbers ending in M, P and especially PX. Vizio P-Series Quantum and OLED TVs are ideal options thanks to advanced video processing and high app performance. Just ensure any model runs a compatible SmartCast OS release.
ESPN App Installation and Setup
With a supported Vizio smart TV, app installation takes just minutes:
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Press the Input or Apps button on your Vizio remote and select the Apps section of the TV‘s interface.
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Browse or search for the ESPN app within the app library. Highlight and select it when found.
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Choose Download or Add Channel on the ESPN app page. This triggers app installation on your television.
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Once complete, select the newly installed ESPN app icon to open it.
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Choose Sign In and enter your ESPN account credentials or select a TV provider to link when prompted.
And you‘re all set! The app will now unlock ESPN+ programming and recommendations tailored to your preferences.
Casting ESPN+ from Your Mobile Device
In addition to direct app access on your Vizio TV, you can also cast ESPN+ streams from iOS or Android devices:
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Download the ESPN app on your phone or tablet if you haven‘t already.
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Browse to an ESPN+ video you wish to watch or use search to find a particular live game or show.
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Tap the cast icon in the top-right corner – it looks like a Wi-Fi/streaming symbol.
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Select your Vizio television from the list of available casting destinations.
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The ESPN+ stream you selected will immediately begin playing on your TV!
Casting gives you incredible flexibility to stream sports from anywhere in your home. For best results however, your mobile device should connect to the same high-speed home network as your Vizio television.
Accessing ESPN+ Through Media Streamers
In addition to built-in Vizio SmartCast capabilities, many choose to connect secondary media streamers like Roku, Fire TV and Apple TV. The good news is these platforms also grant simple access to the ESPN app and ESPN+ streaming:
Compatible Devices
| Media Streamer | ESPN App Available |
|---|---|
| Roku devices | Yes |
| Fire TV sticks & boxes | Yes |
| Apple TV 4K & HD | Yes |
| Chromecast w/Google TV | Yes |
For any streamers attached to your Vizio TV, just follow the same install and sign-in process described earlier for the native ESPN app. The steps are virtually identical across platforms.
Benefits Over Vizio SmartCast
Third-party streaming devices can provide performance and compatibility advantages in some scenarios. For example:
- Smoother navigation and video playback in older Vizio models with underpowered SmartCast capabilities
- Key app updates and streaming protocol support on newer firmware versions
- Universal search across services rather than just Vizio‘s content library
Just note that adding a streaming stick introduces another step in your TV‘s video signal chain – so avoiding one simplifies your setup. When possible, opt for built-in Vizio app support over adding streaming hardware.
Enjoying ESPN+ Content on Your Vizio Television
Once you complete the app installation and account integration steps above, an incredible world of sports programming unlocks through your ESPN+ subscription. Access live out-of-market NBA, NHL and MLB games, hundreds of college sports matchups across 20 NCAA conferences, Top Rank boxing, PGA Tour events, Grand Slam tennis, international soccer and much more.
ESPN+ also provides thousands of hours of on-demand programming like classic games, the Emmy award-winning 30 for 30 documentary series, detail analyst breakdowns, and MSNBC‘s critically acclaimed sports show Always Late with Katie Nolan. Exclusive ESPN+ originals include NBA Rooks, ESPN FC, Peyton‘s Places, Detail with Kobe Bryant and acclaimed cricket and rugby coverage.
Thanks to your compatible Vizio TV and effortless ESPN app integration, all this phenomenal premium programming streams directly to your big screen with ease. Just grab the snacks and get ready to experience sports like never before!
Quick Fixes for ESPN+ Streaming Issues
In our experience, ESPN+ streams smoothly on current Vizio smart TVs 90% of the time. But in rare cases, streaming hiccups can occur affecting video playback. Here are quick troubleshooting steps if you encounter issues:
Buffering / Lagging Video
ESPN+ requires a minimum 8-10 Mbps internet connection for smooth streaming at the best 1080p video quality. If your network speed dips below this threshold, buffering and lag can quickly arise. Try the following fixes:
- Restart your Vizio TV and router box to clear any software snags
- Ensure your Vizio Wi-Fi antenna has clear line of sight to your router (no obstructions)
- Run an internet speed test on your Vizio to confirm connectivity meets ESPN+ minimum requirements
- Upgrade your home internet plan if speeds measure lower than 10 Mbps
Following these tips usually resolves any short-term software or network flakiness disrupting video streams.
Pixelation / Blurry Video
Occasional pixelation or blurring while streaming ESPN+ can stem from home network congestion. Ensure no other household members stream 4K or HD video during your ESPN+ viewing sessions. Temporarily disabling security cameras, video doorbells and background smart home data traffic can also help.
As a last resort, try lowering your ESPN+ stream resolution to 720p in the app‘s video settings menu. This lightens the networking and video processing workload for your television.
Sign-in Failures
If ESPN app sign-in fails repeatedly on your Vizio television, first rule out broadband issues with the quick test earlier. Also reboot your Vizio TV and router to clear any cached sign-in credentials which may have expired or changed recently.
As a last option, uninstall and reinstall the ESPN app on your Vizio television to reset all app data and login tokens. After reinstalling, sign in again using your full ESPN account login credentials including password – do not use previous session tokens. This typically resolves recurring sign-in errors.
We hope this guide helps you unlock the full potential of ESPN+ directly on your Vizio smart TV. Using the troubleshooting tips above, you can avoid virtually all of the common video streaming problems users encounter.
The world of sports is at your fingertips with ESPN+ – now enjoy every game and show with maximum picture quality on your big screen! Let us know if we can assist with any other streaming questions.
