How to Connect DirecTV to Vizio Smart TV? Complete Guide

In this article, you’ll learn how to connect DirecTV to Vizio smart TV and the importance and benefits of DirecTV Now subscription.

If you’re into watching streaming shows and movies on your TV, then a Vizio Smart TV is the way to go. Due to its connectivity, features can be used with multiple devices, including laptops or mobile devices.

To connect DirecTV to Vizio Smart TV, you must get an Android TV box then connect it to your TV. You must then download the DirecTV Now app on your Android TV device, subscribe to the streaming service then play TV shows which will stream directly on your Vizio Smart TV.

Ensure you have a fast and reliable internet connection to get the best out of your DirecTV subscription. Because the DirecTV Now app is not directly available on Vizio SmartCast TV, you’ll need a third-party streaming device.

Reasons Why You Should Connect DIRECTV To Your Vizio Smart TV

Apart from having a robust channel lineup with nearly every channel, you could imagine, here are some reasons why DirecTV is better than other cable or Dish Networks:

AT&T Cellular Network Account

As a DirecTV customer, you can save money on your monthly bill if you also have an AT&T home phone, mobile phone, or internet service.

Move To 4k Video Resolution

Direct TV was one of the first programming suppliers to begin providing some of its shows Ultra HD on your Vizio Smart TV.

Strong Channel Lineup

With DirectTV, you can watch movies, news, and sports channels as well as rental movies. DirecTV offers more channels in HD than most other pay-TV providers.

Introductory Price Plans and Deals

If you sign up for the 24-month contract DirectTV will offer you a 50% discount on the price of select channel packages.

Android TV box is a streaming device that uses the Google Play Store to allow users to watch On-Demand Streaming Services and Live TV Streaming Services.

How to Connect DirecTV to Vizio Smart TV – Steps

Step #1 Set up Vizio Smart TV

Vizio Smart TVs have excellent picture quality, and you can get them at a competitive price. The first step on how to connect DirecTV to Vizio smart TV is to unbox everything.

Once you’ve unboxed your TV, install it where you’d like to have it in your house/room.

Before hooking up the plugs, make sure to have the devices you want to use as audio/video input and audio output ready.

Here’s how to set up your TV and get it working:

1. Connect one end of the power cord into your TV.
2. Connect the other end of the cord to an electrical outlet.
3. If it doesn’t turn on automatically, try pressing the power button.
4. Select OK on your TV remote to bring up the setup guide for language, Wi-Fi etc.
5. Use the direction buttons to highlight an option and press OK to select it.

Note: If you purchased a Vizio Smart TV, the socket types on the rear of your TV would vary based on the model you have.

Updating the TV will take several minutes and depends on the time you bought it and the model. Your TV will turn on and off several times during the process. You’re now ready to explore the many capabilities of your new smart TV.

Step #2 Set up the Android TV Box

While the Android OS is primarily used on mobile devices, it can be installed on boxes with similar hardware and better input and output options.

Android TV boxes can connect to HDTVs, enabling them to display videos or pictures of high clarity, and they can be controlled by keyboard, mouse or remote control for input.

Ensure to get a high-end TV box with a large internal hard drive that stores more applications and media.

Here’s how to set up an Android TV box:

1. Plug the box into a power source using the power cable.
2. Plug the box HDMI output video cable into your TV HDMI input port.
3. Set your Vizio Smart TV to the right HDMI input using the TV remote control.
4. From your TV screen, connect the Android TV box to a reliable Wi-Fi network.

Just like any other computer, an Android TV box doesn’t need the Internet to function.

However, if you plan to use your internet TV box for more than just basic functions, like installing DirecTV Now app, then it will need a stable and reliable internet connection.

Step #3 Setting Up Your Google Account

You’ll need your Gmail account to configure the Android TV box and your account. One of the services you can use with a Google Gmail account is to access the Google Play Store, which has thousands of apps, including DirecTV Now.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Press the HOME button on your TV box remote.
2. Select Settings to access the Accounts category.
3. Select Add Account.
4. Enter your Gmail address and password.
5. Select NEXT to sign in and complete the configuration process.

Google also allows Android OS users to download apps from sources other than the Play Store. Android apps run on a file type called APK, which is like EXE files for Windows.

Therefore, the other alternative is you can download DirecTV Now on your Android TV box from DirecTV.

Step #4 Activate Directv Now App

If you aren’t a techie, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: how do I connect DirecTV Now to Vizio Smart TV? You can watch live TV via the DIRECTV Now app and get over 45,000 shows and on-demand movies on your Vizio Smart TV.

Also, if you use your Android TV box with a DirecTV Now subscription, you can stream simultaneously on five devices and have access to any channel available through that subscription.

Here’s how to set up the DirecTV Now app:

1. Go to Google Play Store app
2. Search for “DirecTV Now.”
3. Download the app, then tap the icon to open.
4. Sign in with your DirecTV Now User ID and Password.
5. Select and play a movie, music or a TV show you like.

Once you’re logged in, the app’s layout is easy to figure out. If you’ve used DirecTV on your Vizio Smart TV, you can also activate parental controls.

Connecting DirecTV to Vizio Smart TV is a sequential process that involves first setting up your smart TV, setting up the Android TV box, setting up your Google account on your TV box, and finally installing and setting up a DirecTV account.

Read Next: How to Fix Local Channels Not Working on DIRECTV?

Note that there are Android TV boxes of all shapes and sizes, with many different price points. Some are super low-cost, while others have premium hardware.

Conclusion

Knowing how to connect DirecTV to Vizio Smart TV is just the beginning of the adventure. The good news is that if you connect your Vizio Smart TV to the DirecTV service, this will provide a super-clean connection that other smart TV apps can use.

That means excellent response times and high-quality video when you stream other services as well.