Pluto TV is one of the free movies and TV apps available on all Vizio TVs running on the SmartCast OS. It offers free access to over 100 TV channels plus thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows.
But sometimes, Pluto TV stops working on Vizio TV altogether, or the app loads slowly or takes longer to play a video. In other cases, you may not see the application in the list of apps.
So, what should you do when Pluto is not working on Vizio TV?
Pluto TV is an internet-enabled app. In other words, it requires a stable internet connection to download data.
Therefore, if Pluto is not working on your Vizio Smart TV, the first thing you should check is your internet. However, if you can log into the app but you can’t play any of its content, the problem could be a bug within the app itself
Other reasons why the app may stop working include the following:
- Pluto TV has a system-wide outage.
- The channel you want to play has a problem.
- Your Vizio TV OS is out-of-date.
- The Pluto TV app is out-of-date.
- You are accessing Pluto TV from an unknown location.
If your Vizio TV has a memory leak, it will cause other apps to stop working.
Troubleshooting Pluto TV when it is not working on Vizio TV
To overcome this issue, use any of these tips:
1. Use WatchFree+ instead of Pluto TV
WatchFree+ is a streaming service from Vizio. It gives you instant access to hundreds of free channels, including Live TV, news, sports, and movies.
You’ll be happy to know that the service is pretty similar to Pluto TV. The channels are almost similar with the exception of a few of Vizio’s original productions.
Therefore, when Pluto TV is not working, go to SmartCast Home, access the apps row, and locate the WatchFree+ app.
You should then launch the app and search for the channel or movie you want to access on Pluto TV.
2. Check your internet connection
If Pluto TV won’t open on Vizio TV or the app is not loading or playing content, your internet connection could be the problem.
Diagnose your it as follows:
- Perform a speed test and ensure your download speed is at least 1Mbps.
- Restart your network devices, including the router and modem.
- Improve signal strength by bringing your network devices closer to your Vizio TV.
- Ensure you have enough mobile data if you use a wireless hotspot to connect.
You can also connect with Ethernet instead of using Wi-Fi to access the internet.
3. Power cycle your Vizio TV
Power cycling your Vizio TV will clear unwanted memory files that were causing Pluto TV to malfunction. Follow these steps:
- Unplug the power cord.
- Hold down the power button on the side of the TV for five seconds.
- Reconnect the power cord and turn on the TV.
After the power cycle, open Pluto TV to see if you have fixed the issue.
4. Factory reset your Vizio TV
A factory reset can be handy when you want to update Pluto on Vizio TV. It also fixes an issue whereby you cannot see Pluto TV on your Vizio TV in the application’s row.
Before you factory reset, its important to know that the option will delete all data and device settings. If you’ve decided to reset:
- Press the Menu button on your VIZIO remote.
- Select System (or Help).
- Go to Reset & Admin.
- Click on Reset to Factory Settings.
After the reset, set up your Vizio TV again. You must connect to the internet to complete the setup.
Once connected, your device will check for updates and automatically update all default apps, including Pluto TV.
Can you get Pluto TV on a Vizio Smart TV?
You can get Pluto TV on a Vizio Smart TV by downloading the Pluto TV app.
So, if you want to add the app:
- Press the input button on your remote.
- Select SmartCast input.
- You will see Pluto TV displayed in the app row of SmartCast Home.
- Select the app to open it and start watching.
You do not need to download the app to install it on your Vizio SmartCast TV.
Is Vizio WatchFree the same as Pluto TV?
Vizio partnered with Pluto TV to offer WatchFree+. Therefore, WatchFree+ is the same as Pluto TV. It also makes sense to conclude that Pluto TV powers WatchFree+.
Like Pluto TV, WatchFree+ has free TV shows, movies, and Live TV. The content is ad-supported and does not need subscriptions, fees, or logins to access it.