If you’re an anime fan who owns a Vizio Smart TV, you may have noticed something frustrating — the Crunchyroll app isn’t available in the Vizio app store. For anime lovers, that’s a major letdown, especially since Funimation used to be supported before its merger with Crunchyroll.

Don’t worry, though — you’re not out of luck. There are still several easy ways to stream Crunchyroll on your Vizio Smart TV. Below, I’ll walk you through the best methods so you can get back to watching your favorite anime without missing a beat.

Why Isn’t Crunchyroll Available on Vizio Smart TVs?

Vizio’s app library is a little limited because the company curates which apps appear based on demand and corporate partnerships. Before the merger, Funimation had an app that worked on Vizio TVs. But once Crunchyroll absorbed Funimation, that app stopped receiving updates, and no replacement has been added yet. So, while Crunchyroll is widely available on most other smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming sticks, Vizio users have to take an extra step.

Many fans have already begun contacting Crunchyroll to request a Vizio-compatible app. If enough people continue speaking up, there’s a chance we’ll see an update in the future. Until then, there are some reliable workarounds to keep the anime nights rolling.

Ways to Stream Crunchyroll on Vizio Smart TVs

1. Use Amazon Prime Video’s Crunchyroll Channel

This is the easiest and most direct workaround. Amazon Prime Video has a Crunchyroll Channel add-on that lets you stream many of Crunchyroll’s top titles through the Prime Video app — which is available on all Vizio Smart TVs.

Here’s how:

• Log in to your Amazon Prime account.
• Search for the Crunchyroll Channel and subscribe to it as an add-on service.
• Open the Amazon Prime Video app on your Vizio Smart TV.
• Start watching Crunchyroll shows directly through Prime Video.

While the Prime Video version of Crunchyroll doesn’t include everything from the standalone Crunchyroll app, it does have a huge chunk of the catalog — enough to satisfy most viewers. If you’re curious, Amazon even offers a free trial so you can test it out before subscribing.

2. Cast or Mirror Crunchyroll Using AirPlay

If you prefer streaming directly from your Crunchyroll account, you can mirror your phone or tablet screen using Apple’s AirPlay feature. This works perfectly if you have an iPhone or iPad.

To use AirPlay:

• Connect your iPhone or iPad to the same Wi-Fi network as your Vizio TV.
• Open the Crunchyroll app on your device.
• Swipe down from the top-right corner and select Screen Mirroring or AirPlay.
• Choose your Vizio Smart TV from the list of devices.
• Start playing your anime episode — it’ll appear right on your TV screen.

This option is ideal if you don’t want to pay for an additional channel or app subscription, but keep in mind that you’ll be using your mobile device as a remote.

3. Use a Streaming Device (Fire Stick, Roku, or Gaming Console)

If you want the simplest, full-feature experience, investing in a streaming device might be worth it. Devices like the Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, or a gaming console like PlayStation 5 or Xbox all have direct access to the Crunchyroll app.

Here’s how to set it up using a Fire Stick:

• Plug the Fire Stick into your Vizio TV’s HDMI port.
• Switch your input to the Fire Stick.
• Search for Crunchyroll in the App Store and download it.
• Log in and start streaming directly from your Crunchyroll account.

If you already have a gaming console, it’s even easier — both PlayStation and Xbox have native Crunchyroll apps that work seamlessly.

What to Know Before Streaming Crunchyroll on Vizio

While it’s annoying that Vizio doesn’t have a Crunchyroll app yet, the good news is you don’t have to miss out on any anime. Whether you use Amazon Prime, AirPlay, or a streaming stick, all these methods get you the same content — it’s just about which setup works best for your household.

• Amazon Prime: Convenient if you already have a subscription, but your watch list syncs with Amazon Video.
• AirPlay: Free and fast if you’re using Apple devices, though it ties up your phone or tablet.
• Fire Stick / Console: Gives you full access to your Crunchyroll account and settings.

Final Thoughts: Is Crunchyroll Worth the Workaround?

For anime fans, absolutely. Crunchyroll remains one of the best streaming services for anime — especially if you love simulcasts and new releases straight from Japan. Even though Vizio doesn’t yet support the app natively, the workaround options are quick, reliable, and easy to set up.

So grab your remote, queue up your favorite show, and don’t forget your snacks. A little setup now means endless anime nights later.

Would you like to see Crunchyroll add a Vizio Smart TV app? Let us know in the comments!