Newly purchased Vizio TVs now require Walmart accounts to use smart features

Potential buyers of Vizio televisions should be aware of a significant change regarding their smart features. Walmart, which acquired Vizio in December 2024, has announced that many of the latest Vizio TVs will require a Walmart account for setup and to access various smart capabilities. Previously, Vizio TVs necessitated a Vizio account, which enabled users to take advantage of exclusive deals, manage subscriptions, and receive tailored support. This account system has been crucial for Vizio’s business model, heavily reliant on advertisements and user tracking associated with its operating system. A Walmart spokesperson confirmed to Ars Technica that having a Walmart account will now be essential for onboarding and utilizing smart TV functionalities on select new Vizio OS TVs. Furthermore, customers who already possess a Vizio account can merge it with their Walmart account, although they also have the option to delete their Vizio account if they prefer. Details on which specific TV models will be affected remain unclear, leading to speculation that this requirement could eventually extend to all newly purchased Vizio OS TVs, as well as updates for previously purchased devices. The representative emphasized that this integration aims to honor consumer choice and privacy, with data being utilized in a way that is aggregated and compliant, although specifics on these practices were not disclosed.