The lack of flexible customization of the start screen on TVs with Android TV often causes irritation for users. Google's standard interface forcibly promotes the content of streaming services, pushing your favorite applications into the far corners of the menu. Fortunately, the system allows you to change this behavior, although the settings are hidden quite deeply. Understanding the logic of the shell Leanback will help you regain control of the device and make navigation truly convenient.
In this article we will look at not only the basic settings available in the menu, but also methods for hiding unnecessary widgets using advanced tools. We will touch on issues of optimizing performance by disabling heavy recommendation channels. You will learn how to create a personal feed that will show only what is interesting to you, and not what is paid for by advertisers.
Often users are faced with a situation where, after updating the firmware, all settings are reset, and new advertising blocks appear on the main screen. This is normal behavior in the Google ecosystem, which constantly updates its recommendation algorithms. However, there are ways to capture the desired interface state. Next, we'll look at each step of setup in detail, from simple switches to working with USB debugging.
Basic home screen configuration
The first step to personalization is to use the system's built-in tools. In the latest versions Android TV Google has added the ability to edit the order of rows on the home screen. To do this, you need to hold down the center button on the remote control while on any line with applications or channels. A context menu will appear, allowing you to move the element up or down, or hide it from view completely.
This feature may not work for all content types. For example, the line “Your applications” can usually be moved to the very top, making it a priority. But system widgets, such as Continue Watching or Google Recommendations, may have limited navigation rights. It's important to understand that Launcher remembers your preferences, but machine learning algorithms may periodically try to return popular lines to prominent places.
If you want to change the home screen background or screensaver, this is done through a separate settings menu. Go to Settings → Device and preferences → Screen saver. Here you can choose the display mode: art, photos from Google Photos or Ambient mode. Proper screen saver settings not only improve aesthetics, but can also reduce the risk of panel burn-in on OLED TVs.
Use the Ambient mode with low brightness if the TV is running in the background for a long time - this will extend the lifespan panels.
Do not forget that the basic setting does not remove applications, but only hides their shortcuts from the first page. This is a safe method that does not require root access or installing third-party software. It's ideal for those who just want to organize the chaos on their home screen without delving into the technical jungle.
Manage channels and recommendations
One of the most intrusive features is the recommendations feed, which takes up up to 50% of the screen when scrolled. These so-called "channels" aggregate content from installed applications such as YouTube, Netflix or ivi. To configure their display, you will need to go to the settings of a specific application or use the global channel management menu.
For detailed settings, go to Settings → Applications → See all applications. Select the application you want, for example YouTube, and find the "Channels" option. Here you can turn off specific types of recommendations, such as Popular Videos or New Releases. This allows you to leave only those notifications that are really important and clear the interface of visual noise.
- 📺 Disable channels: Completely removes the line with recommendations for a particular service from the main screen.
- 🔔 Notifications: You can leave the icon application is active, but prevent it from showing content previews in the feed.
- 🔄 Sorting: Applications with active channels can be moved by changing the priority of content display.
There is a nuance: some applications, especially those preinstalled by the TV manufacturer (OEM applications) may not provide the ability to disable their channels through the standard menu. In such cases, the system considers them critical to the user experience. However, even their shortcuts can often be moved to the end of the list, minimizing their visual presence.
Remember that disabling channels does not affect the operation of the application itself. You will still be able to launch YouTube or Movie Search manually from the All Applications menu. The only difference is that the system will stop aggressively offering you content before you want it. This is especially true for devices with a weak processor, where rendering a lot of video previews can cause the interface to slow down.
Use of third-party launchers
If standard configuration tools do not meet your needs, the only option is to install an alternative shell. There are several popular solutions on the market, such as FLauncher, Projectivy Launcher or Sideload Launcher. These applications completely replace the standard Google interface, offering a minimalistic design and a complete absence of advertising.
Installing a third-party launcher requires activating developer mode. You need to go to Settings → About TV → Assembly and click on this item 7 times in a row. After the message “You have become a developer” appears, a new section “For Developers” will appear in the settings menu. This is where you need to activate USB debugging, which will allow you to install the application via a computer or a special installer on the TV itself.
| Launcher name | Installation complexity | Availability advertising | Customization |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLauncher | Medium | No | High (topics, order) |
| Projectivy | High | No | Maximum (scripts) |
| Sideload Launcher | Low | No | Minimum (list) |
| ATV Launcher (Free) | Low | Yes (in free) | Average |
When using third-party shells, it is important to consider that Google Assistant voice search may not work correctly or require additional settings. The standard launcher is deeply integrated with Google services, so replacing it may lead to the loss of some functionality, for example, a quick voice search from the remote control. However, for many users, the cleanliness of the interface outweighs these inconveniences.
How to return the standard launcher?
If you installed a third-party shell and want to go back, go to Settings → Applications → Default applications → Home application and select Android TV Launcher. If the application is not visible, use the adb command: `pm disable-user --user 0 com.projectivy.launcher` (replacing the package name with yours).
It is worth noting that some TV manufacturers, such as Sony or Philips, may block the ability to change the launcher at the firmware level. In such cases, the system will forcefully return to the standard interface every time it reboots. Before installing an alternative shell, it is useful to read reviews from the owners of your particular TV model on specialized forums.
Hide system applications and advertisements
Advanced Android TV setup often involves removing or disabling system junk that cannot be removed using standard methods. We are talking about pre-installed applications that take up memory space and are displayed in general lists. To work with them, you will need to use the ADB command line (Android Debug Bridge).
The connection is made over the network. Find out the IP address of your TV in the network settings (Settings → Network and Internet). On a computer with ADB installed, run the connection command:
adb connect 192.168.1.XX:5555Replace the IP address with the current one. After successful connection, you can start disabling packages. For example, to hide the Google Play Store (if you use third-party sources), enter:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.vending⚠️ Attention: Disabling system packages via ADB may result in system instability or loss of warranty. Do not disable components with names
com.android.tv.settingsorcom.google.android.gmsif you are not sure of their purpose.
To hide advertising in the standard launcher without replacing it, you can use the method of freezing components responsible for recommendations. This requires precise knowledge of package names, which vary from Android version to version. Disabling the service com.google.android.kitkat or similar system recommendation processes often helps, but this may affect the operation of voice search.
☑️ Check before modifying the system
After executing the commands, the changes take effect instantly, a reboot is usually not required. To bring the application back, use the command with the flag enable instead of disable-user. This method gives maximum control over the device, turning an ordinary TV into a pure media center without unnecessary software.
Optimizing interface performance
Over time, Android TV may begin to work slower, especially on budget models with low amounts of RAM. Customizing the launcher includes not only visual changes, but also measures to optimize performance. The first step is to limit the background activity of applications that you rarely use.
In the Settings → Applications section you can force stop unnecessary services. A more effective method is to limit processes in the developer menu. Find the item "Background process limit" and set the value to "No more than 2 processes." This will free up RAM for the main launcher, making switching between applications smoother.
1x to 0.5x or completely disable them (Disabling animations). Visually, the interface will become much more responsive, as delays when opening the menu will disappear.
Disabling animations and limiting background processes is the most effective way to speed up an old TV without loss of functionality.
Regularly clearing the cache also helps maintain performance. Although Android manages memory itself, manually resetting the cache of heavy applications (such as browsers or heavy games) can solve stuttering problems. Do this through the data storage menu of a specific application, selecting “Clear cache”, but not “Clear data”, so as not to lose logins and settings.
Configuring the remote control and voice control
The final touch in customizing the user experience is the configuration of the remote control. Standard settings allow you to reassign some buttons, although the functionality greatly depends on the TV model. In the menu Settings → Remote control and accessories you can configure the behavior of the power button (turn off or go to sleep mode) and calibrate motion sensors if the remote control supports cursor control.
Google Assistant voice search can be configured to launch by long pressing the microphone button. If this feature does not work correctly, please check your Google app permissions. Sometimes you need to retrain the voice model by saying "Ok Google" again several times in a quiet environment. This will improve command recognition, especially if you have an accent or speak quickly.
- 🎤 Voice input: Allows you to search for content across all installed apps at once, not just YouTube.
- 🔋 Energy saving: Set a sleep timer to keep the TV on all night if you fall asleep during view.
- ⌨️ Keyboard: When connecting a physical keyboard, you can configure the layout and input language in the corresponding settings section.
For users using universal remotes or smartphones as a remote control (via the app Google TV), it is important to ensure that the devices are on the same Wi-Fi subnet. Sometimes routers with the client isolation function (AP Isolation) block communication between gadgets. In this case, the function must be disabled in the router settings for the control to work stably.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and names of menu items may differ depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer’s shell (Sony, Xiaomi, TCL). If you do not find the described item, use the search inside the TV settings menu.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to completely remove the standard Android TV Launcher?
Without obtaining root access, complete removal is impossible, so like this is a system application. However, it can be disabled via ADB or hidden by setting the default launcher. When you reset to factory settings, it will automatically return.
Why does the TV forget the launcher settings after a reboot?
This may be due to a malfunction of Google Play Services or a conflict with third-party software. Try clearing the cache of the Settings app and Android TV Launcher. If the problem persists, a firmware update may be required.
How to remove ads on the main screen without installing other apps?
It is impossible to completely remove advertising banners using standard means. You can only hide the lines with recommendations by holding down the OK button on the remote control and selecting “Hide channel”. To completely remove ads, third-party software or modified firmware is required.
Is it safe to use ADB to disable applications?
Using commands pm disable-user is reversible and safe if you do not disable critical system components. The application is not physically deleted, but only deactivated for the current user. You can always turn it back on.
Does my TV support the installation of third-party launchers?
Most certified devices running Android TV 8.0 and higher support the installation of third-party launchers. An exception may be some budget models with a stripped-down version of the system or TVs based on other OSes that imitate Android.