The standard Smart TV interface is often overloaded with advertising, intrusive recommendations and heavy widgets that slow down the system. Users looking for a way how to change the launcher on Android TVusually want a clean menu without unnecessary visual noise. Replacing the standard shell can significantly speed up the response of the remote control and make navigation more logical and familiar.
The process of replacing the standard interface with a third-party analogue opens up access to advanced design and functionality settings. Android TV based on the same operating system as smartphones, so the principle of installing applications is similar here, although it has its own nuances of control from the remote control. In this article, we will analyze all the stages of preparing and installing a new interface.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the appearance of your TV, since most modern launchers are safe and easy to remove. However, before you begin any manipulations with system settings interface it is important to understand what tools you will need. We will look at proven installation methods that work on devices from different manufacturers.
Why change the standard TV interface
The main reason why owners Smart TV think about changing the shell is the abundance of advertising content on the main screen. TV manufacturers often embed banners and promotional videos, which are not only distracting, but also consume Internet traffic. Third-party launcher completely clears the start page, leaving only your applications.
The second important aspect is the performance of the device. Standard shells are often heavy and require significant CPU and RAM resources. Installing a lightweight analog allows you to “breathe new life” into small-volume TVs RAM, eliminating delays when switching between apps.
⚠️ Attention: Some TV manufacturers may block the ability to change the main screen at the software level. In such cases, the standard launcher will return after a reboot or exit from applications.
In addition, custom shells provide flexible personalization options. You can change the wallpaper, icon placement, fonts, and even add weather or system clock widgets that are not in the stock version. This turns the TV from just a screen for watching videos into a full-fledged multimedia center, adapted to your habits.
Preparing the device for installing a new launcher
Before you start searching for and installing new software, you need to prepare the TV. The first step is to ensure access to installing applications from unknown sources, since many useful launchers are not available in the official store Google Play on TVs.
To do this, go to the system settings, find the “Security and Restrictions” or “Applications” section. Depending on the version Android TV, the path may differ, but the essence is the same: you need to allow the installation of APK files. Without this step, you will not be able to launch the installer.
- 📺 Go to menu
Settings → Applications → Security and restrictions. - 🔓 Find the "Unknown sources" item and activate the switch.
- 📥 Install file manager, if it is not built into the system by default.
It is also worth checking the availability of free space in the internal memory. Heavy launchers with many animations can take up a significant amount of space, which will lead to unstable system operation. Clearing the cache before installation will be a smart step for optimization.
☑️ Preparing the TV
Popular launchers for Android TV
Choosing a suitable shell is a key point, since the convenience of further use of the TV depends on it. There are several leaders on the market that have proven themselves to be stable and have wide functionality. Let's look at the most popular options.
FLauncher is a completely free, open-source launcher that does not require unnecessary permissions and does not collect user data. It features a minimalistic design and high speed, which makes it an ideal choice for weak devices. FLauncher allows you to completely customize the main screen for yourself.
Another popular option is ATV Launcher. It offers two versions: Free and Pro. The main feature of this launcher is the ability to create folders with applications and configure hidden lines, which gives a huge scope for customization. The interface looks strict and functional.
| Launcher name | Price | Features | Resource requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLauncher | Free | Open code, no advertising | Low |
| ATV Launcher | Free / Pro | Folders, flexible settings | Medium |
| Sideload Launcher | Free | For hidden applications | Minimal |
| Wolf Launcher | Free | Clone of the NVIDIA Shield interface | Medium |
For users accustomed to the interface of set-top boxes NVIDIA Shield, an excellent choice will become Wolf Launcher. It is a modified version of the stock launcher, devoid of ad blocks and allowing you to hide unnecessary system applications. This is a good balance between a familiar look and advanced functionality.
Where is it safe to download launchers?
Download APK files only from trusted resources, such as w3bsit3-dns.com, Trashbox, or the developer’s official GitHub. Avoid dubious sites that may offer modified versions with malicious code.
Instructions for installing the launcher via USB or Send Files to TV
The most reliable way to install a new interface is to use external media or transfer files over the network. Since browsers on TVs are often inconvenient or non-existent, this method is the de facto standard for system modification.
First, download the APK file of your chosen launcher to your computer or smartphone. If you are using a USB flash drive, copy the file to the root directory or an easy to find folder. Insert the drive into the USB port of the TV and open it through the file manager.
If using a flash drive is not possible, the application Send Files to TVwill be an excellent solution. Install it on both your phone and TV (via Google Play search on TV). Make sure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- 📲 Launch the application on the TV and select the “Receive” mode.
- 📤 On the smartphone, select the launcher file and click “Send”.
- 📥 After transfer, the file will appear in the downloads folder or in the application.
- ✅ Launch the APK file and confirm installation.
⚠️ Attention: During the installation process, the system may warn several times about the potential danger of installing applications not from the store. This is standard Android protection, confirm the actions if the file source is verified.
After successful installation, do not rush to launch the application. You must first set it as the default main one, otherwise the system will return you to the old interface. This critical step is described in the next section.
Use the "Downloader" app (orange icon) if you are unable to transfer the file from your phone. It has a built-in browser and the ability to enter a URL directly from the remote control.
Setting the launcher as the default one
Just installing the application is not enough - you need to force Android TV to use it instead of the system shell. After the first launch of a new launcher, the system usually prompts you to select an application for the home screen. In the window that appears, select the installed launcher and click “Always” or “Default”.
If the automatic window does not appear, you need to change the settings manually. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications. Find the current system launcher in the list (often it is called “Home”, “Launcher” or has a manufacturer’s logo).
In the menu of the selected system application, find the “Default launch” item and click the “Clear settings” or “Reset” button. After that, press the "Home" button on the remote control. The system will ask you again which application to use. Select a new launcher and secure the selection.
If the "Clear default settings" button is inactive, try first to force stop the system launcher, and then repeat the reset procedure.
In some cases, especially on TVs Sony or Philips, you may need to disable the system launcher. Go to its properties and select “Disable” if such an option is available. This ensures that the old interface will not load when the TV starts.
Solution and possible problems
The process of changing the interface does not always go smoothly, and users may encounter various difficulties. One of the common problems is a cyclic reboot or return to the factory menu after exiting applications. This is often due to aggressive memory optimization on the part of the manufacturer.
To prevent the new launcher from “flying out” of memory, go to its settings in the applications section and disable energy saving. Allow the app to run in the background without restrictions. This will prevent the system from forcibly closing the process.
- 🔄 If the remote control has stopped responding in the new menu, try reconnecting it via Bluetooth in the settings.
- 📺 If you have problems with display, check the screen resolution in the launcher settings.
- 🔌 Resetting the TV to factory settings will help, if the system is unstable.
Users may also notice that Google Assistant voice search stops working or does not work correctly. This is due to the fact that third-party launchers do not always have access to system voice input functions. In such cases, you have to use the standard interface for voice requests.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu item names may differ depending on the Android version and TV model. If you do not find an exact match, look for similar sections in the settings.
For such cases, the launcher settings often have a mouse emulation mode or the ability to connect a USB mouse to the TV.
What to do if the TV stops turning on normally?
If after installing the launcher the TV goes into endless boot loop, try booting into safe mode (usually by holding the power button on the remote control at startup) and uninstalling the problematic application through the settings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the TV settings be reset after changing the launcher?
No, replacing the launcher does not affect your personal data, Google accounts or installed applications. Only the visual shell and the navigation method change. All your subscriptions and logins are saved.
Is it possible to return everything back if you don’t like the new interface?
Of course. You can always uninstall a third-party launcher through the app settings or simply reset the “Launch to Default” settings for the system shell. The TV will return to its factory appearance.
Does the launcher affect the quality of video playback?
The launcher itself does not affect video decoding, since it only works on the main screen. However, a lighter interface can free up processor resources, which could theoretically improve overall system responsiveness when running heavy applications.
Are root access needed to install the launcher?
In most cases, superuser rights (Root) are not required. All you need to do is allow installation from unknown sources. However, for deep modification of the system files of some TVs, Root may be necessary.
Will the remote control work after installation?
Yes, the basic functions of the remote control (navigation, selection, volume) work correctly. Specialized buttons (for example, calling Netflix or YouTube) may stop responding or require additional configuration through third-party utilities.