⚠️ Attention: Android TV system shell interfaces (Google TV, PatchWall, Fire TV) are updated regularly. Menu paths may vary slightly depending on the firmware version and model of your device. Always check the current screenshots in the settings of your specific TV or set-top box.
Changing the standard interface on TVs and set-top boxes with an operating system Android TV has become a popular way to get rid of intrusive advertising and speed up the device. Many users find that the built-in launcher is overloaded with video content that they don't watch and is slow on older models. Installing an alternative shell allows you to turn a slow smart TV into a fast and convenient media center controlled from the remote control.
The process of setting up a new interface seems complicated only at first glance. In fact, the Android system provides flexible tools for managing applications by default, but they are often hidden from the eyes of the average user. In this guide, we will look in detail at how to bypass manufacturers' restrictions, install Projectivy Launcher, FATV or any other analogue, and set it as the main screen.
Before starting the procedure, you need to make sure that your device actually runs on Android, and not on its own proprietary system like Tizen or webOS. If you have access to the Google Play Store or the ability to install APKs via USB, then you are on the right track. Preparation will take no more than 10 minutes, and the result will radically change the experience of using your TV.
Choosing a suitable alternative shell
The market for custom launchers for TVs is quite wide, but not all of them are equally convenient to control from the remote control. The key selection criterion should be support for navigation D-pad (dad), since using a mouse on a large screen ten meters away is completely impractical. Most modern solutions are developed taking into account remote control.
One of the most popular and stable options is Projectivy Launcher. It features a minimalist design, no advertising, and the ability to fine-tune the display of application icons. Users appreciate it because it does not try to replace a content aggregator, but simply provides quick access to installed apps. This is an ideal choice for those who want cleanliness and speed.
For more advanced users who want to gain complete control over the system, there is FATV Launcher. This shell allows you to change almost every aspect of the interface: from the desktop background to the behavior of the buttons on the remote control. However, it is worth considering that the abundance of settings can confuse a beginner, so it’s better to start with simpler solutions.
- 🚀 Projectivy — the best balance between functionality and simplicity, ideal for weak devices.
- 🎨 FATV — maximum customization for experienced users, takes time to set up.
- 📺 FLauncher — completely open source code, no telemetry and unnecessary permissions.
- 🛠️ ATV Launcher —a classic interface in the style of older versions of Android, familiar to many.
⚠️ Attention: Some TV manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi with the PatchWall shell or Sony with Google TV) may block the ability to change the launcher at the system level. In such cases, standard methods may not work without additional manipulations via ADB.
Installing the launcher on the device
The easiest way to get a new interface is to find it in the official store Google Play Store. To do this, just go to the applications section on your TV, use the search and enter the name of the selected shell. If the application is available for your model, the “Install” button will be active and the download process will take place automatically.
However, it often happens that developers do not add their creations to the official TV catalog, or your TV is not certified by Google. In such a situation, you will have to resort to manual installation of APK files. You will need to download the installation package to your computer or smartphone, and then transfer it to the TV.
To transfer files, it is most convenient to use the application Send Files to TV, which is installed on both the TV and the phone. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. After launching the app on both gadgets, you can instantly transfer the APK file of the launcher and install it, following the prompts on the screen.
If the TV does not see the phone in the file transfer application, check whether the devices are isolated from each other by the guest network settings on your router. They must be on the same subnet.
An alternative option is to use a USB drive. Download the file to a flash drive, insert it into the TV port and open it through any file manager, for example X-Plore or File Commander. The system will ask for permission to install from unknown sources - this must be granted for the specific file manager you are using.
☑️ Check before installation
Setting the default launch
After successful installation of the application, the system will not switch to it automatically. You need to manually tell Android which app to use as your home screen. To do this, go to the main Settings TV. The path may vary, but usually it looks like this: Settings → Applications → All applications or Settings → Device → Applications.
Find the launcher you installed (for example, Projectivy) in the list and open its properties. Look for a section called "Launch by default" or "Open by default." If this item is active, click on it and select the option “Launch application” or “Always open”. This will assign the status of the main interface to the new app.
In some versions of Android TV, the setup logic is slightly different. You need to go to the section Settings → Applications → Manage all applications → Special access → Main application. Here you will see a list of all installed launchers. Just select the one you want to use and confirm the action. After pressing the Home button on the remote, the TV should open a new interface.
| Model / Brand | Path to application settings | Blocking features |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi TV | Settings → Applications → Management | Frequent blocking of changing launcher without ADB |
| Sony Bravia | Settings → Applications → See all | Standard tools work stable |
| Philips Android TV | Settings → Applications → System | May require disabling the system launcher |
| Nvidia Shield | Settings → Applications | Full freedom of action, no blocking |
Solving problems with the Home button
The most common problem that users encounter after setup is the button Home on the remote control continues to open the old, native interface TV instead of a new one. This happens because manufacturers hardwire this button into the system, tying it to the system launcher, which cannot be removed in the usual ways.
There are several approaches to solve this problem. The easiest way is to use the Mapper function or similar utilities that allow you to reassign the remote control buttons. You can configure the Home button to emulate pressing the Back button or open a specific application, but this does not work on all remote models.
A more radical, but effective method is to disable the system launcher. Go to the application settings, find the standard interface (often it is called Android TV Launcher, Leanback Launcher or has a brand name, for example PatchWall). Try clicking the "Disable" button. If the system allows you to do this, the problem is solved: when you press “Home”, the system will ask you what to open the action with, and you will select your launcher.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling the system launcher on some TV models may lead to a cyclic reboot or a black screen if the alternative shell does not have time to load. Make sure your custom launcher is stable before disabling your system launcher.
If the Disable button is greyed out, you will need access to USB debugging. This is a more complex method that requires connecting your TV to your computer and using the command line. Using the command adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 [package_name] you can forcefully disable a system application without deleting its root files.
How to find the package name of the system launcher?
For this you can install "Package Name Viewer" application from Google Play. Launch it, find your standard interface in the list and copy the package name (for example, com.google.android.tvlauncher). This name will be needed to enter the command in ADB.
Using ADB for advanced configuration
Tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a powerful tool for managing Android devices, allowing you to bypass restrictions imposed by manufacturers. To use it, you need to activate developer mode on your TV. This is usually done by repeatedly clicking on the build number in the section Settings → About device → Build (7 times in a row).
After activating the developer mode, the “USB Debugging” item will appear in the menu. Turn it on and remember the TV's IP address, which is displayed in the network settings. You will need to install ADB platform tools on your computer. The connection is made using the command adb connect [TV_IP address]:5555. A request to confirm debugging will appear on the TV screen - be sure to select “Always allow.”
Using ADB, you can not only disable unnecessary applications, but also remove system junk that cannot be removed through the interface. For example, the command adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 [package_name] will remove the application for the current user, freeing up memory space and removing the icon from the list. This is especially useful for removing pre-installed bloatware.
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.tvlauncherThis command disables the default Google launcher. Be extremely careful when entering commands: disabling critical system services can lead to unstable operation of the device. Always check the package name before executing the uninstall or disable command.
Using ADB gives complete control over the system, but requires basic command line knowledge. An error in one command letter can disable important functions of the TV.
Optimizing the performance of the new interface
Once the new launcher is installed and configured, it is worth taking time to optimize it for maximum performance. Many shells allow you to disable animations or reduce the number of elements displayed on the main screen, which will have a positive effect on response speed, especially on budget TV models.
It is recommended to disable automatic updating of the background and weather widgets if they are not critical for you. These functions constantly access the network and load the processor. In the launcher settings, find the “Widgets” or “Home Screen” section and remove unnecessary elements. A clean desktop with application icons loads almost instantly.
It is also worth checking application permissions. Make sure your new launcher has access to the list of installed applications, otherwise it will not be able to display icons. In rare cases, you will need to manually grant permission to “On top of other windows” so that the launcher menu correctly overlaps other running apps.
- ⚡ Disable live wallpapers to save CPU and RAM resources.
- 🧹 Regularly clear the launcher cache in application settings if you notice slowdowns.
- 🔒 Block changing settings with a password if children use the TV.
- 📡 Disable analytics collection in the settings of the launcher itself to increase privacy.
Do not forget that even the fastest launcher will not help if the device has critically little free memory. Try to keep at least 10-15% of the total internal storage free. This will ensure stable operation of the cache and fast loading of the interface when you turn on the TV.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to return the old launcher back if you don’t like the new one?
Yes, it is possible. Go to your apps settings, find your custom launcher and click Clear Defaults or Reset Settings. After that, when you press the Home button, the system will ask you again which application to use. If you disabled the system launcher via ADB, turn it back on with the command adb shell pm enable [package_name].
Why does the old interface start again after rebooting the TV?
This happens if you have not set the new launcher as the default application or if the system launcher has higher priority in the system. Try disabling the system launcher (if possible without root access) or use special locking applications that force the desired interface to launch when the system starts.
Is it safe to install launchers from third-party sources?
The risk is minimal if you download popular applications from well-known forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA) or official developer sites. Always scan files with an antivirus before installation. Avoid modified versions of paid launchers, as they may contain malicious code.
Does changing the launcher affect the TV's warranty?
Installing software from the Google Play store or via USB itself is not grounds for voiding the warranty, since this does not require opening the case or soldering. However, if you use ADB to delete system files and this leads to a breakdown (“bricking”) of the device, the service center may refuse free repair, citing software interference.
Is it possible to install a launcher from a phone on a TV?
Technically, you can install an APK file of a mobile launcher, but using it will be extremely inconvenient. Mobile interfaces are designed for touch control and do not support navigation from the remote control. You simply won't be able to navigate through the menu. Use only launchers marked “Android TV” or “ATV”.