Modern TVs on database Android TV offer a wide range of functionality, but often the price for accessing content is intrusive advertising. Users encounter menu banners, pop-ups when launching applications, and even screensaver videos. This is not only annoying, but also slows down the interface, consuming processor and RAM resources.
You can get rid of this problem in several ways: from simple settings in the menu to advanced methods using third-party software. In this article we will look at effective blocking methodswhich will help restore the purity of the interface and speed up the system response. It is important to understand that some decisions require caution, as they affect the system settings of the device.
We will consider both safe methods for ordinary users, and technical solutions for advanced users. Whether you have a budget set-top box or a flagship TV Sony, you will find a suitable option. The main thing is to act consistently and check the result after each step.
Disable personalized advertising in the settings
The first and safest step is to access the built-in settings of the operating system. Google and TV manufacturers often include the ability to limit targeted advertising. This will not remove all banners completely, but will make them less relevant and frequent.
First, you need to go to the settings section of your device. Navigation may vary depending on the manufacturer's shell, but the general path usually looks like this: go to Settings → Privacy → Advertising. Here you will see an option to reset the advertising ID or disable personalization.
Activate the switch “Disable ad personalization”. This will prevent the system from collecting data about your preferences to serve targeted ads. It is also recommended to click the “Reset advertising ID” button to reset the already accumulated profile.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling personalization does not guarantee the complete disappearance of advertising. You will still see ads, but they will be random and not based on your browsing history.
On some TV models, such as Xiaomi or Haierthere are additional hidden settings. Try to find the “User Agreement” or “Marketing” section in the main settings and uncheck the items about receiving advertising offers.
After changing the advertising settings, be sure to completely restart the TV by selecting “Turn off”, and not just “Reboot”, so that the changes take effect at the system kernel level.
Blocking ads through the change DNS servers
One of the most effective methods that does not require installing third-party applications is changing DNS servers at the network level. This method redirects requests to advertising servers to “nowhere,” preventing the loading of banners and videos.
You will need to register the addresses of special servers that filter traffic. One of the popular services is AdGuard DNS. To configure, go to the network menu of your TV. The path usually looks like this: Settings → Network and Internet → Your network → IP Settings.
Change the IP settings from “Automatic (DHCP)” to “Static”. You do not need to change the IP address, gateway or subnet mask - leave the values that the system automatically suggested. You only need to change the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields.
- 🌐 In the DNS 1 field, enter the address:
94.140.14.14 - 🌐 In the DNS 2 field, enter the address:
94.140.15.15 - 🔒 Alternative family DNS (blocks adult content as well):
94.140.14.15
After saving the settings, the TV may lose connection to the network for a few seconds, and then connect again. Check the operation of applications: advertising in free apps and system banners should disappear or stop loading.
☑️ Checking the operation of DNS filtering
If after changing the DNS some applications stopped working or loading, return the settings back to automatic. Some services may block access when using public DNS filters.
Using applications to block ads
If system settings and DNS did not give the desired result, you can install a specialized application. On the platform Android TV there are utilities that work as a local firewall or VPN filter.
The most popular solution is AdGuard or its analogues, such as Blokada. These apps create a local VPN tunnel on the device through which all traffic passes. Built-in filters cut out advertising requests before they reach the screen.
Installation of such apps often requires downloading an APK file, since in the official store Google Play on TV versions many blockers are missing or cut down. You will need a flash drive or an application to download files, for example Downloader.
| Application | Type of work | Complexity | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| AdGuard TV | Local VPN | Low | High |
| Blokada 5 | Host files + VPN | Medium | Medium |
| DNS66 | DNS only | High | Low |
| System Ad Remover | System modification | High | Maximum |
⚠️ Attention: Applications such as blockers consume RAM. On devices with 1 GB of RAM, this can lead to a slower interface or crash of heavy applications.
After installation, launch the application and click the activation button. The system will ask for permission to create a VPN connection - confirm it. Now all your TV traffic will go through the filter.
Why might advertising return?
Some applications update their advertising modules by changing server domain names. Blocker databases need to be regularly updated to remain effective.
Removing system applications via ADB
For advanced users, there is a method for completely removing adware via USB debugging (ADB). This method allows you to get rid of pre-installed “garbage” that cannot be removed in the usual way through the menu.
First you need to activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About device → Build and click on “Build number” 7 times in a row. After this, the “For Developers” section will appear in the menu.
Enable the option "USB Debugging". Now you will need a computer and the installed utility Android Debug Bridge. Connect your TV and computer to the same Wi-Fi network or connect them with a USB-A cable (if there is an appropriate port).
adb connect 192.168.1.XX
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.adservices
In the example above, the command disables Google advertising services. However, the list of packages varies by manufacturer. For Xiaomi these may be packages named msa or daemon, for Sony - specific analytics services.
ADB commands do not physically remove the application from memory, but disable it for the current user. This is safe and reversible when resetting to factory settings.
⚠️ Attention: Failure to remove system packages may lead to unstable operation of the TV, cyclic reboots, or loss of warranty. Act only if you know the exact name of the package.
To find out the list of installed packages, use the command adb shell pm list packages. Look for names containing the words ads, analytics, recommendation or brand name.
Installing an alternative launcher
Often advertising is built directly into the standard TV shell - the launcher. Replacing the standard interface with a third-party one allows you to completely ignore built-in banners and recommendations.
A popular solution is to install a launcher Projectivy Launcher or FLauncher. These applications mimic the standard Android TV interface, but lack ad blocks, sponsored rows and unnecessary telemetry.
After installing the alternative launcher, press the “Home” button on the remote. The system will ask you which application to use as the default. Select the new launcher and click "Always". Now, when you press the main button, you will be taken to a clean menu.
- 🚀 Projectivy Launcher: supports setting wallpaper, disabling Google recommendations and quick access to settings.
- 🎨 FLauncher: completely open source code, minimalistic design, absence of any tracking modules.
- ⚙️ ATV Launcher: classic view of the application grid, high flexibility in customizing icons and folders.
Some manufacturers block the ability to change the default launcher. In this case, you may need to disable the standard launcher via ADB (command pm disable-user), but this is a risky operation.
Prevention and additional security measures
Even after cleaning the system, it is important to follow certain rules so that advertising does not return. Often, users themselves install applications that become a source of banners.
Avoid installing dubious APK files from unverified sites. Use only official Google Play Store or trusted repositories like F-Droid. Many free players and utilities are monetized through aggressive advertising.
Clear application cache regularly. Over time, ad network data may accumulate in the cache. Go to Settings → Applications → Show all applications, select suspicious apps and click “Clear cache”.
Is it possible to remove advertising on YouTube on Android TV?
Use standard methods to remove advertising within the YouTube application impossible, since it is embedded into the video stream by the server. This requires the installation of modified clients such as SmartTubeNext, which are not available in the official store.
Is it safe to change DNS to public?
Yes, using public DNS (for example, from Google, Cloudflare or AdGuard) is safe. They do not completely encrypt your traffic like VPNs, but they also do not transfer your data to third parties if you trust your DNS provider.
What should you do if your TV starts running slower?
The slowdown may be caused by an ad blocker running in the background. Try disabling the blocker application or increasing the filtering list refresh interval. Also check if the device’s internal memory is full.
Resetting settings will bring back ads?
Yes, when you return to factory settings (Factory Reset), all changes, including changing DNS, installed blockers and disabled system applications, will be reset. You will have to repeat the setup procedure again.
Does ad blocking affect the operation of legal services?
In rare cases, aggressive filters can block the operation of some legal services if they use the same domains for analytics. If an application stops working, add it to the exceptions in your blocker settings.