Google TV, the default interface on most Android TV devices, displays a promotional banner at the top of the home screen and includes ads even in Apps Only mode, according to a post by software developer Cretezy. YouTube adds its own ads on top of this. To address these limitations, Cretezy has documented a setup that removes ads entirely and improves the interface across Android TV devices.
The solution uses several alternative applications. Projectivy Launcher replaces the home screen with a customizable app-only interface containing no promotional content. SmartTube replaces the official YouTube app with an ad-free alternative that includes SponsorBlock built in. Wholphin serves as a Jellyfin client for media streaming. Button Mapper remaps the remote so the YouTube button opens SmartTube instead of the official app.
The setup process requires Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to configure the device. Users first install Projectivy, Wholphin, and Button Mapper from the Play Store, then sideload SmartTube using Downloader. The remaining configuration requires ADB commands executed from a computer.
After enabling Developer options on the Android TV device, users can connect via Wireless debugging (over Wi-Fi on compatible devices) or USB debugging. The stock launcher and related packages are then disabled, with Projectivy set as the home app. The official YouTube app is removed and replaced with SmartTube.
Button Mapper and Projectivy both require accessibility services to be enabled. Granting Button Mapper the WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS permission allows it to re-enable itself if Android turns off accessibility services. The setup can be applied to Chromecasts with Google TV and other Android TV devices, including Hisense TVs, according to Cretezy.
All changes made through this process can be reversed using ADB commands. Cretezy recommends using an AI agent to guide users through the technical steps. The author notes that while they still pay for YouTube Premium to support creators, they prefer SmartTube to the official app for its interface and features.
Key facts
- Google TV displays ads in a banner at the top of the home screen and in the Apps Only mode
- Projectivy Launcher, SmartTube, Wholphin, and Button Mapper are used to replace Google TV’s interface and remove ads
- The setup requires Android Debug Bridge (ADB) commands to disable stock apps and configure the system
- SmartTube includes SponsorBlock built in and can be sideloaded rather than installed from the Play Store
- The setup has been tested on Chromecasts with Google TV and Hisense TVs
- All changes made through ADB can be reversed