How to remove ads from Google TV
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To remove ads from Google TV, start with apps-only mode, then add a third-party launcher or disable the promo and tracking packages over adb. No single setting removes everything. This guide compares the four methods, shows what the lists for Google TV sets switch off, and explains the one mistake that can leave a TV stuck restarting.
Four ways to remove ads from Google TV
Each method removes a different layer. The table is a summary of what reviewers and the open-source lists report, not a lab test.
| Method | Effort | What it does | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apps-only mode | Seconds, on the TV | Hides most recommendations | Reduces ads, does not remove all of them |
| Private DNS or router blocking | Minutes, one network setting | Blocks listed ad and tracking domains | Does not remove YouTube ads; addresses differ on Google TV |
| Third-party launcher (Projectivy, AT4K, Kyu) | Minutes, from the TV | Replaces the home screen with an ad-free one | Background services keep running; Projectivy Premium is $7 |
| Disable packages over adb | About 15 minutes, with a computer | Switches off promo, tracking and demo packages | Needs a list for your model and care with the keep list |
Sources: Galaxus and Android Authority reviews of Projectivy, PCWorld on AT4K and Kyu, and the CleanYourTV project notes.
What the lists for 104 Google TV sets disable
Among the model lists we hold for sets running Google TV, these packages appear most often. They are mostly Google's own feedback reporting, unused apps such as Play Games and Play Movies, and setup leftovers, plus a screensaver that carries promos. Maker promo and device agents differ by brand and are in each model's list.
| Package | Reason given | Lists |
|---|---|---|
com.google.android.feedback | Google feedback reporter | 95 of 104 |
com.google.android.tungsten.setupwraith | its RecoveryActivity otherwise takes over Home | 92 of 104 |
com.google.android.play.games | Play Games | 83 of 104 |
com.google.android.youtube.tvmusic | YouTube Music | 48 of 104 |
com.google.android.videos | Google TV / Play Movies | 48 of 104 |
com.android.tv.feedbackconsent | feedback consent screen | 45 of 104 |
com.google.android.partnersetup | partner attribution | 43 of 104 |
com.google.android.apps.tv.dreamx | ambient screensaver (promos); switch screensaver_components first | 42 of 104 |
The mistake to avoid on Google TV
On Google TV the stock home screen is a package called com.google.android.apps.tv.launcherx. Several lists warn against disabling it before a replacement is in place, and the TV Detox project notes that turning it off has left some Google TV and Chromecast devices stuck restarting. Install a launcher, confirm the Home button opens it, and only then consider the rest.
How to remove ads from Google TV in 5 steps
- 1Start with the built-in settingIn Google TV settings, switch to apps-only mode if your TV offers it. It is free and reversible, but it reduces ads rather than removing them all.
- 2Decide how far you want to goIf a banner or sponsored row remains, choose between a third-party launcher (easy) and disabling packages over adb (thorough).
- 3Keep the stock home screen until a replacement worksDo not disable the Google TV launcher first. Install and test the replacement, then change anything else.
- 4Disable promo and tracking packages one group at a timeUse a list written for your model, run one group, and check HDMI, live TV, streaming apps and the remote before the next.
- 5Know how to undo itKeep the enable commands for every package you disabled. If the home screen misbehaves, re-enable the last group first.
Find the list for your model
The first group of every list is free to read. One payment of $9.90 unlocks all of them, with the keep list and copy-ready commands. See pricing or go back to the home page.
Frequently asked questions
Can you remove ads from Google TV completely?
Not with settings alone. Apps-only mode now reduces ads rather than removing them, according to one 2026 review. Replacing the launcher and disabling promo packages gets closer, but ads inside apps such as YouTube are a separate matter.
Does Private DNS remove Google TV ads?
It can block some ad and tracking domains for the whole network, but the CleanYourTV project notes it does not remove YouTube ads, and Google TV uses different addresses from the older Android TV, so you must find them yourself.
Is it safe to disable the Google TV home screen?
Not as a first step. One list maintainer warns that turning off the stock home screen on Google TV and Chromecast has left some devices stuck restarting. Install and test a replacement launcher first.
Do I need a computer to remove ads from Google TV?
Only for the adb method. Apps-only mode and third-party launchers work from the TV itself.