Is is possible to downgrade the Android TV Home to a version before the homescreen ads?

by ivanc2002

I got a Android TV box a few weeks ago and I really don't like the new homescreen ads that Google is pushing, but the Uninstall Updates feature in the settings only goes as far back as a version that still has homescreen ads. I've seen this method on XDA using ADB to install the APK for an older app version and it supposedly will downgrade it but i'm not sure if it will make something stop working since the Android TV Home is a system app. The guide also mentions the -r switch which will retain app data for the app you are downgrading but I will not be retaining the app data. If you know of any methods to downgrade the app that for sure won't break anything, mention them. Also I don't want to switch to another launcher like Wolf Launcher or the old Leanback Launcher.

jhj82

I have uninstalled all updates to Android TV home (the launcher) in the play store and set it to not auto update. No ads and very clean with no issues that I can tell.

Running on Tivo Stream 4k

Thorfinn66

1,. Uninstall Google Home updates

2, Disable auto updates

  1. Reset TV

Works for me.

I also read somewhere that if you set up a kids profile andd grant access to all apps, the annoying top ad should be gone. (I haven't tested this myself as I use the uninstall method)

s1ncere

Run a pi hole, use that for dns

f1vefour

If you downgrade the launcher will be different, if you want the new style interface you have no choice but to run it as is.