CleanYourTV: Debloat Android and Google TVs Over Wi‑Fi for an Apple‑TV‑Style Home

What CleanYourTV Does

CleanYourTV is an open‑source project that lets you remove unwanted apps and services from Android‑TV and Google‑TV devices without rooting or flashing firmware. By enabling USB debugging and using wireless ADB, a computer can run scripts that:

• Detect the list of pre‑installed “bloat” packages on a specific TV model.
• Disable those packages safely, leaving the system functional.
• Install a lightweight launcher that mimics the Apple‑TV home screen.
• Provide a restore script that re‑enables every disabled package.

The process requires only a computer on the same Wi‑Fi network, Python 3, a JDK (17‑22), and the Android SDK platform 34. No cable, no root, no app store installation.

How It Works

1. Enable Wireless Debugging – Turn on USB debugging and Wireless debugging in the TV’s developer options.
2. Run the Debloat Script – The script connects via ADB, backs up the current state, disables the identified bloat packages, builds the new launcher, and installs it.
3. Optional Themes – Users can add a rotating wallpaper by placing images in a folder and running a theme script.
4. Restore – A single command restores the TV to its original state.

The project ships with over 450 TV models in its `examples/` directory, covering brands such as Sony, Philips, TCL, and many others. If your model isn’t listed, the script can discover the bloat automatically and you can add a custom list.

Practical Implications

• Privacy – Disables analytics and advertising services that send data to manufacturers.
• Performance – Removes unused apps, freeing RAM and storage.
• User Experience – Provides a clean, distraction‑free home screen.

How to Verify

• After running the script, check the TV’s *Settings → Apps* to confirm disabled packages.
• Use the restore script if the TV fails to start.
• Firmware updates are unaffected; the updater remains enabled unless explicitly disabled.

Caveats

• The project does not modify system partitions; it only disables user‑level packages.
• Some TVs may require re‑enabling the stock launcher if the setup wizard takes over the HOME intent.
• Users should be aware that disabling certain system apps could affect TV functionality.

Community and Licensing

CleanYourTV is maintained under the MIT license. Contributions are welcome via the `CONTRIBUTING.md` guide. The project is independent and not affiliated with any TV manufacturer.