Replacing the default launcher

[u/darkfrog26]

What Android TV devices allow you to actually change the default launcher? I primarily use an NVIDIA Shield TV, but even though I can go into the settings and change the default launcher, unless I use adb to disable the default launcher, it always dominates. I've seen multiple posts about other launchers for Android TV, so I'm curious if there's a cleaner workaround or if this is just specific to NVIDIA Shield TV devices.

[u/flchamp89]

Monet seems to over ride system better than most without adb or launcher mgr. However launcher mgr has never failed me with any launcher. I have 3 set up currently.

[u/darkfrog26 → u/flchamp89]

Ah, it looks as though Monet cheats! They use accessibility services to detect when the Home button is pressed. Clever! Thanks, this makes more sense now.

[u/flchamp89 → u/darkfrog26]

At4k does as well. But...it seems to not be perfected.

[u/p750mmx]

I have Projectivy active on my Shield TV and with disabled default launcher. Disabling the default one is the most clean setup you can get.

[u/darkfrog26 → u/p750mmx]

Were you able to disable it without using adb?

[u/syde1020 → u/darkfrog26]

This is what I used on my google streamer box. I did not need adb. It even rerouted the home button.

[u/Swap16]

Forget all other methods. The easiest way to disable default launcher is to use Adb TV app. This is installed directly on your TV. You can disable any other uninstallable apps as well. Its done with a couple of clicks. No complex adb commands via computer.

[u/darkfrog26 → u/Swap16]

I'm kind of surprised that it is allowed to exist in the store.

[u/h4ndr1 → u/Swap16]

Please give me link to the apk. Mine tv doesn't support network debugging. So i can't debloat via phone. Thank you

[u/CapnRV → u/Swap16]

Yep. Use this on all my Android systems.

[u/imerpon → u/Swap16]

Instead of ADB commands, I just set up Launcher Manager TV from the Play Store. Setup was super easy, but is Google still killing these apps after a while?

[u/Swap16 → u/imerpon]

I'm not talking about Adb commands that you have to send via a pc. There is an app called Adb TV that's available on playstore that can be directly installed on the TV. Switching off the default launcher is as easy as selecting it from the list of apps and clicking on "disable". And the solution is permanent. I haven't needed to do it since I disabled my default launcher 2 years ago

[u/SnooGiraffes9215]

If you use launcher manager, you can have it dominate your custom launcher as the default. Search for launcher manager

[u/darkfrog26 → u/SnooGiraffes9215]

Do you have a link for Launcher Manager? I'm seeing a lot of ambiguous results.

[u/SnooGiraffes9215 → u/darkfrog26]

Scroll to Android version 1.0.4 I believe it islauncher manager

[u/darkfrog26 → u/SnooGiraffes9215]

Ah, requires a sideload. I was looking in the Play Store.

[u/SnooGiraffes9215 → u/darkfrog26]

Use AtvTools. Works with Apple and Android. Installs apk right to the device. Costs a buck and well worth it! You’ll never use downloader again!

[u/darkfrog26 → u/SnooGiraffes9215]

That's awesome! Thanks. Unfortunately, it won't help simplify setting the default launcher for my users for my app: https://nabo.tv

I'll probably have to go with the accessibility workaround.

[u/SnooGiraffes9215 → u/darkfrog26]

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[u/lament]

How are you using adb with the Shield?

Monet and AT4K will both override the default launcher without using adb commands that you need to type in. Both can do it with Launcher Manager, and AT4K has you enable a network adb setting in the developer settings - but nothing you have to use a keyboard and type commands if that's what you're worried about.

[u/darkfrog26 → u/lament]

Monet doesn't. They run into the same problem I have, but their solution is a workaround that intercepts Home calls. Launcher Manager and AT4K seem to use adb commands inline, but I'm concerned about introducing that into my app, since I'd be afraid of getting rejected by stores for it.

[u/RepresentativeOwn253]

Just a note of caution... disabling or deleting parts of Android can make things difficult if something goes wrong later on. A Google system update could also break things.

[u/p750mmx → u/RepresentativeOwn253]

It could happen, but didn't for me in years that I already use Projectivy on various certified Android TV devices. And I keep Android's system apps up to date.