You can hide personalized recommendations on a Google TV home screen by turning on Apps only mode for your profile. It does not remove every promotion: Google says sponsored content and movie or TV show teasers may remain. Apps only mode also disables features such as Search and Google Assistant.
How to hide personalized Google TV recommendations
- From the Google TV home screen, open Settings.
- Select Accounts & Sign In.
- Choose your profile.
- Select Apps only mode and turn it on.
- Press the remote’s Home button to see the installed-app view.
To restore the standard home screen, return to Settings > Accounts & Sign In > your profile and turn Apps only mode off. Depending on the interface, the menu may instead appear under All settings > Accounts & Profiles. Google’s Apps only mode instructions describe the setting; labels can vary by device and software update.
What Apps only mode removes—and what can remain
With the mode on, Google says the home screen no longer provides personalized recommendations and instead shows installed apps. But it is not an ad-removal switch: Google says sponsored content and teasers for popular movies and shows can still appear.
The mode also removes or limits several Google TV features:
- Search and Google Assistant are unavailable.
- You cannot like or dislike content, add videos to the Watchlist, or mark videos as watched.
- The TV home screen does not show the Library. Google says you can find purchased titles in YouTube under Library > Purchases.
Turning on Apps only mode does not necessarily stop all recommendation-related processing. Google notes that Web & App Activity may continue to help Google TV improve recommendations. Individual apps, including YouTube and YouTube TV, may also make recommendations using their own activity history.
Choose the setting that fits your goal
| Option | Home-screen effect | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Google TV mode | Personalized recommendation rows remain. | Search, Assistant, Watchlist, and content-rating features remain available. |
| Apps only mode | Hides personalized recommendations and shows installed apps; sponsored content and teasers may still appear. | Search, Assistant, Watchlist, and content-rating features are unavailable. |
| Turn off YouTube recommendations | Targets YouTube recommendations without switching the whole Google TV profile to Apps only mode. | Does not remove Google TV sponsored banners or other promotional placements. |
Google’s documentation does not identify a setting or device that guarantees a completely ad-free Google TV home screen.
#1 Best Overall
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Turn off YouTube recommendations on the Google TV home screen
If YouTube-specific rows are the issue, Google documents two narrower controls. They affect YouTube recommendations, not Google TV’s broader sponsored placements.
Remove the “Shorts for you” row
- Open YouTube on the TV and sign in.
- Go to Settings > Device Recommendations.
- Turn the setting off.
This removes the Shorts for you row while leaving standard YouTube recommendations available.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTurn off all YouTube recommendations on the Google TV home screen
- Open Settings > Your Account & Profiles.
- Select your Google Account, then Your Services.
- Turn YouTube off in the active-services list.
See Google’s YouTube recommendation settings for the documented controls.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Why promotions can remain after personalization is off
Google says recommendations can be influenced by selected streaming services, past interactions and watch activity, editorial considerations, partner contracts, market requirements, and device type. It also describes Google TV and Android TV ads as labeled paid placements for content available through third-party apps, Google TV, Android TV, or Play. Personalized recommendations and paid promotions are therefore distinct: disabling profile-based personalization does not guarantee that promotional placements disappear. See Google’s explanation of Google TV recommendations and ads.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- One place for all your favorite streaming apps. TiVo Stream 4K includes Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock plus many more, so you can get to your shows fast.
- TiVo Stream 4K is one of Time Magazine’s “2020 Best Inventions, Special Mention” and PCMag hails it as “an excellent media streamer for TV lovers.” Operating Temperature 0˚C - 40˚C
Rank #4
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Rank #3
- 4K Ultra HD Resolution: Enjoy your TV in stunning resolution Ultra HD ers four times the resolution of Full HD for greater clarity and detail
- Android TV: With the Android TV operating system you will have access to the best content, download the infinity of applications available through the Google Play Store!
- Voice remote control: Just press the Google Assistant button and ask it to find, play and control content
- Chromecast Built-in: Easily cast movies, shows, and photos from your Android or iOS device to your Android TV
- Easy Setup: Access your Google account and configure the device, language and Wi-Fi network
Google TV and Android TV settings are not interchangeable
These steps apply to Google TV. Android TV uses a different interface and has separate guidance. Google says suggestions on Android TV’s Home tab may be trending or sponsored and cannot be turned off, although some Android TV devices let you customize channel rows or disable audio and video previews. Do not assume Android TV menu paths or controls are available on Google TV; see Google’s Android TV recommendations guide.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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