If recommendations vanished, turn off Apps only mode. If pressing Home opens a different launcher, select the stock Home app in device settings if that option is available—or, if you disabled the stock launcher with ADB, re-enable the matching system packages. These are separate problems, and the right fix depends on what changed.
Identify what changed
Start with the symptom. Google TV’s Apps only mode changes what appears within the Google TV home screen; it does not replace the launcher. A custom launcher changes which home screen opens, while disabling a system package can prevent the stock launcher from working.
| What you see | Likely cause | First step |
|---|---|---|
| Google TV opens, but recommendations or Search and Assistant are missing | Apps only mode may be enabled | Turn off Apps only mode for the active profile |
| Pressing Home opens a different interface, or the stock home app was disabled | Home-app selection or launcher package state | Select the stock Home app if available; if you disabled packages with ADB, use the device-appropriate recovery commands |
Turn off Apps only mode if Google TV still opens
- From the Google TV home screen, open All settings → Accounts & Profiles.
- Select the profile in use.
- Open Apps only mode and choose Turn off.
Google says this mode hides personalized recommendations. Installed apps remain available, but Search and Google Assistant and some content actions are unavailable. Google’s documented path is in its Google TV Help. If the device instead opens a third-party launcher when you press Home, this profile setting is not the launcher rollback you need.
Choose the stock Home app if your device offers a selector
Open the device’s settings and look for a Home app, default apps, or similarly named choice. If it is present, select the stock Google TV or Android TV home app. Menu labels and availability vary by manufacturer and device; Google’s help does not establish a universal launcher-selection menu or path.
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#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
Re-enable the Google TV launcher if you disabled it with ADB
Only use these commands if you recognize the device and package configuration documented by the LTvLauncher project. Its Google TV instructions identify the first package as the Google TV launcher and the second as a setup fallback:
adb shell pm enable com.google.android.apps.tv.launcherx
adb shell pm enable com.google.android.tungsten.setupwraithThese commands reverse the project’s corresponding package-disable commands. Package names and system configuration can differ across devices and builds, so a command may not apply to your model. The project warns that disabling system packages carries risk; do not disable additional packages as a general troubleshooting step. A 2022 tutorial by Alexis Quartier also distinguishes the package names it lists for some Android TV devices (com.google.android.tvlauncher) from those it lists for Chromecast with Google TV, which reinforces why instructions for one device family should not be assumed to fit another.
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
If the Home app is missing or the device remains unusable
Google Play describes Android TV Home as included with the device to provide system services and as the starting point for activities on Android TV. Its listing does not establish that uninstalling and reinstalling the app is an appropriate recovery. If the system home app is missing or the device is still unusable, contact the manufacturer’s support for the exact model rather than improvising an APK installation or factory reset.
After correcting a setting or re-enabling a confirmed package, pressing Home or restarting may help the device show the available home screen. The sources cited here do not establish a universal restart procedure. They also do not show that clearing launcher data or performing a factory reset is required.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- No More App-Switching. Forget learning to navigate a new screen with every app. TiVo Stream 4K enables one centralized place for searching, browsing, and creating watch lists across all your apps..DC Input Range 5V/1.0A. Power Consumption : Maximum 5 W
- Recommendations Across All of Your Apps: Get rid of the walls between what you watch. TiVo recommends your next favorite shows and movies based on what you love, not where they live.
- Say it and watch it. The power of voice control makes it easy to find shows. Integrated Google Assistant allows you to launch apps, dim the lights and more.
- 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
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