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You generally can’t replace a Samsung TV’s built-in Smart Hub with a third-party TV-style launcher using the documented settings. You can personalize Smart Hub’s app row or change which screen appears at startup. For a substantially different interface, connect a streaming device by HDMI and use its home screen on that input.
What you can change on a Samsung TV
Samsung’s documented controls let you choose whether Smart Hub Home opens when the TV starts and arrange apps within Smart Hub. The official materials cited here do not describe a supported third-party launcher that takes over the TV’s built-in home screen. The distinction matters: startup preferences and app arrangement customize Smart Hub; they do not replace it.
Choose the startup screen on supported 2025 models
Samsung’s June 19, 2025 support instructions give this path: Settings → All Settings → Advanced Features → Start Screen Option → Start with Smart Hub Home. Turn the option on to open Smart Hub Home at power-on. Turn it off to show the last used source first. Samsung’s page describes these controls for 2025 TVs; check your model’s manual because menu availability can vary. Samsung’s 2025 Start Screen instructions.
Personalize the Smart Hub app row
Samsung says users can select favorite apps for the Home Screen. Its developer documentation also describes adding apps to Home and moving them with the remote. This can make frequently used services easier to reach, but it remains app organization inside Smart Hub. Samsung cautions that the model determines which apps can be displayed or installed, so availability may vary. Samsung’s personalization information and Samsung Developer documentation.
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How to get a different TV-style interface
Use an external streaming device connected to an available HDMI input. When you switch to that input, the device supplies its own home screen and apps; Samsung’s built-in Smart Hub is still there, available when you return to the TV’s interface or another input.
Example: Google TV Streamer (4K)
Google describes Google TV Streamer (4K) as an HDMI-connected device with a Google TV home screen that brings streaming services and installed apps together. It is an optional external-input solution, not a replacement for Samsung’s system launcher. Before buying, confirm that your TV has a free HDMI input and that the apps and services you need are available in your country. Check the device’s connection requirements and the resolution and audio capabilities you want as well. Google TV Streamer (4K).
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Which route fits your goal?
| Route | What it changes | Best fit | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung startup setting | Whether a supported 2025 TV starts on Smart Hub Home or the last used source | You want a particular screen or source to appear first | It does not replace Smart Hub; the documented path is model- and year-specific. |
| Smart Hub app personalization | Favorite apps and their placement | You want a cleaner, quicker route to your usual apps | App availability and installation depend on the model. |
| External HDMI streamer | A separate interface while its HDMI input is selected | You want a different TV-style home screen | Requires another device and an available HDMI input; it does not take over Samsung’s built-in interface. |
What not to confuse with a launcher replacement
Samsung’s Smart Hub Preview feature is for showing app content when a viewer hovers over an icon; Samsung documents it for 2016–2021 TVs. It is not a replacement home screen or a general launcher-installation method. Samsung Developer’s Smart Hub Preview guide.
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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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