If your Android TV or media player is lacking, changing the launcher could be the key to giving your experience a new lease on life. A launcher replaces the home screen and, with it, the way you browse, organize apps, and consume content from the couch.
The results circulating online combine how-to guides, app profiles, and even privacy notices from sites like Reddit that appear before viewing the content. We'll focus on what matters: the simplest and most recommended launchers., its functions, pros, cons, and real compatibility on Android TV and Google TV, so you can choose wisely.
What a launcher brings to Android TV
An alternative launcher lets you customize everything from the background and app order to the way you navigate with the controller. Some add widgets, categories, shortcuts to HDMI inputs, and even show apps that you have installed manually and that do not appear on the Android TV home screen.
The official Android TV and Google TV interface has improved, but it still has limitations. If you want more control, less "filler" stuff, or hiding applications so that they are not visible, or a simple launcher may be just what you need without complicating your life.
FLauncher
This open-source project is a strong contender for its balance of lightness and customization. Although it is still in development, its stability is high and it maintains the aesthetics of Android TV cards with extra options that don't get in the way.
It allows you to change the background, create and order categories to your liking and, a very useful detail, hide apps from appearing on the home pageIt also lists sideloaded apps (installed via APK) that aren't "Leanback" in the same panel so you don't have to search for them.
Another plus is that it doesn't include ads and is free to download. If you are looking for a clean, fast and customizable launcher Without any advertising noise, here is one of the most well-rounded.
HALauncher
A direct alternative for those who want to view and launch apps that Android TV doesn't display by default. Integrates non-officially supported applications into your grid, and lets you adjust colors, backgrounds, and various interface details to make it just the way you like it.
The caveat to keep in mind is that on some devices you won't be able to set it as the default startup, so you'll have to open it as if it were any other app. It comes with ads, but they can be disabled. by going to your settings and removing the “Show ads” option.
Simple TV Launcher
His name doesn't lie: he's as direct as a pitcher can be. Lets you pin six apps in a simple grid and access the drawer to see all the installed ones, without any frills or learning curves.
It takes up less than 1 MB, ideal for devices with low memory, and is also open source. If total simplicity and fluidity are your thing, this one fits like a glove.
TV Launcher – Smart – Easy to use
For those who want to clear the screen and focus on the essentials. Lists installed apps and little else, more than fulfilling its purpose without overwhelming you with advanced options.
It's not heavy, it's up-to-date, and it's free, although it does have some ads. Just enough to organize and open applications comfortably using the remote control.
Google TV launcher
If you're curious about the Google TV interface, you can try it out on some devices. The process isn't trivial: requires uninstalling or disabling the default launcher app, with the risks and additional steps that this entails.
Google's layer is very visual and suggestive, but it can be somewhat cumbersome on limited devices and adds content recommendations that function almost like advertising. On powerful computers it looks good, but weigh the cost of “forcing” its installation. if your device does not have it as standard.
ATV Launcher and ATV Launcher Pro
ATV Launcher is one of the classics for deep customization without sacrificing usability. Supports widgets (weather, time, and app-specific), allows you to define custom tiles, change menus, colors and backgrounds.
It's optimized for D-pad navigation, displays status icons (Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth), and lets you adjust row heights or widget scaling. The Pro version unlocks additional features, especially designed for devices such as Nvidia Shield TV or Android mini PCs.
As for pricing, ATV Launcher offers a free version and a moderate paid option for expanded capabilities. If you like to fine-tune the design with precision, is one of the most complete in its category.
Dispatch
This launcher is geared toward Plex users who want a tidy layer for their library. It does not play or download by itself and doesn't pull content; it acts as a portal to browse and manage what you already have on your Plex server.
Its feed-based approach and clean aesthetic make it interesting if your TV revolves around Plex. If you are looking for a start focused on your personal video library, is a candidate worth considering.
Projectivy Launcher
A powerful option for televisions and projectors that stands out for its fluidity and level of control. It doesn't show ads and allows you to create shortcuts. to jump between inputs such as HDMI 1/2/3 or AV from the display itself.
It includes a pop-up menu that speeds up common tasks, and if you want to get straight to the point when you turn it on, you can configure direct boot to an app or external inputFor demanding users, its customization package is especially compelling.
Sideload launcher
Android TV hides the icons of non-Leanback apps. This utility displays those icons as you would see them on a mobile phone or tablet so you can open any application you have installed manually.
The official description emphasizes that it was created for early Android TVs (like the ADT-1 and Nexus Player) and is useful when sideloading apps that don't appear in the home launcher. Its mission is simple: list and launch what Android TV hides., without intending to completely replace the main screen.
Some third-party guides point out additional requirements in certain scenarios (such as using root tools with SuperSU), while others emphasize compatibility with modern versions without root. Keep in mind that it doesn't allow you to reorder apps and its interface is deliberately basic., just what it promises.
To use it comfortably, it's a good idea to have a browser on your TV that can download files if you're going to install APKs. If your goal is simply to throw what you have sideloaded, solves the problem without further complications.
Primal TV Launcher
An aesthetic offering with a huge range of 4K and 8K backgrounds, including daily Bing images, and an integrated design editor. You can place the apps wherever you want and create custom screen styles to your liking.
In addition, it classifies by categories (Video, Music, Games, Tools) and, although its base design is minimalist with a clock, supports adding more widgets from Google Play such as news, weather, or real-time sports scores. It's a paid service, with a reasonable price for what it offers.
Ugoos TV Launcher
It is distinguished by its category wheel on the left side (All, Internet, Games, Options...), which you can modify at will. Supports both D-pad controllers and air mice, and on the right side it shows the featured apps.
Allows you to change color themes, launcher background, and choose your own or system backgrounds. You can adjust borders, icon backgrounds, and row and column layout. (3, 4 or 5 per screen) to fit your distance from the TV and screen size.
TV Launcher – Smart TV (LG/Samsung style)
It features an aesthetic reminiscent of TizenOS or webOS, with additions that enhance the experience. You can customize backgrounds even with video, touch the background of the icons, and incorporate sounds and effects from the remote control.
Apps are organized in horizontal rows that you can easily scroll through with the remote, maintaining a minimalist look. The free version may be subject to shutdowns. On some devices, the paid version improves stability if you like its visual approach.
SuperSmart TV Launcher (and Super Smart TV Live)
A comprehensive launcher for those who want a live screen with information and shortcuts to everything. Smart launch of apps, internet radios and weather forecasts up to 8 days are part of the base package.
It includes popular live video feeds, social media integration to showcase your live broadcasts, and news headlines updated every 3 hours. In its premium version it adds news history and a 16-day forecast., further refining the information layer.
It also allows you to save your favorite stations and customize the home screen from its logo, with layout options and preferences. Learn from your habits to anticipate apps and content, and allows you to manage applications with a long press.
It also offers trending content segmented by language and location, with categories such as "Most Popular," "Trending Sports," and "Trending Music." Compatibility is subject to Leanback support for your Android version., so it's a good idea to check it before you jump in.
Other similar information screen proposals even mention access to global radio stations, interaction with the Google Assistant from within the environment, and the ability to make calls on certain devices. If you want a dynamic, font-rich home screen, these options are out of the ordinary in a classic launcher.
Other pitchers that are still valid
There are additional alternatives that are not included in some updated lists because they are less maintained, but may continue to function correctly depending on the deviceIt's worth trying before dismissing them completely if you're drawn to a particular feature.
Tips for setting a launcher as default
Android TV doesn't always let you change the startup time. If your launcher doesn't offer that option, Use Home Screen Launcher for Android TV to redirect your home screen to the alternative launcher. This is usually the most user-friendly route.
If you're using development tools, you can use ADB from your computer to force the change. It is a more technical method that requires caution., but useful if the app does not allow setting as default.
Some guides even recommend using a Fire TV Stick to install and test launchers available on Google Play. As a quick test environment it can clear up any doubts you may have. before touching your main tele.
Install apps by sideloading and view them on the screen
If your TV doesn't have Google Play or the app doesn't appear, you can install APKs from a flash drive or using Downloader. Enable “Install unknown apps” in Security Settings and use a supported browser to download the files if needed.
Once inside, some launchers show those apps without Leanback support and others don't. To view and open them without complications, Sideload Launcher is the shortcut Simpler: Lists everything Android TV hides and lets you launch it instantly.
Android TV vs. Google TV: Compatibility and Limits
In general, most launchers work on classic Android TV without too many restrictions, while Google TV may impose more barriers. FLauncher works especially well on both, according to various tests and reviews.
If you're considering forcing the Google TV launcher on a device that doesn't have it, remember the warning: requires tapping the default launcher app and may introduce instability or increased resource consumption, in addition to more aggressive content recommendations.
Practical details and small differences to keep in mind
D-pad navigation is key: launchers like ATV Launcher are very polished in this regard, while others include air mouse support. Also consider whether you need widgets, HDMI shortcuts or just a clean panel to open apps.
Regarding advertising, FLauncher and Projectivy do not display ads, and HALauncher can disable them. Others, like TV Launcher – Smart – Easy to use, include some ads., although they are not usually invasive.
If you're concerned about privacy and ad-flavored recommendations, Google TV is taking that approach. A launcher without feeds or suggestions will minimize distractions and will leave you in control of what you see as soon as you turn on the TV.
When to choose a “simple” launcher and when to choose a more complete one
If you just want to open your apps quickly and without any frills, Simple TV Launcher or TV Launcher – Smart – Easy to use are more than enough. To hide apps and have categories with more control, FLauncher provides a plus without complicating things.
When you're looking for deep customization, ATV Launcher/Pro, Primal TV Launcher, or Ugoos go the extra mile with granular layouts, widgets, and designs. For those living on Plex, Dispatch simplifies access; and if you need to view HDMI inputs or launch a specific app, Projectivy is one of the few that does it elegantly and without ads.
Given this panorama, the choice ranges from less to more in functions, always with command in mind. If you prioritize speed and clarity, keep it simple.If you want to tweak your screen and automate access, opt for those that excel in customization. And remember: if your goal is to launch hidden APKs, Sideload Launcher is still the most practical all-rounder.
