yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] DBCAB:
Have you read the threads regarding the 2017 model of the shield? perhaps they would have a way to get the command over adb working again , also I had an idea has anyone tried doing the adb commands on the New Shield over network ? Just a thought like I said I cant test anything as I have the 2015 shield . I left my launcher hidden on update but have since checked adb and it is working after nougat update on the 2015 model as for the new one I have done some research if I do find a way for this to work I will report back here.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] alero5752:
I have the 2015 Shield as well and already had a 3rd party launcher running prior to the Nougat update. I was trying to go back to stock leanback launcher, however the pm unhide com.google.leanbacklauncher no longer works for me, I only see error. I would try to simply uninstall the third party launcher however I fear that if I do, the Shield will begin to crash without re-enabling stock leanback. How were you able to adb 2015 Shield?
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] DBCAB:
I would just go to play store and look for the lean back launcher it should have a button to enable it if not it will probably be able to be reinstalled, but I wouldn't try to uninstall whatever it is you have working as a launcher till you get it reinstalled or enabled. If the play store doesn't let you re install it you could always find an apk of the lean back launcher online at an apk site and install as you would when you side load apks. Reinstall should do the trick keep in mind once you do if you are experiencing issues with adb then you might not be able to rehide it again.

You can probably go into settings apps and find it and click on it, click enable, and enable it that way as well.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] paulsavo:
i tried to reinstall leanback and even sideload a fresh version on 2017 model to see if it gave more permissions but it fails to install
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] DBCAB:
It wont install because its the same version you currently have you would need to install a higher version for it to update and or install, the guy in the last reply already has the launcher hidden on a 2015 model , and was trying to restore his stock launcher because he wants the stock launcher back.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] paulsavo:
Hi mate have rooted but i still cant get to work i get this

sush: hide: not found
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] DBCAB:
If you are rooted install a system app remover, install a launcher you will to use, then uninstall completely the lean back launcher the idea of hide is to do it when you are not rooted. Heres a link to one I use from google play store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jumobile.manager.systemapp&hl=en

Just side load it to install it and use it to uninstall the old launcher and restart, just make sure you have a replacement launcher set up before doing so.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] Spaded21:
Has anyone with the permission error on the 2015 model gotten this to work yet?
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] calishooter:
I have the Mi Box 4K and was getting a "java.lang............." error when trying to change the launcher to the Halauncher. The way I fixed it was to downgrade the firmware to the 454 firmware. For some reason, the new update wont let you change it. Downgrading the firmware was easy. All you need is a USB stick and the 454 firmware. There should be an UPDATE zip file and another text file when you extract it on the USB stick. Google is your friend.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] colino17:
I just bought a Shield and am hoping to set Kodi as the default launcher when I receive it. I had a few questions that I haven't found definitive answers on:

- Has anyone that's done this had any issues with Netflix (ie: the Netflix crackdown on rooted devices)?

- Would it be possible to roll back the Shield (2017) to Marshmallow as an alternative rootless option?

- Is the Shield TV (2017) rootable with Magisk?
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] DBCAB:
Some of those questions can be answered in the root thread. Im not rooted so I wouldn't want to give wrong advice, however yes you can use kodi as a default launcher, Both kodi , and Spmc have versions that are set up as launchers just google a bit Im sure you can find them easily, there is also a way you can use kodi as a default launcher, after hiding the lean back launcher if you are on marshmallow. Basically you would install the launcher version of the app you chose then use this guide to hide the lean back. That of course currently only works under marshmallow, when I find a way for it to work with no root under the newest firmware I will make sure to post it here. As for the Netflix thing, I believe the crack down just involves the app not appearing in the play store for rooted devices , but I also think Netflix is installed by default on the shield if not you could always find the apk and install it yourself the way you side load anything else.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] DBCAB:
OK I was just reading a thread here on xda it also has a video to show you what to do if needed but basically many of you are looking for a non root way to hide applications such as the launcher on the nougat version of the 2017 shield and have been unsuccessful well here it is I do believe this should work I wont make a whole write up and repeat all of this thread I also do not have a 2017 shield to test it on.

If any one with a non rooted 2017 shield can test this method to hide system apps and report back here that would be great because I believe this is what needs to be done to hide the launcher to use another as default on the newest shield and os version.

https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/

Thank you for this post and I hope this works for those of you whom prefer not to root your shield but want a different launcher please report back here if it works on the newer model ty.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] frixel:
Thanks for this post Grand Forks but i have no option for USB Debugging on my sony kd55xd8599 Smart TV.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] DBCAB:
This is for the nvidia shield devices.

Has anyone tried this method on a non rooted Nvidia shield 2017 ? Can report back to confirm it works or does not ty.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] greevedogg:
I am on updated ATV 5.2 Shield 2017, and I desperately wish to hide/disable the leanback launcher! I have tried the pm hide com.google.android.leanbacklauncher adb command, but get the java error, as el goog has patched that loophole.

I'd be willing to wager that they've patched this one, too. I'll make an attempt at this method when I get home from work and report back.

UPDATE: CONFIRMED THIS DOES WORK ON NON-ROOTED 2017 16GB SHIELD!

Steps I followed:

1. Download and install the alternate launcher of your choice. For me, it's TVLauncher3. Make sure you have another launcher before you uninstall Leanback Launcher, just to be safe. I'm not sure what would happen, if you attempt to uninstall before you already have something in place...

2. Assuming you already have adb installed, and developer options enabled, and a connection between a pc and your shield, open a shell:

adb shell
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.leanbacklauncher

3. PROFIT!

I first tried pm hide -k --user com.google.android.leanbacklauncher, but that still gave me the permissions error, but UNINSTALL worked! I'm so happy now! No more leanback! It shows 0kb in the app folder, and at this point, I don't really care. Nothing's broken so far. And TV Launcher is soooo much simpler and prettier to look at!

Thanks for the suggestion! I'm stoked that this worked. I wonder if we can change the thread title and paste these instructions to the first page, that this method has been confirmed working on ATV 5.2
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] DBCAB:
TY I will update the post :D
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] Bertjegassel:
Does anyone know how to undo:

adb shell

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.leanbacklauncher ???

adb shell

pm install -k --user 0 com.google.android.leanbacklauncher doesn't work :confused:

Thanks in advance!!
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] dunjamon:
I was thinking the same thing. Is there anywhere to re-install from? Can it just be sideloaded from APK Mirror? I get my shield tomorrow so haven't tried anything yet.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] DBCAB:
You should be able to just reinstall from the play store on the Shield or side load the apk if you want to revert to stock launcher.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] dunjamon:
I'm hoping to get my shield setup this weekend so will give it a go. From what I've heard and seen the stock launcher is a little 'messy'.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] dunjamon:
Would this be achievable through terminal emulator on the device itself? I don't have a male to male USB cable to hand so haven't been able to test this out yet.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] DBCAB:
This is a way to hide/uninstall the stock launcher on an unrooted device so we can use a more customizable launcherof our choice, if you need help with root please go to the root thread I'm sure they can better help you if you are having an issue.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] DBCAB:
Which device 2017 or 2015 ? On the 2015 I just use a micro usb cable to do this, as for a male to male if it needed they are cheap on amazon, Also no I don't believe this would be achievable with the emulator on device.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] dunjamon:
I've got the 2017 version. I'm OK with the standard launcher for now, just don't like the recommendations at the top and the tiny app boxes. I'll see about getting a cable and having a look.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] blabla189:
Cant start Amazon Video app after removing the lean launcher. Anybody else with this problem?

edit: Looks like its an bug of the TV Launcher 3 app. With the haul launcher, there is no problem with the amazon video app.

Besides that, is there a method to reinstall the leanbacklauncher via adb? is there an .apk anywhere?
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] yeahmann:
Anyone figure out how to get the leanback launcher back on Nougat? Won't install from the Play Store or sideloading.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] GreenWithRage:
I rotted my shield, and I am happy that SMPC is launching by default, as well as when I hit the home button. It's what I wanted.

However, the settings apk doesn't work, not do most of the apps that I try to launch. The youtube and netflix apps work just fine for example. But, I can't launch a terminal app, or the ssh server app. NVIDIA Games App asks me to pick the default action, and so does google photos. Is there something I am missing?
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] DBCAB:
I use spmc myself on a 2015 model but i launch it from the hal launcher I just tested loading some apps From Spmc and some do ask for a default action but once I choose the action and select always they work fine I don't have the terminal app to test it but then again Im not rooted, I wouldn't know how to advise about bugs on a rooted shield maybe its a better question to ask in the root thread as I can not test your issue and do not intend on rooting, as for the setting issue on spmc, if I go into programs, then to android settings my settings do function from there I am able to get into the nvidia shield menus for any setting I like and adjust things how I like just tested, but again im not rooted and don't use spmc as a main launcher, try going into the programs tab then to android apps and android settings , and see if things are working from there is all I can think of with spmc. It maybe is a skin issue try using a different skin and trying it sometimes with kodi/spmc a skin can be the issue hope some of this helped.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] momonth:
I have non-rooted 2015 device (back then it was possible to change the launcher without root) and I had the same issue with latest SPMC builds, so I had to revert it back to something like v. 16.6 or so (can check the exact version later on).
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] darealwy:
I had to do a factory reset.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] DBCAB:
This thread is about how to change the launcher without root and it does work with the newest firmware on the shield both 2015 and 2017 models it is possible the first page of this thread has the updated directions for install I would put the directions here but its already been updated if you scroll down you will see the updated info.

As for Spmc im unrooted, and on a 2015 model and I have Spmc 16.7.1 downloaded from the actual site http://spmc.semperpax.com/

I have no such issues,with Spmc or the nvidia games app, regarding Spmc try a different skin or a reinstall if it still doesn't work can always try kodi they have launcher based kodi apks out there as well and info on there site on how to use it as a launcher if that helps.

This thread is regarding non rooted shields if you are having issues as a result of rooting please refer to the rooted thread they will probably provide more info.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] hans.immer:
Hello,

i have a Sony KDL 50W802c with Android TV and latest update. Guess Marshmellow?

HAL Launcher is installed since one year. Today i wanted to replace the leanbacklauncher on the Home-Button with the HAL.

I tryed the first suggestion to hide the leanbacklauncher. Did not work.

I deleted the leanbacklauncher like written in the first post:

adb shell

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.leanbacklauncher

This works but the TV always starts into the HAL (startpage) and not to TV-Mode.

In HAL options i de-checked the first box (HAL startup...)

Now the TV does not have a launcher(?)

It doen´t start anymore. Bootloop with the android colours.

I did not notice in the description that the TV always boots into HAL and not into TV-Mode.

How can i fix this? I can´t get into Android.

Thank you very much.

Edit: Made a factory reset with usb stick. ALL settings lost.

How do you use HAL without starting the TV into HAL first? Thanks.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] ady199:
Hi Guys,

I have the 2017 model...........I tried the following:-

Installed TV Launcher 3

Then deleted the leanbackklauncher:-

adb shell

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.leanbacklauncher

But when I re-booted my shield all that I had was the wallpaper for the leanbacklauncher and nothing else. I had to do a full restore using the restore image to get it back working again.

What did I do wrong? how can I get it to use TV Launcher 3 as my default launcher?

Thanks in advance
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] DBCAB:
I would try to reinstall either the tv launcher 3 or the lean back through adb if you cant do anything on the machine itself on the tv, you can install things through adb, as for the tvlauncher 3 not working as a default launcher perhaps setting it to be default in its launcher settings would need to be done im unfamiliar with this launcher I do know anything you use as a launcher for this machine needs to be set up as a launcher and installed and working first before you uninstall the lean back.

To install things through adb make sure you have a working minimal adb and fastboot on ur pc first then grab the apk file you need leanback launcher or whatever it is can find them on apk mirror and other places take that apk and ( place it into the minimal adb and fastboot folder where its installed on the pc) you can rename it if its a long name, make sure you attach the laptop to the shield while its attached to the tv then do this

Type

adb devices (then hit enter)

Then type

adb install name of the apk

so lets say its the lean back launcher the command would be

adb install leanbacklauncher.apk ( or whatever the full name of the apk file is with .apk )

here is a guide on how to do it exactly that http://howto.highonandroid.com/andr...-apk-to-your-android-device-via-adb-commands/

I just tested this with my 2015 nvidia shield its fully updated not rooted and installed an apk to test it does work be patient could take a few moments before you see success after you enter the command
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] DBCAB:
I dont have that tv this thread is for Nvidia Shield devices I wouldn't want to give advice on how you might fix that perhaps finding a forum or thread here on that tv if there is one would be more help or maybe someone here reading about your issue who has exp with that tv model and could provide a suggestion. Although I do know tv company sites do provide updates to there tvs maybe the manufacturers website could help.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] ady199:
Many Thanks for the info - will give it a go when I have some free time
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] aeneas1:
instructions worked like a charm (shield pro 2017), i can now set one of various different launchers as the default launcher, prob is i can't figure out how access shield settings (accessories, shutdown, restart, i.e. all of the shield settings) or android settings for that matter, is there a way to do it without leanback?
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] darealwy:
Did you download and install the settings apk?
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] aeneas1:
> thanks for the response and, yes, i just noticed the zip in the first post (considering it's such an important apk i think it would help others if the first post made it more clear that it was the settings apk zip and was needed, maybe put a heading before it)?

> anyway the apk installed fine and seems to be working perfectly... by any chance is there's an apk that includes the shield power dialog (power, restart, etc.)?

> just realized that the leanback launcher is back, does shield update automatically and re-install it? or does the "pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.leanbacklauncher" command just hide leanback rather than uninstall it?

EDIT - found the "restart" and "power off" commands in settings > about.... would be nice to get a button on the home page tho, lots of apps for this but you needed to be rooted...

also, i uninstalled leanback again and turned of auto updates, seems to be gone for good, for now.... anyway, i'm lovin' not having the leanback gui, hope my new launcher (nova) works out well once i get it completely set up, not sure if the shield remote will work with it tho, i'm guessing the voice portion of the remote will work, not sure about navigation, but i have a wireless keyboard that seems to work ok if the remote doesn't.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] DBCAB:
You can use a shortcut maker to place the power on off sleep on the home page. Can also go into ha launchers app settings and place the icon for the settings on the home screen if you want.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] LzeroKI:
Has anyone been able to update the "Shield Experience" while using an alternate launcher? I want to update my shield tv, but I want to be sure I can continue using an alternate launcher.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] DBCAB:
Ive had an alternate launcher since day 3 of having this device I have updated many times its NP go ahead Update enjoy.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] JohnRossJennings:
I expect this thread to explode now the oreo update and new launcher are appearing!
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] BlackoutWorm:
The new 8.0 Oreo method is;

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.leanbacklauncher

and

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.tvlauncher

Now, your new launcher will start up automatically.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] DBCAB:
TY So much for Posting this I will add this info to Page one I just got the Oreo update so I was coming here to see what was going on, and to update things but I guess you beat me to it :good:

Also a small work around for those of you that would like to use the new launcher along with your alternate one you can always click on the + to add apps and add a shortcut to your alternate launcher to use at start up. Of course changing it is a more permanent solution.

I would also like to mention that if you have already uninstalled the leanback launcher, and you update to Oreo you only need the second command listed here so in minimal adb and fastboot it would be

adb shell

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.tvlauncher
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] BlackoutWorm:
You see. Nvidia does no longer allow to "hide" the launcher.

If you uninstall the two packages (as I mentioned) and if you want the Oreo launcher back, you need to install it using adb (pm install -k --user 0 /path/to/launcher.apk). Because Nvidia now replaces it with a fake package, so you can't install it from the nvidia shield itself.

And this should be self-explanatory. But you have to install a new launcher before uninstalling the current one.

Btw. I am currently using a great launcher that I found on Aptrode TV, called "Leanback on Fire". It is a fork of the old Leanback launcher but with some nice modifications and the ability to add / subtract rows and categories. Including a Favorites category.

So check it out if you want something similar to the old Leanback Launcher.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] DBCAB:
It says on the first page to not uninstall the default launcher untill you have a functional home launcher installed and set up as a home launcher. I warn about that several times. Have you tried the HALauncher it can easily be customized to be just like the old leanback or anyway you like including custom wallpaper, icons size, custom icons, customizable groups etc. even allows you to save your layout. Can you provide a link to that launcher you are referring to? Also there are many many launchers right on the google play store on the shield tv you can even use kodi as a home launcher but would need to install a specific home launcher version of it to work correctly. Doesn't matter which launcher people use as long as its set up as a launcher and installed prior to removing the default launcher your good to go. :good:
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] TimmyUK:
Glad I found this thread, now running Top TV Launcher 2 on my Shield TV with Oreo by default.

The launcher needs a bit of tweaking but its worth the effort as I prefer its simple layout.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] millar5001:
Has anybody successfully managed to reinstall the default Leanback Launcher yet?

So Leanbacklauncher still exists on the device but another poster above is saying that it is fake? Meaning I can't re-install leanbacklauncher unless I can find a version that is higher than this fake leanbacklauncher.

Where could i possibly find the latest leanbacklauncher apk?

What if this fake version is higher than the latest version? Would there be no way except factory reset?

Thanks
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] millar5001:
So I created a new user with adb. The new user had leanback launcher as default. So leanback is still installed on the device but just not for the user 0.

Is it possible to reinstall just for user 0?

adb shell pm install --user 0 com.google.android.leanbackuser does not work.
[Shield Android TV Themes and Apps] millar5001:
When I try to install leanbacklauncher I get....

pm install --user 0 sdcard/leanbacklatest.apk

Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_ALREADY_EXISTS: Attempt to re-install com.google.android.leanbacklauncher without first uninstalling.]

When I try to uninstall leanbacklauncher I get...

pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.leanbacklauncher

Failure [not installed for 0]