Would you like to remove recommendations and simplify the home screen on your Android TV or Google TV? More and more users are looking for a simple experience, free from the excessive suggestions and overwhelming menus that often plague today's smart TVs. Finding how to activate Apps Only mode, which allows you to view only installed apps and enjoy a clean interface, has become a necessity, especially for those who value convenience and accessibility.
You've just landed on the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide on how to activate app mode on Android TV and Google TV. Here you will discover not only the steps to follow, but also what this mode consists of, its advantages and disadvantages, how to install and manage your apps easily, the differences between Android TV and Google TV, and all the tips to get the most out of your TV. Get ready to enjoy a smooth experience, whether you're an advanced user or setting up your TV for less tech-savvy family members.
Why look for apps-only mode on Android TV and Google TV?
Smart TVs have changed the way we consume content., but not all users are comfortable with the overload of information, promotional banners, TV and movie recommendations, automatic previews, and other elements that sometimes make it difficult to do the simplest thing: find and open your favorite apps.
Less technological profiles or those looking for a minimalist experience can feel overwhelmed by so many stimuli. Even experienced users often tire of the constant barrage of suggestions. That's why Android TV and Google TV systems have included the ability to activate the apps-only mode, which transforms the home screen into a much simpler view, showing only installed apps and removing most recommendations and unnecessary elements.
What is Apps Only Mode?
Apps-only mode is an option designed by Google to reduce the visual complexity of the home screen. When activated, the television eliminates The vast majority of automatic recommendations, trailers, banners and promotional cards, leaving only a shortcut to your favorite applications.
This mode is ideal for those who want speed when searching for Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, or any other app, as it eliminates the constant scrolling through menus and suggestions you don't want. The interface is much cleaner, more intuitive, and faster, perfect for older adults, less tech-savvy users, or simply those who want their TV to be as similar as possible to the old "dumb TVs" but with the power of modern apps.
What systems and devices are supported?
The app-only mode feature is available on both Android TV and Google TV., although the way to activate it may vary slightly depending on the TV manufacturer, the version of the operating system and the specific model of the device (Chromecast, Smart TV, Android Box, etc.).
Android TV and Google TV are not exactly the same: Google TV is an evolution of the Android TV system focused on customization and a more polished design. However, both offer this simplified mode, and the steps to activate it are generally similar, with minor differences in the settings menus and option names.
Advantages and disadvantages of app-only mode
- Advantages:
- Cleaner and faster interface, perfect for those who only use a few apps frequently.
- Time saving by avoiding browsing through unwanted recommendations.
- Ideal for seniors or children that can get lost in the traditional interface full of suggestions and extra features.
- Distraction reduction and unnecessary data consumption.
- Easy to teach how it works to any family member without fear of them touching something they shouldn't.
- Disadvantages:
- When you activate this mode, you lose some smart features. such as personalized suggestions and, on most models, also the Google Assistant (voice search and advanced recommendations).
- It is not possible to indicate "Like" or "Want to see" on specific titles so the system can personalize future recommendations.
- Some integrations and shortcuts may stop working. temporarily while this mode is activated.
- Not all apps may be available if they are hidden by the manufacturer. (in highly customized models by television brands).
Step by step: How to activate app-only mode on your Android TV or Google TV
Below, we explain in detail How to enable app-only mode based on device typeAlthough there are slight differences between makes and models, the general procedure is very similar.
On Android TV
- From your TV's home screen, use your remote control and select your user profile icon.. It's usually in the top right corner or in the settings menu.
- Go to the "Accounts and Login" sectionThere you will see your Google account associated with the device.
- Select your account and, in the right side menu, look for the “Applications Only Mode” option.
- Activate the corresponding switch or toggle to enable apps-only mode.
- Return to the home screen by pressing the "Home" button on your remote. You should now see a much cleaner interface, showing only installed applications, with most recommendations and banners removed.
If at any time you want to return to the previous mode, repeat the same steps and deactivate the option.
On Google TV (Chromecast and updated Smart TVs)
- Go to the home screen and select the settings icon or your profile (usually located at the top right).
- Look for the option "Accounts" o "Accounts and login" in the setup menu.
- By selecting your user profile, The option to activate apps-only mode will appear..
- Activate it using the corresponding toggle.
- The home screen will change instantly, showing only your app icons, in a vertical format and with larger icons for easier navigation.
According to the latest updates, Google has redesigned the app screen on Google TV. to make it even more visual, taking advantage of the screen size and allowing you to easily reorganize app shortcuts.
Additional tips and tricks to get the most out of Apps Only mode
- Organize your favorite apps at the startYou can move your most-used apps to the top for even faster access.
- Take advantage of the increased travel speedWithout recommendations or banners, the screen flows better and access to apps is almost instantaneous.
- Remember You can deactivate and reactivate the mode at any time. If you ever need recommendations or advanced system features.
- Ideal for setting up televisions for seniors. It reduces the chances of confusion and facilitates the autonomy of low-tech users.
- If you linked services during the initial setup (e.g. streaming accounts, Google Assistant, etc.), There may be some specific recommendationsIf you wish, you can review the settings for these services to hide even more unwanted content.
How to install new apps on Android TV and Google TV
Apps only mode shows only your installed apps, but You can continue adding new apps in several waysWe explain all the available options, from the traditional to more advanced methods for expert users:
1. Install from Google Play Store on TV
This is the standard and simplest mode. Access the Google Play app that comes pre-installed in the "Apps" section of your TV:
- Open the Google Play Store from the apps menu.
- Find the app or game that interests you and click “Install”.
- The app will appear directly on the home screen, within apps-only mode.
Notes: On some models, the store may be somewhat hidden. If you don't see it, search the "Apps" section until you find the shortcut.
2. Install apps on your TV from your mobile phone
Google Play allows you to install applications on any of your devices associated with your account, including televisions with Android TV or Google TV.
- Open Google Play on your mobile.
- Find the app you want to installIf it's compatible with your TV, you'll see an arrow on the install button.
- Press that arrow and choose your TV from the list of available devices.
- In just a few minutes, the app will be installed and ready to use on your TV.
3. Install applications from a PC via the web
You can also install apps from the Google Play website. using any browser. Just sign in with the same Google account as your TV:
- Go to the Google Play Store in your browser.
- Filter TV apps or search directly by name.
- Click install and select your TV
- Once your TV is turned on and connected to the Internet, the installation will be done automatically.
4. Install applications using a USB flash drive (APK)
For advanced users, it is possible to install APK files downloaded from trusted sources like APKMirror. The process requires special permissions and often requires first installing an Android TV-compatible file explorer, such as X-Plore File Manager or File Commander.
- Copy the APK file to a USB flash drive and connect it to the TV.
- Open the file manager on the TVIf you can only view photos and videos but not the APK, first install one of the aforementioned managers from Google Play.
- Find the APK file, run it, and follow the on-screen steps., granting permission to install apps from unknown sources if requested by the system.
- The app will appear with the rest of the installed applications after a few seconds.
5. Download the APK directly to the TV (for advanced users only)
Some televisions allow you to download APK files from a web browser installed on the television itself.Not all models include a browser or allow downloads, but if you have one:
- Download the APK file from a secure website.
- Open your file manager and locate the download.
- Follow the installation process as in the previous step.
Important Note: Always download APKs from trusted sources to avoid security issues.
6. Install apps by sending the APK from your mobile (Send Files to TV)
There are specific apps for transferring files between your phone and TV, one of the most popular being "Send Files to TV":
- Install Send Files to TV on both your phone and TV from Google Play.
- On your TV, select the option to receive files.
- From your mobile device, select Send and choose the APK file you want to transfer.
- Once the transfer is complete, open the APK to install it.
7. Install apps using ADB (for developers and advanced users)
Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a tool that allows you to install apps via a network or USB connection. This method requires you to first enable developer options and USB or network debugging on your device. It's especially useful for those who want complete control over the installation or development of custom apps.
How to enable developer options and debugging on Android TV/Google TV
- Access the device settings from the main menu.
- Look for the “About device” or “About TV” section.
- Locate the “Build Number” option (may be under “System Information” or similar).
- Tap "Build Number" seven times in a row until you see the message “You are now a developer!” or similar.
- Return to the previous menu and You will see the new "Developer Options" section. on the bottom.
- Go to developer options and enable USB debugging or Network debugging..
How to install an app via ADB
- Make sure your TV and PC are connected to the same network.
- Find out the local IP address of the TV (in network settings or device information).
- Connect from the computer using ADB commands:
adb connect IP_DEL_TELEVISOR:5555adb install ruta_al_archivo.apk
- The app will be installed automatically and appear in the list of apps.
This method is very useful if you want to learn more about how to activate Android TV app mode and manage your installations in advanced ways. For more information, you can also check out our guide on how to perform a full hardware diagnostic on Android.
Advanced Settings: Developer Options on Android TV and Google TV
Developer options allow you to adjust advanced system behaviors, which is useful for debugging, optimizing performance, improving compatibility, or customizing features. If you'd like to learn more about how to enable app mode on Android TV, these features can be very helpful.
Some of the features you can control from this menu include:
- USB and network debugging to install apps or run tests from your PC.
- Memory management and process monitoring.
- Advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings.
- Graphics, animations and rendering settings to enhance the viewing experience.
- Hardware options such as disabling overlays, simulating color spaces, or forcing certain audio modes.
- Performance Monitoring through GPU profiling and real-time analysis.
- Background process management and activity limits to optimize fluidity.
- App debugging options for developers.
What happens if you want to return to the original view or turn off apps-only mode?
If at any time you need to recover the full experience of recommendations and advanced features, simply repeat the steps above and disable the mode in the same "Accounts & Login" or "User Profile" menu. The interface will once again display all the original menus, suggestion banners, voice search, and custom shortcuts.
Practical differences between Android TV and Google TV when using app-only mode
Both systems offer this mode, but Google TV has recently redesigned its experience.. Apps-only mode on Google TV now includes larger icons, vertical layout, and faster browsing speed. It also allows you to easily rearrange apps, while on Android TV the visual change may be less striking but just as effective at eliminating distractions.
Frequently asked questions and common problems
- Do I lose basic functionality when I turn on Apps-Only mode? No. You'll still have access to your apps, network settings, system settings, and update options. Only items unnecessary for the average user have been removed.
- Can I still use the Google Assistant and voice search? On most models, these functions are disabled while the mode is active. Simply deactivate it to restore them.
- What if I don't see the Apps Only mode option? Your model may not have received it yet, or the manufacturer may have hidden this setting. Check for system updates or visit official forums based on your make and model.
- Does this mode restrict the installation of new applications? No. You can install apps from Google Play, mobile, PC, USB, or any traditional method.
- Can you customize beyond what the native menus offer? Advanced users can turn to alternative launchers, but they tend to be cumbersome to install and can add complications rather than simplicity. Apps-only mode is the official and simplest method.
The quest for a simple user experience, free from unnecessary suggestions and menus on your Smart TV's home screen, is closer than you think. Thanks to Apps Only mode, both on Android TV and Google TV, you can transform your TV into a much more user-friendly, faster, and easier-to-use device, ideal for any user profile. Plus, you can still install apps from the official app store, your mobile phone, your PC, or through more advanced methods.
If you're looking to get rid of information overload and distractions, this option will allow you to get the most out of your TV and enjoy only what you really need. Share the information and more people will know about the topic..