Four Google TV settings can make the home screen feel less busy, but only Apps-only mode hides personalized recommendations—and even that mode can still show sponsored content and movie or show teasers. The other changes let you limit which services shape recommendations, adjust what Google TV learns from your ratings, and turn off autoplay previews where your device offers that control.
1. Turn off autoplay previews
If moving previews make the home screen feel noisy, check whether your Google TV device has an autoplay-preview setting. On some devices, the path is Settings > Accounts & Sign In > your profile > Autoplay previews; turn the setting off if it appears. Menu names and availability vary by device and software version, so this path is not universal. Google’s Android TV instructions describe related preview controls, but Android TV menus should not be treated as exact directions for every Google TV device: Google’s Android TV help.
2. Limit recommendations to services you use
Google TV can draw recommendations from streaming services you select. Review that list and remove services you do not subscribe to or use. Google’s guidance is to select only services you subscribe to; selecting more services can lead to more recommendations from them. Find the streaming-services control in your Google TV settings or profile, since the route and wording can differ by device. See Google’s guide to managing streaming services.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteRecommendations do not come only from your service selections. Google says they can also reflect prior activity, region, popularity, editorial choices, contractual obligations, and device type. Removing a service may change the mix, but it does not guarantee that promotions or particular titles disappear.
3. Tune content preferences with ratings
When Google TV shows a suggested title, use its thumbs-up or thumbs-down control, where available, to indicate whether you like it. Google’s content-preferences feature uses this feedback to help shape what it recommends. Ratings tune the recommendation mix; they are not a way to remove sponsored placements or guarantee a specific result. Google’s overview is here.
4. Switch on Apps-only mode for the biggest change
Apps-only mode is the most decisive option if you would rather see installed apps than personalized home-screen recommendations. Google says to open Settings > Accounts & Sign In, choose your profile, select Apps only mode, and turn it on. Depending on the device, the route may appear under Accounts & Profiles or require opening All settings; follow the equivalent profile settings if the labels differ.
#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
Installed apps remain available to open, but Apps-only mode has meaningful tradeoffs. Google says personalized recommendations are hidden, while sponsored content and teasers for popular movies and shows may remain. Search and Google Assistant are unavailable in this mode, as are Watchlist and rating actions. Google’s explanation and device instructions are on its Apps-only mode help page.
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Which combination should you use?
| Approach | What changes | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Keep recommendations, tune the settings | Limit selected services, rate suggestions, and disable previews if your device offers the control. | Keeps the browse-and-discover layout and related features; recommendations and sponsored content can still appear. |
| Use Apps-only mode | Hides personalized recommendations and foregrounds installed apps. | Sponsored content and teasers may remain; Search, Assistant, Watchlist, and rating actions are unavailable in this mode. |
Start with previews, services, and ratings if you still want Google TV to recommend things. Choose Apps-only mode if you prefer an app-launcher-style screen and can do without its unavailable features. These are home-screen adjustments, not a guarantee of faster performance or lower data use.
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
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
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