Gathin project uses AI to remove ads and bloatware from TVs
🎧 Listen to this story
Gathin created the cleanyourtv repository to “dumb down” TVs: the project uses ADB to connect over the local network, identify installed packages and disable those related to ads, telemetry, recommendations and preinstalled apps. It then installs a minimal launcher inspired by Apple TV. The process does not require root access and can be reversed because the packages are disabled rather than uninstalled.
According to Xataka, Gathin used Claude Code to modify his parents’ Xiaomi TV and disable 25 packages. The project works with numerous Android TV and Google TV devices, provided users enable USB debugging; the article also reports that the original post reached 6.4 million views. The repository includes instructions for carrying out the process on a TV or HDMI dongle.
Why it matters · editorial interpretation
The project offers a reversible way to customize Android and Google TV devices by disabling components without requiring root access. Because the process requires enabling USB debugging and depends on device compatibility, users still need to assess the technical trade-offs before applying it.