A growing number of smart TV owners are using artificial intelligence to remove unwanted advertisements, disable tracking features and replace cluttered home screens with simpler interfaces.
Leading the movement is CleanYourTV, an open-source project that has attracted more than 40,000 stars on GitHub in less than 10 days as users look for ways to regain control over their televisions.
The project started after developer Gathin became frustrated with advertisements appearing on his parents’ Xiaomi TV, including a sponsored ad displayed before they could access Netflix. He used Anthropic’s Claude Code to identify unwanted software on the television, disable 25 Xiaomi packages and create a cleaner home screen. After sharing the results online on October 17, the demonstration went viral, inspiring other users to try similar modifications on their own devices.
CleanYourTV has since developed into a community-driven project with contributions from hundreds of users. Its third version supports around 300 TV models from 83 brands, according to recent reporting, with contributors sharing tested configurations, scripts and instructions to help others identify unnecessary software. The project primarily targets Android TV and Google TV devices, offering an alternative interface designed to remove sponsored content and make installed streaming apps easier to access.
The process relies on Android Debug Bridge, commonly known as ADB, which allows a computer to communicate with compatible Android devices. After enabling developer options and authorising debugging access, users can employ an AI coding assistant to inspect installed packages, identify manufacturer advertising and telemetry services, and disable selected components. The project recommends backing up relevant information and preparing a recovery procedure before making changes.
Vibe coded my parents’ TV this afternoon! It was showing a sponsored ad before you could even get to Netflix. Gave Claude Code the model number, it found the TV on wifi, removed 25 Xiaomi packages and wrote a new launcher. Looks like an Apple TV now lol https://t.co/E5Q4A1b0yI
— Gathin (Ø,G) (@gathint) October 17, 2026
Unlike traditional device modification methods, CleanYourTV does not require rooting the television, flashing new firmware or permanently uninstalling the targeted applications. Instead, it disables selected packages for the user profile and can replace the default home screen with a lightweight launcher. The project also provides a restoration script intended to reverse the changes if users want to return to their original configuration.
However, the approach does not work equally across all television platforms. Android TV and Google TV models are the main targets, while Samsung’s Tizen, LG’s webOS and Roku’s operating system use different mechanisms and generally cannot follow the same process. Some devices may offer alternative ways to reduce unwanted tracking or customise their interfaces, but the available options depend on the manufacturer and model.
The growing interest in CleanYourTV reflects wider frustration with advertising and data collection on smart televisions. Many modern TVs use automatic content recognition technology, which can analyse what appears on the screen to measure viewing activity and support personalised advertising. Manufacturers may also include background services and preinstalled applications that users cannot easily remove through standard settings.
AI coding assistants are making it easier for ordinary users to work with these systems without manually researching every package or command. Similar projects, including DumbTV, are also attracting attention by offering ways to simplify television interfaces and reduce unwanted software. The trend could put additional pressure on manufacturers to provide cleaner interfaces, clearer privacy controls and greater flexibility over preinstalled applications.
Despite its appeal, modifying a television carries risks. Disabling the wrong package can break certain features, interrupt services or leave a device stuck during startup. AI-generated commands may also produce unintended results, so users should verify recommendations against their specific model and retain a reliable recovery method. Network-based ADB can create additional security risks if left enabled after the procedure, making it important to disable debugging access when the work is complete.
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The changes also do not guarantee complete privacy. A television connected to the internet may continue collecting some usage data even after advertisements and selected tracking services have been disabled. Firmware updates can also restore previously disabled applications or settings, requiring users to review their configurations again.
