Debloat the Sony BRAVIA XR-55A80K

Google TV 12 · 26 apps on the list · tested on a real set

This 2022 Sony OLED runs Google TV on Android 12. It ships with a viewing tracker that identifies what is on screen, telemetry and remote support, Sony ads and recommendations, and a demo or shop mode. The list also covers a voice assistant and apps off by choice.

The Sony parts that drive HDMI, the tuner, the Input overlay, Bravia Sync, updates and the remote's app buttons are kept. Many UK broadcaster launchers come switched off from the factory on this set. TidyTV turns these off from your phone over Wi-Fi, saves a backup first and never deletes anything.

Download the free APK Star on GitHub

Apps TidyTV can turn off on the Sony BRAVIA XR-55A80K

Grouped as the tested list groups them. In the app each one has a switch, so you choose. Apps marked your call are extras the list leaves on.

ACR viewing tracker 2

Samba TV fingerprints what's on screentv.samba.ssm
Ssm uitv.samba.ssm.ui

telemetry and remote support 5

Sony IDD usage-data agentcom.sonyericsson.idd.agent
User context providerscom.sony.dtv.usercontext
Qterics device agentcom.qterics.da.product
Remote-support session servicecom.sony.dtv.da.service
Google Feedbackcom.google.android.feedback

Sony ads and recommendations 1

Sony Select app recommendationscom.sony.dtv.sonyselect

demo / shop mode 3

Dtv demosupportcom.sony.dtv.demosupport
Dtv demosystemsupportcom.sony.dtv.demosystemsupport
Dtv multiscreendemocom.sony.dtv.multiscreendemo

voice assistant (off by choice; the remote's mic button stops working) 3

Google Assistantcom.google.android.katniss
Dtv voicesearchcom.sony.dtv.voicesearch
Dtv assistantadaptercom.sony.dtv.assistantadapter

preloaded apps (off by choice) 4

Google TV storeGoogle TV movies (loses access to purchases in it)com.google.android.videos
Play Gamescom.google.android.play.games
Vewdcom.vewd.core.service
Prime Videocom.amazon.amazonvideo.livingroom

features not used (off by choice) 7

HbbTV / red buttoncom.sony.dtv.hbbtvplayer
DLNA media server/renderercom.sonyericsson.dlna
Dlna modulecom.sony.huey.dlna.module
Dlna renderersettingscom.sony.huey.dlna.renderersettings
Quicksetsdk sonyUEI QuickSet: IR control of cable boxes/soundbars; HDMI-CEC unaffectedcom.uei.quicksetsdk.sony
BRAVIA CAM gesturescom.sony.dtv.gestureapp
TtsGoogle text-to-speech: TalkBack and read-aloud stop workingcom.google.android.tts

Google TV setup wizard 1

with launcherx disabled its RecoveryActivity takes Home. Re-enable before a factory reset. See the Wi-Fi note above first.

Google TV setupcom.google.android.tungsten.setupwraith

What always stays on

Netflix, YouTube and Apple TV
Chromecast built in and AirPlay and HomeKit
Firmware updates
Sony IP control, which Home Assistant needs
The HDMI, tuner and Bravia Sync services
The remote's app button services

Good to know on this model

The voice assistant is off by choice here. The remote's mic button stops working.
The remote's Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and Disney+ buttons keep working after the stock home screen is off. YouTube, Prime Video and Disney+ share one key code, so remapping one needs care.
The remote's Settings button does nothing once the stock home screen is off, until a helper service is on.

How to do it

Turn on developer options On the TV, open Settings › System › About and select the build number 7 times. Then turn on USB debugging, and Network debugging if you see it.
Tap your TV in TidyTV Your phone finds the TV on the Wi-Fi. Tick "Always allow" and press Allow when the TV asks.
Review, then tidy TidyTV saves a backup, shows these apps with switches, and turns off the ones you pick, checking each one.

Questions

Will the voice button still work on my Sony BRAVIA?

Not with the default list, because the voice assistant is off by choice. Switch it back on in the app if you use voice.

Will Home Assistant still see my TV?

Yes. Sony IP control is kept, and without it Home Assistant shows the TV as off.

Will it stop the viewing tracker?

Yes. The ACR viewing tracker is the first group on the list.

Source: the sony-bravia-4k-vh21-eu list in cleanyourtv by Gathin (MIT), tested on this model. TidyTV re-checks every app against its own protected list before each change.