Debloat the TCL BeyondTV2

Android TV 11 · 19 apps on the list · tested on a real set

This TCL runs Android TV 11 and ships with TCL analytics and telemetry, content pushed to the home screen at boot, and a TCL web content feed. A TGuard app tracks device use and health info. It also has pushed messages and promos, a retail demo sticker, a promo home screen and a notes widget.

The list was applied in four batches with a reboot after each. After the last reboot every app was still off, Wi-Fi was up, and the Inputs menu and Live TV worked. TidyTV turns the apps 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 TCL BeyondTV2

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.

--- The one non-obvious entry 1

TCL re-enables promo packages on every boot. Without this line, com.tcl.MultiScreenInteraction_TV, com.tcl.notereminder and com.tcl.tv.tclhome_master come back enabled after every reboot, and MagiConnect also comes back right after any `pm install`. The enabler is this system-uid service: its BootReceiver runs at priority 1000 on BOOT_COMPLETED, STR_RESUME_COMPLETED and com.tcl.countrychange, and it also reacts to PACKAGE_CHANGED and connectivity changes. Disabling it keeps the list off after reboots.

Factory promo/app-show servicecom.tcl.overseasappshow

--- TCL analytics, ads, promos 6

TCL analytics / telemetry servicecom.tcl.bi
Tcl tclhome passivepushes TCL content onto the home screen at bootcom.tcl.tv.tclhome_passive
Waterfall overseasTCL web content feed / recommendation waterfallcom.tcl.waterfall.overseas
TGuard: device-use trackingcom.tcl.guard
Pushed messages and promoscom.tcl.messagebox
Retail demo energy-label stickercom.tcl.esticker

--- TCL's own promo home and its notes widget (both have launcher activities) 2

TCL's alternate homecom.tcl.tv.tclhome_master
Notes & reminder widgetcom.tcl.notereminder

--- Google attribution 2

Google Feedback"send feedback"com.google.android.feedback
Partner-app attribution / installscom.google.android.partnersetup

--- Voice 4

off by choice, the remote's mic button goes dead. Comment out to keep the assistant. com.tcl.smartalexa (Alexa) was already disabled at the factory on this unit.

Google Assistantcom.google.android.katniss
Assistant LED servicecom.google.android.tv.assistant
TCL voice servicecom.tcl.assistant
TCL microphone manager for voicecom.tcl.micmanager

--- Casting, remote, updates, screensaver 4

off by choice. Chromecast itself is kept (com.google.android.apps.mediashell stays), only Miracast screen mirroring goes.

Miracast screen mirroringcom.tcl.miracast
MagiConnect mirroring/casting companioncom.tcl.MultiScreenInteraction_TV
Phone-app remotecom.google.android.tv.remote.service
Backdrop screensaverstock ambient photo screensavercom.google.android.backdrop
TCL OTA firmware updater: kept on your callcom.tcl.versionUpdateApp

What always stays on

Live TV (the TCL TV app)
Tuner and HDMI 1 to 3 (the TCL input service)
The remote's key service
The physical remote
The setup app, which does not own the saved Wi-Fi here

Good to know on this model

One factory promo service turns partner apps back on, so it is the key entry on the list.
Install the replacement home screen before the stock one is turned off.

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 TCL BeyondTV2?

Not with the default list. It turns off Google Assistant, voice search, the TCL voice service and the microphone manager. Switch them back on in the app if you use voice.

Does casting still work?

Miracast and the MagiConnect companion are on the list and are switched off. Switch them back on if you use them.

Can I get the old home screen back?

Yes. Restore everything turns every app back on and puts the stock Android TV home screen back.

Source: the tcl-beyondtv2-android-11 list in cleanyourtv by Gathin (MIT), tested on this model. TidyTV re-checks every app against its own protected list before each change.