Debloat the Verizon Stream TV
Android 12 · 13 apps on the list · tested on a real set
This first-generation Verizon streaming box ships with telemetry, preloaded apps and the Verizon home screen. It has HDMI out only and no inputs, so the list focuses on tracking and apps you may not want. Each app has its own switch in the app, so you decide which ones to turn off.
It was applied in small batches on 20 October with a screenshot after each, and a custom home screen was installed and the real remote pressed after every batch. It was not lived with for days yet. If something breaks, you can switch an app back on in the app. TidyTV turns these apps off from your phone over Wi-Fi, saves a backup first and never deletes anything.
Apps TidyTV can turn off on the Verizon Stream TV
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.
Telemetry 1
- Verizon amsVerizon app/screen/power event recorder + Crashlytics
com.verizon.tv.ams
Off by owner's choice 9
- Google AssistantAssistant; the mic button does nothing without it
com.google.android.katniss - Chromecast built-in
com.google.android.apps.mediashell - Backdrop screensaverambient screensaver
com.google.android.backdrop - TalkBack
com.google.android.marvin.talkback - Text-to-speech
com.google.android.tts - Google TV storePlay Movies & TV
com.google.android.videos - YouTube Music
com.google.android.youtube.tvmusic - YouTube TV
com.google.android.youtube.tvunplugged - HBO
com.hbo.hbonow
Preloaded apps 2
- Gallery
com.android.gallery3d - Setup customizationsample
com.google.android.tv.setup.customizationsample
Stock home 1
Disable only after the new launcher is installed and set as home. setupwraith is left enabled: the saved Wi-Fi network belongs to it, and disabling it deletes that network.
- Verizon launcherVerizon home with sponsored Trending/Store tabs; also hosts the remote pairing screen
com.verizon.tv.launcher
What always stays on
- The Verizon home screen until you pick a new one
- Settings
- Pluto TV, which supplies Live TV channels
- Remote and Bluetooth pairing
Good to know on this model
- The box has no HDMI or tuner inputs, so Live TV is empty unless an app such as Pluto TV provides channels.
- It was not lived with for days yet.
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
Can I get the old home screen back on my Verizon Stream TV?
Yes. Restore everything in the app turns every app back on and puts the old home screen back in one tap. TidyTV only switches apps off, so nothing is ever deleted.
Will Live TV still show channels?
Only if an app like Pluto TV stays on. With Pluto switched off there are no live channels.
Does TidyTV delete anything on my Verizon Stream TV?
No. It turns apps off with Android's own setting, saves a backup first and checks each one. You can turn any app back on with its switch.
Source: the verizon-stream-tv list in cleanyourtv by Gathin (MIT), tested on this model. TidyTV re-checks every app against its own protected list before each change.