# Replace a Xiaomi TV's ad-heavy home screen

Gathin T. replaced the stock launcher with a custom Apple-TV-like home screen and disabled 25 unwanted packages.

## Hardware
Xiaomi Android TV; exact model not disclosed

A replacement launcher changes the TV’s own home screen and app behavior.

## Shopping list

Parts for one build. Reuse equipment you already own. Quantities are planning quantities unless the creator explicitly specifies a count; kit contents are not additional purchases.

Quantities are for one build. Unless marked source-specified, they are planning quantities; confirm kit contents and the chosen configuration before ordering.

### Confirm before buying
- Exact television model, firmware and compatible deployment route are not fully disclosed. Reuse the creator-compatible hardware only after confirming those details; a random smart TV is not a verified substitute.

### 1 × Xiaomi Android TV
- Requirement: Required
- Quantity basis: Planning quantity for one build; check the selected configuration
- Purpose: Show the customized TV interface.
- Notes: Creator does not disclose a model; no exact purchase is recommended.
- Sourcing: No exact purchase link verified; confirm the model and requirements above before ordering.
- Evidence: Creator source
- Source: https://tech.yahoo.com/home/articles/people-vibe-coding-ads-smart-221604591.html
- Source: https://x.com/gathint/status/2111379569030939102

### 1 × Development computer
- Requirement: Tool
- Quantity basis: Planning quantity for one build; check the selected configuration
- Purpose: Build, configure or flash the software.
- Notes: Prepare and deploy the interface.
- Sourcing: Use existing equipment or match the specification above. No exact purchase link verified.
- Evidence: Setup requirement — check against your configuration
- Source: https://tech.yahoo.com/home/articles/people-vibe-coding-ads-smart-221604591.html
- Source: https://x.com/gathint/status/2111379569030939102

### Existing setup × Network and remote control
- Requirement: Required
- Quantity basis: Planning quantity for one build; check the selected configuration
- Purpose: Configure and operate the existing TV.
- Sourcing: Use existing equipment or match the specification above. No exact purchase link verified.
- Evidence: Setup requirement — check against your configuration
- Source: https://tech.yahoo.com/home/articles/people-vibe-coding-ads-smart-221604591.html
- Source: https://x.com/gathint/status/2111379569030939102

### To confirm × Connection / debugging access
- Requirement: Required
- Quantity basis: Planning quantity for one build; check the selected configuration
- Purpose: Deploy custom software.
- Notes: Android debugging is described for the Android TV projects; do not assume it applies to the revenue screensaver TV.
- Sourcing: Use existing equipment or match the specification above. No exact purchase link verified.
- Evidence: Setup requirement — check against your configuration
- Source: https://tech.yahoo.com/home/articles/people-vibe-coding-ads-smart-221604591.html
- Source: https://x.com/gathint/status/2111379569030939102

Source reviewed, not assembled or hands-on tested. A working product page does not confirm stock, firmware compatibility or a complete build.

## Setup
Device software

## Coding tool
Claude Code

## How the agent helped
Reported creator quote: 'Gave Claude Code the model number, it found the TV on wifi, removed 25 Xiaomi packages and wrote a new launcher.'

## Before you build
Exact Xiaomi model undisclosed. Network debugging and disabling packages can expose or break the TV.

## Sources
- Original build: https://tech.yahoo.com/home/articles/people-vibe-coding-ads-smart-221604591.html
- Supporting source: https://x.com/gathint/status/2111379569030939102

Source reviewed 2026-11-04. Not hands-on tested.