Alex Ruben
How To Disable YouTube and Netflix Apps on Your Google TV Streamer 4K Remote
If you’ve got a Google TV Streamer 4K, you probably noticed those shortcut buttons for YouTube and Netflix. Yeah, they’re super handy… until they’re not. Maybe you just wanna cut down on accidental launches, or your kids keep opening the apps when they shouldn’t. Whatever the reason, removing or remapping those buttons isn’t straightforward, but with a bit of tinkering, it’s doable. This guide walks through how to disable or remap those buttons using some common tools, so you get a bit more control over your remote and your viewing experience.
How to Disable YouTube and Netflix Buttons on Google TV Remote
Method 1: Using Button Mapper (or similar apps)
One way is using the Button Mapper app. It’s kinda weird because Android TV isn’t exactly friendly toward remapping hardware buttons, especially on the TV remote, but it can work for some buttons—if you’re lucky. Basically, you set up the app, tell it what each button does, and then assign ‘No Action’ or a dummy app. Not perfect, but hopefully it works for your setup. Keep in mind, sometimes it requires root or a workaround, and on some Android TV devices, it might not do anything at all. Still, worth a shot.
Install Button Mapper and Access Developer Settings
- Head over to Settings > Apps on your Google TV home, then open the Google Play Store.
- Search for Button Mapper — there are different versions, but the one from GitHub is popular for advanced use.
- Install it. Sometimes you might need to enable Unknown Sources in Settings > Security & Restrictions — depends on the app and your device.
Enable Accessibility Service (maybe necessary)
Most remapping apps, including Button Mapper, will ask for Accessibility Service permission. That’s kind of annoying, but it’s needed for apps to intercept hardware button presses. You go to Settings > Accessibility > Downloaded services and turn on Button Mapper there. If it’s not working, double-check if the app has permission. Some folks report that on Android TV, this step is iffy—sometimes it works, sometimes not. Be prepared for some trial and error.
Add and Remap the YouTube & Netflix Buttons
- Open Button Mapper, find the Add Buttons option. Press the YouTube button on the remote. If it registers, you’ll see it in the app. If not, keep pressing until it shows up.
- Choose the action to assign. To disable the button, pick No Action or a less intrusive feature (like a dummy launcher). Do the same for the Netflix button.
- Tap Save or Done. Sometimes the change requires a reboot or a restart of the app to take effect.
Test Your Changes
After setting stuff up, go back to the home screen and try hitting those buttons. They should now do… nothing or your chosen fallback. If they still launch Netflix or YouTube, you might need to redo the setup or check if another app or firmware update is overriding your config. On some setups, this messes up—rebooting the whole device sometimes helps.
Extra Tips & Troubleshooting
- If buttons still launch apps, check if there’s an app that automatically overrides remaps—like the default launcher or firmware restrictions.
- Updating your device firmware might fix underlying issues with button handling.
- If Button Mapper isn’t working, consider alternative apps like Remap Buttons or even custom firmware modifications—though those are more complicated.
Wrap-up
This isn’t guaranteed to be perfect because Android TV isn’t exactly open for deep remapping. But, on some setups, this gets the job done. If nothing else, it’s worth trying—sometimes a simple app tweak can make the remote a lot less annoying.
Summary
- Install Button Mapper from Google Play or GitHub.
- Enable Accessibility permissions for the app.
- Add remote buttons (YouTube, Netflix), then set them to No Action.
- Test and reboot if needed.
Just a heads up:
Hardware remapping on Android TV is kinda hit or miss depending on the device, firmware, and whether the buttons are hardcoded. Sometimes the remote just won’t let you disable those buttons without hardware mods or custom firmware. But hey, this method’s worth a shot before going down the rabbit hole of rooting or hacking your device.
Hopefully, this shaves off a few accidental app launches. It’s not perfect, but better than nothing.