This step-by-step tutorial guides you on how to install and use the best Android TV launcher available in 2022, known as ATV Launcher.

Your Android TV box makes it easy to stream movies, TV shows, news, sports events, and live TV using various apps.

Unfortunately, the built-in launcher isn’t the most user-friendly option for enjoying content on your device.

But there’s good news! You don’t have to give up your entertainment experience with the existing launcher.

You can download alternative launchers to customize your home screen settings.

The ATV Launcher app helps to organize apps and other elements on your device’s home screen.

This is similar to the Wolf Launcher and Leanback Launcher for those who are familiar with custom launchers.

If you find the current launcher on your Android TV Box frustrating, this app will likely suit you if you’re looking for an alternative layout that is easy to configure.

It’s worth noting that third-party launchers do not work very well with Amazon Fire TV devices. They are more suited for generic Android TV Boxes that run stock Android.

Why Download the ATV Launcher App

With ATV Launcher, you can:

• Run apps via a customizable launcher on your smart TV, smartphone, or tablet.
• Give your boring home screen a makeover by changing tile colors, setting images, and uploading a new background.
• Change the wallpaper to your preferred artwork.
• Easily access your favorite apps by creating widgets, eliminating the need to scroll.
• Simplify the layout for quick and easy navigation.
• Hide apps that you may not use often but still wish to keep.

IMPORTANT: Some functionalities shown in this tutorial are only available with the ATV Launcher Pro version. TROYPOINT recommends downloading the free trial version first to see if it loads correctly on your Android TV box. Unfortunately, not every Android TV Box allows for third-party launchers.

Additionally, the apps mentioned below can be installed through the Aptoide App.

Aptoide and many other streaming and tech applications are included in the TROYPOINT Rapid App Installer. With this tool, you can easily install the best apps with just a click.

Below, you will find a screenshot guide on how to install and use the ATV Launcher.

How to Download the ATV Launcher App

In this example, I used the X96S Android TV Stick to navigate through the Android TV box. You can read more about this device in my previous post below:

X96S Android TV Stick – Firestick Replacement?

Step 1
On the Google Play Store, search for “ATV Launcher.”

This app is available for free download. In this case, I upgraded to the ATV Launcher Pro version.

Step 2
Click INSTALL.

Step 3
Click INSTALL again, then click OPEN when the installation is finished.

Step 4
The new launcher will begin to load.

Step 5
Navigate to Settings > More settings.

Step 6
Select Apps & notifications.

Step 7
Choose ATV Launcher.

Step 8
Set it as Home app. At times, this may register as a false positive. Therefore, you need to click it.

Step 9
Click on Home app.

Step 10
Select ATV Launcher.

Step 11
Click the Back button on your remote.

Step 12
Depending on the device you are using, you may not access the Home Settings screen to set the default home app. This is what happens on the NVIDIA Shield TV. After opening the ATV Launcher, I restart the shield. Then, I see the following prompt:

Step 13
After seeing this, ensure that the ATV Launcher is selected. Then, click the ALWAYS button at the bottom. This will establish the ATV Launcher as your default launcher.

NOTE: If the ATV Launcher locks or something doesn’t function correctly, unplug the power from your device. Let it sit for a few seconds, then plug it back in. Finally, turn it back ON to ensure everything is loaded correctly.

Step 14
Replace the background by launching ES File Explorer.

Note: ES File Explorer is no longer available in the Google Play Store. However, you can install this app using the TROYPOINT App with the Rapid App Installer.

Step 15
Click START NOW.

Step 16
Under Tools, click Download Manager.

Step 17
Click the + New icon.

Step 18
In the Path field, type the URL: “https://tryopoint.com/atvbg“. This links to the TROYPOINT background. However, feel free to choose any image you prefer for your background.

Step 19
Provide a name for your source. In the example, “bg” is used.

Step 20
Now, click on DOWNLOAD NOW.

Step 21
Once the download is finished, you can exit ES File Explorer. There’s no need to open the file or folder.

How to Add Widgets on the ATV Launcher

Step 1
Start by highlighting any shortcut on the home screen. Press and hold the OK button on your remote to access the Application Menu. This menu will allow you to customize various items within the launcher.

Step 2
Then, click on Launcher Settings.

Step 3
Now, click on Wallpaper.

Step 4
Next, click on Select Wallpaper.

Step 5
Then, click ALLOW.

Step 6
Now, navigate to the Internal Storage menu item.

Step 7
Select the Download folder at this stage.

Step 8
Now, select the background file.

Step 9
Finally, click the Home button on your remote. Your new background should appear.

should show up on your home screen. The screen has refreshed.

NOTE: For better resolution, the size of the background should be 1920 x 1090 px.

Step 10
At the top of the screen, there are three empty boxes. You can install various widgets in this area.

In this example, I will install the IPVanish widget.

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Step 11
Highlight the empty space in the top left-hand corner.

Step 12
Hold down the OK button on your remote. This will reveal the Widget Menu.

Step 13
Click Pick Widget.

Step 14
Select the IPVanish widget. This will be available after you download the app from the Google Play Store.

Step 15
Tick the box beside Always allow ATV Launcher to create widgets and access their data. Then, click CREATE.

Step 16
Now, the widget is added to the top section.

Step 17
Now, move over to the middle widget area. Hold down the OK

Pick Widget.

Step 18

Click another widget. In this example, I’ve selected CPU Monitor.

The widget is now added.

Step 19

Repeat the same process to add a third widget. In this example, I’ve selected WeatherBug.

Step 20 

WeatherBug will ask you to configure the settings.

Step 21

Click SELECT WIDGET BACKGROUND COLOR.

Step 22

Pick a color.

Step 23

The preview will show on the WIDGET PREVIEW bar.

Step 24
Select a location for your widget. For instance, I have already set up “Chicago, Illinois.”

Your widget has now been added.

How to Adjust Widget Sizes on ATV Launcher

Step 1
To make the sizes of the widgets uniform, highlight one widget.

Step 2
Press and hold the OK button on your remote. This will display the Widget Menu. From there, select Scale Content.

Step 3
Utilize the left and right arrows on your remote to adjust the widget size. Make it smaller using the left arrow and larger with the right arrow.

Step 4
When you’re finished, click the Escape or Back button to exit.

Step 5
Now, the widgets should have a similar size.

Step 6
Repeat this process for the remaining widget.

Step 7
If the scaling doesn’t match, click the Escape button. Then, hold down the OK button.

Step 8
Navigate to Launcher Settings > Sections > Widgets.

Step 9
In the Section: Widgets area, make adjustments to the height.

Step 10
Press the Escape button multiple times to return to the home screen.

Now, the widgets should display almost the same sizes.

How to Add More Widgets on ATV Launcher

Step 1
To add additional widgets, navigate to the Section: Widgets area. Here, you can add more rows and columns.

Step 2
You’ll observe that the size of the apps adjusts as you change the number of columns.

Step 3
You can also configure the title, orientation, and sorting of the apps.

Step 4
You can also hide

apps by clicking Hidden Apps. Then, select the apps that you want to hide from the screen.

How to Move Widgets to Another Row or Column on ATV Launcher

Step 1
Start by highlighting an app.

Step 2
Next, press the OK button. Then, select Move.

Step 3
Use the left and right arrow buttons on your remote. Move the app to your desired location.

Step 4
Finally, press the OK button.

How to Create a Folder on ATV Launcher

Step 1
To create a folder, highlight an app. Then, press the OK button on your remote and select Create Folder.

Step 2
Now, type in a folder name and click Apply.

Step 3
You will see the folder listed among the apps.

Step 4
Highlight any app, press and hold the OK button, then choose Move To Folder.

Step 5
Choose the folder you created.

Step 6
The app has now been moved into the folder.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Android TV Launcher?

Android TV Launchers allow users to customize the interface on their Android devices.

What is the Best Android Launcher?

The ATV Launcher is the best Android launcher. We provide installation and setup instructions for it in this guide.

Is ATV Launcher Free?

Absolutely! This app is free to use and install.

What is the Best Android Box?

Popular Android devices include NVIDIA, Chromecast with Google TV, and MECOOL among others.

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