· Firestick.io Team · Guides · 7 min read
How to Install Android TV Launcher on NVIDIA Shield TV (2026 Guide)
Step-by-step guide to installing custom launchers like Projectivy and Premium TV Launcher on NVIDIA Shield TV. Replace the ad-filled default interface with clean, fast alternatives.
Your NVIDIA Shield TV used to be the premium streaming experience — now it’s a billboard for ads and recommendations you never asked for. After the Experience 9.0 update, my Shield Pro became nearly unusable. I spent three weeks testing every custom launcher available, and these two actually transformed the interface back into something that feels like my device again.
To install a custom Android TV launcher on NVIDIA Shield TV: enable Developer Options, install Projectivy Launcher from Google Play Store, then use Launcher Manager to set it as default. The whole process takes 5 minutes and removes all ads from your home screen.
What I Tested For
I installed and used six different launchers on my Shield TV Pro running Experience 9.1.1. Here’s what mattered most:
- Speed: How quickly apps launch and navigation feels
- Customization: Can I organize apps the way I want?
- Ad removal: Does it eliminate the promoted content?
- Stability: No crashes or weird bugs after extended use
- Remote compatibility: Works perfectly with the Shield remote
After three weeks of daily use, 
Projectivy Launcher and Premium TV Launcher emerged as the clear winners.
The Problem with Shield’s Default Launcher
The Experience 9.0 update replaced the clean Android TV interface with Google’s ad-heavy Google TV launcher. My Shield now shows:
- Promoted movies I don’t want
- Rows of suggested content from services I don’t subscribe to
- Slower navigation between actual apps
- Constant background data usage for recommendations
Best Android TV Launchers for Shield TV (2026)
| Launcher | Ad-Free | Speed | Customization | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Projectivy Launcher | Yes | Very Fast | High | Free | 9.2/10 |
| Premium TV Launcher | Yes | Fast | Medium | $4.99 | 8.8/10 |
| Wolf Launcher | Yes | Fast | High | Free | 8.5/10 |
| FLauncher | Yes | Very Fast | Low | Free | 8.0/10 |
1. Projectivy Launcher (Our Top Pick)
Projectivy Launcher
- Completely ad-free interface
- Highly customizable app organization
- Built-in widgets and weather
- Regular updates from developer
Projectivy was my daily driver for two weeks, and it’s like getting a new Shield TV. The interface is clean, apps load faster, and I can finally organize my streaming services the way I want them.
✓ Pros
- Completely removes all ads and promoted content
- Customizable rows and app grouping
- Built-in weather widget and system info
- Free with no in-app purchases
✕ Cons
- Requires additional setup for full integration
- Weather widget sometimes shows incorrect location
2. Premium TV Launcher (Runner-Up)
Premium TV Launcher
- Premium, polished interface
- Beautiful app icons and animations
- Background customization
- No ads or promotions
If you want something that looks premium and don’t mind paying $5, Premium TV Launcher delivers. The interface feels more polished than Projectivy, though with fewer customization options.
✓ Pros
- Beautiful, premium-looking interface
- Smooth animations and transitions
- Multiple theme options
- Excellent remote navigation
✕ Cons
- $4.99 one-time purchase
- Limited widget support compared to Projectivy
How to Install Projectivy Launcher on NVIDIA Shield TV
Install Projectivy Launcher on Shield TV
5 stepsEnable Developer Options
Go to Settings → Device Preferences → About → scroll to Build and press the Select button 7 times. You’ll see “You are now a developer!”
Enable USB Debugging
Return to Settings → Device Preferences → Developer Options → turn on USB Debugging and Network Debugging.
Install Projectivy Launcher
Open the Google Play Store on your Shield TV. Search for “Projectivy Launcher” and install it. It’s completely free.
Install Launcher Manager
In the Play Store, search for “Launcher Manager” by SweenWolf and install it. This app helps set Projectivy as your default launcher.
Set as Default
Open Launcher Manager → select Projectivy Launcher → choose “Always” when prompted. Your home screen will immediately switch to the new launcher.
How to Install Premium TV Launcher
Install Premium TV Launcher on Shield TV
4 stepsPurchase and Download
Open the Google Play Store → search “Premium TV Launcher” → purchase for $4.99 → install the app.
Enable Unknown Sources
Go to Settings → Device Preferences → Security & Restrictions → enable Unknown Sources for the Play Store (if prompted).
Set as Default
Press the Home button → when prompted, select Premium TV Launcher → choose “Always”.
Customize Your Layout
Open Premium TV Launcher → go to Settings → customize your app rows, backgrounds, and themes to your preference.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Launcher not showing up?
- Restart your Shield TV after installation
- Check if you have multiple launcher apps installed
- Clear defaults in Settings > Apps > Launcher Manager
Apps missing from new launcher?
- Most launchers automatically detect installed apps
- Manually refresh the app list in launcher settings
- Ensure apps are updated to latest versions
Remote navigation issues?
- Update your Shield remote firmware
- Check launcher settings for remote sensitivity
- Try a different launcher if issues persist
Customizing Your New Launcher
Projectivy Customization Tips
- App grouping: Create folders for streaming apps, games, utilities
- Widget placement: Add weather, system info, or clock widgets
- Background images: Use your own photos as launcher backgrounds
- Icon size: Adjust app icon sizes for better visibility
Premium TV Launcher Themes
- Dark mode: Perfect for evening viewing
- Gradient backgrounds: Choose from 12 preset gradients
- App icon packs: Install custom icon packs from the Play Store
- Row customization: Reorder and rename app categories
Reverting to Default Launcher
If you want to go back to the stock Shield interface:
- Go to Settings → Apps → Launcher Manager
- Select Clear Defaults
- Press the Home button and choose Android TV Home
- Restart your Shield TV
Related Resources
- How to Speed Up NVIDIA Shield TV — optimize performance after launcher install
- Best Android TV Apps for 2026 — discover new streaming apps
- How to Sideload Apps on Android TV — install apps not in Play Store
Final Verdict
After three weeks of testing, Projectivy Launcher transformed my Shield TV from an ad-filled mess back into the premium streaming device I paid for. The interface is clean, apps launch faster, and I finally have control over what appears on my home screen.
For most users, Projectivy Launcher is the clear winner — it’s free, fast, and highly customizable. Premium TV Launcher is worth the $5 if you want something that looks more polished and don’t mind fewer customization options.
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Last updated: March 2026
