topic Re: Totally Disable and Remove Google from my Bravia TV in Android TV

Totally Disable and Remove Google from my Bravia TV

Privacy-NotControl — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 00:31:01 GMT

How can I TOTALLY remove Google from my Sony Bravia Ultra HD 4K smart TV? (XBR-55X81XCH)

No one told me when I bought the TV that Google was permanently installed in this TV and I could not set the TV up unless I activated a Google account in order to use the TV. The package does not indicate that this can not be used without Google. As the owner of this product I was not informed. I am very upset about it. Google also has a listening device called Google assist that can not be turned off even when the power is switched off. I tested it and it is running in the background. Its the evil version of Alexa. At least with Alexa you know what you have. But Google assist is listening to you when you think the tv is off... F- No- thank you! I need this app gone! Not disabled, GONE. Does anyone know how to do this?

Re: Totally Disable and Remove Google from my Bravia TV

MrLawson — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 06:48:08 GMT

Knowing this now, through your post on the subject, will prevent me buying a Sony Bravia TV in the future. Can you please update your post if you do find a way to get rid of it?

Betreff: Totally Disable and Remove Google from my Bravia TV

IamNic — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 09:39:31 GMT

Hello @Privacy-NotControl,

you can switch to the "apps only" mode:

https://support.google.com/googletv/answer/10070784?hl=en

That also deactivates Google Assistant.

- Nic

Re: Totally Disable and Remove Google from my Bravia TV

KyaMarley75 — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 00:22:58 GMT

100% Agree With You. My KD-X55XH8196 Was Andriod OS Absolutely Fantasic, Since The Screen Got Damaged Insurance Replaced With KD-55X81J Which Is Google Proper Hate It If A Knew Then What I Know Now Wouldn't Of Accepted It. XH81 No Problems At All Worked Flawlessly But This Google Tele Removes My Sideladed Apps & The Pre Installed Apps If I Cant Uninstall I Disabled Only For Them To Reappear. Bugs My Life... Am Even Debating To Create A New Gmail Account Just For The Tele Or Lookin For A Tv Launcher Which Wil Force Stop And Permanently Disable Google Apps. I've Got 1 On My Firestick Great Stuff, Looking Into Adding It On The Teley, The Amount Of Factory Resets Is No Ones Business Lol But Since Having Tele 3months 5 Factory Resets. Wouldn't But The X81J

Re: Totally Disable and Remove Google from my Bravia TV

got2avekayanow — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 12:17:48 GMT

Yeah, I'm with you all the way, bought a TV which I understood had google on it but didn't understand I had to use a google account to use it (I think you can use it without google but to get all advertised functionality you need google [though I am still learning about it so maybe there's hope]). Also has a youview epg but have reverted to the sony epg.

I have all the apps I need on my phone and PC, in fact many more than I need. I just want a telly with all digital channels, a fast epg and the ability to record. I understand it's a different time with coonectivity galore but to me it's an invasion, they've now taken over the living room. It used to be optional but now they're in virtually everything and privacy is a thing of the past

Re: Totally Disable and Remove Google from my Bravia TV

Anonymous — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 15:59:38 GMT

I'd recommend doing a factory reset and in the setup process, skip the Google account setup.

That basically will make the TV a normal one without Android

Re: Totally Disable and Remove Google from my Bravia TV

danhrainey — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 18:28:17 GMT

The Factory reset does not help long term either. It will eventually come back to the GTV menu. usually when you try to add a Steaming device or Soundbar via HDMI

Sony FBAR' d the BRAVIA which was a GREAT product, unit they added GTV. They should have left it Android only.

Re: Totally Disable and Remove Google from my Bravia TV

Kimobring — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 15:01:04 GMT

I totally agree.

Re: Totally Disable and Remove Google from my Bravia TV

Kimobring — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 15:02:26 GMT

TV picture quality and sound is good. Sadly, Google spoils this. You can set up the tv without a Google account, but lots of apps won't work as a result and you won't be able to cast. However, once Google is enabled it doesn't power the tv in the background, it dominates the tv. If you disable it, you lose certain functions. I set the tv to open on the last viewed channel when powering on, not Google home page...but guess what? Sometimes when powering on I have to go through all the Google policy pages and agree or disagree. Google certainly spoils a really good Sony Bravia tv.
Also, you won't be able to watch ITVX on the Sony BRAVIA KD-43X75WL, it doesn't support it. You will have to cast ITVX from your smart phone, and guess what? Yes, you will require Google to be enabled to do it.
Overall, it's not worth the money and I would advise anyone to avoid it. Just find a stand alone Sony Bravia tv without Google or another brand.

Re: Totally Disable and Remove Google from my Bravia TV

AnneTV — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 11:32:24 GMT

Just as a matter of interest, how did you reinstall the Sony starter page (I take it that is like the Sony homepage with a few apps on it?). I have a new Sony and tried going on Google but it threw me off and I also have such a long google email address that it is impossible to enter it with the tv keyboard. I have now got you view as my first page when I put the telly on and I use Sky+box for a lot of viewing and recording.

Re: Totally Disable and Remove Google from my Bravia TV

Anonymous — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 10:50:15 GMT

Hi @AnneTV

What TV model do you have now ?

And did you try to set up your Gmail account on the TV using your mobile phone for example if your Google account is registered on it?

Re: Totally Disable and Remove Google from my Bravia TV

cars0nz97screw — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 19:15:07 GMT

Do a Factory Reset through the Settings>System>About>Reset>Factory Data Reset

Hit Erase Everything>Yes

Once the TV has been factory reset you will select your Language>Country or Region

It gives you two options to choose from, set up Google TV or Set up basic TV, Select Basic TV

Select your Wi-Fi Network, Enter PW for Wi-Fi

It will ask you to accept Google Terms of Service, Go ahead and select Accept (does not mean you will set up Google)

I unselect "Use Location" and "Help improve Google TV" then click Accept button at the top

Scroll down to the bottom of the Bravia Privacy Policy and Agree to all> Agree and proceed

Voice Recognition, select Next

Select all the ways you receive channels (Cable/satellite box AND OR Cable/Antenna) or Skip

Select the devices you would like to set up with your TV, Gives you options of AV Receivers, PlayStation, Projectors etc. etc. Must be connected and powered on, otherwise select "Connect Later"

Specify how your TV is positioned, Table-Top Stand or Wall Mount

Acoustic auto calibration, Next or Skip, your choice

Complete your TV Registration, Register using Google Account OR With other email, you can skip this step as well.

If you chose to register email address, you have a choice to choose to agree to receive marketing emails and send app usage data, you do not have to select them if you do not want to. Click "Proceed and Register TV

Apple Airplay and HomeKit, Click "Next"

Checking for updates

Samba Interactive TV gives you options to select, "Samba Interactive TV, Ad Personalization, Analytics and Measurement, Third Party Licensing" You do not have to choose any. Click "Save & Exit"

Accessibility features, Click "OK"

Setup Complete! Click "Done"

This will give you the standard Sony Apps, I.E. YouTube, Disney+, Netflix and Prime Video, nothing else.

Re: Totally Disable and Remove Google from my Bravia TV

KyaMarley75 — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 01:17:57 GMT

Thankyou.