Developer uses Claude Code to debloat Android smart TV for 'unbelievable' performance upgrade — TV now smoother than it was new as autonomous agent deactivates apps, shortens animations, all without root access

Mert Cobanov, a Senior AI Engineer at Refik Anadol Studio, has shared his experience of revitalizing an Android smart TV using Claude Code to achieve remarkable performance improvements. Cobanov, impressed with the results, shared his story on Twitter/X, detailing how he managed to make his TV run smoother than it had in four years, without requiring root access.

According to Cobanov, even new smart TVs often come with sluggish processors, limited RAM, and slow storage. Over time, app and Android TV updates can exacerbate performance issues. This led Cobanov to develop a method to debloat the TV, thereby enhancing its speed and responsiveness.

In a step-by-step guide available on his Clean up your Android TV website, Cobanov outlines the process of optimizing his TV using Claude Code, an autonomous agent connected to the TV via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). The guide involves deactivating unnecessary apps, replacing the launcher, and shortening animation durations. Impressively, this entire process is accomplished without needing root access, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Cobanov emphasizes that the method is reversible, as the agent maintains a list of disabled features, allowing users to easily restore any disabled apps if needed. His instructions are straightforward, ensuring that even users without extensive technical knowledge can follow along and potentially enjoy a more responsive and enjoyable TV viewing experience.