Users modify TVs with AI assistant

Users on Reddit have shared how they used Claude Code, an AI assistant from Anthropic, to remove ads and unwanted software from their smart TVs. One user, Ryan Doyle, sent the product sheet of his Samsung TV to Claude Code and asked if it could "hack" the device. The AI then removed ads, improved the TV's menu performance, and customized the screensaver.

Customization examples shared

Another user, Gathin T., used Claude Code to modify his parents' Xiaomi TV, which had an ad before opening Netflix. After providing the model number, the AI identified the TV on the Wi-Fi network, removed 25 Xiaomi packages, and created a new launcher that resembled Apple TV. Gathin shared his experience online, and the method was later turned into an open-source project called cleanyourtv, which has over 21,000 stars on GitHub.

Mixed reactions and skepticism

On the subreddit r/ClaudeAI, users have posted many examples of TVs from brands like TCL, Sony, Hisense, and Xiaomi having their ads removed. Some users were skeptical, with one claiming to have seen similar posts 20 times and suspecting a scam. Others responded with humor, including one user who joked about hacking his microwave to show ads and promised to release the code if there was enough demand.

Advanced modifications and security risks

One user, 0xVic, found that his Samsung TV ran on Tizen, a restricted system. Despite this, Claude Code created a local web page that controlled the smartphone camera and captured screenshots every four seconds. After an 11-hour session, 0xVic obtained an Apple TV-like home screen and removed the Samsung advertising ID. During the process, Claude Code also executed some rickrolls on itself.

Step-by-step process for Android TVs

A method for cleaning Android TVs using Claude Code has been shared, targeting devices like TCL, Sony, Philips, Xiaomi, Hisense, Thomson, and the Freebox Player POP. The process involves enabling developer options on the TV, connecting to the same Wi-Fi network, and using the PROMPT.md file from the cleanyourtv project. Users are asked to specify the TV model and answer a questionnaire about applications to keep, voice assistant preferences, and other settings. The process usually takes about 15 minutes and does not uninstall any applications, with a script restoring the original state if needed.

Challenges with Amazon Fire TV and other brands

A separate project called dumbtv has been developed for Amazon Fire TV devices, which removes around 60 packages, including automatic content recognition features. However, Samsung and LG TVs present challenges. On Samsung devices, the process involves undocumented settings, and on LG TVs, rooting is required. Some users have reported failures, with one claiming to have rendered their TV unusable. Disabling the original home screen can remove the Home button functionality on the remote, and some modifications may prevent updates, potentially affecting security patches. After the cleanup, users are advised to disable debugging features to prevent potential vulnerabilities in the home network.