Why do users want to get rid of PatchWall and can it be done officially?
Xiaomi’s PatchWall has become a trademark of the brand’s smart TVs, but not everyone is happy with it, with the main complaints being intrusive advertising, excessive content recommendations, slowing down the interface and limited customization, especially for Mi TV 4S, Redmi Smart TV X and Mi TV Q1 models, where PatchWall is integrated at the firmware level.
There are no official ways to completely remove PatchWall – Xiaomi does not provide such an option in the settings. However, there are workarounds: from partial disabling of advertising to a complete replacement of the launcher through ADB or firmware alternative software. It is important to understand that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which can lead to a loss of warranty or unstable TV operation.
In this article, we will look at all the current methods, from the simplest (hiding interface elements) to radical (installing a custom launcher), and also analyze which Xiaomi TV models support these or those methods, and what risks they carry.
Method 1: Disabling Advertising and Recommendations in PatchWall Settings
If your goal is to get rid of intrusive banners and content offerings rather than removing the shell itself, this method is the safest.It requires no technical skills and works on all Xiaomi TV models with PatchWall (including the Mi TV 5 Pro and Redmi Smart TV A Series).
Instructions:
- 📺 Go to Settings. → Accounts and security → Advertising.
- 🔄 Turn off sliders opposite the items: Personalized advertising (disables targeted banners) Content recommendations (remove lines with movies / series on the home screen) Notifications from partners (stops pop-ups)
- 🔍 For Android models TV 10+ (Like Mi. TV Q2 2023 - Go to Settings additionally → Annexes → PatchWall → Storage and click Clear Cache.
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ PatchWall does not remove the shell itself – only its advertising elements.
- ❌ On some firmware, ad settings may be reset after an update.
- ❌ Does not work for built-in banners in the menu (for example, in the "For You" section").
💡
If the interface is still slowing down after disabling the ad, try limiting background PatchWall activity: Settings → Applications → PatchWall → Battery → Limit background activity.
Method 2: Install an alternative launcher via ADB (without root)
This method allows you to replace PatchWall with a third-party launcher (for example, ATV Launcher or HalLauncher) without obtaining root rights.Suitable for most models of Xiaomi TV based on Android TV 9.0+, but requires connecting the TV to a PC and using ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
Step-by-step:
- Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About TV. Press 7 times on Build Number until the notification "You're a developer" appears. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
Connect the TV to the PC
USB 3.0
Install. ADB-driver
Platform Tools
Execute commands in the terminal
cmd
Terminal
adb devices
adb shell pm hide com.mitv.tvhomeIf the first command doesn’t show the device, try reconnecting the cable or using the adb tcpip 5555 command (to connect over Wi-Fi).
Install an alternative launcher
- Download. APK-launcher file (e.g., HalLauncher).
- Transfer the file to your TV via adb push launcher.apk /sdcard/.
- Install it through any file manager (e.g. FX File Explorer).
- Launch the launcher and select it as the default launcher.
Download Platform Tools from Google’s official website
Enable debugging over USB on the TV
Connect TV to PC with original cable
Check the visibility of the device by the team `adb devices`
Download APK launcher-->
Possible problems and solutions:
- 🔌 ADB Can't see TV: Try another one. USB-port or cable, disable brandwalls on PC.
- 🔄 Launcher resets after reboot: execute adb shell pm grant com.your.launcher command android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS (Replace com.your.launcher with your launcher package).
- ⚠️ Black screen after the launcher change: connect to the ADB and execute adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mitv.tvhome, then reboot the TV.
What to do if ADB issues a “no devices/emulators found” error
Method 3: Completely remove PatchWall via root (for power users)
This method involves rooting and deleting PatchWall system files, which gives you maximum control over your TV, but carries risks:
- Loss of warranty.
- Possible "brick" (turning TV into a "brick") with an error.
- Unstable operation of some functions (such as remote control or embedded applications).
Supported models (user-verified):
| Model TV set | Android version | Support for root | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4S 55" | 9.0 | ✅ Yes. | You need to unlock the bootloader through fastboot. |
| Redmi Smart TV X50 | 10.0 | ✅ Yes. | Root is possible via Magisk, but can break DRM (Netflix won't work in HD). |
| Mi TV Q1 75" | 11.0 | ⚠️ Partially. | Removing PatchWall results in loss of brightness control through the remote. |
| Mi TV P1 65" | 10.0 | ✅ Yes. | After root, it is recommended to roll back the firmware to an older version. |
Step-by-step:
- Unlock the bootloader: Connect the TV to your PC in fastboot mode (press Menu + Vol- when turned on). Follow the command: fastboot oem unlock On the TV, confirm unlock (you may need a code from Xiaomi, which is issued every 30 days).
- Install Magisk: Download the latest version of Magisk. Sweat through fastboot: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
Remove PatchWall
- Connect to ADB and execute: adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system rm -rf /system/priv-app/TVHome rm -rf /system/app/TVHome rm -rf /data/data/com.mitv.tvhome reboot
- Install an alternative launcher (like a Leanback Launcher or Wolf Launcher).
💡
After removing PatchWall, some remote functions (such as the Home button or volume control) may not work properly. Recovery requires editing keylayout files to /system/usr/keylayout/.
⚠️ Attention: On Android models TV 11+ (Mi TV Q2, Mi TV A2) Removal of PatchWall may result in loss DRM-Keys (Netflix, Disney)+ Other services will only work in SD-Before the procedure, back up the drm section through TWRP.
Method 4: Use of third-party firmware (LineageOS, ATV)
For the most advanced users, it is possible to flash custom firmware that completely removes PatchWall and other proprietary Xiaomi components.This method is suitable for Android TV models and requires:
- Unlocked bootloader.
- Experience with fastboot and TWRP.
- Preparedness for possible loss of functionality (for example, remote or built-in Chromecast).
Supported firmware:
- 📱 LineageOS for TV — pure Android without unnecessary add-ons.
- 🖥️ ATV (Android TV) Custom ROM — optimized for televisions.
- 🔧 OpenGApps – for installing Google services (if they are not in firmware).
Where to download and how to download:
- Find firmware for your model in the forums: XDA Developers (Section Xiaomi TV). 4PDA (Special Model Themes).
TWRP
Mi TV 4S
version
fastboot
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot boot twrp.imgI will!
GApps
Clear the cache and restart.
The pros and cons of custom firmware:
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| ✅ Complete removal of PatchWall and advertising. | ❌ Possible instability (hangs, overheating). |
| ✅ Security Updates from the Community. | ❌ Loss of some functions (e.g., control over Mi Home). |
| ✅ Ability to fine-tune the interface. | ❌ Difficulty rolling back to stock firmware. |
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with an Amlogic processor (e.g. Mi) TV 4A) custom software firmware can lead to loss of hardware acceleration of video (the picture will "brake"). Before firmware check user reviews with your model.
Method 5: Reset to factory settings (if PatchWall is "sleeze")
Sometimes PatchWall gets incorrect: it reboots constantly, doesn't open apps, or shows bugs, and in these cases, hard reset helps, which doesn't remove PatchWall, but it returns it to a "clean" state.
How to reset:
- Go to Settings → Additional → Reset and Recovery → Reset to factory settings.
- Choose Delete all data (including apps and accounts).
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).
⚠️ On some models, the Mi TV Q1/Q2) PatchWall recovery could lead to data loss in applications.