Have you noticed that one or more of your apps have disappeared from your Android TV or Google TV device? This is a common issue that has been occurring more frequently to those of us who use these boxes on a regular basis.
Luckily there are a couple of methods we provide below that will eliminate this problem and we include both a video guide as well as a screenshot guide to fix this.
We were first notified of the error on the TROYPOINT Insider as multiple members have pointed it out in discussion topics. The TROYPOINT Insider is a fabulous resource for cord-cutters to learn about the latest trends, discuss apps/services, and get streaming questions answered!
Many have found that if they have expanded storage via USB drive on Andriod TV/Google TV, apps disappear without warning or cause. This typically occurs after a device reset or reboot.
Our guide below will show you how to get these apps back. We strongly suggest watching the video guide that covers important details that are not found in the screenshot guide.
In this tutorial, we are using the onn. 4K Google TV Box but this method will also work for other Android/Google Boxes including NVIDIA SHIELD, Chromecast with Google TV, BuzzTV, and the all new onn. 4K Pro.
Apps Disappearing on Android TV/Google TV Video Guide
Surfshark VPN with Major Discount
Micro USB OTG Cable for onn. 4K Google TV
Hide Your Digital Fingerprint
USB C OTG Cable for Chromecast with Google TV
Screenshot Guide
The first thing we should do is check and make sure that Play Protect has been disabled. Google Play Protect is a safety measure for Android devices that automatically scans and removes apps that have been sideloaded that it may consider harmful.
Disabling Play Protect is a simple process which we outline in our guide below.
How to Disable Play Protect on Android TV/Google TV
If you still find that your apps have disappeared, we can continue on to the next steps that will focus on USB Settings.
The main issue appears to be that when USB Debugging is enabled and you restart the device, apps appear to be missing from the device entirely. We can avoid this by turning USB Debugging OFF within Settings.
1. From the home screen, open Settings.
2. Click System.
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3. Choose Developer Options.
4. If USB Debugging is enabled, click the toggle to disable it.
5. USB Debugging is now disabled.
6. IMPORTANT: We can now restart the device but we have noticed that doing so within Settings does not always work properly. We must unplug the power cord and plug it back in for these updates to take.
7. Your apps will once again display properly in your apps list and are available for use.
8. We strongly suggest moving any apps that you use frequently to internal storage which you can do within App Settings.
Those interested in expanding storage on their device can check out our helpful guides below.
- Expand Internal Storage on Chromecast with Google TV Video Guide
- How to Expand Internal Storage on Firestick/Fire TV Cube
Have you had run into issues before with apps disappearing on your media device? Let us know if this guide helped to fix your issue by commenting in the comment section below!
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