This step-by-step guide will show you how to install the Leanback Launcher on Firestick/Android and improve your interface.
The Leanback Launcher is a custom launcher developed by Tsynik that will change the default user interface that Amazon applies to their Fire TV devices.
After our recent Wolf Launcher tutorial, many have been asking for more articles on custom launchers.
Those familiar with custom launchers may have used the popular ATV Launcher in the past on their Android TV Boxes.
The Leanback Launcher is becoming a popular alternative to the default Fire TV interface for several reasons.
Many are unhappy with Amazon’s new Fire TV Interface that was released in late 2020 and using a custom launcher is a great way to adjust your interface without harming your device.
The Leanback Launcher displays your side-loaded apps, eliminates Amazon’s sponsored content, allows for more customization options, and more.
Using this launcher is one of the solutions highlighted in our Blocking Ads on Firestick guide.
This custom launcher works great on the Amazon Firestick, Fire TV, Fire TV Cube, and more.
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VERY IMPORTANT: If you wish to return to the original firestick interface you must enable the stock launcher first. DO NOT delete the app as it may result in a complete loss of User Interface.
If this occurs, your device will require a factory reset which you can perform by pressing the right-down button and back button simultaneously for 10 seconds or more:
Please refer to our “How to Uninstall Leanback Launcher“ directions further down this article if you wish to remove the Leanback Launcher.
The Amazon Firestick is the most popular streaming device available today because of its low price point and the ability to “jailbreak” it.
“Jailbreaking” your Firestick/Fire TV will allow for the installation of 3rd party software like custom launchers and make your customization options endless!
This launcher also works on Android devices like the NVIDIA Shield, MECOOL Box, Chromecast with Google TV, or other Android TV devices.
Important Note: In order to use the Leanback Launcher correctly, we must install two separate applications. This includes the Launcher Manager and Leanback Launcher apps.
The instructions below show how to install Leanback Launcher on both a Firestick Lite and Chromecast with Google TV.
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Table of Contents
How to Install Leanback Launcher on Firestick/Fire TV
The steps below show how to install and set up the Leanback Launcher using a Fire TV Stick Lite.
However, this same process should work on all Fire TV devices running Fire OS 6 or above. This includes the Firestick 4K, 2nd Gen Fire TV Cube, 3rd Gen Fire TV Stick, and the Fire TV Stick Lite.
In order to fully download the Leanback Launcher on your device, you must first install the “Launcher Manager” app. Follow the steps below.
Special thanks to TechDoctorUK for developing this excellent application.
Install Launcher Manager
1. Hover over Settings and click My Fire TV.
2. Click Developer options.
3. Make sure ADB debugging is turned ON.
4. Next install the Downloader app from your respective App Store (Amazon App Store or Google Play) and enable Unknown Sources within the settings of your streaming device.
If you haven’t done this yet please refer to the following screenshot tutorial for step-by-step instructions.
How to Install Downloader & Enable Unknown Sources
5. Launch Downloader
6. Click Allow
7. Click OK
8. Click the search box.
9. Enter the following URL – troypoint.com/launchmger and click Go.
10. Click Install.
11. Click Done.
12. Click Delete.
13. Click Delete again.
That’s it! You have installed the Launcher Manager app. Next, follow the instructions below to install the Leanback Launcher app.
Install Leanback Launcher App
1. Launch Downloader again and enter the following URL –troypoint.com/lbackfire and click Go.
2. Click Install.
3. Click Done.
4. Click Delete.
5. Click Delete again.
Now follow the steps below for setting up this custom launcher on your device.
How to Set up Leanback Launcher
1. Open the Launcher Manager app.
2. Select Launcher Options.
3. Choose Disable Stock Launcher.
4. Check the box and click OK.
5. Click the Home button on your remote and wait a few seconds for the Leanback Launcher to load.
6. Click Allow.
7. That’s it! You have successfully installed the Leanback Launcher on your Firestick/Fire TV.
Once the launcher is installed on your Firestick/Fire TV, scroll down on this page to see further customization options.
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Step 2 – From the home screen hover over Find.
For those of you using Android TV devices, you can easily install the IPVanish app directly through Google Play Store.
Step 3 – Scroll down and click Search.
Step 4 – Type in “Ipvanish” and click the first option.
Step 5 – Click the IPVanish VPN app.
Step 6 – Click Download.
Step 7 – Once the IPVanish app installs, click Open.
Step 8 – Enter your IPVanish account information and click Log In.
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Step 9 – Click Connect.
Step 10 – Click OK.
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Click the Home Button on your remote and the VPN will remain running in the background.
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How to Install Leanback Launcher on Chromecast with Google TV
For those using the Chromecast with Google TV or Android TV devices, follow the instructions below for installing the Leanback Launcher.
Popular devices running Android TV OS include the NVIDIA Shield, MECOOL Box, Dynalink, and more.
Install Launcher Manager – Chromecast with Google TV
1. Within your device Settings scroll down and choose System.
2. Click Developer options.
3. Make sure USB debugging is turned on.
4. Install the Downloader App on your device and launch it.
5. Enter the following URL – troypoint.com/launchmgertv and click Go.
- NOTE: If using an NVIDIA Shield or Android TV device use this URL instead – troypoint.com/launchmgershield
6. Click Install.
7. Click Done.
8. Click Delete.
9. Click Delete again.
Launcher Manager is installed on your Chromecast with Google TV! See below for installing the Leanback Launcher app.
Install Leanback Launcher App – Chromecast with Google TV
1. Launch Downloader again and enter the following URL –troypoint.com/lbackgtv and click Go.
- NOTE: If using an NVIDIA Shield or Android TV device this URL will also work.
2. Click Install.
3. Click Done.
4. Click Delete.
5. Click Delete again.
6. Return back to the home screen on your device and select the Launcher Manager app.
7. Click Disable Stock Launcher.
8. Check the box for allowing USB debugging and click Allow.
9. Click the home button then select Allow.
10. That’s it! You have installed the Leanback Launcher on a Chromecast with Google TV.
How to Uninstall Leanback Launcher
For those wanting to go back to the default interface on your device, uninstalling this custom launcher is a simple process outlined below.
1. Open the Launcher Manager app.
2. Select Launcher Options.
3. Choose Enable Stock Launcher. Then click the home button on your remote.
4. You have now returned back to the default interface.
Leanback Launcher Features & Details
After installing the Leanback Launcher on your device you will notice the endless customization options this launcher offers.
Some of the notable features include adding wallpaper, app display, and much more.
Add Wallpaper
Adding your own wallpaper is one of the best features of using custom launchers. Follow the guide below for adding wallpaper within the Leanback Launcher.
NOTE: You will need a file manager on your device for this process to work. We are using ES File Explorer in this example.
1. Launch the Downloader app and click Browser.
2. Enter the following URL – wallpapercave.com and click Go.
- We found wallpapercave.com to work well for downloading wallpaper images, but you can use other sites if you prefer.
3. Once on the website scroll down and choose any background image you prefer.
4. Click Download Wallpaper.
5. After the image installs click Done.
- Note: Make sure the image file ends with .jpg, .png, or .jpeg
6. Return back to the home screen and open ES File Explorer (or your preferred file manager).
7. Click Allow if this is your first time using the application.
8. On the left menu, click Local and choose the Internal Storage dropdown.
9. Locate and select the Downloader folder.
10. Find your wallpaper image and hold down the OK button on your remote to select it.
11. Hover down and click Copy.
12. Hover back to the left menu and click Internal Storage under Local.
13. Click down and select Paste. This will paste your image into a different folder on your device.
14. Notice your wallpaper image has successfully pasted.
15. Return back to your device home screen and select Launcher on the bottom menu.
16. Click Home Screen View.
17. Select Default Wallpaper.
18. Select Choose Wallpaper.
19. You should notice your wallpaper image file appear. Click that option.
20. That’s it! Return back to the home screen of the Leanback Launcher and your selected wallpaper should appear in the background.
Overall, the Leanback Launcher is one of the best custom launchers we have tested on the Firestick/Fire TV!
The customization options, smooth navigation, wallpaper, no sponsored content, and ease of use make this launcher great.
This launcher is also highlighted in our guide on How to Fix Grey App Icons on Firestick/Fire TV.
For more popular Firestick/Fire TV tutorials, we suggest viewing the guides below.
- How to Install Sideload Launcher APK
- How to Update Firestick to Latest Software
- Firestick Setup Guide (2021)
- Best Firestick Apps
If you are not a fan of the default Fire TV interface, try installing the Leanback Launcher on your Firestick/Fire TV today!
For troubleshooting tips and more information on this custom launcher, please refer to the Developer’s Website.
Leanback Launcher FAQ
What is the Leanback Launcher?
The Leanback Launcher is a custom launcher that will change the default interface of your streaming device.
What devices can Leanback Launcher be installed on?
The Leanback Launcher can be installed on the Amazon Firestick, Fire TV, Chromecast with Google TV, NVIDIA Shield, and any device that runs Android OS.
Is installing a Custom Launcher Safe?
Yes. Installing a custom launcher is safe and will not harm your device.
Is installing a Custom Launcher Legal?
Yes. Installing a custom launcher is 100% legal. However, a VPN is recommended since customer launchers are created by 3rd party developers.
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