This comprehensive guide will provide step-by-step instructions for installing and customizing the Leanback Launcher on your Firestick, Fire TV, or Android TV device. Read on to completely transform the interface!
The Leanback Launcher, created by developer Tsynik, is a powerful Android launcher app that replaces the default Fire OS interface. If you‘re unhappy with the stock launcher on your Firestick or Fire TV, Leanback Launcher is the perfect solution.
Since my recent Wolf Launcher installation guide, many of you have been asking for more tutorials on Fire TV launchers. The ability to customize the stock interface is a top reason tech-savvy users jailbreak their devices.
For those who have used Sideload Launcher and ATV Launcher in the past, Leanback Launcher is a modern, feature-packed alternative worth checking out. Removing ads, accessing hidden menus, and personalizing your device are just a few benefits.
Installing Leanback Launcher is also one fix for the annoying grey app icons that sometimes appear on the Firestick home screen. It‘s one of the top solutions mentioned in my guide on resolving grey Firestick icons.
The Leanback Launcher works great on the Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Cube, and all other Firestick models with Fire OS 6 or above. It‘s also fully compatible with the NVIDIA Shield, Chromecast with Google TV, Xiaomi Mi Box, and most other Android TV devices.
First Steps – Jailbreak Your Firestick
Before installing any third-party apps like Leanback Launcher, you‘ll want to jailbreak your Firestick or Fire TV. This unlock the full customization abilities of your device.
Follow the step-by-step walkthrough in my Firestick jailbreak tutorial below:
[Embedded YouTube video for jailbreaking Firestick]Now that your device is jailbroken, we can install Leanback Launcher…
How to Install Leanback Launcher on Firestick and Fire TV
These instructions demonstrate installing Leanback Launcher on a Fire TV Stick Lite, but will work for any Firestick, Fire TV, or Fire TV Cube model running Fire OS 6 or higher.
Install Launcher Manager – Required for Fire OS
You‘ll first need to install the "Launcher Manager" companion app developed by TechDoctorUK. This allows you to easily switch between launchers on Fire OS.
- Navigate to Settings > My Fire TV
- Click Developer Options
- Confirm ADB Debugging is enabled
- Install the Downloader app if you don‘t have it, and enable Unknown Sources in its settings
- Launch the Downloader app
- Enter hobsoft.com/launchmger in the URL box and click Go
- Select Install on the Launcher Manager download screen
- Click Done once the install finishes
- Choose Delete when prompted
- Click Delete again to confirm the delete
Great, now Launcher Manager is installed and ready to use!
Install the Leanback Launcher APK
- Reopen the Downloader app and enter hobsoft.com/lbackfire
- Click Install on the Leanback Launcher download screen
- Select Done after the install completes
- Choose Delete when prompted
- Click Delete again to confirm
Next I‘ll show you how to configure Leanback Launcher as the default…
Set Up Leanback Launcher as Default
- Launch the Launcher Manager app
- Select Launcher Options
- Choose Disable Stock Launcher
- Check the box and click OK to confirm
- Press the Home button on your remote and wait a few seconds for Leanback Launcher to load
- Click Allow when prompted
There we go, Leanback Launcher is now set as the default on your Fire TV! Read on for instructions on an Android TV box.
Installing Leanback Launcher on Android TV Devices
Here are the steps to install Leanback Launcher on an NVIDIA Shield, Chromecast with Google TV, Xiaomi Mi Box, and other Android TV devices:
Install Launcher Manager on Android TV
- Go to Settings > System > Developer Options
- Make sure USB debugging is enabled
- Install the Downloader app if you don‘t have it already
- Open Downloader and enter hobsoft.com/launchmgertv
- Click Install on the Launcher Manager download screen
- Select Done once the install finishes
- Choose Delete when prompted
- Confirm the delete
Install Leanback Launcher APK on Android TV
- Reopen the Downloader app and enter hobsoft.com/lbackgtv
- Click Install on the Leanback Launcher download
- Select Done once the install completes
- Choose Delete when prompted
- Confirm the delete
Set Leanback Launcher as Default
- Open the Launcher Manager app
- Select Disable Stock Launcher
- Check the box to enable USB debugging
- Click Allow on the ADB permission popup
- Press Home and click Allow to make Leanback Launcher default
Great work! Leanback Launcher is now ready to use on your Android TV device. Read on for customization options.
Customizing Leanback Launcher‘s Interface
One of the best things about Leanback Launcher is the endless customization options for tailoring the interface to your liking. Here are some of the most popular ways to personalize it:
Change Wallpaper
Adding your own custom wallpaper background is easy with a file manager app like ES File Explorer:
- Download any .jpg or .png wallpaper image using the Downloader app
- Use ES File Explorer to copy the downloaded wallpaper, then paste it into your device‘s Internal Storage
- Open Leanback Launcher‘s settings and select Home Screen View
- Choose Default Wallpaper > Select Wallpaper
- Pick the wallpaper file you pasted into Internal Storage earlier
Add Widgets
Handy widgets like a clock, weather information, calendar, or Google News feed can be added through Leanback Launcher‘s settings. Just enable the widgets you want shown on your home screen.
Customize the App Drawer
You can sort apps alphabetically or by frequency of use. Switch between list view or grid view for the app drawer. Even adjust the scrolling animation speed.
Configure Multiple Home Screens
Add extra home screen panels and customize each one individually. Change the transition effects and styles when swiping between home screens.
Other Personalization Options:
- Icon packs – change the default icons for all your apps
- Custom fonts – change the font style for the entire interface
- Hide apps – remove apps from your drawer without uninstalling
- Favorite apps dock – keep chosen apps easily accessible in the bottom dock
- And tons more customization settings!
Comparing Leanback Launcher to Other Popular Firestick Launchers
So how does Leanback Launcher stack up against alternatives like Wolf Launcher, Sideload Launcher, and ATV Launcher?
Wolf Launcher
Wolf Launcher offers more flexibility in how the home screen panels are organized, while Leanback simplifies widgets into a ribbon bar. Leanback looks a bit more refined and has nicer transition animations.
Sideload Launcher
Sideload Launcher is no longer in active development. Leanback Launcher improves upon it in almost every way – more features, better performance, and a more modern UI.
ATV Launcher
ATV Launcher was the original 3rd-party Fire TV launcher, first released in 2015. But it hasn‘t been updated since 2017. Leanback Launcher surpasses it in customization, stability, and overall design.
| Launcher | Home Screens | Widgets | Custom Icons | Active Development |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leanback | Multiple | Basic | Yes | Yes |
| Wolf | Very Flexible | Advanced | Yes | Yes |
| Sideload | Single | Advanced | Yes | No |
Leanback Launcher Performance and Stability
During my testing, Leanback Launcher has proven extremely quick and responsive. App launches happen rapidly, and navigating between menus and widgets feels snappy. The interface animations are smooth, without any lag or stuttering.
In terms of stability, Leanback Launcher has been rock-solid in my experience – no random crashes or force closes. The only minor bug I encountered was occasional overlapping elements, but quickly restarting the launcher app fixes it.
According to its GitHub page, Leanback Launcher has amassed over 100,000 downloads. User reviews highlight the great performance and relative lack of bugs compared to alternatives. Reddit and XDA forums also echo this positive feedback.
The Pros and Cons of Leanback Launcher
Based on my testing, here is a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Extensive customization options
- Blazing fast performance
- Sleek, polished UI design
- Very stable with minimal bugs
- Actively maintained and developed
Cons:
- Limited built-in widget selection
- No option to hide apps within Leanback settings – requires 3rd party tool
- Occasional minor visual glitches
Overall, the pros seem to heavily outweigh the cons for most users. But the few limitations are worth factoring into your decision.
Troubleshooting Common Leanback Launcher Issues
Here are some frequent issues users report with Leanback Launcher and potential fixes:
| Problem | Solution |
| Missing apps | Enable App Drawer in Leanback Launcher settings |
| Apps not auto-updating | Disable auto-update in the Google Play Store |
| Chromecast not working | Enable Play Services in Leanback settings |
| Overlapping elements | Restart the Leanback Launcher |
| Crashes on launch | Clear cache and data for Leanback Launcher app |
I recommend reviewing the Leanback Launcher GitHub repository for the latest bug fixes and feature updates.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, Leanback Launcher delivers on its promise. It‘s become my launcher of choice across all my Fire TV and Android TV streaming devices.
Compared to the stock Fire TV interface, Leanback Launcher is faster, smoother, and much more customizable. It truly modernizes the entire user experience.
If you‘re willing to jailbreak your Firestick, Fire TV, or Android TV device, I highly suggest giving Leanback Launcher a try. The sheer amount of customization for the home screen, menus, widgets, and layout is game-changing.
For more Fire TV tips, be sure to check out my tutorials on:
- Installing Wolf Launcher
- Updating your Firestick
- Sideloading apps on Firestick
- New Firestick setup and jailbreak
Have you installed Leanback Launcher on your streaming device? Let me know your experience in the comments below!
