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How can I TOTALLY remove Google from my Sony Bravia Ultra HD 4K smart TV? (XBR-55X81XCH)
No one told me when I bought the TV that Google was permanently installed in this TV and I could not set the TV up unless I activated a Google account in order to use the TV. The package does not indicate that this can not be used without Google. As the owner of this product I was not informed. I am very upset about it. Google also has a listening device called Google assist that can not be turned off even when the power is switched off. I tested it and it is running in the background. Its the evil version of Alexa. At least with Alexa you know what you have. But Google assist is listening to you when you think the tv is off... F- No- thank you! I need this app gone! Not disabled, GONE. Does anyone know how to do this?
Hi @AnneTV
What TV model do you have now ?
And did you try to set up your Gmail account on the TV using your mobile phone for example if your Google account is registered on it?
Do a Factory Reset through the Settings>System>About>Reset>Factory Data Reset
Hit Erase Everything>Yes
Once the TV has been factory reset you will select your Language>Country or Region
It gives you two options to choose from, set up Google TV or Set up basic TV, Select Basic TV
Select your Wi-Fi Network, Enter PW for Wi-Fi
It will ask you to accept Google Terms of Service, Go ahead and select Accept (does not mean you will set up Google)
I unselect "Use Location" and "Help improve Google TV" then click Accept button at the top
Scroll down to the bottom of the Bravia Privacy Policy and Agree to all> Agree and proceed
Voice Recognition, select Next
Select all the ways you receive channels (Cable/satellite box AND OR Cable/Antenna) or Skip
Select the devices you would like to set up with your TV, Gives you options of AV Receivers, PlayStation, Projectors etc. etc. Must be connected and powered on, otherwise select "Connect Later"
Specify how your TV is positioned, Table-Top Stand or Wall Mount
Acoustic auto calibration, Next or Skip, your choice
Complete your TV Registration, Register using Google Account OR With other email, you can skip this step as well.
If you chose to register email address, you have a choice to choose to agree to receive marketing emails and send app usage data, you do not have to select them if you do not want to. Click "Proceed and Register TV
Apple Airplay and HomeKit, Click "Next"
Checking for updates
Samba Interactive TV gives you options to select, "Samba Interactive TV, Ad Personalization, Analytics and Measurement, Third Party Licensing" You do not have to choose any. Click "Save & Exit"
Accessibility features, Click "OK"
Setup Complete! Click "Done"
This will give you the standard Sony Apps, I.E. YouTube, Disney+, Netflix and Prime Video, nothing else.