Disable Sponsored Buttons on Roku and Chromecast w/ Google TV Remotes



Disable Sponsored Buttons on Roku and Chromecast w/ Google TV Remotes



Shortcut buttons on a Roku Remote are nice unless you don't use them


Remove Sponsored Buttons Roku Remote


Roku and Chromecast w/Google TV remotes come with sponsored buttons. Companies spend big money to have their streaming channels put front and center in the hands of media streamer owners.

But if you don't subscribe to these channels, accidentally pressing the button to launch an app you don't use or want can be frustrating. We'll show you an easy way to disable these buttons to make life a little more pleasant.






Disable Sponsored Buttons on a Roku Remote


There is no way to remap the sponsored remote buttons on a Roku. But you can easily stop them from being accidentally pressed and opening an app you don't have or use.

This requires disassembling your remote and placing a small piece of tape over the pad which the button pushes. This breaks the electronic circuity to keep the button from doing anything.

This will not permanently alter or destroy your remote. If you ever want a shortcut button back, just open the remote again and remove the tape.

The video below will show you how to disassemble a Roku remote. Learning how to disassemble your remote is also useful if you have buttons that are sticky or no longer work.

Sometimes you can clean the contacts with a little alcohol and make your remote work as good as new. 






Remap Sponsored Buttons on a Chromecast w/ Google TV Remote


If you want to remap the YouTube button, you can only remap it to other YouTube apps like Music, YouTube TV, or YouTube Kids.

To remap the button just hold down the YouTube button on your remote for several seconds until a pop-up screen appears on your TV. This will let you select from several YouTube apps to map this button to.

For the Netflix App, you need to download an Android app named Button Mapper. Go to the Apps Store on your Chromecast w/ Google TV and search for the Button Mapper app and download it.

During installation, follow the onscreen prompts to turn on Accessibility Access. This is needed for the Button Mapper app to function. Once Accessibility Access is on, go back and launch the Button Mapper App.

Click the Add Button, and then choose a button to customize. You have the option to map the button several ways either by a single tap, double tap, or a long hold.

Once you pick a function for the button, go down and click on the name of an app you would like to launch with this button press. This app will also work to remap the buttons on an Nvidia SHIELD remote as well.

Use one of the methods outlined above depending on which media streamer you own and you won't be held hostage to unwanted app shortcut buttons on your media streamer. 
ALSO, SEE: Roku Channel Guide! 













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