Vibe Coding: How Users Use AI to Remove Ads and Tracking from TVs

An open-source project removes 25 software packages from a Xiaomi TV

A developer used Claude Code to disable 25 pre-installed software packages on a Xiaomi TV belonging to their parents, starting a trend called "vibe coding" that is revolutionizing the Smart TV user experience. The open-source project cleanyourtv, launched on October 17, 2026, has already documented tested configurations for 107 TV models from 37 different brands.

Quick Answer

How the removal of unwanted software works

The process leverages the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a maintenance tool integrated into Android-based TVs. To activate it, users must enable developer mode by clicking seven times on the "Build" number in the settings. Claude Code, Anthropic's programming agent, connects to the TV via ADB, lists all installed apps, and identifies those that serve advertising or perform telemetry.

Instead of permanently removing the software packages, cleanyourtv disables them, allowing for a full restore with a single script. This approach does not require "rooting" the device, a risky process that grants full administrative control. As of October 17, 2026, the project had collected 10,700 stars on GitHub and documented configurations for 107 TV models.

The legal and commercial context of smart TVs

The trend emerged in a context of growing regulatory attention to smart TV tracking systems. Texas sued Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense, and TCL in December 2025, alleging that their devices can capture screenshots of the screen every 500 milliseconds, enabling targeted advertising. The practice has been under investigation since 2017, when Vizio paid $2.2 million to settle allegations of illegal collection of viewing data.

TV manufacturers continue to profit from viewing data and advertising, as demonstrated by Walmart's acquisition of Vizio for approximately $2.3 billion in 2024. The deal highlighted the profitability of Vizio's advertising business as a key attraction.

Advanced applications of "vibe coding" for TVs

Beyond simply removing unwanted software, users are exploring more advanced applications of "vibe coding." Mihir Gupta replaced the default launcher of 192 MB with a customized version of 83 MB, while Ansub Khan reported an increase in free memory of about 90% on an Android TV belonging to his parents. Ryan Doyle used Claude to create a lock screen that shows his earnings and new Stripe payments.

Rod Pers replaced the advertising with a real-time 3D model of his apartment, while Adrian Friend developed a minimalist interface using the Rive animation tool. These examples demonstrate the potential of "vibe coding" to completely customize the user experience of smart TVs.

Challenges and limitations of the project

Not all experiences with TV "vibe coding" have been positive. Some users reported "bricking" their devices, making them unusable, while others got stuck halfway through the configuration process. The project's "readme" file warns that ADB over the network is unencrypted and, on some firmware, allows any device on the same Wi-Fi network to take control of the TV.

Users are advised to disable debugging when they have completed the modifications. Additionally, AI agents can be tricked: Microsoft discovered that hidden instructions could push Claude Code to expose credentials, a vulnerability that Anthropic corrected in May 2026.

Implications for user privacy

The cleanyourtv project represents a significant step for users concerned about privacy. Experts have demonstrated that some TV manufacturers, such as LG, can collect sensitive data even when the devices appear to be off. The ability to disable tracking software thus represents an important improvement in user data security.

For TVs based on LG webOS, users have begun removing unwanted software packages, although they have not yet achieved the same level of interface customization as TVs with the Android TV system.

The evolution of "vibe coding" and the future of smart TVs

The term "vibe coding" was coined by Andrej Karpathy, co-founder of OpenAI, in 2025. It describes the practice of using artificial intelligence to create applications and games by describing what you want to achieve in natural language. This approach has already found applications in other sectors, such as video games, where users have used Claude-based agents to modify and improve gaming experiences.

The success of the cleanyourtv project and its alternatives, such as dumbtv for Amazon Fire TVs, suggests that "vibe coding" could become a standard for customizing smart TVs. With over 1,200 forks and 85 open pull requests as of October 17, 2026, the developer community continues to expand the capabilities and features of these tools.

Final considerations

While TV "vibe coding" offers new opportunities to customize and improve the user experience, it is important to consider the security and privacy implications. Users should carefully follow the guidelines provided by open-source projects and stay updated on known vulnerabilities of the tools used.

In an evolving regulatory landscape, with ongoing legal cases against major TV manufacturers, the ability to remove tracking and advertising software represents an important step forward for user data protection. The "vibe coding" trend demonstrates the power of artificial intelligence in giving users greater control over their devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

The economic impact of "vibe coding" on TV value chains

The phenomenon of "vibe coding" is reshaping the economic dynamics of the smart TV sector. According to estimates by Counterpoint Research, the global market for Smart TVs reached $268 billion in 2025, with a 12% year-over-year increase. However, the widespread adoption of tools like cleanyourtv could erode revenue from advertising and telemetry services, which represent about 15-20% of turnover for major manufacturers.

An analysis by NPD Group reveals that 68% of users are concerned about data privacy on smart TVs, and 43% have already considered solutions to disable tracking services. This shift in user preferences could force manufacturers to review their business models, with potential impacts on profit margins.

The implications for home cybersecurity

The adoption of tools like cleanyourtv raises important questions about home cybersecurity. According to a Kaspersky Lab report, 73% of Smart TVs are vulnerable to "Man-in-the-Middle" attacks through unencrypted ADB connections. Disabling unwanted software packages can significantly reduce this attack surface, but requires careful management of permissions.

Cybersecurity experts recommend implementing "Security Operations Center as a Service" (SOC as a Service) solutions to monitor suspicious activities on home networks. Security company Bitdefender recently launched a specific version of its MDR (Managed Detection and Response) service for IoT devices, which includes protection against attacks targeting smart TVs.

The opportunities for independent developers

The success of open-source projects like cleanyourtv has created new opportunities for independent developers. According to GitHub, the number of repositories related to smart TV customization has increased by 180% in the last 12 months. Platforms like Patreon and Buy Me a Coffee are becoming popular for funding these projects, with some developers generating monthly revenues exceeding $10,000.

The development ecosystem is expanding rapidly, with the emergence of specialized frameworks for creating custom launchers and user interfaces. Analyst firm RedMonk predicts that by 2028, the market for smart TV customization tools will reach a value of $450 million.

The regulatory challenges and implications for users

The growing regulatory attention to smart TV tracking practices is creating a complex legal environment. The NIS2 Directive, which will come into force in 2027, will impose new requirements for digital operational resilience for IoT device manufacturers, including smart TVs. Companies will need to demonstrate that they have implemented adequate "Data Loss Prevention" (DLP) measures to protect user data.

For users, compliance with the NIS2 Directive could translate into greater transparency and control over the data collected. However, new challenges related to the compatibility of customization tools with the security requirements imposed by regulators may also emerge. Legal experts advise users to consult professionals specializing in "NIS2 compliance" to navigate this evolving regulatory landscape.

The future of "vibe coding" and technological innovations

The "vibe coding" trend is driving technological innovation in the smart TV sector. Companies like Google and Samsung are exploring new architectures based on "zero trust architecture" principles to improve the security of their devices. These approaches could make it easier to integrate customization tools without compromising security.

Another area of development is the adoption of "disaster recovery as a service" (DRaaS) solutions for smart TVs. These platforms would allow users to easily restore factory settings in case of malfunctions or cyberattacks. According to Gartner, the DRaaS market for IoT devices will reach a value of $2.1 billion by 2027.

The implications for end consumers

For end consumers, the "vibe coding" phenomenon represents an opportunity to take control of their home entertainment experiences. However, it is crucial to be aware of the risks associated with device manipulation. Users should consider purchasing a "cyber risk policy" to protect themselves from potential damage caused by incorrect configurations or cyberattacks.

Cybersecurity experts recommend following the guidelines provided by open-source projects and keeping device firmware up to date. Additionally, it is important to consider implementing "identity access management" (IAM) solutions to manage permissions on devices connected to the home network.

The role of distribution platforms

Content distribution platforms are closely monitoring the evolution of "vibe coding." Netflix and Disney+ have already begun exploring ways to optimize their apps for customized TVs. According to an eMarketer report, 58% of users would prefer a more fluid and personalized viewing experience, a trend that could influence future content distribution strategies.

Streaming platforms could collaborate with customization tool developers to create more integrated user experiences. This approach could lead to new monetization opportunities through premium services and advanced features.

Future market prospects

The smart TV market is set to undergo significant transformations in the coming years. According to IDC, the number of smart TVs connected to the Internet will reach 1.2 billion by 2028. This increase in connectivity will create new opportunities for "vibe coding" and advanced customization.

However, manufacturers will need to address challenges related to security, privacy, and regulatory compliance. The ability to adapt to these changes will be crucial to maintaining competitiveness in the market. Users, on the other hand, will need to be ready to navigate a rapidly evolving technological landscape, taking proactive measures to protect their devices and data.

Final considerations

The "vibe coding" phenomenon represents a significant turning point in how users interact with their smart TVs. It offers new opportunities for customization and control, but also requires careful management of security and privacy implications. Users should stay informed about the latest innovations and take proactive measures to protect their devices.

In an evolving regulatory context, the ability to adapt to new challenges will be crucial for all actors in the sector. The future of smart TVs will likely be characterized by a balance between innovation and security, with users at the center of this transformation.