How to Remove Samsung TV Plus: A Definitive Guide

So, you’re looking to remove Samsung TV Plus from your prized Samsung television. Let’s cut to the chase: you cannot completely uninstall Samsung TV Plus. It’s baked into the operating system, a permanent resident on your device. Think of it like a pre-installed app on your smartphone; it’s there unless you root the device, which we certainly don’t recommend for your TV! However, fear not! You can disable it, hide it, and generally minimize its presence on your home screen. This guide will walk you through the most effective methods to achieve that, along with answers to the burning questions you likely have. Consider this your comprehensive toolbox for taming Samsung TV Plus.

Understanding the Samsung TV Plus Situation

Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s understand why you can’t simply banish Samsung TV Plus to the digital ether. Samsung TV Plus is a free, ad-supported streaming service that comes pre-installed on most Samsung Smart TVs. It offers a wide range of channels and on-demand content, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Samsung sees it as a key feature, hence its deep integration into the TV’s firmware. This integration is why a simple uninstall option isn’t available. You’re not removing an app; you’re modifying how the TV presents its built-in features.

Methods to Hide or Disable Samsung TV Plus

While complete removal is off the table, several workarounds effectively minimize Samsung TV Plus’s impact on your viewing experience. Here’s a breakdown of the most common and effective techniques:

Method 1: Removing the Samsung TV Plus Icon from the Home Screen

This is the most straightforward and often sufficient solution. It effectively hides the app icon from your main home screen, preventing accidental clicks.

1. Navigate to the Home Screen: Press the “Home” button on your Samsung Smart TV remote.
2. Locate the Samsung TV Plus Icon: It’s usually prominently displayed.
3. Select the Icon: Highlight the Samsung TV Plus icon.
4. Press the Down Button: This will usually bring up a menu of options.
5. Select “Remove” or “Delete”: The exact wording may vary depending on your TV model. Confirm your choice if prompted.
6. Repeat for Other Locations: If the icon appears in multiple locations (e.g., a dedicated Samsung TV Plus row), repeat the process for each instance.

This method doesn’t disable the service entirely, but it removes the most obvious entry point.

Method 2: Disabling Auto-Start and Channel Listing (Where Available)

Some Samsung TV models offer the option to disable Samsung TV Plus from automatically starting or appearing in your channel listings. This is a more effective approach than simply removing the icon.

1. Access the Settings Menu: Press the “Home” button, then navigate to “Settings” (usually represented by a gear icon).
2. Find “Channels” or “Broadcasting”: The exact location may vary depending on your TV model and operating system version.
3. Look for “Samsung TV Plus Settings”: You might find options like “Auto Start Last App” or something similar.
4. Disable Auto Start: If an “Auto Start Last App” option is enabled, disable it. This prevents Samsung TV Plus from automatically launching when you turn on the TV if it was the last app used.
5. Remove from Channel List: Some models allow you to hide Samsung TV Plus channels from the overall channel list. Look for an option like “Channel List Edit” or “Hide Channels.”

This method is more effective as it actively prevents the service from intruding on your viewing habits. However, it’s not available on all models.

Method 3: Utilizing Parental Controls (A Creative Workaround)

This is a somewhat unconventional but effective method for restricting access to Samsung TV Plus.

1. Access the Settings Menu: Press the “Home” button, then navigate to “Settings.”
2. Find “General” or “System”: The exact location may vary.
3. Locate “Parental Controls”: You’ll likely need to set a PIN code if you haven’t already.
4. Block Samsung TV Plus: Look for an option to block specific apps or channels. Select Samsung TV Plus from the list.

This method prevents anyone without the PIN code from accessing Samsung TV Plus, effectively disabling it for most users.

Method 4: Using a Custom Launcher (Advanced Users Only)

This method is for more technically savvy users and involves installing a custom launcher on your Samsung TV. This is a risky procedure that could void your warranty if done incorrectly. Proceed with extreme caution and only if you are comfortable with advanced technical configurations.

1. Research Compatible Launchers: Not all custom launchers work with Samsung TVs. Do thorough research to find a compatible and reputable launcher.
2. Enable Developer Mode: This usually involves navigating to the “About TV” section in Settings and repeatedly clicking on the “Build Number” until Developer Mode is enabled. (Similar to enabling developer mode on an Android phone).
3. Install the Launcher: You’ll likely need to sideload the launcher using a USB drive and an app installer.
4. Configure the Launcher: Set the custom launcher as your default home screen.

A custom launcher gives you much more control over your TV’s interface, allowing you to completely hide or even replace Samsung TV Plus with other apps. However, this is an advanced technique with potential risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to common questions about managing Samsung TV Plus:

FAQ 1: Can I uninstall Samsung TV Plus completely?

As mentioned earlier, no, you cannot completely uninstall Samsung TV Plus. It’s integrated into the TV’s firmware.

FAQ 2: Will removing the icon delete the app from my TV?

No, removing the icon only hides it from the home screen. The underlying service remains installed.

FAQ 3: Does disabling “Auto Start Last App” guarantee Samsung TV Plus won’t launch automatically?

It should, but it’s not always a foolproof solution. Sometimes, Samsung TV Plus can still launch under certain circumstances. It’s worth trying, but don’t be surprised if it occasionally reappears.

FAQ 4: Will performing a factory reset remove Samsung TV Plus?

No, a factory reset will not remove Samsung TV Plus. It will restore your TV to its original factory settings, which include Samsung TV Plus.

FAQ 5: Does Samsung TV Plus use my internet data even if I don’t use it?

Potentially, yes. Even if you don’t actively use Samsung TV Plus, it might still consume a small amount of data in the background for updates or advertisements. Disabling auto-start can help minimize this.

FAQ 6: Is Samsung TV Plus free?

Yes, Samsung TV Plus is a free, ad-supported streaming service. You don’t need to pay a subscription fee to access its content.

FAQ 7: How do I update Samsung TV Plus?

Samsung TV Plus is usually updated automatically as part of your TV’s firmware updates. You generally don’t need to update it manually.

FAQ 8: Can I install Samsung TV Plus on an older Samsung TV that doesn’t have it?

Generally, no. Samsung TV Plus is typically pre-installed on newer models and is not available as a standalone app for older TVs.

FAQ 9: Will blocking Samsung TV Plus with parental controls affect other apps?

No, blocking it with parental controls will only affect access to Samsung TV Plus. Other apps will function normally as long as they are not also blocked.

FAQ 10: How can I provide feedback to Samsung about Samsung TV Plus?

You can usually provide feedback to Samsung through their official website or customer support channels. Look for a “Contact Us” or “Feedback” section.

FAQ 11: Does removing the Samsung TV Plus icon affect OTA (Over-the-Air) channels?

No, removing the Samsung TV Plus icon will not affect your ability to watch over-the-air (OTA) channels using an antenna. These are separate functionalities.

FAQ 12: What happens if I accidentally click on the Samsung TV Plus icon?

If you accidentally click on the icon, Samsung TV Plus will launch. Simply exit the app by pressing the “Home” button or the “Back” button on your remote.