On my Mi Box (MDZ-16-AB) I noticed that the launcher (Android TV Home) version 2.1.3-320113730 and higher has the annoying banner ads, but version 2.0.10-307630529 and lower do not. I would like to be able to load v2.0.10-307630529 and disable auto updates for only that app, but from what I can see the Play Store for AndroidTV doesn't have that ability like stock Android does. I only see a global auto-update enable/disable.

I've tried:

• Rolling back to the earlier version baked into the rom, then disabling it and sideloading 2.0.10 but the Play Store still recognizes the app and fetches updates.
• I uninstalled the app for my user (adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.tvlauncher) then tried sideloading a modded apk signed with my own keystore, but the install is blocked:
  Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_UPDATE_INCOMPATIBLE: Package com.google.android.tvlauncher signatures do not match previously installed version; ignoring!]
• I tried using App Cloner ( https://appcloner.app/ ) This almost seemed to work, but as soon as the homescreen loads it blinks and restarts on an endless loop. It also has an annoying watermark/logo indicating that it is a cloned app. I haven't tried the paid version of the app, and given that the purchase is pricey and nonrefundable it's not worth the experiment.
• I also tried manually editing AndroidManifest.xml with a hex editor to change to a different app name (com.google.android.tvlauncher --> com.google.android.tvlaunchxx). My modded APK would install but not run. If there is a proper way to edit an already compiled manifest, please pass it on. It's not a text file despite the name.

I know it is possible to disable auto-updates and manually update every other app, that's not what I want. I want to be able to give the system to another family member who is less tech-friendly and have the unit update normally without mucking up the homescreen.

I'm also open to any alternative launchers, I haven't explored that as much as I should have but it didn't look too promising.