A screen is only useful if it comes back by itself after a power cut. This article explains the options, from most to least reliable, so nobody has to walk up to the TV with a remote.

Why it needs setting up

The CompleteVantage app tries to start when the box starts. But Android 10 and later block apps from opening themselves in the background, unless one of the options below is set up. Without one, someone has to open the app after every restart.

The app also watches itself while it runs. If it crashes or freezes, it restarts on its own, as long as it's allowed to open itself.

Option 1: Kiosk mode (best)

Make CompleteVantage the device owner. It becomes the box's permanent home screen, so it starts after power cuts, restarts and app updates, on every kind of box, including Google TV. See Set up kiosk mode.

Option 2: Make CompleteVantage the home app

On most generic Android boxes you can make CompleteVantage the home screen, so it's what the box shows when it starts.

  1. Press Home on the remote.
  2. If the box asks which app to use for Home, choose CompleteVantage and then Always.
  3. If it doesn't ask, open Settings, then Apps, then Default apps (or Home app), and choose CompleteVantage.

Option 3: Allow start on boot

This lets the app bring itself to the front after a restart.

  1. At the TV, press Back five times quickly to open the app's settings screen.
  2. Select Allow start on boot.
  3. Android opens a setting called Display over other apps (or Appear on top). Turn it on for CompleteVantage.
  4. Press Back to return to the app.

If the button isn't there, the permission is already on, or the box is older than Android 10 and doesn't need it. If you see This device has no setting for that. Set CompleteVantage as the home app instead., use option 2.

Option 4: The TV's own start-up settings

Some commercial displays and TVs with built-in Android have a setting like Startup app or Power on app. Choose CompleteVantage there.

Make sure the hardware comes back too

  • The box: most Android boxes turn on as soon as they get power. If yours waits for the remote, look for a power-on setting, or choose a different model.
  • The TV: set it to turn on when power returns, often called Power on behaviour, Auto power on or Last state. With HDMI-CEC turned on, the box can also turn the TV on.

Test it

  1. Pull the power to the box (and TV) for 10 seconds.
  2. Plug it back in and don't touch the remote.
  3. Within a couple of minutes, the screen should be back showing your content, and its status in the dashboard should be Live.

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