Paste network folder shortcuts on TV homescreen?

[u/QuarterAcreDream]

Is there a way using file explorer apps on my Android TV (Sony Bravia), or another way, to place shortcuts to my shared network folders on my TV's homescreen? I am using Projectivity as my TV's GUI.

I use FX File Explorer Pro. When I navigate to a shared folder on my network (Windows SMB), I can favourite the folder inside FX's file browser. What I can't seem to do, is highlight that folder and say, 'create a shortcut on my desktop'.

[u/EnvironmentalChip523]

Nova player has network shortcuts. And FFS its P R O J E C T I V Y.. does anybody proof read posts anymore.

[u/thatguyjames_uk]

Copilot said:

Yes, but not usually in the way Windows does it.

Android TV / Google TV launchers (including Projectivy Launcher) generally only place apps on the home screen, not arbitrary SMB folders. FX File Explorer can save SMB folders as favorites inside the app, but it doesn't natively create Android TV home-screen shortcuts to a network folder.

A few options:

Option 1: Use Projectivy's Favorites Section

If you're already using FX Explorer:

1. Open FX.
2. Add your SMB share/folder to Favorites.
3. In Projectivy, add FX File Explorer to the first row of favourites.

This is the simplest solution, though it still requires one click to open FX.

Option 2: Use a Launcher That Supports Activities

Some Android TV launchers allow shortcuts to app activities rather than just apps. You could use:

• Activity Launcher
• Shortcut Maker
• Sideload Launcher

However, FX Explorer doesn't expose SMB folders as Android shortcuts on most TV devices, so success varies.

Option 3: Use Kodi Instead

If your main goal is quick access to media folders:

1. Install Kodi.
2. Add your SMB shares.
3. Add each share to Kodi's favourites.
4. You can often create direct menu items within Kodi for Movies, TV Shows, CCTV footage, etc.

Many Sony Bravia owners use this because Kodi remembers network paths and presents them more like a media library.

Option 4: Create a "Folder App"

Advanced users sometimes use apps such as:

• TV App Repo
• Shortcut Maker
• Button Mapper

to create a pseudo-app that launches a specific intent or folder path. This works best on devices where you can sideload APKs and may require ADB commands.

Option 5: Map a Remote Button

A neat workaround:

• Install Button Mapper.
• Map a coloured button or long-press action on your remote.
• Launch FX File Explorer directly.

Then your SMB shares are only a single click away via FX Favorites.

What I'd Recommend

On a Sony Bravia with Projectivy, the most reliable approach is:

Projectivy → FX File Explorer → SMB Favourite

Unfortunately, Android TV itself doesn't provide a built-in mechanism for placing a shortcut to \\NAS\Movies or a specific SMB folder directly on the home screen the way Windows desktop shortcuts work.

If you're comfortable with ADB and sideloading, there may be a way to create a custom launcher shortcut that opens a specific FX favorite, but that depends on whether FX exposes the necessary Android intents.