Introduction

Since the release of the Walmart Onn 4K Android TV boxes in 2021, and their 2023 successor, I've recommended these streaming devices to family and friends. While these boxes are exclusively sold in Walmart stores within the United States, they're small and cheap and so easy to pick up during US trips.

At just US$20, they've offered an excellent alternative to the ad-heavy operating systems pre-installed on most smart TVs. They are also one of the few Android boxes where users could unlock the bootloader while still being able to re-lock it later without losing access to DRM content.

All this changed with a recent 'update' provided by Walmart. I can't begin to guess at their motivation, but the end result is that these boxes are worse and I can no longer recommend them to others. This process, often called "enshittification" (the degradation of a platform's user experience over time), has made the Onn box significantly less appealing.

First, the update removes the option to unlock the bootloader and I refuse to recommended Android hardware with a locked bootloader. Even if you don't plan to unlock the bootloader now, having the option available means the hardware can still be updated to apply security patches when Walmart stops pushing updates.

Second, the update blocks setting up the device from outside of the US. While I can workaround the region restrictions, it means I can't just give one of these boxes to a family member. I instead have to follow the workaround below to set it up. Worse I have to wonder if the next update will break it.

Workaround of the region lock from Linux

NB: This workaround is effective as of the date of this post, but there's no guarantee that future updates from Walmart won't break this method or re-impose stricter region locking.

The workaround to allow setting up the Onn box outside of the US basically relies on using a VPN so box appears to be in the US while it is doing its setup. I won't cover the setup of a VPN in detail, as that depends on your specific VPN provider. However, you'll need a VPN service that allows you to select a US-based server and ideally offers a Linux client or configuration files for OpenVPN.

Other steps online include sharing the connection through a Windows box. I run Linux though, so that's what the instructions below will focus on. If you are using Windows the steps to remove the account/network after setup might still be useful.

Creating the VPN Access Point

Install the Linux Wifi Hotspot package. Run wihotspot-gui and create an access point by setting a Name, Password, Wifi Interface (this is the wireless adapter on your Linux machine that will broadcast the new Wi-Fi network), and Internet Interface (this is the interface on your Linux machine that has an internet connection, which might be your wired Ethernet connection or your VPN interface).. All the rest of the options can be left at their default.

Start the VPN on the Linux box and if possible connect to the new access point to verify that the connection is working, and that it's being routed through the VPN.

Initial Box Configuration

Do a setup of the Onn box as normal. This typically involves connecting the Onn box to your TV via HDMI, plugging in the power adapter, and following the on-screen prompts. Select United States as the region, and add your Google account. When asked about the services you use I'd recommend not selecting any as installing them will just slow down the setup.

Accessing Developer Settings

Once the Onn box is set up and at the dashboard open the Settings, then System, then About. In that screen find the Android TV OS build value and click that value until it says that Developer Options were enabled.

Enabling Developer Options

Next open Settings->System->Developer options. Find the option for USB debugging and toggle it so that it is enabled. The reason to enable this option is because having it enabled allows for the Google account to be removed from the box without requiring a factory reset.

Google Account Removal

Now that USB Debugging is enabled it is possible to remove your Google account from the box. Open Settings->Accounts & sign-in->YOUR_ACCOUNT->Remove. Select the option that says Remove account & switch to Basic Mode.

After you remove the account you'll probably get kicked back to a Setup screen, but just cancel it.

Network Configuration Removal

Remove the existing network by opening Settings->Network & Internet->NETWORK->Forget Network.

Disabling Developer Options

Now that everything is as close to a 'factory reset' as possible, developer options can be disabled in Settings->System->Developer options->Disable developer mode

Final Thoughts

While this workaround allows the Onn box to function outside the US, it represents a disappointing trend in what was once an excellent budget device. The need for these extra steps, combined with the locked bootloader, significantly diminishes the box's appeal as a simple plug-and-play solution.