Update Your Old LG Phone While You Still Can

There was once a time when LG was among the major smartphone manufacturers. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case for a while now: LG gave up on the phone business in April 2021, reducing the choices Android customers have—especially in the United States.

It was a shame, since LG made some cool phones back in the day. The V20, for example, included a thin secondary display along the top of the device, while the LG Wing sported a full-size second display that swiveled out—a design that is still unique in the smartphone market (if not particularly practical). The company produced a number of smartphones in its time—some good, some great, some forgettable—but over the last four years, we've been deprived any new LG smartphones.

That being said, the company didn't leave its customers out to dry: LG guaranteed eligible smartphones three years of updates. That guarantee seems to have worked out, since we're now four years past LG's retirement from the smartphone market. Sadly, all good things must come to an end, as is the case with LG's software support.

RIP LG updates

As reported by Android Authority, LG is planning to shut down the servers it uses to issue software updates. Once that happens, you won't be able to open your LG smartphone's settings app and install the latest update your device supports.

It's not just the update servers, either. LG will also be closing down LG Bridge, software that helps you back your phone up to your PC, as well as install updates.

This all goes down on Monday, June 30—just about two months from the time of this article. If you have any LG devices that have outstanding updates, you should consider updating them as soon as possible.

Of course, LG phones from 2021 aren't getting updates for Android 15, or the upcoming Android 16. LG was issuing updates for versions of Android 12 and Android 13, depending on the phone in question. Still, these updates are important, since they contain the latest security patches for your particular smartphone. If you're still using these devices, make sure to install these updates to keep your phone protected—and be aware that no future security updates are coming to protect you from future vulnerabilities.

To that last point, it might be time to start thinking about a new phone if you haven't done so already. While this last update should protect you for some time, the longer you use a smartphone with no future updates on the way, the greater the chances you'll expose yourself to those future vulnerabilities. If you're in need of an upgrade, take a look at PCMag's list of the best Android smartphones for 2025—all of which will continue to receive the latest feature and security updates.

How to update your LG phone

To update your LG phone, open Settings > System > System updates > Update LG software, then tap Check now for update. If an update is available, tap Install.

View the full article