You can unlock new updates for old Android phones using this loophole

Like it or not, your Android phone has an “end of life” date, like any smartphone. The day your device no longer receives major Android operating system updates and security updates is the day you should consider purchasing a new device to ensure you have access to the latest software features and security protections that protect your digital data. The good news is that the longest software support warranties for Android smartphones reach seven years for dozens of models. Security updates are also guaranteed for up to seven years for these devices. But many Android users may have older devices that will soon reach their end of life. Before deciding which new Android model to buy, users should know that there is an unofficial way to extend software support on their old device via a loophole that Android vendors won’t mention: LineageOS.

Unless you already have a custom version of Android installed, LineageOS won’t feel familiar. This unofficial Android operating system has been available for about a decade under the name LineageOS, with roots dating back to 2009 if you count its CyanogenMod history. More tech-savvy Android users who want to use an alternative Android version to that offered by Google and its partners may have installed versions of LineageOS in the past. In addition to extending software support beyond what a vendor would offer, LineageOS has other benefits, such as allowing users to “de-Google” their devices by shrinking or eliminating Google apps that may come pre-installed on Pixel phones, Galaxy S devices, and various other Android handsets.

Likewise, installing LineageOS can eliminate AI features preloaded in modern commercial versions of Android. In turn, phones supporting LineageOS may run a little smoother than before, as the simple Android experience may be more efficient than the default version.

The Android version that works on Google phones like the Pixel 10 series is created and maintained by Google. The Android One UI version Samsung developed for its handsets is based on Google’s Android, but with specific customizations. For example, Samsung creates its own user interface and has its own set of AI features under the Galaxy AI platform. Each vendor follows a similar playbook. LineageOS is also based on the latest version of Android, up to Android 16 as of this writing, but it doesn’t come from a smartphone vendor or company. Instead, it’s developed and maintained by a community of Android enthusiasts.

In other words, installing a custom Android alternative instead of the official Android version for a specific device can be tricky and cause temporary issues. For example, errors during the installation process can cause data to be erased and temporarily render the handset unusable. Users should consider backing up their data before installing a custom ROM like LineageOS on their old handset. Additionally, users can skip the Google Play Store installation step when flashing the software for the first time. Even after successful installation, the Android phone may experience specific issues with certain applications, including the phone’s camera application, which may no longer include proprietary processing features that were part of the original version of Android.

Any issues should be resolved by the user and the community, rather than the handset vendor. Companies may refuse to repair the phone once a custom Android OS is installed, and the warranty may be voided (if it is still applicable). Although guides exist online, this may be the only assistance available.

Before worrying about troubleshooting potential issues, users should worry about LineageOS compatibility. Each phone model requires a specific version of LineageOS, which users will need to download and flash on their devices. It’s important to note that only handsets that come with an unlockable bootloader can run Android forks like LineageOS. Devices with locked bootloaders will not be able to install any custom operating systems at any point during their lifespan. Once these devices reach their end of life, they will no longer run LineageOS or other alternatives.

The good news is that users who want to try LineageOS have an official website that covers all supported devices. The LineageOS wiki warns users up front that they will need to make sure the exact phone they own can be updated to LineageOS. For example, the Pixel category includes models ranging from the original Pixel to the Pixel 9 series. But the Pixel 10 models are not on the list as of this writing.

Clicking on a specific model will open a page offering handset details, download links, and support links. For example, the Pixel 4 2019 model, supported by Google from Android 10 to Android 13, can be updated to Android 16 via LineageOS version 23.2. This allows the older Android device to run some of the latest Android 16 features even if Google doesn’t support the model. On the other hand, all Pixel phones launched since the Pixel 8 series will receive seven years of updates, so they won’t necessarily need a port to LineageOS anytime soon.