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Smartphones have transitioned from long-term investments to devices with relatively short lifespans, largely due to manufacturers’ update policies. Depending on the model and brand, an Android phone may stop receiving updates in as little as two to three years, exposing it to security vulnerabilities and potential system slowdowns.
However, this doesn’t mean the device should be discarded or replaced. Alternatives exist, such as LineageOS, an open-source operating system based on Android that allows you to revive and update old phones, significantly improving their performance and extending their lifespan.
What is LineageOS?
LineageOS is an open-source Android distribution developed and maintained by a community of independent developers. It is based on AOSP (Android Open Source Project) and offers a user experience free from bloatware (unnecessary apps pre-installed by manufacturers and carriers), allowing for greater customization, control over the system, and constant updates.
It emerged as the successor to CyanogenMod, one of the most popular custom ROMs for Android. Over time, LineageOS has become one of the best options for keeping old devices up and running, giving them a second life with updated software and security improvements.
Benefits of Installing LineageOS on an Android Phone
1. Updates Beyond Official Support
Many manufacturers limit system updates to two or three years. After this time, devices stop receiving security patches, exposing them to vulnerabilities. LineageOS offers continued support for a wide variety of models, ensuring that users can keep receiving software updates even on phones that have been abandoned by their manufacturers.
2. Greater Privacy and System Control
LineageOS does not include Google apps by default, allowing users to choose a Google-free experience or only install the services they actually need. Additionally, it offers advanced privacy tools like Trust, which analyzes the system’s security status and alerts about potential risks.
3. Optimized Performance
By removing pre-installed software and allowing for greater system customization, LineageOS improves the performance of old phones. Its optimized code allows the operating system to be more nimble and consume fewer resources.
4. Compatibility with a Wide Variety of Devices
LineageOS is compatible with over 300 models from different manufacturers, including Google, Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola, and Sony, among others. This allows many phones that have stopped receiving official support to continue running with an updated system.
5. No Restrictions Imposed by Manufacturers
Some brands limit access to advanced features or block the installation of external software. With LineageOS, the user has full control over their phone, enabling them to customize the interface, manage app permissions, and configure the system according to their needs.
6. Using Old Phones for Other Purposes
A device with LineageOS can serve different functions, such as:
- A music player for the car.
- A remote control for the TV with apps like Kodi or Plex.
- A digital photo frame connected to the cloud.
- A home security monitor with surveillance software.
Steps to Install LineageOS on an Android Phone
1. Check Device Compatibility
Before you begin, it is necessary to check whether your phone is compatible with LineageOS. To do this, visit the official supported devices page and look for the exact model.
2. Gather Necessary Items
You will need the following items:
✅ A compatible phone with at least 50% battery.
✅ A computer with Windows, macOS, or Linux.
✅ A USB cable to connect the phone to the computer.
✅ Command line tools: ADB and Fastboot.
Step-by-Step Installation
1. Set Up the Computer and Download Tools
For Linux:
Run the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt install adb fastboot
For macOS:
Install Homebrew and then run:
brew install android-platform-tools
For Windows:
Download and manually install the tools from the official Android page. Then, add adb and fastboot to the system environment variables.
2. Unlock the Device’s Bootloader
The bootloader is the phone’s boot manager and must be unlocked to install a custom operating system.
1️⃣ Activate Developer Options:
- Go to Settings > About Phone and tap 7 times on “Build number” until an activation message appears.
2️⃣ Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging in Developer Options.
3️⃣ Connect the phone to the PC and open the terminal:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem unlock
(Some models use fastboot flashing unlock).
📢 Warning: This process will erase all data on the phone, so it is recommended to back up before proceeding.
3. Install a Custom Recovery (TWRP)
A custom recovery like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is necessary to flash LineageOS.
1️⃣ Download the TWRP version specific to your device from twrp.me.
2️⃣ In the terminal, execute:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot reboot recovery
4. Install LineageOS and Google Apps (Optional)
1️⃣ From the TWRP menu, perform a Wipe > Factory Reset.
2️⃣ Install LineageOS downloaded from the official page.
3️⃣ If you want Google services, install OpenGApps from opengapps.org.
4️⃣ Restart the device.
Is It Worth Installing LineageOS?
If the phone is no longer receiving updates, installing LineageOS is an excellent way to extend its lifespan. It allows you to maintain the device’s security, improve its performance, and have greater control over the operating system.
Furthermore, it is an ideal option for those looking for a bloatware-free experience or desiring a more secure and customizable device.
While installation requires some technical knowledge, the benefits far outweigh the effort, offering a new lease on life to devices that still have a lot of potential.
Conclusion
In a world where technology advances rapidly, keeping a functional device for longer is not only beneficial for the user but also for the environment. Thanks to LineageOS, anyone can turn their old phone into an updated, secure, and efficient device.
If you have an old phone, before purchasing a new one, consider installing LineageOS and giving it a second life.