For years, LG loyalists stood by the brand, appreciating their unique take on Android smartphones, from the innovative G Flex to the dual-screen Wing. But since LG announced its departure from the mobile market in 2021, a quiet clock started ticking for the millions of users who still rely on their LG devices every single day. Now, that clock is nearing midnight. LG is set to shut down the very systems that deliver essential software updates to its Android smartphones on June 30, 2025.
This isn’t just a technical footnote; it carries real weight for anyone holding an LG phone. It means an end to official operating system upgrades, crucial security patches, and even access to the LG Bridge PC software used for backups and updates. For many, it marks the moment their trusted device begins a slow march towards obsolescence and potential vulnerability.
Think about the phone in your hand. Is it an LG? Perhaps a reliable V series, a stylish Velvet, or even one of the later G series models? When you navigate its menus, you might not think about the invisible stream of data that keeps it running smoothly and safely – the software updates. These aren’t just about getting the latest emojis or a new look for your interface. They are vital for patching security holes that hackers constantly try to exploit. They fix bugs that can cause your apps to crash or your phone to slow down. They ensure compatibility with the ever-changing digital world.
LG’s exit from the smartphone race in April 2021 was a somber moment for many tech enthusiasts. The company, while facing stiff competition, consistently pushed boundaries with unique hardware designs and features. At the time of its departure, LG pledged to provide software updates for a period, offering a lifeline to recent device owners. For premium models released in 2019 and later, like the G series, V series, Velvet, and Wing, LG promised three years of Android OS updates. Select 2020 models in the Stylo and K series were slated to receive two years of updates.
That commitment offered some peace of mind, a sense that your investment would continue to be supported for a reasonable time. However, the upcoming shutdown on June 30, 2025, signals the definitive end of this official support channel, even for devices that might technically fall within those promised timeframes based on their original release date.
The affected services are specific and critical: LG’s Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA) upgrade service, the Update Center app on your phone, and the LG Bridge PC software. After the deadline, these avenues for receiving official software, maintenance, and security updates from LG will simply cease to function. Trying to check for an update will likely result in an error message, a digital dead end.
What does this truly mean for the everyday LG phone user? The most immediate concern is security. As new threats and vulnerabilities are discovered in the Android operating system, Google and device manufacturers release security patches to protect users. Without these patches, your phone becomes a more attractive target for malware, phishing attempts, and other cyberattacks. Personal data, financial information, and online accounts could be at greater risk. It is like driving a car without ever changing the oil or checking the brakes; eventually, problems will arise.
Beyond security, the lack of updates means your phone’s software will become increasingly outdated. Newer apps might require a more recent version of Android, eventually leaving you unable to install or update essential applications. Features that rely on newer software APIs will not work. Performance might degrade over time as the software isn’t optimized for newer services and online standards.
Consider the experience of someone who bought an LG Velvet in 2020. They likely received updates up to Android 12 or perhaps Android 13, depending on their region and carrier. While the phone itself might still be physically sound, the software it runs on will be frozen in time. This can be a frustrating reality, especially when friends and family using newer devices have access to features and security measures you do not.
The shutdown also impacts the LG Bridge desktop application. Many users relied on LG Bridge to manage their phone’s data, perform backups, and even manually install updates. With its discontinuation, these convenient methods of device management disappear. Users will need to find alternative ways to back up their photos, contacts, and other important files before the June 30th cutoff if they haven’t already. Cloud storage services or third-party backup applications become necessary tools.
For some dedicated LG users, the news might sting a little. They chose LG for specific features, design elements, or perhaps a sense of brand loyalty built over years. Now, that relationship with the company, at least in terms of ongoing software support for their existing mobile device, is coming to a definitive close. It is a reminder of the sometimes-unseen lifecycle of electronics and the importance of long-term software commitment from manufacturers.
While LG is exiting the mobile hardware business, the impact of this server shutdown highlights the lingering presence of their devices in the hands of consumers. The company’s focus has shifted to other areas like home appliances, electronics, and components, but the legacy of their mobile division lives on in the phones people still use.
What should you do if you own an LG Android smartphone? Time is running out. Before June 30, 2025, connect your phone to Wi-Fi and manually check for any pending software updates through the Update Center app or your phone’s settings menu. Install anything available. If you use LG Bridge, make sure you have backed up your data and explored alternative backup solutions.
Looking ahead, owners of LG Android phones will face a decision point. Continue using the phone without official updates, accepting the growing security and compatibility risks? Explore the possibility of unofficial community-developed custom ROMs, which can provide newer Android versions and security patches but often come with their own set of challenges and risks? Or is it time to consider transitioning to a smartphone from a brand that actively supports its devices with ongoing software updates?
The shutdown of LG’s update servers on June 30, 2025, marks a significant moment for the company’s former mobile users. It is a hard deadline that underscores the finite nature of software support and the importance of staying informed about the devices we rely on daily. For those still carrying an LG smartphone, taking action before the end of June is not just recommended; it is essential for safeguarding your digital life and extending the usable life of your device.
