LG Bootloader incident - Revision history

Bananabot: Added archive URLs for 7 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-23T05:53:19Z

Added archive URLs for 7 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:53, 23 February 2026
Line 10:		Line 10:
	}}		}}

	After leaving the smartphone market in 2021<ref>{{Cite web \|title=LG to Close Mobile Phone Business Worldwide \|url=https://www.lgnewsroom.com/2021/04/lg-to-close-mobile-phone-business-worldwide/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=LG Newsroom}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ro \|date=2021-12-06 \|title=LG is shutting down its developer website, last chance to unlock your bootloader \|url=https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_is_shutting_down_its_developer_website_last_chance_to_unlock_your_bootloader-news-52152.php \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=GSMArena}}</ref>, LG removed the ability for users to [[Bootloader_unlocking\|unlock bootloader]] on their existing devices. This decision effectively prevents users from installing custom firmware or alternative operating systems on certain LG smartphones.		After leaving the smartphone market in 2021<ref>{{Cite web \|title=LG to Close Mobile Phone Business Worldwide \|url=https://www.lgnewsroom.com/2021/04/lg-to-close-mobile-phone-business-worldwide/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=LG Newsroom \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251220114212/https://www.lgnewsroom.com/2021/04/lg-to-close-mobile-phone-business-worldwide/ \|archive-date=20 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ro \|date=2021-12-06 \|title=LG is shutting down its developer website, last chance to unlock your bootloader \|url=https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_is_shutting_down_its_developer_website_last_chance_to_unlock_your_bootloader-news-52152.php \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=GSMArena \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251117025935/https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_is_shutting_down_its_developer_website_last_chance_to_unlock_your_bootloader-news-52152.php \|archive-date=17 Nov 2025}}</ref>, LG removed the ability for users to [[Bootloader_unlocking\|unlock bootloader]] on their existing devices. This decision effectively prevents users from installing custom firmware or alternative operating systems on certain LG smartphones.
	==Background==		==Background==

Line 17:		Line 17:

	===Bootloader Unlocking process on Android Devices===		===Bootloader Unlocking process on Android Devices===
	On most Android devices, bootloader unlocking involves a relatively straightforward process. Users typically need to enable Developer Options in their phone settings, activate OEM unlocking, connect the device to a computer, and use fastboot<ref>{{Cite web \|title=fastboot Manuals \|url=https://manpages.debian.org/unstable/fastboot/fastboot.1.en.html \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=debian Manpages}}</ref> commands to unlock the bootloader.		On most Android devices, bootloader unlocking involves a relatively straightforward process. Users typically need to enable Developer Options in their phone settings, activate OEM unlocking, connect the device to a computer, and use fastboot<ref>{{Cite web \|title=fastboot Manuals \|url=https://manpages.debian.org/unstable/fastboot/fastboot.1.en.html \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=debian Manpages \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112192512/https://manpages.debian.org/unstable/fastboot/fastboot.1.en.html \|archive-date=12 Jan 2026}}</ref> commands to unlock the bootloader.

	===Carrier-Locked Devices===		===Carrier-Locked Devices===
Line 30:		Line 30:
	In these regions, users needed to contact LG providing their device ID and IMEI number to obtain the necessary unlock file via email. This approach introduced an additional administrative step to the bootloader unlocking process, differentiating LG's method from other Android manufacturers' more direct unlocking procedures.		In these regions, users needed to contact LG providing their device ID and IMEI number to obtain the necessary unlock file via email. This approach introduced an additional administrative step to the bootloader unlocking process, differentiating LG's method from other Android manufacturers' more direct unlocking procedures.

	On 31 December 2021, LG closed its developer portal, effectively terminating all bootloader unlock requests. This action left consumers with LG devices permanently locked, restricting them to only official LG software updates and preventing any further system modifications or custom ROM installations.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Termination of LG Mobile Developer website service \|url=https://developer.lge.com/resource/mobile/RetrieveBootloader.dev \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=LG Developer}}</ref>		On 31 December 2021, LG closed its developer portal, effectively terminating all bootloader unlock requests. This action left consumers with LG devices permanently locked, restricting them to only official LG software updates and preventing any further system modifications or custom ROM installations.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Termination of LG Mobile Developer website service \|url=https://developer.lge.com/resource/mobile/RetrieveBootloader.dev \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=LG Developer \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260104112838/https://developer.lge.com/resource/mobile/RetrieveBootloader.dev \|archive-date=4 Jan 2026}}</ref>

	The closure of the developer portal marked a final limitation for LG smartphone owners, effectively freezing the software ecosystem of existing devices and removing any future possibilities for bootloader unlocking.		The closure of the developer portal marked a final limitation for LG smartphone owners, effectively freezing the software ecosystem of existing devices and removing any future possibilities for bootloader unlocking.
Line 37:		Line 37:

	==Consumer response==		==Consumer response==
	LG's decision to discontinue their Developer portal to unlock bootloader generated negative response from users on sites like XDA Developers and Reddit. Users expressed frustration at being unable to install alternative Android versions such as LineageOS on their devices.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=LineageOS Wiki - LG \|url=https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/#lg \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=LineageOS Wiki}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=2017-05-31 \|title=[GUIDE] Official LG G6 Bootloader Unlock (Currently supported: EU H870, USA US997) \|url=https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-official-lg-g6-bootloader-unlock-currently-supported-eu-h870-usa-us997.3614719/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=XDA Forums}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=nobodywasishere \|date=2021-12-05 \|title=Termination of LG Mobile Developer website service on December 31st \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/LineageOS/comments/r961u3/termination_of_lg_mobile_developer_website/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=Reddit}}</ref>		LG's decision to discontinue their Developer portal to unlock bootloader generated negative response from users on sites like XDA Developers and Reddit. Users expressed frustration at being unable to install alternative Android versions such as LineageOS on their devices.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=LineageOS Wiki - LG \|url=https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/#lg \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=LineageOS Wiki \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128183856/https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/ \|archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=2017-05-31 \|title=[GUIDE] Official LG G6 Bootloader Unlock (Currently supported: EU H870, USA US997) \|url=https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-official-lg-g6-bootloader-unlock-currently-supported-eu-h870-usa-us997.3614719/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=XDA Forums \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222165813/https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-official-lg-g6-bootloader-unlock-currently-supported-eu-h870-usa-us997.3614719/ \|archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=nobodywasishere \|date=2021-12-05 \|title=Termination of LG Mobile Developer website service on December 31st \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/LineageOS/comments/r961u3/termination_of_lg_mobile_developer_website/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=Reddit \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211205030734/https://old.reddit.com/r/LineageOS/comments/r961u3/termination_of_lg_mobile_developer_website/ \|archive-date=5 Dec 2021}}</ref>

	The lockdown effectively prevented users from extending the software life of their smartphones, limiting them to LG's official updates. While LG had maintained a niche following for features like high-quality DAC and expandable storage, the bootloader restriction eliminated the platform's flexibility for custom software modifications.		The lockdown effectively prevented users from extending the software life of their smartphones, limiting them to LG's official updates. While LG had maintained a niche following for features like high-quality DAC and expandable storage, the bootloader restriction eliminated the platform's flexibility for custom software modifications.

Rudxain: link to BL unlocking

2025-11-06T18:49:06Z

link to BL unlocking

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:49, 6 November 2025
Line 10:		Line 10:
	}}		}}

	After leaving the smartphone market in 2021<ref>{{Cite web \|title=LG to Close Mobile Phone Business Worldwide \|url=https://www.lgnewsroom.com/2021/04/lg-to-close-mobile-phone-business-worldwide/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=LG Newsroom}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ro \|date=2021-12-06 \|title=LG is shutting down its developer website, last chance to unlock your bootloader \|url=https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_is_shutting_down_its_developer_website_last_chance_to_unlock_your_bootloader-news-52152.php \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=GSMArena}}</ref>, LG removed the ability for users to unlock bootloader on their existing devices. This decision effectively prevents users from installing custom firmware or alternative operating systems on certain LG smartphones.		After leaving the smartphone market in 2021<ref>{{Cite web \|title=LG to Close Mobile Phone Business Worldwide \|url=https://www.lgnewsroom.com/2021/04/lg-to-close-mobile-phone-business-worldwide/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=LG Newsroom}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ro \|date=2021-12-06 \|title=LG is shutting down its developer website, last chance to unlock your bootloader \|url=https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_is_shutting_down_its_developer_website_last_chance_to_unlock_your_bootloader-news-52152.php \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=GSMArena}}</ref>, LG removed the ability for users to [[Bootloader_unlocking\|unlock bootloader]] on their existing devices. This decision effectively prevents users from installing custom firmware or alternative operating systems on certain LG smartphones.
	==Background==		==Background==

Rudxain: link "pre-installed apps" to Bloatware

2025-11-06T18:42:26Z

link "pre-installed apps" to Bloatware

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:42, 6 November 2025
Line 20:		Line 20:

	===Carrier-Locked Devices===		===Carrier-Locked Devices===
	Mobile carriers typically ship Android devices with locked bootloaders as a means of controlling device software. This practice prevents users from installing alternative operating systems, removing pre-installed apps, or making significant system modifications.		Mobile carriers typically ship Android devices with locked bootloaders as a means of controlling device software. This practice prevents users from installing alternative operating systems, removing [[Bloatware\|pre-installed apps]], or making significant system modifications.

	By maintaining locked bootloaders, carriers ensure devices remain within their intended ecosystem, limiting user control and customization options. This approach restricts the full potential of the hardware, constraining users' ability to personalize or extend the life of their smartphones.		By maintaining locked bootloaders, carriers ensure devices remain within their intended ecosystem, limiting user control and customization options. This approach restricts the full potential of the hardware, constraining users' ability to personalize or extend the life of their smartphones.

Drakeula: remove redundant category

2025-09-22T04:48:26Z

remove redundant category

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:48, 22 September 2025
Line 44:		Line 44:
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
	[[Category:LG]]		[[Category:LG]]
	~~[[Category:Anti-Consumer Practices]]~~
	[[Category:Discontinued products]]		[[Category:Discontinued products]]

Mr Pollo at 00:54, 2 September 2025

2025-09-02T00:54:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:54, 2 September 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{StubNotice}}		{{StubNotice}}
			{{IncidentCargo
	After leaving the smartphone market in 2021<ref>{{Cite web \|title=LG to Close Mobile Phone Business Worldwide \|url=https://www.lgnewsroom.com/2021/04/lg-to-close-mobile-phone-business-worldwide/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=LG Newsroom}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ro \|date=2021-12-06 \|title=LG is shutting down its developer website, last chance to unlock your bootloader \|url=https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_is_shutting_down_its_developer_website_last_chance_to_unlock_your_bootloader-news-52152.php \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=GSMArena}}</ref>, LG removed the ability for users to unlock bootloader on their existing devices. This decision effectively prevents users from installing custom firmware or alternative operating systems on certain LG smartphones.{{IncidentCargo
	\|Company=LG		\|Company=LG
	\|StartDate=2021-12-31		\|StartDate=2021-12-31
Line 10:		Line 9:
	\|Description=After exiting mobile, LG ends bootloader unlock services, preventing users from installing custom ROMs on their devices.		\|Description=After exiting mobile, LG ends bootloader unlock services, preventing users from installing custom ROMs on their devices.
	}}		}}

			After leaving the smartphone market in 2021<ref>{{Cite web \|title=LG to Close Mobile Phone Business Worldwide \|url=https://www.lgnewsroom.com/2021/04/lg-to-close-mobile-phone-business-worldwide/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=LG Newsroom}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ro \|date=2021-12-06 \|title=LG is shutting down its developer website, last chance to unlock your bootloader \|url=https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_is_shutting_down_its_developer_website_last_chance_to_unlock_your_bootloader-news-52152.php \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=GSMArena}}</ref>, LG removed the ability for users to unlock bootloader on their existing devices. This decision effectively prevents users from installing custom firmware or alternative operating systems on certain LG smartphones.
	==Background==		==Background==

Line 41:		Line 42:

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist~~}}LG Android{{Ph-I-C~~}}		{{reflist}}
	[[Category:LG]]		[[Category:LG]]
	~~[[Category:Android]]~~
	~~[[Category:Smartphones]]~~
	[[Category:Anti-Consumer Practices]]		[[Category:Anti-Consumer Practices]]
	[[Category:Discontinued products]]		[[Category:Discontinued products]]

7x7: fixed citation date

2025-08-30T23:40:37Z

fixed citation date

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:40, 30 August 2025
Line 29:		Line 29:
	In these regions, users needed to contact LG providing their device ID and IMEI number to obtain the necessary unlock file via email. This approach introduced an additional administrative step to the bootloader unlocking process, differentiating LG's method from other Android manufacturers' more direct unlocking procedures.		In these regions, users needed to contact LG providing their device ID and IMEI number to obtain the necessary unlock file via email. This approach introduced an additional administrative step to the bootloader unlocking process, differentiating LG's method from other Android manufacturers' more direct unlocking procedures.

	On 31 December 2021, LG closed its developer portal, effectively terminating all bootloader unlock requests. This action left consumers with LG devices permanently locked, restricting them to only official LG software updates and preventing any further system modifications or custom ROM installations.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Termination of LG Mobile Developer website service \|url=https://developer.lge.com/resource/mobile/RetrieveBootloader.dev \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-30~~-08~~ \|website=LG Developer}}</ref>		On 31 December 2021, LG closed its developer portal, effectively terminating all bootloader unlock requests. This action left consumers with LG devices permanently locked, restricting them to only official LG software updates and preventing any further system modifications or custom ROM installations.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Termination of LG Mobile Developer website service \|url=https://developer.lge.com/resource/mobile/RetrieveBootloader.dev \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=LG Developer}}</ref>

	The closure of the developer portal marked a final limitation for LG smartphone owners, effectively freezing the software ecosystem of existing devices and removing any future possibilities for bootloader unlocking.		The closure of the developer portal marked a final limitation for LG smartphone owners, effectively freezing the software ecosystem of existing devices and removing any future possibilities for bootloader unlocking.

7x7: Added categories

2025-08-30T23:38:41Z

Added categories

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:38, 30 August 2025
Line 42:		Line 42:
	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}LG Android{{Ph-I-C}}		{{reflist}}LG Android{{Ph-I-C}}
			[[Category:LG]]
			[[Category:Android]]
			[[Category:Smartphones]]
			[[Category:Anti-Consumer Practices]]
			[[Category:Discontinued products]]

7x7: Added Background, Incident, and Customer response sections

2025-08-30T23:33:22Z

Added Background, Incident, and Customer response sections

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:33, 30 August 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{IncidentCargo		{{StubNotice}}

			After leaving the smartphone market in 2021<ref>{{Cite web \|title=LG to Close Mobile Phone Business Worldwide \|url=https://www.lgnewsroom.com/2021/04/lg-to-close-mobile-phone-business-worldwide/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=LG Newsroom}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ro \|date=2021-12-06 \|title=LG is shutting down its developer website, last chance to unlock your bootloader \|url=https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_is_shutting_down_its_developer_website_last_chance_to_unlock_your_bootloader-news-52152.php \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=GSMArena}}</ref>, LG removed the ability for users to unlock bootloader on their existing devices. This decision effectively prevents users from installing custom firmware or alternative operating systems on certain LG smartphones.{{IncidentCargo
	\|Company=LG		\|Company=LG
	\|StartDate=2021-12-31		\|StartDate=2021-12-31
Line 8:		Line 10:
	\|Description=After exiting mobile, LG ends bootloader unlock services, preventing users from installing custom ROMs on their devices.		\|Description=After exiting mobile, LG ends bootloader unlock services, preventing users from installing custom ROMs on their devices.
	}}		}}
	~~{{Ph-I-Int}}~~
	==Background==		==Background==
	~~{{Ph-I-B}}~~

	==~~[Incident]~~==		===Role of Bootloader===
	{{Ph-I-I}}		On Android, the bootloader determines which operating system can be installed, serving as a critical security and control mechanism. A locked bootloader prevents users from installing alternative Android versions or making deep system modifications, effectively limiting the device's potential and user freedom to fully control their own hardware.

			===Bootloader Unlocking process on Android Devices===
			On most Android devices, bootloader unlocking involves a relatively straightforward process. Users typically need to enable Developer Options in their phone settings, activate OEM unlocking, connect the device to a computer, and use fastboot<ref>{{Cite web \|title=fastboot Manuals \|url=https://manpages.debian.org/unstable/fastboot/fastboot.1.en.html \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=debian Manpages}}</ref> commands to unlock the bootloader.

			===Carrier-Locked Devices===
			Mobile carriers typically ship Android devices with locked bootloaders as a means of controlling device software. This practice prevents users from installing alternative operating systems, removing pre-installed apps, or making significant system modifications.

			By maintaining locked bootloaders, carriers ensure devices remain within their intended ecosystem, limiting user control and customization options. This approach restricts the full potential of the hardware, constraining users' ability to personalize or extend the life of their smartphones.

	===[~~Company~~]'~~s response~~===		==LG Bootloader Unlocking Approach==
	~~{{Ph~~-I-~~ComR~~}}		[[File:LG G6 Fastboot mode for Bootloader unlcok.jpg\|thumb\|426x426px\|LG G6 Device in fastboot mode requiring 'unlock.bin' to unlock bootloader]]
			LG implemented a varied bootloader unlocking process across different regions. While some markets allowed standard Android unlocking methods, other regions required users to request a unique 'unlock.bin' key file directly from LG via their Developer portal.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2020-06-06 \|title=Unlock Bootloader \|url=https://developer.lge.com/resource/mobile/RetrieveBootloader.dev?categoryId=CTULRS0702 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606173006/https://developer.lge.com/resource/mobile/RetrieveBootloader.dev?categoryId=CTULRS0702 \|archive-date=2020-06-06 \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=LG Developer}}</ref>

			In these regions, users needed to contact LG providing their device ID and IMEI number to obtain the necessary unlock file via email. This approach introduced an additional administrative step to the bootloader unlocking process, differentiating LG's method from other Android manufacturers' more direct unlocking procedures.

	==~~Lawsuit~~==		On 31 December 2021, LG closed its developer portal, effectively terminating all bootloader unlock requests. This action left consumers with LG devices permanently locked, restricting them to only official LG software updates and preventing any further system modifications or custom ROM installations.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Termination of LG Mobile Developer website service \|url=https://developer.lge.com/resource/mobile/RetrieveBootloader.dev \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-30-08 \|website=LG Developer}}</ref>
	~~{{Ph~~-I-L}}

			The closure of the developer portal marked a final limitation for LG smartphone owners, effectively freezing the software ecosystem of existing devices and removing any future possibilities for bootloader unlocking.

			LG has not released any solution or tool to address the issue.

	==Consumer response==		==Consumer response==
	{{Ph-I-~~ConR~~}}		LG's decision to discontinue their Developer portal to unlock bootloader generated negative response from users on sites like XDA Developers and Reddit. Users expressed frustration at being unable to install alternative Android versions such as LineageOS on their devices.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=LineageOS Wiki - LG \|url=https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/#lg \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=LineageOS Wiki}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=2017-05-31 \|title=[GUIDE] Official LG G6 Bootloader Unlock (Currently supported: EU H870, USA US997) \|url=https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-official-lg-g6-bootloader-unlock-currently-supported-eu-h870-usa-us997.3614719/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=XDA Forums}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=nobodywasishere \|date=2021-12-05 \|title=Termination of LG Mobile Developer website service on December 31st \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/LineageOS/comments/r961u3/termination_of_lg_mobile_developer_website/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-30 \|website=Reddit}}</ref>

			The lockdown effectively prevented users from extending the software life of their smartphones, limiting them to LG's official updates. While LG had maintained a niche following for features like high-quality DAC and expandable storage, the bootloader restriction eliminated the platform's flexibility for custom software modifications.

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}LG Android{{Ph-I-C}}

	{{Ph-I-C}}

7x7: Created the incident page

2025-08-30T21:39:42Z

Created the incident page

New page

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=LG
|StartDate=2021-12-31
|Status=Pending Resolution
|ProductLine=LG Smartphones
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Service Termination
|Description=After exiting mobile, LG ends bootloader unlock services, preventing users from installing custom ROMs on their devices.
}}
{{Ph-I-Int}}
==Background==
{{Ph-I-B}}

==[Incident]==
{{Ph-I-I}}

===[Company]'s response===
{{Ph-I-ComR}}

==Lawsuit==
{{Ph-I-L}}

==Consumer response==
{{Ph-I-ConR}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Ph-I-C}}