The company's smartphones LG, despite the discontinuation of new models, still remain reliable workhorses for millions of users. However, over time, software becomes outdated, new security features appear, and applications no longer support older versions. Updating the system is not just a whim, but a necessity for stable operation of the device and protection of your personal data from vulnerabilities. Android. Updating the system is not just a whim, but a necessity for stable operation of the device and protection of your personal data from vulnerabilities.
The process of installing new firmware on Korean brand devices has its own characteristics that differ from standard procedures on Samsung or Xiaomi. Users often encounter messages about missing updates even when they have already been released, or are afraid of losing important contacts and photos. In this material, we will analyze in detail all the available methods, from automatic over-the-air updates to manual installation via a computer, so that your gadget works like new again.
You should not put off this process for a long time, as old versions of the software may contain critical errors that affect the speed of the processor and battery life. We have prepared step-by-step guide that will help you avoid common mistakes and successfully complete the procedure even for beginners. Are you ready to give your device a second life?
Preparing the device for installing new firmware
Before taking active steps, you need to complete a number of preparatory measures. Negligence at this stage can lead to the process being interrupted and the phone turning into a “brick”. First of all, make sure that the battery level is at least 60-70%. If power is lost while data is being written to flash memory, the file system may be permanently damaged.
The second critical step is to create a full backup of all data. System updates, especially major ones (changing the Android version), often clear the internal memory. Save contacts, photos, documents and chat history to cloud storage Google Drive or transfer them to a memory card SD.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting the procedure, be sure to remove the microSD memory card if it is not required to store the installation file. This will prevent accidental overwriting of important files or conflicts when mounting partitions.
Also check the availability of free space in the internal storage. Update files can take up from 1 to 3 GB, and if the memory is full, the system simply will not be able to unpack the archive. Free up space by deleting application cache or unnecessary video files.
☑️ Checklist before updating
Automatic update over the air (OTA)
The easiest and safest way to get a new version of the software is to use the built-in mechanism OTA (Over-The-Air). This method does not require connection to a computer or special technical knowledge. The system independently checks the manufacturer's servers for the availability of current packages for your specific model.
To start the check, go to the settings menu of your device. The path may vary slightly depending on the shell version LG UX, but usually it looks like this: Settings → General → About phone → Update Center → Software update. Click the "Check for updates" button. If the server responds positively, the download will begin.
After the download is complete, the system will prompt you to reboot. The screen will go dark, the logo LG and a progress indicator will appear. At this moment the phone will be completely unavailable. Do not try to interrupt the process by pressing buttons, as this may compromise the integrity of system files.
Use only a stable Wi-Fi connection to download OTA updates. mobile data may be unstable, which will lead to damage to the download package and installation error.
Sometimes it happens that the notification does not arrive, although the update is already available in your region. In this case, you can try resetting the network settings or clearing the cache of the Update Center application through the app menu. This will force the system to make a forced request to the server.
Manual update via LG Bridge on PC
If the wireless method does not work or the file is too large to download over the mobile network, a proprietary utility comes to the rescue. LG Bridge. This is official software for computers running Windows and macOS, designed to manage the device and install firmware.
Download and install LG Bridge from the official support site. Launch the app and connect your smartphone to your computer using the original USB cable. Make sure that USB debugging mode is enabled on your phone or data access is allowed if the system asks for confirmation on the screen.
In the app interface, select the “Software Update” section. The utility will automatically detect your device model and check the current firmware version against the database. If a newer version is found, click the Update button. The app will download the package and install it on the phone automatically.
| Update method | Required equipment | Installation speed | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA (Wi-Fi) | Smartphone only | Medium | Minimum |
| LG Bridge (PC) | Computer + Cable | High | Low |
| LG UP (Service) | Computer + Drivers | High | High (full reset) |
| SD card | Memory card | Low | Average |
This method is considered the most reliable for users who want to update, but do not have access to fast Internet on the phone itself. A cable connection guarantees stable data transfer without interruptions.
Using Recovery Mode
For more advanced users or in cases where the system does not boot correctly, there is an update method through the recovery menu. This method is often used to install updates downloaded manually in format .zip, or to perform a factory reset.
To get into Recovery Mode, turn off the phone completely. Then hold down the Power button and Volume Down button at the same time. As soon as the logo LGappears, release the Power button for a second and immediately press it again while holding the Volume button. You should see a menu with a text interface.
Navigation in this menu is carried out with the volume buttons (up/down), and the selection is confirmed with the power button. Find the item “Apply update from ADB” or “Apply update from SD card”, depending on where you placed the firmware file. Be extremely careful: selecting “Wipe data/factory reset” will completely delete all data.
⚠️ Attention: Navigating in Recovery mode may not be obvious. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better not to experiment with this menu to avoid accidentally formatting the device.
After selecting the update file, the system will begin checking and installing it. This process may take several minutes. Upon completion, select “Reboot system now” to reboot in normal mode.
Problems with updating and ways to solve them
The procedure does not always go smoothly. Users often encounter the “Failed to check for update” error or an endless reboot loop. One common reason is a conflict with root access or a modified bootloader.
If your phone was previously rooted, the standard update OTA most likely will not install. The system will detect changes in the system partition and block the process for security reasons. In this case, you need to return the stock firmware through LG Bridge or specialized utilities.
Another common problem is lack of space. Even if the memory seems to be free, the system partition may be full of temporary files. Try clearing the cache through the Recovery menu (“Wipe cache partition”) without deleting user data.
What to do if the phone is stuck on the logo?
If the device is stuck at the boot stage for more than 15 minutes, try performing a forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. If this does not help, you will need to flash it through the LG UP service mode.
It is also worth considering regional restrictions. Firmware intended for the US market may not work on the European version of the device due to differences in radio modules and communication frequencies. Always download files that match your device's region code (CIS, EUR, USA).
Rollback to a previous system version
Sometimes a new update brings more problems than benefits: the battery drains quickly, the interface glitches, or the connection is lost. In such situations, users want to go back. However, the company LG does not officially support the downgrade (rollback) function through regular settings.
To return to the old version, you will need to use the service LG UP in combination with firmware files .kdz. This is a professional tool that allows you to flash your device to any version available in the database. You can find the required firmware on specialized forums such as w3bsit3-dns.com or XDA Developers.
The rollback process involves the complete deletion of all data, so backup is doubly necessary here. After installing the old version, the system will work as if the phone just came out of the box, and you will have to set up accounts and applications again.
⚠️ Attention: Rolling back an Android version lower than the one currently installed may be blocked by the Anti-Rollback mechanism. An attempt to violate this restriction may lead to irreversible failure of the device.
Before deciding to rollback, try to solve the problems of the new version using other methods: resetting the settings, deleting problematic applications, or calibrating the battery. Often the problem lies not in the firmware itself, but in a conflict between the old cache and new system libraries.
System rollback is only possible through service utilities and entails complete loss of data. Use this method only as a last resort when a new version makes the phone unusable.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to update an LG phone if it is no longer supported by the manufacturer?
If official updates are no longer coming, installing third-party firmware (Custom ROM) carries risks. You may lose your warranty (if you still have one) and experience unstable operation of banking applications due to a violation of system integrity.
How long does the update process take?
The time depends on the size of the update and the speed of your Internet. The download can take from 10 minutes to an hour, and the installation itself usually lasts 5-15 minutes. Don't interrupt the process, even if it seems frozen.
Will my apps disappear after updating?
When updating via OTA or LG Bridge, user data is usually preserved. However, when using service utilities like LG UP or when changing a major version of Android, the data may be deleted, so always make a backup.
Why does the phone write that the update is already installed, although a new version has been released?
This may be due to regional delays in the release of the firmware. Carriers and distributors often test updates before publishing them. Try checking for updates in a few days or use a PC.
Is it possible to update the phone if the screen is broken?
If the sensor is partially working, you can try connecting a USB mouse via an OTG adapter for navigation. If the screen does not show an image at all, it is extremely difficult to update the phone software without replacing the display or using a blind input method.