If you’re still clutching an LG phone—maybe a sleek Velvet, a quirky Wing, or one of those trusty G or V-series models—time’s ticking. LG’s pulling the plug on its update servers for good on June 30, 2025. After that, no more Android updates, no more security patches, nada. Your phone might still work, but it’ll be frozen in time, vulnerable to whatever digital gremlins come next.

LG waved goodbye to the smartphone game back in April 2021, after years of bold experiments and some truly wild designs. Remember the LG Wing with its swiveling dual-screen? Or the V60’s dual-screen case that was like a love letter to multitaskers? They tried hard to stand out in a sea of samey slabs, but the company couldn’t keep up with giants like Samsung and Apple, or the relentless rise of Chinese brands like Xiaomi. Losses piled up, and LG decided to focus on other ventures—like TVs, appliances, and electric vehicle components.

When LG shut down its mobile division, it didn’t just abandon its users. The company made a promise: phones from 2019 or later, including the Velvet, Wing, and G- and V-series models, would get three years of Android updates from their release year. That meant upgrades to Android 12 or 13 for some devices, plus regular security patches to keep things safe. LG kept that promise and then some, leaving its servers running longer than expected. But now, the final curtain’s falling.

What’s happening on June 30?

As of June 30, 2025, LG’s update servers will go dark. That means no more over-the-air (OTA) software updates for your LG phone. If you haven’t grabbed the latest Android version or security patch available for your device, you’re out of luck after this date. Your phone won’t suddenly brick—it’ll still make calls, send texts, and run apps—but it’ll be stuck on whatever software it’s got. No more fixes for bugs, no more protections against new security threats.

Also getting the axe is LG Bridge, the PC software that lets you manage your phone’s data. LG Bridge is a lifeline for transferring files, backing up contacts, and restoring devices. It’s also one way to manually install updates. Once the servers shut down, LG Bridge will lose its update functionality, though you might still be able to use it for basic file transfers. LG hasn’t clarified how much of the software will stay functional, so it’s best to assume the worst and act now.

You might be thinking, “My LG phone works fine, why should I care?” Fair question, but here’s the deal: software updates aren’t just about shiny new features. They’re critical for keeping your phone secure. Every day, hackers find new ways to exploit old software, and without security patches, your device is an open door. LG phones, already niche, will become even more vulnerable as they age.

Then there’s compatibility. As apps and services evolve, they often drop support for older Android versions. If your LG phone is stuck on, say, Android 11, you might find your favorite apps—think banking, streaming, or even messaging—stop working properly. It’s not just an inconvenience; it could lock you out of essential services.

Which phones are affected?

LG’s update commitment covered “premium” phones from 2019 onward. Here’s a quick rundown of the key models:

• LG Velvet (2020)
• LG Wing (2020)
• LG G8 ThinQ (2019)
• LG V50 ThinQ (2019)
• LG V60 ThinQ (2020)

Older models, like the G7 or V40, are already out of the update window, but they’ll lose server access too. If you’re unsure about your phone’s status, check its current Android version in Settings > About Phone > Software Info.

What you should do now

With just two months left, here’s your game plan to make the most of your LG phone before the servers go offline:

1. Check for updates: Head to Settings > System > Update Center (or similar, depending on your model) and check for OTA updates. Download and install any available Android upgrades or security patches. Do it over Wi-Fi, and make sure your phone’s charged.
2. Use LG Bridge: Download LG Bridge from LG’s website (available for Windows and Mac) and connect your phone to your PC. Use it to check for updates that might not show up OTA. While you’re at it, back up your contacts, photos, and other data.
3. Back up everything: LG Bridge is great, but don’t stop there. Use Google Drive, Dropbox, or a microSD card (if your phone supports it) to back up photos, videos, and files. For contacts and calendars, sync them to your Google account.
4. Consider upgrading: If your LG phone’s starting to feel sluggish or you’re worried about security, it might be time to shop for a new device. Budget-friendly options from Motorola, HMD, or Google’s Pixel A-series offer solid performance and longer update guarantees. For example, the Pixel 9a, priced around $499, promises seven years of updates.

LG’s exit from smartphones is part of a broader trend. The mobile market is brutal, with only a few players—Apple, Samsung, and a handful of Chinese brands—dominating. Companies like HTC, Sony, and now LG have either scaled back or bowed out entirely. For consumers, this means fewer choices and a reminder that even well-made devices have a shelf life.

The shutdown also highlights a dirty secret of the tech world: planned obsolescence. Phones don’t last forever, not because they physically break, but because software support ends. Without updates, devices become insecure and incompatible. Some argue manufacturers should keep servers running longer or open-source their software, letting the community take over. Others say it’s just business—companies can’t support old products forever. Whatever your take, it’s a wake-up call to plan ahead.

A fond farewell to LG phones

LG’s phones were never the biggest sellers, but they had a cult following. The V-series was a favorite for audiophiles, with its high-quality DAC for crystal-clear sound. The G-series pushed boundaries with wide-angle cameras before they were mainstream. And who could forget the Wing’s bonkers swivel screen? They took risks, and even if they didn’t always pay off, they made the smartphone world more interesting.

If you’re still rocking an LG phone, you’re part of a shrinking club. Take these next two months to squeeze out every last update and back up your data. After June 30, your phone will still be yours, but it’ll be on its own. And maybe, just maybe, pour one out for LG—a brand that dared to be different.