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Yes—but this was not a Samsung, Motorola or LG system update. On August 5, 2024, the independent LineageOS project added Android 14-based LineageOS 21 nightly builds for selected older phones, including the Samsung Galaxy Note10, LG G7 ThinQ, LG V35 ThinQ, LG V40 ThinQ, Motorola Moto G Power (2021) and Moto E7 Plus. Installation requires an exact model match, an unlockable bootloader and a complete backup. Check the current device page before downloading anything, because LineageOS support can change.
What the 2024 announcement actually meant
Android 14 is Google’s operating-system version. LineageOS 21 is an independent Android distribution built on that version. It is not an over-the-air firmware package from the phone manufacturer.
The August 2024 announcement described nightly builds: regularly generated community-project releases for specific device codenames. A nightly is not the same thing as a manufacturer-certified, carrier-tested stable update. LineageOS maintains devices individually, so a retail name alone is never enough to establish compatibility.
The original announcement is reported by 9to5Google. As of August 2026, LineageOS 21 remains the project’s Android 14 branch; LineageOS 22 is Android 15 and LineageOS 23 is Android 16, according to the project’s Google Apps guidance. Treat LineageOS 21 as an Android 14 option, not the newest LineageOS release.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Phones included in the LineageOS 21 expansion
| Brand | Retail model | LineageOS codename | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Galaxy Note10 | d1 |
Exact model number, region and current device-page status |
| LG | G7 ThinQ | judyln |
Variant and bootloader eligibility |
| LG | V35 ThinQ | judyp |
Variant and carrier restrictions |
| LG | V40 ThinQ | judypn |
Variant and current maintenance |
| Motorola | Moto G Power (2021) | borneo |
Exact model and regional unlock rules |
| Motorola | Moto E7 Plus | guam |
Exact model and regional unlock rules |
Use the live LineageOS download roster and the linked installation guide as the authority. A phone can appear in an old news report yet later become unmaintained, move to another branch or disappear from downloads.
Galaxy Note10, Note10+ and 5G models are different
Do not install a package because the retail name looks similar. LineageOS listings distinguish the Note10 family as follows:
- Galaxy Note10:
d1 - Galaxy Note10 5G:
d1x - Galaxy Note10+:
d2s - Galaxy Note10+ 5G:
d2x
The Note10 is not automatically the Note10+, and 4G and 5G versions can require different builds. Carrier-branded Snapdragon models may have different bootloader restrictions from international Exynos models. Note10 Lite must be treated as a separate device unless its own official page explicitly lists the required build.
What LineageOS 21 can add
- An Android 14-era platform on hardware whose official manufacturer support ended earlier.
- A relatively close-to-AOSP interface with less Samsung One UI or LG UX software.
- LineageOS customization features and project updates while the device remains on the supported roster.
- A possible way to keep an otherwise usable phone out of the replacement market.
These are software and longevity benefits, not guarantees of better speed, battery life or camera quality. The 2024 coverage describes LineageOS as close to stock Android with customization and performance-oriented changes; results still depend on the particular phone and build.
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
What may be lost or unreliable
- Samsung or LG camera processing can differ from stock firmware.
- Galaxy S Pen functions and Samsung Notes integration may be incomplete.
- VoLTE, VoWiFi, IMS, NFC, fingerprint readers, cameras, USB features and carrier services can have device-specific quirks.
- Widevine DRM level and streaming resolution may change.
- Google services are optional, not included automatically.
- Manufacturer backup and migration tools may no longer work; LineageOS warns that OEM backup solutions can become inaccessible after installation (installation documentation).
- Apps may reject modified or uncertified devices. LineageOS notes that application developers can exclude LineageOS devices (device installation guidance).
LineageOS is not inherently insecure. Protection depends on a genuine build, continued device maintenance, bootloader and certification state, and your willingness to install updates.
Check these conditions before flashing
- Find the complete model number in Settings or on the device label, then identify its codename.
- Open the exact device page from LineageOS’s device documentation and confirm that the desired branch is listed.
- Read the entire guide before starting. Stop if any command or expected result differs.
- Back up photos, messages, files, authenticator exports and app-specific data. Bootloader unlocking normally wipes the phone.
- On stock firmware, test calls, SMS, mobile data, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cameras and any feature you cannot live without.
- Remove Google accounts if the device guide instructs you to do so, reducing Factory Reset Protection complications.
- Charge the phone, use a known data-capable USB cable and prepare a reliable computer.
- Download ROM, recovery and optional Google Apps only from links on the official device page.
Computer tools and bootloader requirements
Most installation paths use Google’s adb and fastboot utilities from Android SDK Platform-Tools. Enable Developer options by opening Settings → About → Build number and tapping Build number seven times, then enable USB debugging in Developer options; labels vary by manufacturer.
Install Windows USB drivers when required. Before flashing, verify detection with:
adb devices
fastboot devicesUnlock procedures differ sharply. Motorola may require its official unlock process and regional eligibility. LG models can use model-specific unlock or download modes. Samsung rules vary by region and carrier; some U.S. variants cannot be unlocked in the same way as international models. An ununlockable bootloader is a stop condition—do not use an unverified “one-click” bypass.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Safe installation flow
There is no universal flashing recipe for these phones. Follow the exact device page, but the high-level sequence is:
- Unlock the bootloader if the model and region permit it.
- Install the recovery named by that device guide.
- Boot into recovery and perform the required factory reset or format-data operation.
- Sideload the matching LineageOS ZIP.
- If wanted and supported, sideload compatible Google Apps before the first system boot.
- Reboot, complete setup and restore data selectively.
A representative guide may use adb -d reboot bootloader, fastboot devices and adb -d sideload filename.zip, but partition commands, recovery images and wipe steps vary. Never copy commands from another phone.
Choosing Google Apps
LineageOS does not ship Google Play or Play Services. For LineageOS 21, the project’s Google Apps instructions identify MindTheGapps packages for ARM and ARM64 devices. Match the architecture and Android branch exactly.
- No Google Apps: lighter and more privacy-oriented, but many Google-dependent apps will not function normally.
- MindTheGapps: the most familiar Play Store and Play Services setup.
- microG: a lower-Google-dependence alternative with different compatibility and additional setup.
Install Google Apps before the first boot if you want them. Installing them after the first LineageOS boot can cause crashes and may require a factory reset.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Device-specific trade-offs
Galaxy Note10
The 2019 flagship has capable hardware for a newer Android base, but S Pen behavior, Samsung camera processing, Knox-related functions and carrier compatibility may not match One UI. Bootloader eligibility is the first practical hurdle.
LG G7, V35 and V40
With LG no longer making phones, third-party software can extend their useful life. Test LG camera features, Quad DAC audio, second-screen functions and carrier services individually. Unlock and download-mode procedures can be complicated, and a listed build does not promise every hardware feature.
Moto G Power (2021) and Moto E7 Plus
Motorola’s relatively clean stock interface means the visual change may be modest. These budget devices can gain a newer Android base, but modest processors do not guarantee faster performance. Verify battery behavior, camera, NFC, VoLTE and the official Motorola unlock path for the exact model.
Troubleshooting common failures
Computer cannot see the phone
Try another data cable, a different port, correct Windows drivers, reinstalling Platform-Tools and rebooting both devices. If fastboot hangs, LineageOS suggests trying a USB 2.0 port or hub because some phones have buggy bootloader USB support (installation guide).
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Sideload appears to stop near 47%
Some guides document an apparent failure around 47%, including adb: failed to read command: Success, even when the transfer completed. Follow the device page’s expected-result instruction rather than assuming the percentage alone proves failure.
Boot loop
Recheck the model and codename, recovery, format-data step, required firmware base, ZIP integrity and Google Apps timing. Do not mix instructions from another device.
Cellular service fails
A successful boot does not prove that the phone is usable on your carrier. Some guides advise provisioning VoLTE or VoWiFi on stock firmware first. Test calls and SMS before wiping.
Google Apps crash
If they were installed after the first boot, a clean reset and reinstall may be required, as described in the official Google Apps guidance.
Who should install LineageOS 21?
| User | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Android enthusiast with a supported spare phone | Good candidate | Can tolerate wipes and troubleshooting |
| Privacy-conscious user | Possible | Can run without Google Apps, accepting compatibility trade-offs |
| Primary banking, work or medical phone | Proceed cautiously | App integrity, DRM and carrier features are not guaranteed |
| Locked-bootloader owner | Do not proceed | Official installation cannot start without supported unlocking |
| User dependent on Samsung-only features | Usually avoid | S Pen and proprietary integrations may be incomplete |
LineageOS 21 is worthwhile when the exact variant is officially listed, the bootloader can be unlocked, your backup is complete and you value a newer Android base more than stock-specific features. Otherwise, keep the manufacturer firmware or use a secondary device.
Check current support before downloading
The 2024 announcement records when these Android 14 builds were added; it does not guarantee maintenance in 2026. Open the current device page, confirm the exact codename and branch, read its known issues and use only its linked files. The live project documentation—not a retailer listing or old article—decides whether your phone is a safe candidate.
Quick Recap
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