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Hey there, tech tinkerer! If you’re a fan of customizing your devices, you’re probably familiar with LineageOS, the oldest and most popular custom ROM for Android. The LineageOS team has been hard at work extending the lifespan of smartphones, tablets, and even streaming devices long after manufacturers stop supporting them. And now, for the first time, they’ve added support for Google’s 4K Chromecast. Exciting, right? Well, hold your horses—there’s a bit of a catch.
The Good News: LineageOS on 4K Chromecast
First things first: Yes, LineageOS 21, based on Android 14, is coming to the 2020 4K Chromecast. This is groundbreaking because it’s the first custom ROM available for Google’s 4K streaming dongle. It’s a testament to the LineageOS team’s dedication to breathing new life into devices that might otherwise be forgotten.
The Not-So-Good News: Installation Woes
Before you start celebrating and planning your installation party, here’s the kicker. While the 4K Chromecast does have an “OEM Unlocking” option to unlock its bootloader, it doesn’t actually do anything. The LineageOS team had to use an exploit affecting all Amlogic chipsets, which the 4K Chromecast uses, to get it working. But—and this is a big but—Google patched this vulnerability with the October 2023 security update.
The Fine Print
If your 4K Chromecast is running a build newer than February 2021, you can’t unlock its bootloader, and you can’t downgrade to an older firmware. So, unless you have an ancient build, you’re out of luck. And even if your device meets all the requirements, unlocking the bootloader will erase all data on the device. Plus, installing LineageOS might cause you to lose access to certain apps due to Play Integrity failure and might introduce stability issues.
Alternatives and Future Prospects
If you’re unhappy with your 4K Chromecast’s performance and this LineageOS news doesn’t apply to your situation, you might want to consider upgrading to another popular streaming device. Or you can wait for the rumored 2024 4K Chromecast, which could debut later this year and hopefully come with more robust features and support.
