Lineage OS Official Builds: 80 Devices?

Lineage OS does not have official builds for exactly 80 devices as of now. The number fluctuates with each release cycle, but the current official device list for Lineage OS 21 (Android 14) includes roughly 70 to 90 devices, depending on the exact week and the inclusion of community-maintained builds. This article explains how the official device list works, why the count changes, and how to check if your phone is supported.

What “Official” Means in Lineage OS

Lineage OS uses the term “official” to mean that a device build is automatically compiled on Lineage’s build servers, signed with the project’s official keys, and receives over-the-air (OTA) updates through the built-in Updater app. This is different from “unofficial” builds, which are compiled by individual developers and distributed on forums like XDA. Official builds are the only ones that appear on the download.lineageos.org website.

The official device list is not a fixed catalog. It changes every time a new Android version is released, and also when maintainers step down or when a device’s hardware becomes too old to support the current codebase. For example, when Lineage OS 21 (Android 14) was released in early 2024, the initial list included around 60 devices, and it grew to about 80 within a few months as more maintainers submitted their device trees.

How the Device List Is Maintained

Each official device has a designated maintainer—a volunteer developer who is responsible for keeping the device tree up to date, fixing bugs, and ensuring the build passes the project’s quality checks. The maintainer submits a request to the Lineage OS team, and once approved, the device is added to the official roster. The process is not automatic; it requires a working device tree, kernel sources, and a commitment to maintain the build over time.

Devices can also be removed from the official list. Common reasons include:

• The maintainer steps down and no one else takes over.
• The device’s hardware is too old to support the latest Android version (e.g., a device with only 1 GB of RAM may not run Android 14 smoothly).
• The device fails to meet the project’s stability requirements after a major update.

Because of this, the exact number of official builds is always in flux. As of this writing, the official Lineage OS 21 list includes about 80 devices, but that number can change by a few devices from month to month.

How to Check If Your Device Is Supported

The most reliable way to see if your phone has an official build is to visit the official download page and search for your device by its codename (e.g., “beyond1lte” for the Galaxy S10, “chef” for the Mi Mix 2S). The website lists all devices that have official builds for the current version. You can also check the Lineage OS wiki, which provides detailed installation instructions and the device’s status (official, unofficial, or discontinued).

If your device is not listed, it does not mean it will never be supported. You can follow the development forums on XDA to see if a maintainer is working on an official port. However, there is no guarantee that a device will ever get an official build, as it depends entirely on volunteer effort.

Common Misconceptions About the 80-Device Figure

One common misconception is that “80 devices” means 80 different phone models. In reality, some devices have multiple variants (e.g., the Samsung Galaxy S10 series has three models: S10, S10+, and S10e, each with its own codename and build). The count also includes tablets and TV boxes, not just phones. So the number of physical devices is higher than the number of distinct models.

Another misconception is that an official build guarantees a bug-free experience. Official builds are stable enough for daily use, but they are still community-maintained and may have minor issues, such as a camera app that doesn’t fully utilize all sensors or a fingerprint reader that works slightly differently than on the stock ROM. The Lineage OS team tests builds for basic functionality, but they do not have the resources to test every feature on every device.

Why the Number Fluctuates

The official device count changes for several reasons:

• New Android versions: When a new Lineage OS version is released, some older devices are dropped because they cannot meet the hardware requirements. For example, devices with less than 2 GB of RAM are often not supported on newer versions.
• Maintainer availability: If a maintainer stops contributing, the device may be removed unless another developer steps up.
• Hardware aging: As devices age, their components may fail, and maintainers may lose interest.
• New device releases: When a new phone is released, it may take a few months for a maintainer to create a working device tree, so the list grows over time.

For example, the OnePlus 6 and 6T were officially supported for Lineage OS 20, but when Lineage OS 21 came out, they were initially not included because the maintainer had to update the device tree. They were later added after a few weeks. This kind of delay is normal.

How to Choose the Right Build

If your device is officially supported, you have two main choices: the standard build and the “microG” build. The standard build includes Google apps (if you install them separately via GApps) and is the most common. The microG build is designed for users who want to avoid Google services entirely; it includes a free and open-source implementation of Google Play Services.

When selecting a build, always download the latest version for your device codename. The download page shows the date and size of each build. It is also recommended to read the installation instructions on the wiki, as some devices require special steps (e.g., installing a specific firmware version first).

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my phone get an official Lineage OS build?

It depends on whether a maintainer has submitted a device tree and whether the device meets the project’s requirements. The best way to find out is to check the official download page. If your device is not listed, you can follow the XDA forums to see if a maintainer is working on it, but there is no guarantee.

What is the difference between official and unofficial builds?

Official builds are compiled on Lineage’s servers, signed with official keys, and receive OTA updates. Unofficial builds are compiled by individual developers and may have extra features or fixes, but they are not guaranteed to be stable and do not receive OTA updates. Official builds are generally recommended for most users.

How often are official builds updated?

Official builds are updated nightly (or weekly for some devices) with the latest security patches and bug fixes. The exact schedule depends on the device and the maintainer’s activity. You can check the download page for the last build date.

Can I install Lineage OS without voiding my warranty?

Unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom ROM typically voids the manufacturer warranty, although some manufacturers (like OnePlus) allow it without voiding the warranty. Always check your device’s warranty policy before proceeding. Additionally, the process involves wiping your data, so back up everything first.

Is Lineage OS safe to use as a daily driver?

Yes, for most users, official Lineage OS builds are stable enough for daily use. However, because it is community-maintained, there may be occasional bugs. The project provides a way to report issues, and maintainers usually fix them quickly. If you rely on specific features (like mobile banking), test them after installation.

Does Lineage OS include Google apps?

No, Lineage OS does not include Google apps by default. You need to install them separately using a GApps package (e.g., MindTheGapps or Open GApps). If you prefer to avoid Google, you can use the microG build, which includes a free alternative to Google Play Services.

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