How can I force my LG G6 to update?

[Bleubird]

I have always had this issue with my AT&T phones because I use Cricket. I use Cricket because it's cheap and I can use it on my AT&T phones. Simple enough, but there's one drawback: I have never been able to update the software. My last phone was a Nexus 6P, and I never had this issue because it was unlocked. The phone before that was a Galaxy S6 Active, and I was stuck with the Android L that came on it. I had taken the phone even before that, which was a Note 4, to Best Buy and they were able to force the update, but I don't want to have to do that every time with my G6. I am left to believe that it is a carrier issue because i'm using a Cricket SIM in a AT&T phone, but there must be some way to force the update myself. Anything helps!

 

[captaincharisma]

it wasn't because the 6P was unlocked it was because google is in control of the phone and updates. it depends on how often LG updates their phones and it may be up to the carrier too. but you can always check LG's website to see if they have any updated factory images you can use to update

if your that much into updates you should have kept your nexus 6P or went with a pixel because they are still getting monthly security updates

 

[boosted1g]

First and foremost.
Google Nexus Upgrade cycle: Google releases update and pushes it to phone
LG G6 (or any other phone) upgrade cycle: Google releases update and gives it to OEM (LG), OEM chooses whether or not to apply that upgrade to that phone, adds all its custom modifications and gives it to carrier (AT&T), AT&T then chooses whether or not to give that update to its customers, makes its own custom modifications and then pushes it via OTA. This entire cycle adds at least 3 months sometimes a whole year to release. It is by far the biggest drawback of android.

Now in regards to forcing an update. If there is an at&t update available you can flash it to the phone via LG UP or LG Flash Tool. With LG UP you should be able to apply minor updates without having to a do a full wipe of the device; but for a full OS version upgrade you have a large probability of it being unstable so using LG Flash Tool and wiping phone is the more stable option.

 

[Alabalcho]

If there is an AT&T update for your phone, I would put (temporary) an AT&T SIM card, and try updating it.

 

[boosted1g]

If there is an AT&T update for your phone, I would put (temporary) an AT&T SIM card, and try updating it.

Are you implying for him to borrow a friends sim? Its not like he is going to get free data connection by putting in an AT&T sim without paying for a data plan with AT&t.

 

[boosted1g]

If there is an AT&T update for your phone, I would put (temporary) an AT&T SIM card, and try updating it.

Are you implying for him to borrow a friends sim? Its not like he is going to get free data connection by putting in an AT&T sim without paying for a data plan with AT&t.

 

[Alabalcho]

If there is an AT&T update for your phone, I would put (temporary) an AT&T SIM card, and try updating it.

Are you implying for him to borrow a friends sim? Its not like he is going to get free data connection by putting in an AT&T sim without paying for a data plan with AT&t.

AT&T SIM might be needed so that AT&T can confirm "this is my phone". It does not necessary mean OTA should happen over 3G/4G network, though - there's WiFi as well.

As for whether that AT&T SIM should have data plan - I don't know.

 

[boosted1g]

[
AT&T SIM might be needed so that AT&T can confirm "this is my phone". It does not necessary mean OTA should happen over 3G/4G network, though - there's WiFi as well.

As for whether that AT&T SIM should have data plan - I don't know.

Even using wifi the SIM has to be linked to an active AT&T account.