What doesn't work in LineageOS 20
My OnePlus 5T is beginning to show its age. After replacing the battery a few years ago, I felt it was time to upgrade its software to Lineage 20.
Everything went smoothly - but there are a few niggles you should be aware of. Some of these are Google's fault - they truly have contempt for their users - and some could be fixed by Lineage if there were sufficient demand.
I've mostly posted this list so that someone from XDA can tell me I'm an idiot and there's an easy fix for all of these issues.
Google Wallet. I knew this was unlikely to work. Even with Magisk's Deny List and the Universal SafetyNet Fix, I couldn't convince GPay to run. The "lack" of security also stopped the Barclaycard App (Error 00006) and one of my doctor's apps. Weirdly I could run all my other banking, credit card, and health apps.
The default webview doesn't support WebAuthN - so I couldn't use my Yubikey to set up BitWarden. I ended up side loading Firefox so that I could get it to work.
Flicking the 5T's side switch to silent doesn't activate "Do Not Disturb".
It is impossible to disable an inserted SIM card. The UI instructs you that the only option is to remove the card. That's a bit annoying (and battery draining).
Google killed native SIP calling. I now need to find a separate app for making and receiving VoIP calls. Weirdly, carrier VoWiFi works just fine.
Call recording works - but it isn't automatic. I have to remember to press a button. Not a show stopper, but a bit annoying.
Lineage doesn't use the latest Noto fonts. I know this because they don't display the Unicode Power Symbol. There are a few default fonts installed, and you can change between them - but there's no way to install your own fonts. Well, there's a command line Magisk module - but requires a reboot each time.
Themes are still a bit hit and miss. All the light themes have poor contrast on some UI elements (white icon on light backgrounds). The dark themes are OK, but then force most apps and websites into dark mode - which isn't always easy to change back.
I find the "jelly" overscroll animation annoying. The only way to disable it is to remove all animations - which makes any transitions really jerky.
Moving the clock to the centre of the shade leaves an gap on the left where it used to be.
No split windows. The launcher doesn't allow for split screen.
The notification panel sometimes goes behind the on screen navigation buttons.
PIN entry requires you to hit the submit button. Older versions of Android would unlock as soon as the correct PIN was typed. But Quick PIN Unlock is unsupported.
The AOSP keyboard refuses to run if any other keyboards are installed. It kept crashing, so I swapped to OpenBoard
Those are all fairly minor complaints. For daily use, Lineage's Android 13 runs just fine - especially considering this phone is 5¼ years old. The team at Lineage continually prove that older devices can be supported, despite the intransigence of most manufacturers.
If you know how to fix any of these problems, let me know in the comments.
Neil says:
I like Linphone.
Lars says:
I am fascinated by this Lineage OS but I am still using YouTube, a YouTube downloader, have a Google account. I feel this what I want thanks a lot. I use my xaomi phone and I will download it.. This shit is trying to correct my swedish and correct my english.
@edent says:
You can still use YouTube - and various downloaders - with Lineage. You can also access your GMail and most other Google services. It's just Google Pay that is problematic.
Mrhackerman says:
I know I'm late to the party, but I just downloaded LOS 20 to My op5t and I Aldo struggled with Google pay, but in the end I got it running. I'm not sure which modules are required, but I got Magisk (and Zygisk) with MagiskHide Props config and Play Integrity Fix. Also I had to delete data and cache from Google services, Play store and the Wallet app.
@edent says:
If you wrote a step-by-step guide to getting it working, I'm sure a lot of people would appreciate it. I certainly would!
Konrad says:
Same here, I would love to read a working guide on how to get Google Wallet working on LOS20. Been trying the whole day without success...
Capri says:
I recently upgraded my ancient Lenovo P2, which is still a very good phone, from stock 7.0 to Lineage 18-20. Each one worked fine... except... the battery life went from 2 days to about 18 hours.
I never found a solution for it, unfortunately so "upgraded" to 8.1 and I've getting amazing battery life now, even better than before. Luckily I barely install anything except Youtube, Newpipe, Maps and Signal.
If anyone knows a solution to battery drain issues in Lineage, I'm all ears! Thanks.
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