LG Smart TVs run on a Linux-based operating system called WebOS, and are not Android-based.
LG Smart TVs may work similarly to other kinds of Smart TVs on the surface, but they actually run on a completely different operating system called “WebOS”, and are not Android-based at all.
This also means that they are not compatible with Android applications, but you can get around this by using Android-based external devices.
Are LG Smart TVs Android-based?
The world of Smart TVs, streaming boxes, online applications, and more can be quite overwhelming for the average person. But demystifying these concepts bit by bit can really help your understanding of how these innovative technologies work.
LG Smart TVs are not Android-based. LG Smart TVs (and most other modern LG devices) run on their own operating system called “WebOS,” which is based on the Linux operating system.
The Android operating system, on the other hand is mostly used mostly in Android TVs and other “smart” devices developed by Google.
Therefore, while LG Smart TVs and Google Android TVs have similar functions, they run on completely different systems.
You can, however, turn your LG Smart TV into a makeshift Android TV by plugging in an external device which runs on an Android operating system, like a TV box or stick.
Can you install Android-based applications on an LG Smart TV?
An operating system, like WebOS (used in the LG Smart TVs) controls the way that the software on the device interacts with each other.
This is why you will not be able to install Android-based applications on a WebOS system, because the software will essentially be “speaking” different languages and they will not be compatible.
Key differences between an LG Smart TV and a Google Android TV
The biggest difference between WebOS and Android devices which users usually recognize straight away is that WebOS has a much more minimalistic and neat design, whereas Android devices usually feature tons of content which is organized in rows.
With Smart TVs it is also important to consider that a WebOS device will use a remote with the same operating system as LG Magic remote or the LG ThinQ application.
Whereas an Android device will likely use an Android TV remote or Google Home application.
How do TV boxes and sticks work?
While you cannot change your LG Smart TV’s operating system from WebOS to Android, you can circumvent this by using external Android devices, which are usually plugged in through your television’s HDMI port.
This will allow you to run Android applications through their own Android operating system, instead. This includes Android boxes or sticks and even Google Chromecast.