How to Jailbreak an LG Smart TV – Is It Possible in the UK? (Complete Guide)

Introduction

Many people search online for “how to jailbreak an LG Smart TV.” They want to get more from their television. Common reasons include a wish to install third-party apps that are not in the official LG store. Others want to unlock more features they feel are hidden. Some are looking for ways to use unofficial IPTV or streaming apps to watch more channels.

Table of Contents

OUR EXPERT

James Walker

Firestick & Streaming Expert

With over a decade of experience in streaming technology, IPTV apps, and Amazon Fire TV devices, James specializes in Firestick jailbreaking, app installation, and cord-cutting solutions for users in the UK.

Updated May 15, 2025

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It’s important to set clear expectations right away. LG TVs run an operating system called webOS. This is a closed system, which means LG controls it tightly for security and stability. This guide promises a clear, UK-focused explanation. We will tell you what is actually possible, what the dangers are, and show you much safer ways to expand your TV’s abilities.

How to Get Sky Glass Playlist on Firestick (Free & Jailbreak Methods)

Sky Glass is a premium UK-based streaming service offering live TV, sports, movies, and exclusive Sky channels. While a paid subscription is required for official access, many users look for ways to watch Sky Glass on Firestick for free using jailbreak methods. Below, we explore safe (and legal) alternatives to enjoy Sky Glass content without a subscription.

What Does “Jailbreaking” an LG Smart TV Mean?

First, let’s define “jailbreaking” for smart TVs. Jailbreaking means breaking the software restrictions set by the manufacturer. On an LG TV, it would try to let you run software that LG has not approved.

This is very different from a few other things. It is not the same as using developer mode, which is a special setting for people who make apps. It is also not the same as normal app installation from the LG Content Store, where all apps are checked for safety.

LG restricts its Smart TVs for good reasons. They want to protect your TV from viruses, make sure all apps work smoothly without crashing, and honour agreements with companies like Netflix and Disney, who need a secure platform for their movies.

DO Before You Jailbreak Firestick

Before you Jailbreak Firestick, complete these 3 safety checks:

Enable Unknown Sources
- Go to: Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options
- Turn ON “Apps from Unknown Sources”

Go into Settings Option

Then Click on Developer Options

Then Click on install unknown Apps

Turn ON “Apps from Unknown Sources”

Click your device name 7 times

Can You Jailbreak an LG Smart TV in 2026?

Here is the direct and honest answer. Modern LG Smart TVs cannot be fully jailbroken. The webOS software is very secure, and there are no public methods that work for TVs bought in the last several years.

You might read about older exploits for very old models. These are only of historical mention and do not work on any LG TV you can buy today. LG issues regular webOS security updates that quickly fix any weaknesses.

This is why most “working jailbreak guides” you find online are outdated or fake. They might show methods that haven’t worked for years, or they might be tricks to get you to click on harmful links or download dangerous files. It is crucial to know this truth to avoid wasting your time or breaking your TV.

Is Jailbreaking an LG Smart TV Legal in the UK?

Let’s look at the situation in the United Kingdom. The law around UK copyright and device-modification is complex. Simply modifying your own TV’s software is not clearly illegal.

However, there is a major difference between modifying a device and piracy or illegal streaming. Jailbreaking might let you access apps that stream movies and sports illegally. Using those apps to watch copyrighted content without permission is against UK law.

The risks to you are very real. Attempting to jailbreak will almost certainly void your LG warranty. If your TV breaks, LG will not repair it for free. It could lead to account restrictions with LG services. Most importantly, it causes software instability, making your expensive TV slow, buggy, and prone to crashing.

Risks of Jailbreaking or Hacking an LG Smart TV

Trying to hack your LG TV is a risky idea with serious consequences.

The biggest danger is “bricking” the TV. This means your TV becomes as useful as a brick—it won’t turn on at all, and repairing it is very expensive. You will also face a loss of LG updates. This means you miss out on new features, security patches, and app improvements.

LG could remove your access to the official app store. You would lose Netflix, Disney+, and all your other safe apps. You open your TV to malware and privacy risks, allowing hackers to spy on what you watch or steal data from your home network. Finally, you get no official LG support in the UK. If something goes wrong, LG customer service will not help you with a modified TV.

Common Myths About Jailbreaking LG Smart TVs

Several untrue ideas make jailbreaking sound simple and safe. Let’s correct them.

Myth 1: “LG TVs are easy to jailbreak.” Truth: They are not. Modern webOS is locked tight. Any guide saying it’s easy is lying or showing an old, useless method.
Myth 2: “Developer mode is the same as jailbreak.” Truth: Developer mode is for app creators to test their own apps. It does not let you install unofficial apps from the internet.
Myth 3: “A VPN makes everything legal.” Truth: A VPN hides your location but does not change UK law. Streaming copyrighted material without a licence is still illegal.
Myth 4: “You can install any Android app.” Truth: LG webOS is not Android. Android apps are completely different and will not work on an LG TV, even if you hack it.

Safe & Legal Alternatives to Jailbreaking an LG Smart TV (UK)

You don’t need to risk your TV to get more apps. Here are the perfect safe alternatives.

Use the LG Content Store Properly

Your LG TV already has access to thousands of supported apps. The official LG Content Store is full of great options for streaming, entertainment, and utilities. Apps like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Netflix, and Disney+ are all there, designed to work perfectly with your remote and your TV’s picture quality.

Enable LG Developer Mode (Explained Clearly)

You can enable Developer Mode in your TV’s settings. It’s important to know what it can and can’t do. It allows app testing for software developers. It does not allow jailbreaking or installing random apps from the web. For everyday users, the limitations are big. It’s a tool for building apps, not for getting free movies or sports.

Use External Streaming Devices (Best Option)

This is the best solution by far. Connect a small, cheap device to your TV’s HDMI port. An Amazon Firestick, Android TV box, or Apple TV gives you a whole new world of apps. These are better for app freedom because they are designed to be more open (especially Android devices) while still being safe and easy to use. You can try new apps on the stick without ever touching or risking your main LG TV software.

LG Smart TV vs Jailbroken Streaming Devices

Let’s compare your LG TV to the idea of a “jailbroken” device.

LG webOS is designed to be simple, stable, and integrated. It offers great picture quality and easy access to major streaming apps. A Firestick or Android TV box is designed to be more flexible, with access to many more apps, including some unofficial ones.

In terms of app availability, a dedicated streaming stick often has more. For flexibility, the stick wins. So, what’s the best choice for UK users? For most people, the best setup is to enjoy your LG TV for its brilliant picture and built-in apps, and then add a Firestick for extra app freedom. This way, you get the best of both worlds without any dangerous hacking.

FAQs – Jailbreaking LG Smart TV

Can you jailbreak an LG webOS TV?
No. There is no working public jailbreak for modern LG webOS TVs. Any website or video claiming otherwise is misleading you.

Does developer mode unlock apps?
No. Developer Mode is for software developers to test apps they are building. It does not unlock a secret app store or let you install unofficial software.

Is jailbreaking legal in the UK?
Modifying the device itself is in a legal grey area. However, using a jailbroken device to access pirated movies, sports, or TV shows is illegal in the UK.

What’s the safest alternative to jailbreaking?
Using the official LG Content Store for apps and connecting an external streaming device like an Amazon Firestick to your TV’s HDMI port. This is completely safe, legal, and very effective.

Conclusion

The clear verdict is that LG Smart TVs cannot be truly jailbroken. The methods do not exist for current models, and the risks of bricking your expensive TV are far too great.

External streaming devices like a Firestick are a much safer, legal, and more powerful way to add new apps and features. We strongly encourage you to enjoy your TV’s brilliant picture and use supported, legal options to stream. This protects your investment and gives you a hassle-free viewing experience.