A custom ROM allows you to extend the life of your Android phone, but does it come with risks in 2024 and why isn't it more popular?

Installing a custom ROM on your Android phone brings many benefits, there's also a potential downside to it and it could potentially damage your device.

Google complicates development of custom ROMs such as Lineage for Pixel smartphones. The hardened Android version GrapheneOS is particularly affected.

Google is not discontinuing the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), but it has made big changes that affect how Android source code is shared, especially for those who build custom ROMs of Android.