Breezyfin for LG webOS: The Alternative Jellyfin Client for LG Smart TVs (2026)

Breezyfin for LG webOS: The Alternative Jellyfin Client for LG Smart TVs (2026)

The official Jellyfin app for LG webOS is a web-based wrapper - it packages the Jellyfin web interface into a webOS application. It works, but it inherits all the limitations of a browser: slower navigation, higher memory usage, and occasional input lag with the LG Magic Remote.

Breezyfin is a community-developed alternative that aims to deliver a faster, more native-feeling Jellyfin experience on LG TVs.

What Is Breezyfin?

Breezyfin is an open-source Jellyfin client built specifically for the LG webOS platform. Unlike the official app (which wraps the generic Jellyfin web UI), Breezyfin is designed from the ground up for the TV form factor and webOS constraints.

• Source: github.com/nicknsy/breezyfin
• License: Open source
• Status: Beta (active development)
• Platform: LG webOS 5.0+ (2020 and newer LG TVs)

How It Differs from the Official App

The key advantage: Breezyfin is built to work within webOS memory and performance constraints rather than fighting against them. LG TVs have limited RAM (1.5-3 GB shared with the OS), and a lighter client means smoother operation.

Installation

Method 1: webOS Dev Mode (Sideload)

Breezyfin is not in the LG Content Store. You need to sideload it via Developer Mode.

Prerequisites:

• LG TV with webOS 5.0 or newer
• A computer on the same network
• An LG Developer account (free at webostv.developer.lge.com)

Steps:

1. On your LG TV, install the Developer Mode app from the LG Content Store
2. Open Developer Mode, sign in with your LG Developer account
3. Enable Dev Mode and note the TV IP address
4. On your computer, install the webOS CLI tools:

   npm install -g @pocketnet/webos-cli
   

5. Download the latest Breezyfin .ipk file from the GitHub Releases page
6. Connect to your TV:

   ares-setup-device --add tv --info "{"host":"TV_IP", "port":"9922"}"
   ares-novacom --device tv --getkey
   

7. Install the IPK:

   ares-install --device tv breezyfin_latest.ipk
   

8. Breezyfin appears in your app list

Method 2: Homebrew Channel (if available)

Some LG TV homebrew communities provide easier installation methods. Check the Breezyfin GitHub for community-maintained installation guides.

Important: Dev Mode Expiration

LG Developer Mode sessions expire after 50 hours unless you renew them. You must open the Developer Mode app on your TV periodically to extend the session. If it expires, sideloaded apps stop working until you renew.

This is the biggest drawback of sideloading on LG TVs compared to Samsung (which has no such limitation in Developer Mode).

Current Features

As of May 2026, Breezyfin supports:

• Library browsing (Movies, TV Shows, Music)
• Video playback with webOS native player
• D-pad optimized navigation
• User authentication
• Continue Watching and Next Up
• Subtitle selection
• Audio track selection
• Server discovery on local network

Codec Support

Breezyfin uses the LG TV native media player, so codec support is identical to the official app:

• H.264, H.265, VP9: Direct Play on all supported models
• AV1: Direct Play on 2022+ models
• HDR10, Dolby Vision: supported on compatible hardware
• Audio: AAC, AC3, EAC3, Dolby Atmos (via DD+)

The codec capabilities are determined by your TV hardware, not the app.

What Is Still Missing

Breezyfin is in beta. Features not yet implemented:

• Live TV and DVR
• SyncPlay (group watch)
• Music-focused interface
• Parental controls UI
• Multiple server support
• Search functionality (in progress)
• Intro Skip button integration

The developer is active and accepts community contributions.

Should You Switch from the Official App?

Switch to Breezyfin if:

• The official app feels sluggish on your TV
• You prefer D-pad navigation over the Magic Remote pointer
• You have a 2020-2022 LG TV with limited RAM where the official app struggles
• You enjoy testing community software and providing feedback

Stay with the official app if:

• You need Live TV support
• You want guaranteed stability
• You do not want to deal with Developer Mode expiration
• Your TV runs the official app smoothly already

The Developer Mode Problem

The 50-hour Developer Mode expiration is the elephant in the room. Every 50 hours, you must:

1. Open the Developer Mode app on your TV
2. Click "Extend" to renew the session
3. If you forget, all sideloaded apps (including Breezyfin) stop working

This is an LG platform limitation, not a Breezyfin issue. It affects all sideloaded webOS apps.

Workaround: Some community tools automate the renewal process via the webOS CLI. Check the LG homebrew community for scripts that handle this.

FAQ

Is Breezyfin free? Yes. Free and open source.

Does it work on older LG TVs (pre-2020)? webOS 4.x (2019) may work but is not officially supported. webOS 3.x and earlier are not compatible.

Will Breezyfin ever be in the LG Content Store? Unlikely in the short term. LG Content Store submission requires a business entity and compliance review. Community apps typically remain sideload-only.

Can I run both the official app and Breezyfin? Yes. They are separate applications and do not conflict.

Does Breezyfin support Dolby Vision? Yes, if your LG TV hardware supports it. The app uses the native webOS media player.

Conclusion

Breezyfin is a promising alternative for LG TV owners who want a faster, lighter Jellyfin experience. The Developer Mode expiration is a real friction point, but for users willing to manage it, the performance improvement over the official web-based app is noticeable - especially on older or RAM-constrained LG models.

Watch the GitHub repository for updates. As the project matures, it may become the recommended LG client for power users.

Jellyfin on your LG TV? Monitor every session from your phone. Download JellyWatch on Google Play - see what is playing on every client including LG webOS, with codec details and transcode status.