Last updated: August 17, 2026
If you've received a notice that your Screenly player has reached or is approaching end-of-life (EOL), this article walks you through what that means and the next steps to take.
What does end-of-life mean?
When a player reaches end-of-life, it means the underlying ScreenlyOS version it runs on, or the hardware generation it runs on, no longer receives security updates or ongoing support from its maintainer. For your Screenly deployment, this means:
- No further security patches, leaving the device more vulnerable to exploits over time.
- No new Screenly features or app compatibility updates for that device.
- Reduced ability of our support team to troubleshoot platform-specific issues.
Your player will generally continue to run after reaching EOL, but we strongly recommend upgrading before or shortly after the EOL date to keep your signage secure and fully supported.
For a full breakdown of which platforms are EOL and when, see our Screenly Player Lifecycle page.
What is "Core"?
"Core" refers to the version of Ubuntu Core that ScreenlyOS, the operating system running on your Screenly player, is built on. Each Core version (16, 18, 20, 24) has its own support timeline set by Ubuntu, which is why different devices reach end-of-life at different times. Knowing your Core version tells you how much longer your device will be supported.
How do I find my Core version? This isn't available in the Screenly dashboard yet. We're working on adding it so you can see the Core version for all of your players at a glance. In the meantime, if you're not sure which version your device is running, reach out to our support team, and we can help you check.
What are my upgrade options?
Move to a currently supported hardware generation or Core version. Check the Screenly Player Lifecycle page to see which versions are still within their support window, and choose a replacement device that's newer than the one reaching EOL.
Not sure which option fits your setup? Reach out to our support team, and we'll help you pick the right replacement.
How do I migrate my content and settings?
- Take inventory of your existing setup. Note the playlists, assets, and screen groupings tied to your current device.
- Set up your new device by following our standard device setup guide.
- Reassign playlists and labels from your old device to the new one in the Screenly dashboard, rather than rebuilding them from scratch. See Can I copy my screen settings? for the steps.
- Test the new device in a non-critical location before rolling it out to your full network.
- Decommission the old device once you've confirmed the new one is running correctly.
If licenses are a concern, you can also disable the current screen, add the new one, copy the settings over, and delete the old screen once you've confirmed everything is working as expected.
Where can I get a replacement device?
You have two options:
- Buy a ready-made Screenly player. We offer Screenly players built on currently supported hardware, ready to go out of the box. You can purchase these from our store or through an authorized reseller.
- Build your own (DIY). Prefer to use your own hardware? For now, DIY setups are supported on Raspberry Pi devices only. You can set up a supported Raspberry Pi yourself and install ScreenlyOS, which we provide for free. See our DIY setup guide for instructions.
Need help?
If you have questions about your specific deployment or aren't sure whether your devices are affected, contact Screenly Support. And we'll help you plan your upgrade path.