LG G4 Setup Guide: 5 Steps to Get Started

After months of rumors and speculation, LG took the stage in New York last week and officially unveiled the all-new, redesigned and leather-wrapped LG G4. The new phone is a premium flagship device loaded with more features than most will ever need, and below we’ll go through a few steps to help new owners get started.

With a large 5.5-inch Quad-HD display and an excellent new 16-megapixel front camera, the G4 has a lot to offer. And while it’s not yet available, owners will have a lot of questions when it starts hitting carriers late this month and early June. Not to mention LG T-Mobile’s giveaway allowing users to get one early and for free.

Right out of the box, the LG G4 is fast, fluid and works great, but there are always a few steps you’ll want to take. In just 10 minutes, this guide will future-proof your new smartphone with better security, backup options, improved battery life and much more.

LG’s latest G4 already runs Google’s latest Android 5.1 Lollipop software version, but is covered in a completely redesigned and much improved interface from LG called UX 4.0. Similar to Samsung’s TouchWiz interface or HTC Sense, LG UI offers improvements to Android without making things harder, complicating or slowing down your device. It’s all about simplicity and we like what they’ve done with Lollipop so far.

Once you get the G4 you’ll want to try out the impressive 16 megapixel camera or buttons on the back, not to mention watching some videos on the big HD screen, but you’ll also want to pay attention to the following steps to be sure. Your phone works great for years or is protected in case it is lost or stolen.

better security

One option that has been on Android smartphones for years and that many users don’t use is a password or pattern on the lock screen. Security is of the utmost importance these days when smartphones have access to so much information, banking accounts and email, and your device needs to be secured.

If you just got the LG G4 and are going through the initial setup, it will let you use its version called KnockCODE. This lets you tap any four areas of the screen as a hidden, hidden pin. This works fine silently, but the usual pin and pattern security options on Android are also available for those who want it. It takes about 30 seconds to set up a passcode or pattern lock, and your device is protected from prying eyes or lost or stolen.

LG G4 offers KnockCODE right out of the box during setup, otherwise go to settings and do it yourself. Pull down the notification bar and go to settings > lock screen > select screen lock. From here, simply select your preferred method. We use KnockCODE

Since you never know where your smartphone will go if it is lost or stolen, we recommend users to enable at least one layer of security. You do not want valuable data or images to fall into the wrong hands. There’s no fingerprint scanner for security like the Galaxy S6, but the options available should suffice.

Backup and Restore

While we won’t get into the topic of transferring from an old device to your new LG G4, we will explain a few simple steps you can take to keep your new phone backed up and ready to go. Google’s backup options, which we recommend most users accept, will come up during setup, but you can always check for more backup and sync options in settings later on.

Using the same steps outlined above, you will want to go to settings and scroll down for backup and reset. This is where you can turn Google’s backup solution on or off. It’s not an all-in-one solution, but it will backup (and restore on a new device) your WiFi passwords, app data (and game saves), wallpapers, and other settings. This is extremely convenient. There’s also a new LG Backup option that lets you copy data, call reject lists, text messages, pictures and even your home screen. An easy way to upgrade to a new phone if needed.

Users can also check or uncheck the restore option where Google will automatically restore all existing settings or data from a reinstalled app. This will restore your information if you lose your G4 and have to buy a new one, or restore previously backed up data from your previous smartphone to a new device.

Android Device Manager

Google offers a pretty good Device Manager and its own locator service called Android Device Manager. This is similar to FindMyiPhone and works wonders. There is almost no installation after downloading the app. Google Play storethen let Android’s device manager find your lost phone if you need to.

This is very important in case you lose your LG G4. You can access ADM from another Android device, tablet or a PC to locate a lost or stolen device, then track it down and recover that expensive smartphone. Even if it’s not enabled, just type “Find My Phone” in the Google search bar when logging into your Gmail account in Chrome and it will find the nearest location. Pretty cool little trick that Google released earlier this year.

Android Device Manager has other useful features as well. You can lock your G4, wipe a smartphone to wipe data in case of theft, and even have your phone ring at maximum volume if it gets lost somewhere in your home. Android Device Manager site From a PC, tablet or other phone.

This is one of those small steps that many users overlook, but if you need it, you’ll be glad you took 2-3 minutes to make sure it’s ready.

Set Mobile Data Limits

Another thing that many business owners never do but can save you money is setting mobile data limits. Whether you have a 2GB data plan with AT&T or Verizon, or a family plan that shares data between multiple devices with T-Mobile, it’s always wise to set limits. That way, users don’t have to face a huge smartphone bill at the end of the month. We’ve all been there and it’s extremely frustrating.

Here you can set up a direct data cap or an alert to let you know you’re approaching and slow things down a bit.

This allows you to be notified when you reach (or even exceed) your data limit, not to continue streaming 1080p YouTube clips or watch WatchESPN as you may have to pay a fee. This would be a good time to switch to WiFi at home to save data and avoid over usage charges.

Improve Battery Life

Aside from the large 5.5-inch screen and so many apps syncing 24/7, one of the biggest impacts on battery life is Google location services. Whether your phone is always tracking your location to deliver weather updates or using Google Assistant and Google Maps for directions or navigation, this is a huge drain on battery life. In Android 4.4 KitKat, Google added a new location option here that allows more control, and the battery saver option is your best route to go.

Battery saver mode turns off GPS, so turn-by-turn navigation may not be as accurate or need to be re-enabled, but for those who rarely use navigation, Battery saver mode is your best bet. This uses your WiFi and cellular network for location services, rather than the phone draining your battery when GPS is on.

Users can also adjust settings > display > brightness up to 40% instead of auto, which can increase battery life and extend phone usage to the next day for free. It’s another good idea to see how often Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, and other apps sync, and if done too often, it will keep waking your device and draining battery life. The LG G4 has a massive 3,000mAh battery underneath, a more efficient 6-core processor, and a battery-friendly display, but there are always a few ways to get a few more hours of use out of any smartphone.

Final Steps

Of course you’ll want to log into your Google account and get all your contacts, information, and apps, but there are tons of other options you might want to consider. Google Assistant is an excellent option worth enabling. Because it gives you the information you might need, without you asking, plus directions, hands-free voice controls and much more. Google Assistant can be activated by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.

Smart Notice is another feature LG offers. This tries to emulate the Google Assistant and opens with notifications below the weather widget. Reminders about missed calls, shortcuts to save unknown numbers in your contacts, or quick weather alerts. It’s pretty nifty, so be sure to check it out and keep it enabled.

Here we just go over a few key steps you’ll want to take when you first get the G4. After enjoying it for a few days, relax, go to settings and check out all the options, camera controls, remote app and everything else this flagship phone has to offer.