LG G5 Setup Guide: 5 Steps to Get Started

The unique new LG G5 is now available worldwide and at all carriers in the United States. Out of the box, LG’s new phone is great, but below we’ll go over a few helpful tips and tricks, as well as an installation guide, to help buyers get the most out of the LG G5.

Equipped with a smaller 5.3-inch Quad-HD display, modular design and dual rear camera setup, the G5 has a lot to offer. From doing all the settings, adding an app drawer, enabling always-on-screen display and more. There are many things owners can do to further improve the phone.

The LG G5 is fast, fluid and works great right out of the box, but there are always a few steps you need 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.

Running the latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow with LG skin on top, the phone is extremely fast. There was no app tray at launch, but a recent update brought it back. The first step we would recommend is to get an app drawer and then continue with our other suggestions.

G5 owners have tons of settings, customizations, relocation of main navigation keys, and more. LG has packed a lot into this phone and going through all the settings can be a daunting task. All owners should look at these and be familiar with the phone.

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. But the LG G5 has removed the back buttons and added a fingerprint scanner. So our first step is to add a fingerprint as well as a pin or password for added security.

Setting up a fingerprint is extremely easy and it only takes a few taps in the settings, a few taps with a finger and we’re all done. Below is a screenshot of where to do this if owners skipped the process during initial setup.

Go to settings > general > fingerprints > add fingerprint and set at least one or two fingers. The button is on the back, so we recommend using both index (index) fingers for ambidextrous ease. The G5 also requires owners to add a pin or second level of security, which is a good idea.

Backup and Restore

While we won’t go into the process of transferring from an old device to your new LG G5, we’ll explain a few simple steps you can take to keep your new phone in reserve and ready to go. Google’s backup options will pop up during setup, which we recommend most users agree to, but you can always control more backup and sync options in settings later on.

You’ll want to go to settings using the same steps outlined above 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 to a new device) your WiFi passwords, app data (and game saves), wallpapers, and other settings. This is extremely convenient. There’s also an LG Backup option that lets you copy data, call reject lists, text messages, images, 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 in case the G5 is lost or stolen.

Android Device Manager

Google offers a pretty good Device Manager and its own geolocation service called Android Device Manager. This is similar to FindMyiPhone and works great. Almost no installation after downloading the app. Google Play storethen let Android device manager find your lost phone if you need it.

This is very important in case you lose your LG G5. You can access ADM from another Android device, tablet or a PC to locate a lost or stolen device, then track it and recover that expensive smartphone. Even if it’s not enabled, just type “Find My Phone” in the Google search bar while signed into your Gmail account in Chrome and it will find the closest location. Pretty neat little trick that Google released earlier this year.

Android Device Manager has other useful features as well. Owners can lock the G5, wipe any 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 to go.

Set Mobile Data Limits

Another thing that many business owners never do but will save money and headaches is setting mobile data limits. Whether you have a 2GB data plan with AT&T or Verizon, or a family plan with T-Mobile that shares data between multiple devices, it’s always wise to set limits. This way, users won’t be faced with 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 will allow the phone to warn any user when a limit is reached to stop streaming content, use WiFi or take action to avoid exceeding the monthly limit. This is something most owners don’t do, but those who do will be grateful once you get them out of trouble.

Improve Battery Life

Aside from the large 5.3-inch screen and the sheer number of 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. I’m always amazed at how much battery life this simple setting saves.

Battery saver mode turns off GPS, so turn-by-turn navigation may not be as accurate or may 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 instead of draining the phone’s battery when GPS is on.

Users can also go to settings > display > and turn the brightness down to 40% instead of auto, which can extend battery life and extend phone usage until the next day without recharging. It’s another good idea to see how often Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, and other apps sync, and if it happens too often, it will cause your device to constantly wake up and decrease battery life. The LG G5 has a 2,800mAh smaller battery than last year but looks pretty much the same as older LG phones in this department. Another idea is to disable the always on screen feature mentioned above. If not more, it discharges about 1% per hour.

Final Steps

Of course owners will need to sign in to a Google account and get all their contacts, information and apps, but there are tons of other options you might want to consider. Google Assistant is an excellent option worth enabling. As it provides the information you may need before you ask, directions, hands-free voice controls and much more. Google Assistant can be activated by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.

Smart Settings is another feature of LG. This will essentially automate options like battery saver, WiFi, Bluetooth, and other things to turn on or off depending on location, time of day, or if you’re in a vehicle. These save time and battery life.

Here we’ll just go over a few key steps you’ll want to take when you first get the G5. After a few days of enjoyable use, relax, go to settings and check out all the options, camera controls, remote app and everything else this flagship phone has to offer. Don’t forget to charge a spare battery and have it ready and on standby the next time you go out.