LG G3 Setup Guide: 5 Steps to Get Started

The LG G3 was finally launched in the United States this July, after months of waiting after its launch in May. Now available from AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon, the LG G3 is a premium flagship smartphone loaded with more features than most will ever need.

Since the LG G3 is now available in stores in the United States, more and more buyers are starting to pick up the smartphone and see what all the hype is about. If you’re one of them, you’ve probably run it and enjoyed the large 5.5-inch Quad-HD display, but below we have a few tips to help you get started with your new phone.

The LG G3 is fast, fluid and works great right out of the box, but there are always a few steps you should take. In just 10 minutes, this guide will future-proof your new smartphone with better security, backup options, improved battery life and much more.

The new LG G3 runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, but is clad in a completely redesigned and much more advanced interface from LG. Similar to Samsung’s TouchWiz interface or HTC Sense, LG Optimus UI offers improvements to Android without making things difficult, complicating, or slowing down your device.

Not to mention watching some videos on the big HD screen playing around with the impressive camera or buttons on the back, but you’ll also want to consider the following steps to keep your phone working great for years to come. to come or be protected in case of loss or theft.

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. Nowadays, when smartphones have access to so much information, bank accounts and e-mail, security is extremely important and your device needs to be secured.

If you just got the LG G3 and are going through the initial setup, it will let you use its version called KnockCODE. This lets you touch any four areas of the screen as a hidden, hidden pin. This works silently, but the usual pin and pattern security options on Android are also available. It takes about 30 seconds to set up a password or pattern lock, and your device is protected from prying eyes or in case of loss or theft.

LG G3 does KnockCODE out of the box, otherwise go to settings and do it yourself. Pull down the notification bar and go to settings > lock screen > select screen lock. From here just choose your method of choice.

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.

Backup and Restore

While we won’t get into the process of transferring from an old device to your new LG G3, we will 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.

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 you lose your G3 and need to get a new one or restore previously backed up data from your previous smartphone to the new G3.

LG also has its own backup service if you want to try its options as well.

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 wonders. 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 G3. You can access ADM from another Android device, tablet or a PC to find a lost or stolen device, then track it down and get the expensive $599 smartphone back.

Android Device Manager has other useful features as well. You can lock your G3, wipe your smartphone to wipe data in case of theft, or even have your phone ring at maximum volume if it gets lost somewhere in your home. Android Device Manager site from a computer.

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 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 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 allows you to be notified when you reach your data limit (or even turn it off) that you don’t watch 1080p YouTube clips or Netflix because you may incur charges. This might be a good time to switch to WiFi at home to save data and avoid redundancy charges.

Improve Battery Life

Besides the screen, one of the biggest impacts on battery life and the fact that so many apps sync 24/7 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 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 the phone draining your battery with GPS.

Users can also go to settings > display > and reduce the brightness up to 30% instead of auto, which can extend battery life and extend phone usage until the next day without recharging. The LG G3 has a massive 3,000mAh battery under the hood, but there’s always a way to get a few more hours of use out of any smartphone.

Final Steps

Of course you’ll want to sign in to 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. 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 Notification is another feature of LG. This tries to emulate the Google Assistant and opens below the weather widget with notifications. Reminders about missed calls, shortcuts to save unknown numbers in your contacts, or depending on your direction to remind you to bring an umbrella if the G3 notices rain in the forecast. It’s pretty nifty, so be sure to check it out and keep it enabled.

Here we just go over a few important steps you’ll want to take when you first get the LG G3. After a few days of enjoyment, comfort and want to see everything else this flagship smartphone can do, click the link above for 51 tips and tricks for getting the most out of your new smartphone.