LG has a wide range of excellent TVs. TheirOLED TVsare some of my favorite TVs that we’ve tested, and there are options to suit almost any budget, from the affordable to theseriously expensive. The company doesn’t rest on its laurels either – it regularly introducing new models that blow the older ones out of the water.
LG TVs are also packed with useful features, from an app store that allows you to install all the streaming apps you could ever want to gaming features such as variable refresh rates and Auto Low Latency Mode.
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LG’s offerings are bright, beautiful, and perfect for gamers and film-buffs like me.
There are also some great features that aren’t immediately obvious. In fact, you may be completely unaware that they exist. If so, we’re here to help. Here are eight features every LG TV user should take advantage of.
1Use the shortcut buttons to power on
Save yourself a button press
Your LG remote includes some shortcut buttons for popular streaming services such as Netflix andPrime Video. When your TV is on, you’re able to use these buttons to quickly launch these streaming apps without needing to go through the app menu. What you may not realize, however, is that you can use these shortcut buttons to power on your LG TV. For example, if you know that you want to binge-watch3 Body Problem on Netflix, and your TV is off, you can press the Netflix button to power on your TV and automatically open the Netflix app. LG: Saving the world one less button press at a time.
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2LG’s Quick Access
Make your own shortcut buttons
The shortcut buttons on the LG remote are really useful, but there are so many streaming services available now that it’s highly likely that your personal favorite doesn’t have its own dedicated button.
The good news is that you may turn the number buttons on your remote into your own personal shortcuts for any app that’s available on your LG TV. You can even use them to switch to specific inputs. For example, you can set up your remote so that long pressing the1button will launch Apple TV, long pressing the2button will switch to the input foryour PlayStation, and so on.
How to make your own shortcut buttons on LG TVs and remotes
you’re able to also quickly add a shortcut fromwithin any app by holding down the number buttonthat you want to use. The current app will be added as a shortcut to that button if it’s not already assigned.
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3Quickly jump back and forth between apps
Switch from TV to an app and back again
If you want to flip back between two different apps, you can do so quickly by holding down theHomebutton. This will take you back to the previously opened app. Holding down theHomebutton again will return you to the app you were using first.
This is particularly useful if you occasionally want to dip into another app. For example, if you’rewatching Netflix, but want to occasionally check on a live sports score, you’re able to press and hold theHomebutton to quickly flick back and forth between the Netflix app and live TV.
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4Use your phone as a remote
No remote? No problem
The most powerful force found in nature is the one that inexorably drags your TV remote into the deepest crevices of your sofa. The good news is that if you may’t find your remote, you can use your phone instead. By installing theLG ThinQ app, you can use your phone to control your LG TV and also access some other useful features.
How to use your phone as your LG TV remote
Once the app is connected, you’ll see a tile for your TV.Tap the TV tile to open a screenthat includes shortcuts to all of your installed apps, a list of available inputs, and a remote control icon at the bottom of the screen. Tapping the remote control icon brings up an on-screen remote that you’re able to use to control your TV just as you would with the standard remote.
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5Share media to your LG TV
See your photos and videos in big-screen glory
Using the LG ThinQ app, you can share photos, videos, and music from your phone to your LG TV, so that you can enjoy them on the larger screen. You’ll need to have installed and connected the LG ThinQ app using the steps above to use this feature.
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6Play your TV audio through your phone
Watch your favorite shows with your headphones in
Another useful feature of the LG ThinQ app is that it allows you to play your TV audio through your iPhone with compatible TVs. This means you can connectyour AirPodsto your iPhone and have your TV audio beamed directly into your ears. It’s ideal if you want to watch something without disturbing other people. You can access this setting by using the NFC tag on your remote.
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7Instant Game Response
Optimize your gaming experience
If you use your LG TV for gaming, the Instant Game Response feature can be really useful. It detects when you’re playing a game and employs features that are designed for an optimal gaming experience, such as the Game Mode display pre-set, orAuto Low Latency Mode(ALLM). This reduces lag, making your experience feel more responsive.
In addition, with Instant Game response turned on, switching to the input for your console can automatically power up your console without you needing to power it on manually.
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8Edit your apps
Line your apps up how you want them
With so manystreaming servicesavailable, the number of apps you need to add to your LG TV continues to grow. You may end up with a long line of apps to scroll through when you want to select a specific app.
The good news is that it’s possible to edit the apps to change their order or remove any apps that you no longer need. You can even automatically sort the apps by the ones that you use the most.
How to sort your apps on your LG TV
9Rename Your Inputs
Make switching between devices less confusing
If you’re anything like me, you have a lot of devices plugged into your TV. Games consoles, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and more all fight for the precious HDMI slots. When you’re trying to switch between them, however, things can get a little confusing. Is HDMI 1 the PlayStation or the Apple TV? Is HDMI 2 the Nintendo Switch or theRoku Stick? If only there were a better way.
LG TVs allow you to rename your HDMI inputs with names that are way more useful.
Well, of course, there is. LG TVs allow you to rename your HDMI inputs with names that are way more useful. That way it’s easy to know which HDMI input you need to select when you want to get stuck into some moreBaldur’s Gate 3.
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Q: Do all LG TVs have these features?
Not necessarily, no. The exact features will depend on the model of your LG TV. For example, newer TVs may have remotes with additional dedicated buttons for services such as Disney+ and Rakuten TV, whereas older ones may only have Netflix and Prime Video. you may always make your own shortcut buttons as described above, however.
Q: Why won’t my LG ThinQ App detect my TV?
Some users (myself included) have found that the app won’t detect your LG TV when you set it up. If this happens, try turning off the Quick Start+ feature inSettings > All Settings > General > Additional Settings > Quick Start+. Once you’ve turned this off, try connecting to your TV again and you should have more luck.
Q: Why can’t I see the option for Intelligent Edit for my apps?
If you have an older LG TV, you may not see the option for Intelligent Edit that will put your apps in the order you use the most. If you don’t see this feature, you’ll have to arrange them manually in the order you want.
