tips and tricks

One of the new features on the Pixel 2 camera is called Portrait Mode. Basically, it applies a heavy blur to the background and makes the foreground object pop. Open the Camera app Tap the menu icon in the top left Select Portrait Tap on the subject to focus Tap the shutter button The photo...

Google Assistant is one of the headlining features of the Pixel phones. There are a couple of different ways to use Assistant. First, set it up. Long-press the home button or say "Ok Google" Tap Turn on when Assistant pops up You will be guided through the setup To use Assistant, you can...

One of the coolest features of the Pixel phones is the ability to easily transfer content from an old device. The Pixel 2 comes with an adapter in the box to make this process easy. Android devices can transfer apps, app data, contacts, settings, Google accounts, music, photos, and SMS. iOS...

If you don't like the default Pixel Launcher, it's very easy to get a new home screen. Simply install a launcher from the Play Store, such as Nova Launcher. After installing the launcher, press the home button and you'll be asked to Select a Home app. Choose the new launcher and select Always...

One of the most noticeable changes on the Pixel 2 is the search bar on the home screen. It has been moved to below the dock. Unfortunately, you can't change this in the default Pixel launcher. You'll need to install a 3rd-party launcher, such as Nova Launcher. If you do install a 3rd-party...

The Pixel 2 has an always-on display feature called "Ambient Display." It shows the time, date, and notifications when the display is off. Here's how to use it. Go to Settings > Display Select Advanced > Ambient display Toggle it Always on, enabled Double-tap to check phone, and New notifications

A neat trick on the Pixel 2 is the ability to swipe the fingerprint sensor to open or close the notification shade. Go to Settings > System Select Languages, input & gestures Select Advanced Tap Swipe fingerprint for notifications Toggle the switch on

If your Pixel 2 is misbehaving or you want to sell it to someone, a factory reset will erase everything and start from scratch. Before you do a factory reset, make sure all personal media is backed up. Go to Settings > System Select Reset Select Factory data reset Tap RESET PHONE Enter password...

Want more information about Pixel 2 battery life? You can show the exact battery percentage in the status bar. Go to Settings > Battery Toggle on Battery percentage That's it!

One of the most unique features of the Pixel 2 is the ability to literally squeeze the phone to launch Assistant. Here's how to enable it and customize the action. Go to Settings > System The go to Language, input & gestures > Advanced Select Active Edge Adjust the squeeze sensitivity to your...

The Pixel 2 has a great feature that enables you to backup the phone with Google Drive. It's easy to set up. Go to Settings > System > Backup Toggle the switch on If no account has been selected, you'll see a notification pop up Tap the notification Select your Google account Now go into the...

Most phones allow you to hide apps from showing up in the app drawer. The default Pixel Launcher doesn't have this ability. You'll need to install a 3rd-party launcher, such as Nova Launcher. If you do install a 3rd-party launcher, look in the app drawer settings to hide apps. In the case of...

Want to get rid of some apps on your Pixel 2? Here's how to uninstall or disable almost any app. Swipe up on the home screen to open the app drawer Long press on the app you want to remove Tap App Info On the App Info page, select Uninstall or Disable

As with any Android phone, you can change the keyboard on the Pixel 2. Here's how: Go to Settings > System Select Languages, input & gestures Tap Virtual keyboard Tap Manage keyboards Toggle the one you wish to use Bring up the keyboard by tapping in a text box Ta the keyboard icon in the nav...

The Pixel 2 has a fingerprint scanner on the back. It's fast and very reliable. Here's how to use it. Go to Settings > Security & location > Pixel Imprint If you haven’t already set up a lock screen pattern, PIN, or password, you’ll be asked to set one up Tap +Add fingerprint Choose which...

One of the simplest and most basic functions you can do is take a screenshot. This is handy for sharing your home screen design or getting help when something isn't working quite right. Here's how to do it. Press and hold the Power button Press and hold the Volume Down button Hold both until...

The Always-on display can show the time, date, and notifications while the display is turned off. It’s pretty handy to see the time or whether you need to read a notification. Go to Settings > Display Tap Always-on display Toggle the switch to ON Tap the settings gear icon to choose how it looks

If you ever want to start fresh or sell your phone, you need to do a factory reset. This will wipe the device clean, so make sure none of your personal information is left. Open the Settings app Scroll down and select Backup & reset Tap Factory data reset Tap RESET PHONE (confirm password)

The V30 can be used as a mobile hotspot if you have an eligible data plan. This allows you to connect other devices to the V30 and use its data connection. Go to Settings > Tethering Toggle the Wi-Fi Hotspot switch Enter a password for the network Update the Mobile Hotspot password if needed...

Backing up your phone is very important if you want to keep your data and media safe. Backup apps Go to Settings > Backup & reset Under 'GOOGLE BACKUP,' tap Back up my data Tap the Backup my data switch to the ON setting Backup everything else Go to Settings > Backup & reset Under 'LG...

The LG V30 has the ability to use different themes. It comes with a few out of the box and you can download more from the Play Store. Go to Settings > Theme Select one of the preloaded themes Tap APPLY OR Tap the download icon in the top right This will open the themes section in LG...

You can put the battery percentage number in the status bar. You'll get a better idea of how much battery is left. Go to Settings > Battery & power saving Toggle the switch for Battery percentage on status bar

Sometimes there are apps you have to have installed, but you don't want them cluttering up your app drawer. You can hide them without uninstalling. Note: this is with the Home & app drawer home screen. Open the app drawer Tap the menu icon Select Hide apps Check the box for the apps you want...

Removing unwanted apps is a basic thing everyone should know. Whatever the reason may be, here's how to delete apps on the LG V30. Go to Settings > Apps Locate the appropriate app Note: For system apps, tap the Menu icon > Show system Tap UNINSTALL Tap OK to confirm OR Open the app drawer...

The default keyboard on the LG V30 is actually pretty good, but you can change it to a different one if you'd like. Go to Settings > Language & keyboard Select Current keyboard Tap SELECT MORE Toggle on your desired keyboard Go back, select Current Keyboard again Select your keyboard To find...