How to Set Up Your TV for the First Time: Step-by-Step Guide

You might have just bought your new TV, but only to stare at it wondering: Now what? The purchase is only the beginning! You still need to set it up properly, turn it on, connect it to the internet, and adjust the settings. 

So if this is leaving you with endless questions, we provide you with the answers! Our smart TV setup guide shows you how to set up a new TV for the first time, walking you through all the stages: Physical preparations, the initial startup, and the needed configuration and customization. 

How to Prepare for the Smart TV Setup

A smart TV setup is not something you should rush! Take your time with this first stage of your new TV setup and complete the necessary physical preparations. Follow the steps below to get your TV ready for use for the first time:

• Careful Unpacking 

First things first—you need to unpack the TV. 

Begin by preparing a clear, clean surface where you’ll place the TV, and be sure to cover it with a soft blanket. Then, open the box and remove the protective foam, user manuals, remote control, TV stand, and other components. Finally, carefully lift the TV out of the box and put it face-down on the blanket. 

• Placing the TV on the Stand 

You may want to keep your TV on a table, cabinet, or any other piece of furniture rather than mount it on the wall. In this case, attach the stand to the TV according to the manual’s instructions to ensure it remains sturdy and stable.

• Mount the TV on the Wall 

You may want to mount your TV on the wall instead of keeping it on a table, especially if you have limited or crowded surfaces. You can securely mount the TV by following the steps provided in the manual. Make sure the wall can support the TV’s weight, and leave enough space around it for proper ventilation.

Learn more: Mounting Your TV on the Wall: A Complete Guide

• Clear the TV Installation Area 

Whether you want to mount the TV on the wall or place it on a stand, it is important to remove clutter and dust from the area so you can move around and proceed with the installation easily and smoothly. 

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• Connect External Devices 

Now that you have set up the TV in its proper place, you can connect any external devices you have using the proper ports. These can include gaming consoles, soundbars, streaming devices, set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, or laptops. Also, connect the TV to the power outlet but don’t turn it on just yet.

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• Prepare the Remote 

Insert batteries into the remote or charge it, depending on the model. If you’re setting up an LG TV for the first time, a standard remote is typically included in the box, while the Magic Remote may need to be purchased separately. However, this may vary depending on the market and TV model, so the exact steps for how to set up an LG TV for the first time can differ slightly. 

Discover more: What is the LG Magic Remote? Key Features & How to Use It

So, now that you are done with the preparations, you can move to the next stage of smart TV setup and that is the initial startup. 

How to Turn On Your TV for the First Time: Initial Startup 

Setting up your new smart TV for the first time involves more than physical preparations and installation, as it also includes the initial startup. But what does that mean exactly? The initial startup is simply the process of turning on and configuring your TV for the first time. 

Think of it like using a smartphone. When you turn it on for the first time, you follow certain steps that you won’t need to repeat each time you turn it on afterward. Your smart TV is no different! 

To know how to set up a smart TV for the first time, follow these steps to complete the initial startup before moving into the next stage: 

• Turn the TV On & Select Display Language 

To turn the TV on for the first time, simply press on the Power button on the remote control, or press the Power button on the TV itself. It is typically located underneath the screen or on the back or side. A short press is usually enough, as you don’t have to press and hold. Wait a bit until the TV turns on—this might take a few moments, since the initial startup takes a bit longer. 

Then, the initial setup screen will appear. It will guide you through various settings, options, and other steps you need to complete. One of the first—and most important—steps is selecting the display language. Choose your preferred language before proceeding with the remaining setup instructions.

• Select the Country/Region & Timezone 

At this point of setting up a TV for the first time, you will need to select your region or country and the timezone. While it may seem irrelevant at first, this information is key to a satisfactory performance and an enjoyable and convenient experience. 

Your chosen country will determine the available channels, content, streaming services, and apps, as availability varies by region. It can also affect other regional settings, such as local recommendations, language options, and advertising.

Next, be sure to select the proper time zone so that the TV displays the correct local time and supports time-dependent features, including parental controls, scheduled settings and actions (such as turning the TV on or off at specific times), and time-based software updates, where supported.

• Connect Your TV to the Internet 

Wondering how to connect a smart TV to Wi-Fi? Internet connection is a crucial part of how to set up a smart TV for the first time, because it enables the TV to perform many functions. Sounds intimidating? The process is much easier than you think! 

Now that you have selected the language, region, and timezone, the setup screen will take you to the network or internet connection step. Choose your preferred connection method, which is WiFi or a wireless connection in this case, and then choose your network, enter the password, then press “Connect”. 

You can also choose a wired Ethernet connection instead, or skip this step altogether and connect your TV to the internet later.

• Reviewing and Accepting Terms and Permissions 

The next step of the initial startup is to review the terms and conditions, privacy notices, and permission requests related to the TV’s smart services. These may explain how the TV’s features work, what data may be collected and how it is used, and which permissions are required for certain functions. 

Simply review the information and accept the required terms and permissions to continue. Note that not all TVs will display these notices or requests, so you may not encounter this step when turning on the TV for the first time. 

• Create an Account or Sign in (If Applicable)

You may need to create an account while setting up your new smart TV for the first time. This sounds like you are creating an account for the television itself, but it is actually a profile with the TV’s manufacturer or smart platform. It allows you to access specific smart features, apps, services, and more personalized settings.

As the startup screen takes you to this step, it will give you two options: either sign in if you have an account from using an older TV (this will sync all your data) or create a new account. Choose the latter option and enter the needed information using the on-screen keyboard. 

Typically, you’ll need to enter your email and password. Some models might require email verification and agreeing to additional terms. Once completed, the account is set up and activated—ready for use! 

Keep in mind that this step, as in all steps of how to set up a TV for the first time, might vary or look a bit different depending on the manufacturer and model. Some TVs, for instance, display a QR code for you to scan for account creation, while others do not need accounts altogether. 

Now that you know how to turn the TV on for the first time, we can explore the next stage of how to set up a smart TV for the first time, which is customizing TV settings. 

New TV Setup for the Best Experience: Customizing TV Settings

Customizing your TV settings is a key part of how to set up a new TV for the first time, as it helps provide you with a personalized and convenient experience. Here are some of the TV settings you should adjust during the setup process: 

• Picture Settings 

First and foremost, you should begin by adjusting the picture settings. These include brightness, contrast, colors, sharpness, and sometimes AI-based picture features where available. By adapting these settings to your preferences, you get unmatched picture quality when watching movies, streaming content, playing games, and more. 

• Sound Settings 

Sound and picture quality go hand in hand—what’s the use of a gorgeous picture if you cannot enjoy the audio that much? Amend volume-related and audio output settings, and be sure to activate certain options like the dialogue enhancement feature, which makes the dialogue more crisp and clear, delivering an engaging audio experience. 

• Accessibility Settings 

These TV settings are specifically designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities. By modifying them, you will be able to make hearing, watching, and reading content on the TV much more accessible and easier. These include subtitles and captions, audio descriptions, higher contrast, screen readers, and text size. 

• Energy-Saving Settings

Smart TVs come with energy-related settings that help cut on energy usage and costs. This way, you can enjoy movie marathons without worrying much about bills. Some of these TV settings are automatic brightness, energy-saving mode, and automatic power-off settings. Activate the options you find most useful during the new TV setup process before you begin movie-searching or gaming. 

• Parental Control

If you have kids and preteens at home, you may not want to keep this step for later. Set up parental control settings and options the way you like, making your kids’ experience safe and age-appropriate. These controls include app restrictions, content locks, time and usage limits, and purchase restrictions, among others. 

FAQs about How to Set Up a TV for the First Time

Here are the most commonly asked questions and their answers: 

• Should I remove the protective film from my new TV?

Yes, you should remove the protective film from the TV if there’s a clearly visible pull tab, edge, or printed instruction saying to remove it. This will improve picture quality and prevent overheating. 

• How long does it take to set up a new smart TV? 

The setup process takes about 10-30 minutes, depending on the TV model, internet connection, updates, and the number of settings you configure—or skip for later. 

• Should I update my new TV before using it? 

Yes, it’d be best to update your TV before using it for the first time. Check for available software updates after connecting the TV to the internet, so you get the latest features. 

• Do I need an internet connection to use a new TV? 

This depends on how you want to use it. If you are using it for basic functions like watching content from a connected device or watching broadcast channels, an internet connection is not necessary. However, the TV must be connected to the internet if you want to use smart features, apps, and online streaming services. 

• Can I change my TV settings after the initial setup? 

Yes, you can change TV settings after the initial setup through the dedicated settings menu. These include picture, sound, network, and parental controls, among others. 

LG Smart TVs from New Vision

If you want to experience exciting, immersive, and convenient home entertainment, then LG smart TVs are your best pick! New Vision provides you with an impressive range of smart TVs, including NanoCell, OLED, QNED, and other types, meeting your preferences and needs, no matter what they are. 

Explore LG’s smart TVs today and shop for the best option for you and your family, so you get premium picture quality, surround sound, smart features, a personalized experience, and so much more. 

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