5 LG Smart TV Settings to Fix Now for a Perfect Picture & Better Privacy
You’ve invested in an LG smart TV—especially an OLED model—for its renowned picture quality and features. But a few default settings on its WebOS platform can actually hold your TV back. From a distracting "soap opera effect" to background data collection, making just five simple adjustments can unlock your TV's full potential.
This guide will walk you through the most impactful settings you need to change now to enjoy a cinematic picture, protect your digital privacy, and elevate your home theater setup.
1. Change Your Picture Mode to "Filmmaker Mode" or "Cinema"
By default, most LG TVs are set to "Standard" or "Vivid" mode. While these modes can make the picture look bright and punchy in a store, they often over-process the image. For the most accurate and beautiful picture, you should select "Filmmaker Mode" or "Cinema."
Why You Should Fix It: These modes are professionally calibrated to present content exactly as the director intended, with natural colors, accurate contrast, and a truly cinematic feel. For a better gaming experience, you should also activate "Game Optimizer" mode.
How to Fix It:
Press the Settings button on your remote.
Navigate to Picture > Picture Mode.
Select Filmmaker Mode or Cinema.
2. Disable "Motion Smoothing" to Eliminate the "Soap Opera Effect"
LG's "TruMotion" setting (motion smoothing) is designed to make motion appear more fluid, but it creates an artificial look that can ruin movies and high-quality TV shows. This is often referred to as the "soap opera effect."
Why You Should Fix It: Turning off motion smoothing restores the natural, film-like motion that filmmakers use. It's a critical adjustment for anyone who values a genuine cinematic experience.
How to Fix It:
Press the Settings button on your remote.
Navigate to Picture > Advanced Settings > Clarity.
Find TruMotion and set it to Off.
3. Turn Off Data Collection and Targeted Advertising
LG's WebOS uses a feature called "Live Plus" (LG's version of Automatic Content Recognition) to track what you watch. This data is used to provide personalized recommendations and, more importantly, targeted ads.
Why You Should Fix It: This is a significant concern for digital privacy. Disabling data collection ensures your viewing habits are kept private and can also improve TV performance by reducing background processes.
How to Fix It:
Press the Settings button on your remote.
Navigate to General > System > Additional Settings.
Go to User Agreements and then disable all agreements except for the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. The key services to turn off are Live Plus and Voice Information.
4. Disable Energy Saving Mode
By default, many LG smart TVs have an "Energy Saving" mode enabled, which dims the screen and can make the picture look washed out. While it's designed to save power, it comes at the expense of picture quality.
Why You Should Fix It: This is an essential step for device optimization. Turning off energy saving ensures you're getting the full brightness and vibrancy that your TV is capable of, especially for 4K HDR content.
How to Fix It:
Press the Settings button on your remote.
Navigate to Picture > Energy Saving.
Set the mode to Off.
5. Optimize HDMI Settings with Simplink (HDMI-CEC)
LG's "Simplink" (also known as HDMI-CEC) is a powerful feature that allows your TV to control other connected devices, such as a Blu-ray player, soundbar, or gaming console, with a single remote.
Why You Should Fix It: This is a crucial setting for a seamless smart home experience. It simplifies your setup and eliminates the need to juggle multiple remotes.
How to Fix It:
Press the Settings button on your remote.
Navigate to General > Devices > HDMI Settings.
Turn on Simplink (HDMI-CEC). You may need to enable a similar setting on your other devices for it to work.
By making these five changes, you've taken control of your LG smart TV, ensuring you get the best possible picture and sound while protecting your privacy for a truly premium viewing experience.
