Motorola moto g stylus User Guide
Your guide to getting the most out of your moto g stylus.
Get Started
Welcome to your new moto g stylus. This guide will help you set up and navigate your device.
First Look
Familiarize yourself with the hardware:
- Main Camera
- Depth Camera
- Ultra-wide Camera
- Macro Camera
- Front Camera
- SIM & microSD Card Tray
- Flash
- Proximity Sensor
- Volume Buttons
- Power Button/Fingerprint Sensor
- Headset Jack
- USB-C/Charger Port
- Stylus
Power Button & Fingerprint Sensor
The Power button, located on the right side, also functions as a fingerprint sensor. Use it to:
- Power On/Off: Press and hold to power the phone off or on.
- Sleep/Wake Up: Press the button to put the screen to sleep or wake it up.
- Restart: Press and hold the Power button, then tap Restart.
- Unlock: Tap the sensor to unlock your phone.
- Quick Shortcuts: Double-tap the sensor for customizable shortcuts (requires Power touch to be enabled).
Volume Buttons
Use the volume buttons to adjust:
- Music/Video Volume: Press buttons while media is playing.
- Ringer Volume: Press buttons, then tap the ring volume slider. Press a button during a call to silence the ringer.
- Earpiece Volume: Press buttons during a call.
Stylus
Your phone includes a stylus for navigation, note-taking, and editing. To remove it, push inward and slide it out. To store it, insert it into the slot with the notch facing left until it locks.
Stylus Setup Options:
- Open App on Unlock: Choose an app to launch when the stylus is removed with the phone unlocked.
- Removal Reminder: Set a reminder if the stylus is out for too long.
- Record Last Removal: Log the time and location where the stylus was last removed.
- Vibrate When Inserted: Feel a vibration when the stylus is properly inserted.
Insert SIM and microSD Cards
To activate service, insert your SIM card. You can also add a microSD card for extra storage. Use the SIM tool to eject the tray. Insert the Nano SIM card with gold contacts down, then gently push the tray back in. Add the microSD card for additional storage.
Power On
Press and hold the Power button, then follow the on-screen prompts to get started.
Sign In
Sign in with your Google account to access apps, sync data, and back up your information. You can create an account during setup if you don't have one.
Connect to Wi-Fi
For faster internet access, swipe down the status bar, touch and hold the Wi-Fi icon to select a network. For detailed instructions, see the 'Connect to Wi-Fi' section.
Learn the Basics
Check Battery Charge Level
Swipe down from the home screen to view your battery status.
Navigate Your Phone
Use the stylus or your fingers for navigation:
- Tap: Select an item.
- Touch and Hold: See more options.
- Drag: Move items on the screen.
- Swipe: Scroll through lists or screens.
- Pinch/Double-tap: Zoom in or out.
- Twist: Rotate or tilt maps.
- Split Screen: Swipe up from the bottom, hold, tap the app icon, then select 'Split screen' to use two apps simultaneously. Drag the divider to close.
- Menus: Tap icons like
⋮
,⚙️
, or→
to access options. - Close Keyboard: Tap
X
.
System Navigation: Choose between gesture navigation or the traditional 3-button navigation bar.
Improve Battery Life
Your phone optimizes battery usage by closing background processes. To manage battery:
- View battery usage:
Settings
→Battery
→USAGE DETAILS
. - Enable
Battery Saver
for a darker display and reduced power consumption. - Limit battery use for apps:
Settings
→Battery
→Adaptive Battery
.
Battery Tips: Reduce widgets, unused accounts, and streaming media.
Care for Your Phone
- Avoid prolonged exposure to water; the device is water-repellent, not waterproof. Dry thoroughly if exposed.
- Clean with a soft, clean cloth. Use 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes for disinfection. Avoid moisture in openings.
- Do not use sprays directly on the screen.
Home Screen
The home screen is your main interface. Swipe down for notifications and settings. Swipe up to see all apps. You can customize wallpapers, add pages, and arrange apps and widgets.
Notifications
Icons at the top of the screen indicate notifications. Swipe down the status bar for details. Touch and hold a notification to manage its source app. Swipe left or right to dismiss.
Status Icons
Understand icons like network strength (?
), Wi-Fi (?
), Bluetooth (?
), Airplane Mode (✈️
), Do Not Disturb (?
), Alarm (⏰
), Data Saver (?
), Battery Saver (?
), and Battery Charging/Full (?
).
Volume Control
Use the side volume buttons to adjust ringer, media, or alarm volumes. You can also mute the ringer or set the phone to vibrate.
Do Not Disturb
Swipe down the status bar and touch and hold the Do not disturb
icon to silence sounds. You can set exceptions for alarms, media, or touch sounds, and configure notification restrictions and schedules.
Lock Screen
Your touchscreen locks automatically after a set timeout. You can customize the timeout duration in Settings
→ Display
→ Advanced
→ Screen timeout
. Swipe up from the bottom to unlock. You can add a lock screen message.
Quick Settings
Swipe down the status bar (swipe down again for more options) to quickly access settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane Mode, brightness, and more. Tap icons to toggle features on/off; touch and hold for more options.
Speak (Google Voice)
Use voice commands to interact with your phone. Say “Call [contact name]” or “Send text.” Use voice search by tapping the microphone icon.
Apps and Connectivity
Stylus Shortcuts
When the stylus is removed, shortcuts appear for quick actions like taking notes (Moto Note), editing screenshots, opening the Coloring book, or launching the camera in Cinemagraph mode.
Direct Share
Share content directly with contacts or apps from within other applications. Select an item, then choose the share option and recipient.
Picture-in-Picture
Watch videos or use navigation apps while multitasking. The content appears in a small window. Tap twice to return to it, or tap X
to close.
Personalize Your Phone
Customize your home screen by changing wallpapers, adding pages, adjusting display settings (brightness, font size), and switching to dark theme.
- Styles: Change font and icon styles.
- Auto-rotate screen: Enable or disable screen rotation.
- Apps & Widgets: Add apps and widgets to your home screen. Group apps into folders.
- Sounds & Appearance: Customize audio effects, ringtones, notification sounds, and vibration settings.
- Night Light: Reduce blue light for comfortable viewing at night.
- Language: Change the phone's language.
- Font Size: Adjust text size.
Discover Moto
Explore unique Motorola features like Quick Capture (twist wrist twice for camera), chop motion for flashlight, and flip for Do Not Disturb.
Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls
Set limits on app usage, schedule bedtime reminders, and manage notifications to promote healthy phone habits. Parental controls allow remote supervision.
Phone App
Make calls by dialing a number, selecting a contact, or using voice commands. Manage calls, view recent calls, and set up favorites. Block spam callers via Phone
→ Menu
→ Settings
→ Caller ID & spam
.
Messages
Send and receive text messages and pictures. Use the on-screen keyboard for typing or voice entry. Attach files, photos, or contacts. Manage message threads and spam protection.
Chrome
Access the internet using the Chrome browser. Go to web pages, add bookmarks, manage tabs, clear history, and use safe browsing features. Download apps from Google Play Store or other sources.
Camera
Capture photos and videos with various modes:
- Photo Modes: Portrait, Cutout, Spot Color, Night Vision, Cinemagraph, Panorama, Group Selfie, Pro.
- Video Modes: Slow Motion, Timelapse.
- Camera Settings: Adjust photo/video size, aspect ratio, flash, timer, HDR, and Face Beauty.
- Quick Capture: Twist twice to open the camera.
- Tap Anywhere to Capture: Take photos or videos by tapping anywhere on the screen.
- Gesture Selfie: Hold up your palm for a 2-second timer.
- Smart Composition: Get suggestions for better framing.
- Portrait Mode: Add background blur.
- Cutout Mode: Change photo backgrounds.
- Cinemagraph: Create moving effects in still photos.
- Google Lens: Identify objects, scan text, and more.
Photos
View, edit, and share your photos. Organize them into albums. Zoom, edit, and set photos as wallpapers or contact photos.
Gmail
Manage your email accounts, send and receive emails, and organize your inbox. Add multiple Google or other email accounts.
Duo
Make high-quality video and voice calls. Connect with friends across platforms. Preview incoming calls with Knock Knock feature.
Moto Features
Explore Moto app for personalized features, gestures, display settings, and gaming tools.
- Personalize: Customize styles, wallpapers, and layouts.
- Gestures: Control phone actions with gestures.
- Quick Capture: Twist wrist twice to open the camera.
- Power Touch: Double-tap Power button for shortcuts.
- Fast Flashlight: Use chopping motions to toggle the flashlight.
- Three Finger Screenshot: Touch and hold screen with three fingers.
- Lift to Unlock: Lift phone to unlock.
- Flip for DND: Place phone face down to silence calls.
- Pick up to Silence: Lift phone to switch incoming calls to vibrate.
- Swipe to Split: Split screen multitasking.
Audio Effects
Customize sound profiles for music and media playback.
Moto Note
Create, edit, and share notes using your fingers or the stylus. Organize notes by title or category. Expand the canvas for more writing space.
Coloring Book
Color pictures using the stylus or your fingers. Import images to create custom coloring pages.
Calendar
Manage your events, reminders, and goals. View your schedule by day, week, or month. Add new events and sync with your Google account.
Google Play
Download apps, games, movies, music, and books.
Contacts
Manage your contacts, add new ones, and sync with social networks and email accounts. Set favorites for quick access.
Maps
Get directions, find nearby places, and use GPS voice navigation.
Drive
Store photos, videos, documents, and more securely in the cloud. Access files from any device.
Music, Movies, TV & YouTube
Stream, buy, and play music via YT Music. Watch videos and movies via YouTube. Use FM Radio for broadcast reception.
Connectivity
Connect with Wi-Fi
Turn Wi-Fi on/off in Settings
→ Network & internet
. Connect to available networks. Your phone automatically reconnects to previously used networks.
Connect to Networks
Find available networks in Settings
→ Network & internet
→ Wi-Fi
. Tap a network to connect, entering the password if required.
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Turn your phone into a Wi-Fi hotspot to share your internet connection with other devices. Configure hotspot name and security settings.
Connect with Bluetooth Wireless
Turn Bluetooth on in Settings
→ Connected devices
. Pair with discoverable devices like headphones or speakers. You can also share files via Bluetooth.
Share Files with Your Computer
Use a USB cable to transfer music, pictures, videos, and documents between your phone and computer. Select 'File transfer' mode via USB preferences.
USB
Connect your phone to a computer via USB for file transfer. Ensure the correct USB mode is selected (e.g., File transfer).
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Configure VPN settings in Settings
→ Network & internet
→ Advanced
→ VPN
to access secured networks.
Share Your Data Connection
Use USB tethering to share your phone's internet connection with your computer. Ensure Wi-Fi is turned off.
Print photos and documents wirelessly via compatible printers or cloud services like Google Cloud Print.
Sync to the Cloud
Log in with your Google account to sync data (apps, contacts, calendar, photos) across devices. Add multiple Google accounts in Settings
→ Accounts
.
Phone & Tablet Integration
Work seamlessly between your phone and tablet. Transfer files, use your phone as a hotspot for your tablet, or connect Bluetooth accessories.
Cast Your Screen to a TV
Mirror your phone's screen to a Chromecast-enabled TV or device. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network and use Settings
→ Connected devices
→ Connection preferences
→ Cast
.
Use a Memory Card
Move files from internal storage to a microSD card (sold separately) for more space. Access via Settings
→ Storage
.
Protect Your Phone
Screen Lock
Secure your phone with a pattern, PIN, password, or fingerprint. Access these options in Settings
→ Security
→ Screen lock
.
- None: No lock.
- Swipe: Swipe up to unlock.
- Pattern: Draw a pattern.
- PIN: Enter a numeric code.
- Password: Enter letters, numbers, or symbols.
Smart Lock: Keep your phone unlocked in trusted locations or when connected to trusted devices.
Fingerprint Unlock: Use the fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking.
Face Unlock: Unlock your phone by looking at it (less secure than PIN/Password).
Your Privacy
Manage app permissions and privacy settings in Settings
→ Privacy
. Review which apps can access your information and control permissions via the Permission manager
.
Notifications
Control which notifications appear on the lock screen in Settings
→ Privacy
→ Lock screen
.
Screen Pinning
Keep an app screen visible for easy access. Enable in Settings
→ Security
→ Advanced
→ Screen pinning
.
Backup & Restore
Back up your data to Google Drive automatically. Restore data after a reset or when setting up a new phone via Settings
→ System
→ Advanced
→ Backup
.
App Safety
Choose apps carefully, read ratings and comments, and uninstall apps that impact performance or raise privacy concerns. Monitor children's app usage.
Set App Permissions
Grant or deny permissions for apps when prompted or manage them in Settings
→ Apps & notifications
→ Advanced
→ Permission manager
.
Troubleshooting
Restart or Remove an App
If an app freezes, restart your phone in Safe Mode (press and hold Power button, then press and hold Power off option) to remove the problematic app.
Restart Your Phone
If the phone becomes unresponsive, press and hold the Power button until it restarts.
Check for Software Update
Check for updates manually in Settings
→ System
→ Advanced
→ System updates
. Updates can be large and may require Wi-Fi.
Reset Your Phone
To reset to factory settings and erase all data, go to Settings
→ System
→ Advanced
→ Reset options
→ Erase all data (factory reset)
. Warning: This deletes all downloaded apps and user data.
Stolen Phone
Use Android Device Manager (www.google.com/android/devicemanager
) to remotely lock or reset your phone. Find your IMEI number in Settings
→ About phone
→ IMEI
.
Accessibility
Features to make your phone easier to use for everyone. Visit www.motorola.com/accessibility
for more information.
Create a Shortcut
Assign gestures to quickly launch accessibility features via Settings
→ Accessibility
→ Volume key shortcut
.
Make Your Phone Speak
Select to Speak: Turn on to have text read aloud. Slide two fingers up from the bottom of the screen.
TalkBack: Screen reader for visually impaired users. Navigate and interact with your phone using gestures. Enable/disable in Settings
→ Accessibility
→ TalkBack
.
Text-to-Speech Output: Customize speech rate and pitch.
Braille
Combine your Braille display with TalkBack using the BrailleBack app.
Speak to Your Phone
Use voice commands like “Hey Google, turn on TalkBack” to activate features.
Change Your Phone's Display
Display Settings & Magnification: Adjust font size, display size, zoom, and screen brightness. Triple-tap for magnification.
Messages Text Entry: Use auto-capitalization, auto-correction, and voice entry.
Change Phone's Sounds: Assign unique ringtones to contacts. Set volume levels and vibration for calls.
Hearing Aids (U.S. only): Phone may be rated for compatibility with hearing aids. Consult professional for best results. Settings: Phone
→ Menu
→ Settings
→ Accessibility
→ Hearing aids
.
TTY (U.S. only): Use TTY mode with teletype machines. Requires Wi-Fi to be off. Select TTY Full, TTY HCO, or TTY VCO in Phone
→ Menu
→ Settings
→ Accessibility
→ TTY mode
.
Get More Help
Access tutorials, FAQs, and support at Settings
→ Help
or visit www.motorola.com/support
.
Find legal, safety, and regulatory information at www.motorola.com/device-legal
.
Copyright & Trademarks: Information about Motorola Mobility LLC, product specifications, and trademarks is provided.