TUTORIALS
SD Card
Insert SD Card
Whether its images, music, videos or applications we know that the most important stuff on people’s phones is stored in the user memory. The Moto G (5th Gen.) allows you to expand your memory by using a micro SD card.
To insert a memory card:
1. With the phone facing down, insert the SIM tool into the tray hole to pop out the tray.
2. Put in the SIM card with the gold contacts facing up. Put in an optional microSD card on the tray’s back with the gold contacts facing down.
3. Push the tray back into your phone.
When you insert an SD card for the first time, you can choose to either use the card as Portable Storage or Internal Storage.
Portable Storage |
Internal Storage |
Select this mode if you frequently swap your SD card between devices, use your SD card for media storage only. |
Select this mode if you want to completely extend your device storage with the card, and need the card to store large applications, games, and their data. |
You have a Class 2, 4, or 6 card. |
You have a high-speed card (UHS-1) |
If you frequently swap cards, use SD card to transfer content between devices and do not download many large app, we recommend configuring your card as “portable”. |
If you want to store large games on the card, if your device storage is always filling up, and you plan to always keep this card in the device, we recommend keeping your card as internal. |
Only pictures and media can be stored on the card. |
The SD card can become your device primary storage Downloaded applications, their data and media can be moved to the card. |
Downloaded applications, their data, is always internal. they can not be moved to the card. |
The card is not readable by other devices. (another phone, Mac, PC, digital camera) |
The card is readable by other devices (another phone, Mac, PC, digital camera). |
The card is always encrypted, and can not be decrypted on any other device. |
Content on the card is not encrypted by default. The card will NOT be reformatted when Portable storage is selected. |
The card will be formatted when Portable storage is selected. |
Performance warning
We recommend use of a high speed card , such as a UHS-1 type. Class 4 and Class 2 micro SD cards are not recommended for adopted internal storage usage. The performance of these cards is typically 10x slower than internal storage performance.
High speed card are identified by these logos:
If your card it too slow, your device will warn your during the adoption process. If you encounter this dialog, we advise to upgrade your card to a UHS-1 card first.
Using your card as “Portable Storage”
- Insert the SD card on your device
- Android will notify you a new SD Card has been detected, you can setup the card as portable or internal storage
If you decide to defer this decision, the card will be used as portable storage by default. you can change this selection through Settings -> Storage at a later stage
Using your card as “Portable Storage”
- Media, pictures, movies already on the card will be visible in the device photo gallery and media apps. New content side loaded to the card will also be available and viewable in media apps on the device
- Through the Motorola camera application settings, you can select the default storage for pictures and movies captured through the Motorola camera app. Third party camera might not offer this option.
- Some third party applications will enable you to store their content on the ‘portable’ SD card, as in lollipop; but only if the application developer chose to do so (Google Play Music) If you select a card as portable storage, you will NOT be able to move applications to the card, nor will play store automatically install applications to this card
Using your card as “Internal Storage”
- Insert the card in the device
- You should see a “Set Up SD card” Notification
- Tap on ‘setup SD card’ in the insertion notification (or go to settings->storage->select card-> menu->format as internal)
- Select the ‘internal storage’ option, after have carefully read the warning
- If you currently have applications installed on the card, your device will ask you to move these applications back to internal storage before formatting your card
- Your card will be formatted and encrypted, and usable as device storage
- Once the card has been formatted, you will be asked whether you want to migrate data currently on your device to the card. This step will move all media, pictures, and documents to the SD card.
- By selecting where to migrate content, you also select the preferred storage location for all applications, databases and data.
- If you decide to move that data to the card, the SD card will also become the preferred storage location for all applications content, data and database and media.
- If you decide to skip this step, your device internal storage will remain the preferred storage for all content.
- Once a card has been formatted as internal storage, both your device internal storage and the card will show up as “device storage” under storage settings, and you will be able to move applications which were in internal storage to the card. Moving applications to the card can be done from application settings (Settings > Apps > select application > Change storage location)
- Once a card has been formatted as internal storage, Play Store will install applications on either storage volume automatically, based on a set of rules provided by the application developer (you will be able to move applications from one volume to another)
Applications will always store their content in the preferred storage location by default. You will not need to indicate in each application setting where to store content.
Ringtone
Ringtone Settings
To select your ringtone: settings>sound
To select a unique ringtone for a contact: contacts app>tap the contact>menu>set ringtone
Factory Reset
A factory reset may be beneficial if you want to provide the phone to someone else and delete all personal information or if the phone is becoming less responsive.
To perform a factory reset: settings>reset options>erase all data (factory reset)
Warning: All apps and user data on the device will be deleted. Data on the cloud will not be deleted. Before proceeding with a Factory Reset ensure you know your Gmail address and password.
Network
Wi-Fi
Your Motorola Moto Z3 Play can use a Wi-Fi connection. To turn on WiFi: Settings>Network & Internet>WiFi, then tap the switch to turn it on. To connect to a WiFi network: With WiFi turned on, tap a found network to connect to it.
You can make your Moto Z3 Play a WiFi hotspot: Settings>Network & Internet>Hotspot & tethering>tap Portable WiFi hotspot.
Security
How do I use the smart lock features on my Moto Z3 Play?
Smart locks allows you to keep your device unlocked when it’s clear that you have your device with you – for example when it’s connected to your Moto 360, when your home, or when it recognizes your face.
Trusted Bluetooth device:
- Touch

- Touch Settings
- Touch Security
- Touch Smart Lock
- Touch Trusted devices
- Touch Add trusted device
- Make your Bluetooth accessory discoverable
- Add a name for the connected device and touch OK
Trusted places
- Touch
- Touch Settings
- Touch Security
- Touch Smart Lock
- Touch Trusted places
- Touch Home to set a trusted place in Google Maps, or touch Add trusted place to add another trusted place.
- Select the desired location
Trusted face
You can have your device unlock when it recognizes your face. After setting a trusted face, every time you turn on your device, it will search for your face and unlock when it recognized you.
To set a trusted face:
- Touch

- Touch Settings
- Touch Security
- Touch Smart Lock
- Touch Trusted face
- Touch Set up and follow the on-screen instructions. Touch Next when you’re done.
Notes:
- Someone who looks similar to you could unlock your phone.
- To improve how well your device recognizes you in different conditions touch Improve face matching and follow the on-screen instructions.
- This option can be disabled by administrators.
Trusted Voice
Allows “Ok Google” to unlock your phone when the sound matches the voice model.
To set trusted voice:
- Touch
- Touch Settings
- Touch Security
- Touch Smart Lock
- Touch Trusted voice
- Touch From any screen
- Train your phone with “Ok Google”
- Enable Trusted voice
On-body detection
Just unlock your device once and it stays unlocked as long as you keep holding your device or carry it on you.
To enable On-body detection:
Touch
Touch Settings
Touch Security
Touch Smart Lock
Touch On-body detection
Enable On-body detection
What security and screen lock options are available on my Moto Z3 Play?
Your device has several different lock options available. If a lock is set for your screen, the screen goes dark and locks when the display goes to sleep or if you press the Power button.
To access your lock options, touch
> Settings > Security > Screen lock
Screen Lock Options
- Swipe – provides no protection, but lets you get to the Home screen quickly.
- Pattern – lets you draw a simple pattern with your finger to unlock the phone.
- PIN – requires four or more numbers. Longer PINs tend to be more secure.
- Password – requires four or more letters or numbers. This is the most secure option, as long as you create a strong password.
Important note: Your phone may contain security policies set by your IT administrator which may override any settings you attempt to set under screen security. Please contact your IT Admin for more information.
Automatically lock
Set the period of time after sleep, to lock your phone, except when kept unlocked by Smart Lock
Power button instantly locks
The power button will instantly lock your screen, except when kept unlocked by Smart Lock
Use fingerprint security – Moto Z3 Play
Use the fingerprint sensor to unlock your phone, make fast and secure online purchases, and sign into bank and finance apps. You can add more than one fingerprint. Fingerprints are stored securely on the phone.
Set up fingerprint security
- Set up a backup screen lock (pattern, PIN, or password).
- Go to Settings > Security.
- Touch Fingerprint.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to scan your fingerprint using the square sensor on the bottom front of your phone.
Add more fingerprints
You can add fingerprints for other fingers you might use or for other users.
Keep in mind that:
- If multiple users share the phone, users should add their fingerprints from within their user profile, instead of adding multiple fingerprints to your owner profile.
- Anyone whose fingerprints are added to a user profile can unlock the phone and authorize purchases with the associated Google account or apps.
- Go to Settings > Security > Screen lock
- Fingerprint and unlock the screen
- Touch Add fingerprint
- Use the fingerprint sensor to scan another fingerprint
- Rename each fingerprint. Touch the current name, then type a name and touch OK
Use fingerprint sensor
To wake and unlock your screen, or any time you see on the screen, touch your finger to the sensor to verify your identity.
After you touch
, you’ll also need to enter your pattern, PIN, or password if:
- You’re restarting the phone
- More than 72 hours have passed since you unlocked the phone
- After 5 unsuccessful read attempts
- You’re accessing Settings > Security
- The sensor can’t read the fingerprint
Remove a fingerprint
- Go to Settings > Security
- Touch Fingerprint
- Unlock the screen with your pattern, PIN, or password
- Touch the fingerprint to remove
- Touch Delete
Internet
Browse the internet
Specific settings are needed to use mobile internet. If necessary, see Manual configuration for instructions.
The following steps contain instructions on how to use the internet browser of the Moto Z3 Play.
Go to the Start screen.
Drag the arrow symbol up.
If this screen appears, read the terms and conditions and choose ACCEPT & CONTINUE.
If this screen does not appear, skip the next step.
Choose an option, in this case NO, THANKS.
This is the start page of the browser.
To navigate to a web address, choose Search or type URL.
Enter http://www.google.com/ and choose the arrow symbol on the right-hand side.
The web page has been loaded.
Choose the options symbol.
To bookmark this page, choose the star symbol.
If this screen appears, choose EDIT.
If this screen does not appear, go to the next step.
Optional: change the name under Name.
Choose the back symbol.
The web page has been bookmarked.
Choose the options symbol.
To view the bookmarks, choose Bookmarks.
All saved bookmarks are displayed here.
Choose Google.
The bookmark has been loaded.
Choose the options symbol.
To open a new tab, choose New tab.
The new tab has been loaded.
Choose the tabs symbol.
All tabs are displayed here.
To close a tab, choose the cross symbol.
The tab has been closed.
To open a tab, choose the tab.
The tab has been loaded.
Choose the options symbol.
To share the current page, choose Share…
Choose an option.
To stop using the internet and return to the Start screen, choose the home symbol.
Camera
Using the camera
The following steps contain instructions on how to use the internet browser of the Moto Z3 Play.
Go to the Start screen.
Drag the arrow symbol up.
Optional: untick Yes, add location tag.
Choose NEXT.
Choose an option, in this case DENY.
To zoom in or out, make a pinch gesture on the screen.
Scroll to the left.
The camera settings can be changed in this screen.
Scroll to the right.
To change the flash settings, choose the flash symbol.
To switch between camera and video mode, choose the video camera symbol.
To switch between the front and back camera, choose the camera switch symbol.
To take a picture, choose the shutter symbol.
Scroll to the right.
To share the picture, choose the share symbol.
Choose an option.
Return to the Start screen.
Tip: To enable all features and get optimized performance, visit the Play Store to ensure you are running the latest version of Motorola Camera.
Calls
Enable call waiting
The following steps contain instructions on how you can enable call waiting on your Moto Z3 Play.
Go to the Start screen.
Drag the arrow symbol up.
Choose the options symbol.
Choose Additional settings.
Call waiting has been enabled.
Return to the Start screen.
Enable call forwarding
The following steps contain instructions on how you can enable call forwarding on your Moto Z3 Play.
Go to the Start screen.
Drag the arrow symbol up.
Scroll down.
Choose Phone.
Choose the options symbol.
Enter the phone number you would like to forward your calls to, and choose TURN ON.
Call forwarding has been enabled.
Return to the Start screen.
Bluetooth
Pairing using Bluetooth
The Moto Z3 Play requires a number of settings to be configured to connect to a Bluetooth device, such as a headset, car kit or laptop.
Before you start, please make sure the following is true:
The batteries for both devices are fully charged.
The device you are pairing with is set to visible.
Refer to the instruction manual of the Bluetooth device you want to pair with for the correct default passcode (refer to the 0000 or 1234 are frequently used).
Delete all previous pairings from the phone and the device you are pairing with.
Choose Next for further instructions.
Go to the Start screen.
Drag the arrow symbol up.
Scroll down.
Choose Settings.
If one or more Bluetooth devices are available within the Moto Z3 Play’s range, they will be listed.
Choose the device that you want the Moto Z3 Play to connect to.
If the device is not listed, make sure that Bluetooth has been enabled on the device and that it is within range of the Moto Z3 Play.
If this screen appears, verify the code and choose PAIR.
If this screen does not appear, enter the PIN code of the selected Bluetooth device and choose PAIR. This code can be found in the manual of the selected Bluetooth device (usually 0000 or 1234).
The connection will be made.
Follow any instructions on the other device.
The pairing has been completed.
Return to the Start screen.
Still having issues? Please check if there is a firmware update available for the device you are pairing with. Alternatively, try using the Bluetooth Autoconnect App
Data
Transfer data from the device to the SD card
The following steps contain instruction on how you can transfer data from your phone to your SD card.
Go to the Start screen.
Drag the arrow symbol up.
Scroll down.
Choose Settings.
Scroll down.
Choose Storage.
Choose Internal shared storage.
Navigate to the folders or files that you want to copy to the SD card, in this case, scroll down and choose Pictures.
Choose and hold a picture.
Choose the options symbol.
Choose the options symbol.
Navigate to the location that you want to copy the folders or files to, in this case choose Pictures.
Transfer data from the SD card to the device
The following steps contain instruction on how you can transfer data from your SD card to your phone.
Go to the Start screen.
Drag the arrow symbol up.
Scroll down.
Choose Settings.
Scroll down.
Choose Storage.
Navigate to the folders or files that you want to copy to the SD card, in this case, scroll down and choose Pictures.
Choose and hold a picture.
Choose the options symbol.
Choose the options symbol.
Choose the options symbol.
Choose Show internal storage.
Navigate to the location that you want to move the folders or files to, in this case choose Pictures.
The folders or files have been moved.
Return to the Start screen.
Transfer data from phone to computer (Windows)
The following steps contain instruction on how you can transfer data from your phone to computer.
Connect the Motorola Moto Z3 Play with PC using the USB cable.
Drag the status bar down.
Tick Transfer photos (PTP).
Photos will be opened automatically.
If this screen appears, choose an option, in this case Not now.
If this screen does not appear, go to the next step.
Choose one or more pictures.
Choose Import All New Photos.
The pictures have been transfered from the Motorola Moto Z3 Play to your computer.
Transfer data from phone to computer (Mac)
The following steps contain instruction on how you can transfer data from your phone to computer.
Connect the Motorola Moto Z3 Play with Mac using the USB cable.
Drag the status bar down.
Tick Transfer photos (PTP).
Photos will be opened automatically.
If this screen appears, choose an option, in this case Not now.
If this screen does not appear, go to the next step.
Choose one or more pictures.
Choose Import All New Photos.
The pictures have been transfered from the Motorola Moto Z3 Play to your computer.
Device
Insert or remove the SIM card – Moto Z3 Play
1. With the phone facing down, insert the SIM tool into the tray hole to pop out the tray.
2. Put in the SIM card with the gold contacts facing up. Put in an optional microSD card on the tray’s back.
3. Push the tray back into your phone.
General
Icon notifications
The following steps contain an explanation of the most common icon notifications for the Moto Z3 Play.
Note that many applications can add their own icons to the notifications tray.
Wi-Fi in range/connected.
Email
Setup email
Choose your email provider
– Gmail
– Outlook.com
– Yahoo!
Gmail
The following steps contain instructions on how to configure Gmail on your Motorola Moto Z3 Play.
Go to the Start screen.
Drag the arrow symbol up.
Scroll down.
Choose Gmail.
If this screen appears, choose SKIP.
If this screen does not appear, skip the next step.
Choose Add an email address.
If this screen appears, choose the list symbol. Choose your e-mail account and then Add account.
If this screen does not appear, go to the next step.
Choose Email or phone and enter your email address
Under Enter your password, enter the password of your email account
Read the terms and conditions and choose I AGREE.
Optional: disable Automatically back up device data.
Choose NEXT.
The e-mail account has been configured and is ready for use.
Return to the Start screen.
Outlook
The following steps contain instructions on how to configure Outlook.com on your Motorola Moto Z3 Play.
Go to the Start screen.
Drag the arrow symbol up.
Scroll down.
Choose Gmail.
If this screen appears, choose SKIP.
If this screen does not appear, skip the next step.
Choose Add an email address.
If this screen appears, choose the list symbol. Choose your e-mail account and then Add account.
If this screen does not appear, go to the next step.
Choose Outlook, Hotmail and Live..
Choose Email, phone or Skype and enter your email address
Choose NEXT.
Scroll down.
Choose Password and enter the password of your email account
Choose Sign in.
Under Sync frequency, choose an option.
Optional: untick one or more options.
Choose NEXT.
Under Account name (optional), enter Outlook.com
Choose Your name and enter your name
Choose NEXT.
The e-mail account has been configured and is ready for use.
Return to the Start screen.
Yahoo
The following steps contain instructions on how to configure Yahoo! on your Motorola Moto Z3 Play.
Go to the Start screen.
Drag the arrow symbol up.
Scroll down.
Choose Gmail.
If this screen appears, choose SKIP.
If this screen does not appear, skip the next step.
Choose Add an email address.
If this screen appears, choose the list symbol. Choose your e-mail account and then Add account.
If this screen does not appear, go to the next step.
Choose Enter your email address and enter your email address
Choose NEXT.
Choose Password and enter the password of your email account
Choose Sign in.
If this screen appears, choose Agree.
If this screen does not appear, go to the next step.
Under Sync frequency, choose an option.
Optional: untick one or more options.
Choose NEXT.
Under Account name (optional), enter Yahoo!
Choose Your name and enter your name
Choose NEXT.
The e-mail account has been configured and is ready for use.
Return to the Start screen.
How do I setup a Microsoft Exchange (corporate) email?
Follow the steps below to setup a Microsoft Exchange account in just a few steps.
- From the home screen touch Apps
> Settings > Accounts > +Add account
- Touch Corporate or Exchange
- Enter your email address, touch Next
- Enter your password, touch Next
- Touch Select if you need to add a Client Certificate
- Check the following fields for accuracy:
- Server
- Port
- Security type
- Touch to change the desired Account settings. Once finished, touch Done
- Enter a name for the account and then touch Next
The Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync account is now set up.
Applications
How to download
A Google account is required to download applications to your Motorola Moto Z3 Play.
The following steps contain instructions on how to search and install applications.
Go to the Start screen.
Drag the arrow symbol up.
Scroll down.
Choose Play Store.
This is the start page of the Play Store. Recommended applications and special categories are displayed here, for example APPS & GAMES and MUSIC & BOOKS.
Choose MUSIC & BOOKS.
This is the Entertainment start page. Recommended entertainment and special categories are displayed here, for example MUSIC.
Choose APPS & GAMES.
Under TOP APPS, the top free applications are displayed.
Scroll to the right.
Under TOP GAMES, the top games are displayed.
Scroll to the right.
Under TOP GROSSING, the top grossing applications are displayed.
Scroll to the right.
Under TRENDING, the top trending applications are displayed.
Scroll to the right.
Under TRENDINTOP SELLING APPS, the top paid applications are displayed.
Scroll to the right.
Under TOP SELLING GAMES, the top paid games are displayed.
To search for an application, choose the magnifying glass symbol.
Enter a search key, in this case Angry Birds.
From the list of suggestions, choose Angry Birds.
If this option is not available, choose the magnifying glass symbol.
To download and install this (free) application, choose INSTALL.
In the case of a paid application, choose the price tag.
The application has been installed.
To open the application, choose OPEN.
To remove the application, choose UNINSTALL.
Return to the Start screen.
Change app update settings
The following steps contain instructions on how you change the settings for updating apps automatically.
Go to the Start screen.
Drag the arrow symbol up.
Scroll down.
Choose Play Store.
Scroll down.
Choose Settings.
Scroll down.
To only allow application updates via Wi-Fi, tick Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only.
Application updates will only be performed via Wi-Fi.
Return to the Start screen.
Check data usage per app
The following steps contain instructions where you can find the data usage per app.
Go to the Start screen.
Drag the arrow symbol up.
Scroll down.
Choose Settings.
Scroll down.
Choose Mobile data usage.
Data usage per app is displayed here.
Choose an application, in this case Facebook.
Data usage of the app is displayed here.
To disable data usage in the background, disable Background data.
The app will now no longer use data in the background.
Return to the Start screen.