Finding Your LG TV Model Number: Why the Settings Menu Isn't Always Enough

Finding Your LG TV Model Number: Why the Settings Menu Isn't Always Enough

You're probably staring at a blank screen or a weird glitch, needing a part or a software update, and realized you have no clue which specific TV you actually own. It’s an LG. Great. But is it a C1, a G3, or some random budget LED from five years ago? Honestly, figuring out how to find model number on LG TV units should be easier than it is, but manufacturers love to hide these details in sub-menus or on stickers that are currently pressed against a wall mount you haven't moved since 2019.

Most people assume there is just one way to do this. There isn't. Depending on whether your screen actually turns on or if your remote is currently lost in the couch cushions, you might need a different strategy.

The Software Shortcut: Using webOS Settings

If your TV is functioning and you have the remote handy, the software is the fastest route. But here's the kicker: LG has changed their "webOS" interface about a dozen times over the last decade. A 2016 OLED looks nothing like a 2024 QNED.

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On newer models (usually 2020 and later), you’ll want to hit that Settings gear icon on your remote. Navigate down to All Settings, then jump into Support. Usually, there’s a section called TV Information. Your model number—something like OLED65C2PUA—will be right there at the top.

For those rocking older sets, it’s a bit of a scavenger hunt. You might have to go to Settings, then General, then About This TV. It’s annoying. Sometimes you have to click "More Info" just to see the full string of characters. If you’re using a really old LG Smart TV from the NetCast era, look under the Product/Service Info section within the Customer Support menu.

The Physical Evidence: Stickers and Boxes

What if the screen is black? Or maybe you’re trying to sell the thing and don't want to plug it in. Every LG TV has a "birth certificate" stuck to the back. It’s a small, usually silver or white label.

This sticker is the ultimate source of truth because it contains the Serial Number and the Product Code alongside the model number. This is vital for warranty claims. LG support staff, like those you’ll find on their official support portal, will prioritize the sticker info over the software info because software can occasionally be altered by firmware flashes or mainboard swaps.

Expert Tip: If your TV is wall-mounted and you can't see the back, don't rip it off the wall yet. Take your phone, turn on the flash, and slide it behind the TV. Snap a few blind photos. Nine times out of ten, you’ll catch the sticker in one of the frames.

If you’re a pack rat and still have the original box in the garage, the model number is printed in massive letters on the side. The same goes for the original paper manual, though those usually cover an entire "series" (like the "UP7000 series") rather than giving you the exact specific model suffix.

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Decoding the Gibberish: What Those Letters Mean

Once you figure out how to find model number on LG TV, you’re staring at a string of nonsense like 75QNED85UQA. It actually tells a story.

The first two digits are the screen size. Simple. The next few letters tell you the tech. OLED is obvious. QNED involves Quantum Dots and NanoCell. PUA or AUA usually refers to the distribution channel—whether it was sold at a big-box retailer like Best Buy or a warehouse club like Costco.

  • OLED: Organic Light Emitting Diode (The high-end stuff).
  • LA/LB/LC: Usually older LED models.
  • G, C, B, A: The tier of OLED (G is "Gallery" high-end, C is the "Classic" sweet spot).

Understanding this helps when you’re looking for replacement stands or specific firmware. A "C" series TV uses a totally different processor than an "A" series, even if they look identical from the front.

Using the LG ThinQ App

If you’ve been using the LG ThinQ app on your smartphone to control your TV, you’ve already won. Open the app. If your TV is registered, tap on the TV icon. Dive into the device settings within the app.

It’s right there. No moving furniture. No squinting at tiny text.

The app is actually one of the most reliable ways to track this because it logs the device ID directly from the motherboard. This is especially helpful for people who bought their TV open-box and might have a mismatched sticker—which happens more often than you'd think in the world of refurbished electronics.

Why the Model Number Actually Matters

You might think "I just need a remote," but LG is notorious for having different "Magic Remote" versions that are only compatible with specific model years. Buying an MR23 remote for a 2018 TV is just a waste of thirty bucks.

Furthermore, if you are looking to side-load apps or check if your TV supports the latest gaming features like 120Hz 4K or VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), the model number is your key. For instance, knowing you have a CX instead of a C9 tells you exactly which HDMI ports are 2.1 compliant.

Sometimes, the sticker is gone. Maybe it fell off, or a kid peeled it. If the TV won't turn on and the sticker is missing, you are in a bit of a pickle.

Check your purchase history. If you bought it at Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart, your online account history is a goldmine. Search "LG" in your email inbox to find the digital receipt.

If all else fails, look at the ports on the back. The layout of the HDMI and USB ports can sometimes help an expert identify the chassis. You can post a photo of the back of the TV on forums like AVSForum or the LGTV subreddit. The nerds there (and I say that lovingly) can usually identify a model year just by the shape of the plastic casing and the placement of the optical audio port.

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Identifying Through Remote Shortcuts

Here is a weird "pro" trick: On many LG TVs, if you press the Mute button on your remote three times rapidly, a model information overlay will pop up on the screen. It doesn't work on every single firmware version, but when it does, it feels like a magic trick. It's a diagnostic shortcut used by technicians to quickly verify the set without digging through five layers of menus.


Actionable Next Steps

Finding the number is just the start. Now that you have it, here is what you should do:

  1. Photograph it: Take a clear picture of the sticker or the "About This TV" screen. Save it to a "Home Maintenance" folder in your cloud storage.
  2. Register the Product: Go to the LG website and register it. This solidifies your warranty date and often gets you notifications about critical firmware updates that fix "handshake" issues with PS5 or Xbox consoles.
  3. Check for Recalls: Use that model number to see if your unit is part of any power board recalls. LG has had a few over the years, and they usually fix those for free if you're on the list.
  4. Download the Correct Manual: Get the PDF version of your specific manual. It's way easier to search "Ctrl+F" for a setting than flipping through a physical book you probably lost anyway.