How to optimize HDR on Xbox Series X

It’s co-op game night, and you're wandering through the Lands Between, looking for bosses to beat and keepsakes to store in Elden Ring™. Through your headset, you hear your friends talking about Xbox Series X™ HDR settings. Better contrast, improved graphics—sounds like a pretty sweet setup! Maybe it's something you should look into.

Asurion Experts power up your gameplay. Whether you're experimenting with 4K gaming on the Xbox Series X or want to clear its cache, count on us for reliable tech help you can trust. Here's how to optimize Xbox Series X for HDR graphics.

Understanding HDR on Xbox Series X

Many game developers support High Dynamic Range (HDR) play, which offers enhanced visuals with deep blacks and rich, vibrant colors. This stunning effect can make graphics appear hyper-realistic, especially for simulators and fantasy-style games.

The Xbox Series X supports HDR games and includes configurable settings for your preferences. You'll know a game is compatible with HDR if it mentions the "HDR Ultra HD" in its product description. For best results, use HDR settings with TVs that support HDR10 or Dolby Vision®.

While HDR offers improved aesthetics, some people experience input lag during gameplay. Lags may cause a disconnect between the TV display and your gaming actions, especially during fast-moving adventure games. Older and lower-end TVs are more susceptible to HDR lags.

Check your TV's HDR compatibility

If your home tech doesn't support HDR10 or Dolby Vision, you won't see much benefit from adjusting your Xbox HDR settings. To check compatibility, locate your TV's user manual and review its specifications. Look for descriptions such as "HDR10" or "Dolby Vision" in the display information.

Lost your TV manual? That's ok—Xbox offers a built-in tool to check your TV's display options. Follow these steps to verify support:

• Press the Xbox button on your controller.
• Select Profile & system > Settings > General.
• Select TV & display options > 4K TV details.
• Review the descriptions. Look for names like HDR Premium, UHD Color, Dolby Vision, or Ultra HD Premium.

Use a supportive HDMI cable and enable Game Mode

Standard HDMI cables don't support HDR. Upgrade to a Premium High Speed HDMI cable or an HDMI 2.1 cable to use HDR.

• Plug the cable into a compatible port on your television. Many TVs have ports especially for HDR gaming. If that's the case for your device, insert it into the HDR port.

Some TVs have a special display for gaming. On Samsung® TVs, it's called Game Mode, but other manufacturers may use different names. Turn on Game Mode to prepare your TV for the HDR connection. General steps vary by manufacturer and TV model, but may be similar to Samsung instructions:

• Open Settings.
• Select All Settings > Connection > Game Mode Settings.
• Turn on Game Mode.

Enable HDR on your Xbox Series X

Here's how to set up Xbox Series X for HDR in your game console settings.

• Press the Xbox button on your controller.
• Select Profile & system > Settings > General.
• Select TV & display options > Video modes.
• Select Allow 4K and Allow HDR10. If your TV supports it, select Allow Dolby Vision.

What is Auto HDR, and should I use it?

Some games support Auto HDR, which provides stronger resolutions and greater color depth. Once enabled, compatible games display an Auto HDR label in the upper right display. It's worth trying if your TV and games support it!

To turn on Auto HDR, follow these steps:

• Press the Xbox button on your controller.
• Select Profile & system > Settings > General.
• Select TV & display options > Video modes.
• Select Auto HDR.

Calibrate your display for HDR gaming

The Xbox gaming console includes an HDR calibration tool that adjusts your picture settings automatically. Access the app through the Xbox menu.

• Press the Xbox button on your controller.
• Select Profile & system > Settings > General.
• Select TV & display options > Calibrate HDR for games.

Xbox recommends using the calibration app with your TV in HDR mode for best results.

Fine-tune HDR display on your TV

Your TV has its own settings you can adjust to suit your preferences. Here's how Xbox recommends tweaking your TV brightness, color, and sharpness for the ultimate HDR experience.

• Brightness: Set to maximum in picture settings. For TVs that adjust color based on available ambient light, turn off automatic brightness.
• Dimming: Turn on local dimming to increase the depth of blacks and dark colors.
• Color: Use a Warm1/W10/Normal color profile for enhanced image quality.
• Sharpness: Disable sharpness settings to avoid oddly-shaped edges and halos.
• SDR range: Turn off automated SDR range settings unless you're gaming in a well-lit room.