How to Set Up HDR Gaming on PS4|PS4 Pro or 4K HDR TV

For HDR to make a difference on PS4, you need a TV that supports it

By Robert Earl Wells III
Published on October 21, 2021
Reviewed by
Chris Selph
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Reviewed by Chris Selph
Chris Selph is a CompTIA-certified technology and vocational IT teacher. He also serves as network & server administrator and performs computer maintenance and repair for numerous clients.
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What to Know

  • To enable HDR on PS4, go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings > HDR > Automatic.
  • To calibrate the HDR settings on PS4, go to Video Output Settings and select Adjust HDR. To reduce screen glare, make the room darker.
  • HDR should be enabled by default if your TV supports it. Your game console or service must also support HDR to play games in HDR.

This article explains how to enable HDR on a PS4. To take advantage of HDR gaming, you must also enable HDR on your 4K TV.

Can PS4 Do HDR?

All PlayStation 4 models, including the PS4 Pro, support High Dynamic Range (HDR). However, not all PS4 content (games, streaming services, etc.) supports HDR. You may need to enable HDR in the specific game or app menu.

How Do I Enable HDR on PS4?

To make sure HDR is enabled on your PS4, follow these steps:

  1. Update your PS4 if necessary to make sure you have the latest firmware version.

  2. Connect your PS4 directly to the TV using an HDMI cable. The console can’t be connected to a receiver or set-top box. 

  3. On the PS4 home menu, go to the top row and select Settings.

    Settings in the PS4 home menu.

  4. Select Sound and Screen.

    Sound and Screen in PS4 settings.

  5. Select Video Output Settings.

    Video Output Settings in PS4 Sound and Screen settings

  6. Select HDR.

    HDR in PS4 Video Output Settings.

  7. Select Automatic.

    Automatic selected in PS4 HDR settings.

Does HDR Make a Difference on PS4?

For HDR to make a difference on PS4, your TV must support the HDR 10 standard, and you must enable HDR on your TV. The game you're playing must also support HDR.

To see if your TV supports HDR on your PS4, go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings > Video Output Information. Look for Supported under HDR.

Supported under HDR in PS4 Video Output Information.

How Do I Enable HDR Gaming My 4K TV?

If your TV supports HDR, it should be on by default. How you adjust the screen settings depends on your model, so check the manufacturer's website or look around in the settings menus. The game console or service must also support HDR to play games in HDR on your TV.

Some TVs have a game mode setting that optimizes the screen for gameplay.

Should I Turn PS4 HDR On or Off?

Some games look better with HDR enabled than others. If a game's graphics look too saturated, turning off HDR may help. While gaming in 4K on the PS4 Pro, the frame rate may drop with HDR enabled, so you have to decide if it's worth the trade-off.

You can only play games in 4K on the PS4 Pro. For most titles, the screen resolution is upscaled from HD to 4K.

Why Does HDR Look Washed Out on PS4?

Enabling HDR can increase screen glare if there is too much natural light in the room. Try raising the screen brightness, and make the room darker if possible.

To calibrate the HDR settings on your PS4, go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings > Adjust HDR.

Adjust HDR in PS4 Video Output Settings.
FAQ
  • How do I turn off HDR on a PS4?

    Go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings > HDR > Off. You might also want to turn off the automatic settings for Deep Color Output; select Deep Color Output > Off.

  • How do I fix HDR on PS4?

    If HDR isn't working well or at all with your TV, double-check the cable connections. Make sure you're using a Premium High-Speed HDMI cable with your PS4 and that it's secure and in the correct HDMI port in your TV. Try our fixes for HDMI connection issues if you can't find an HDMI signal.

  • How do I enable HDR on Roku with a PS4 Pro?

    Turn on HDR on your PS4 Pro > connect the console to your Roku TV > and your TV should recognize the HDR support and automatically switch to this picture mode. To double-check or fix the HDMI setup for your PS4 Pro on your Roku TV, select Settings > TV inputs > the HDMI input connected to your PS4 > HDMI mode > Auto or HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1.

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