How to Enable Adaptive Sync on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Modern gaming consoles such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, as well as powerful gaming PCs, require displays to support advanced technology to ensure a smooth picture. One of the key features that ensure the comfort of gaming is Adaptive Sync, which synchronizes the refresh rate of the screen with the frame rate output by the video system. Owners of Xiaomi equipment, including Mi TV series and Mi Curved Gaming Monitor gaming monitors, often wonder how to activate this feature to eliminate image tears.

Itโ€™s important to understand that the term Adaptive Sync is a common standard that can be implemented through AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible technologies. On Xiaomi devices, this option is most often labeled as VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) or Game Mode with advanced settings. Activating this feature allows you to get rid of artifacts known as โ€œscreen tearingโ€, and reduces input delay, which is critical in dynamic shooters and racing sims.

In this guide, we will go into detail about the setup process, the hardware requirements you need, and the possible problems you may encounter. Without a 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 cable, activating VRR in 4K resolution at 120Hz on Xiaomi TVs is not possible. We will look at the differences in the menus of different versions of the Android TV and PatchWall operating system so that you can find the right setup regardless of your device model.

Technical requirements for the operation of VRR

Before you go to software settings, you need to make sure your hardware is physically capable of supporting variable refresh rate technology. Not all ports on Xiaomi TVs and monitors are the same: often only one or two connectors are labeled as HDMI 2.1 or eARC/ARC, and that they support the full range of gaming functions. Using an old HDMI 2.0 cable will limit synchronization capabilities, even if the display itself supports higher standards.

For full-fledged Adaptive Sync in high resolution, several conditions must be met. The signal source (console or PC graphics card) must also support the VRR standard. If you use a computer, make sure that the graphics card drivers are updated to the latest version, as they contain compatibility profiles for Xiaomi monitors.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Availability of a game console PS5, Xbox Series X/S or PC with a series graphics card NVIDIA RTX 2000/3000/4000 or AMD RX.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Use of certified Ultra High Speed cable HDMI (It often comes with new generation consoles).
  • ๐Ÿ“บ Port connection HDMI 2.1-enabled (usually marked with a game logo or inscription) 120Hz).
  • โš™๏ธ Update the firmware of the Xiaomi TV to the latest available version through the settings menu.

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Check the length of the HDMI cable: for stable 4K 120Hz signal transmission with VRR, the cable length should not exceed 2-3 meters, unless a high-quality active cable is used.

It is worth noting that some budget models of Xiaomi TVs can only support VRR in 1080p or 1440p resolution, but not in 4K. In the specifications of the device, this is often indicated as 4K 60Hz + VRR or 1080p 120Hz + VRR. Carefully read the technical passport of your model on the official website to understand the real capabilities of the matrix.

Setting up the game mode on Xiaomi TVs

The main step to activate synchronization functions on Xiaomi TVs is to switch to a special game mode. Android TV system or PatchWall shell automatically recognizes the connection of the game console, but sometimes manual activation is required. Without this mode, the TV can apply post-processing of the image, which increases the input lag and blocks the work of VRR.

To switch to game mode, it is usually enough to press the button with the image of the joystick on the remote control. If there is no such button, you need to go to the main menu, select the login profile (for example, HDMI 1) and change the device mode from Automatically or PC to Game in the signal source window that appears.

โ˜‘๏ธ Activation of the game mode

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In the advanced image settings available through the Settings โ†’ Image โ†’ Image Mode menu, additional options may appear, such as MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation). Importantly, for games, all motion enhancement, noise reduction and dynamic contrast features must be disabled, as they conflict with Adaptive Sync technology and can cause artifacts or micro-twitches.

โš ๏ธ Note: In some versions of PatchWall, enabling game mode may temporarily disable Dolby Vision. HDR10/VRR Dolby Vision can often not run simultaneously on the same data stream.

Activate VRR through the developer menu and hidden settings

If you can't get Adaptive Sync enabled by standard methods, you can go deeper. On Xiaomi Android TVs, there's a developer menu where you can force certain display features to be activated. But be careful: changing the settings in this section can affect the entire system's stability.

To access hidden settings, go to Settings โ†’ About TV and quickly click on Build Number several times (7-10 times). Once you have become a developer, go back to the main settings menu where a new Developer option appears. Inside this menu, look for options related to HDMI, Color Space or Refresh Rate.

The path to hidden HDMI settings (may vary):


Settings โ†’ Device โ†’ About System โ†’ Assembly (7 clicks) โ†’ Developers โ†’ HDMI Mode โ†’ Auto / 2.0 / 2.1

In some cases, it helps to reset the settings. HDMI-CEC. Try to completely disable the function HDMI Control in the settings of the TV, turn off the console, then turn it back on. EDID-data where support is provided VRR. If after reconnecting the console shows the icon VRR or 120Hz In the corner of the screen, the synchronization is active.

What is EDID and why is it important?
EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) is the data structure that the display transmits to the video source. It contains information about supported resolutions, refresh rates and color spaces. If the TV does not transmit the correct EDID with the VRR flag, the console will not turn on the variable frame rate mode.

Set up Xiaomi monitors for PC and consoles

Unlike TVs, Xiaomi monitors, such as the popular Mi Curved Gaming Monitor 34" or Mi Desktop Monitor 27" models, have their own settings menu (OSD) called by buttons on the case. To activate Adaptive Sync, you do not need to climb into the wilds of Android, just adjust the settings correctly through the control joystick.

Click on the menu button, go to the System or Game section. Find FreeSync or Adaptive Sync and set the On value. On some models, this function only works in certain modes, for example, when selecting a profile "FPS" or "RTS." Also make sure that Windows in the Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Display โ†’ Additional Display settings selects the maximum available refresh rate.

Model monitorMax. frequency (Hz)VRR supportPort for VRRAdditional note
Mi Curved Gaming 34"144Yes (FreeSync)DP 1.4 / HDMI 2.0DP cable required for 144 Hz
Mi Desktop 27" 2K165Yes.DP 1.4HDMI limited to 144 Hz
Mi Surface Display 32"60No.-Office model, without VRR
Mi Gaming Monitor 24.5"240Yes.DP 1.4Only DP supports 240 Hz

When connecting to a PC via NVIDIA graphics cards, you need to additionally check the settings in the control panel. Open the NVIDIA Control Panel, go to Display โ†’ Set up G-SYNC. Check the box against Enable G-SYNC, G-SYNC Compatible and select your Xiaomi monitor from the list. If the monitor is certified as G-Sync Compatible, the system will automatically apply the correct timings.

๐Ÿ“Š Where do you use Adaptive Sync most often?
On a PC with NVIDIA graphics card
On the PS5/Xbox console
On a PC with an AMD graphics card
I'm not using it, I'm playing 60 FPS.

Diagnostics and troubleshooting synchronization problems

Even with the right settings, users may find Adaptive Sync not working or not working properly.One common symptom is a flashing screen when a game is launched or in the console menu.This often indicates that frame rates fall below the minimum VRR threshold (usually 48Hz) and the technology temporarily shuts down.

To solve the problem, try to limit the maximum FPS In the settings of the game or console itself, for example, if your monitor is running on the 144 Hz, limiting staff to 120 or 100 It can stabilize synchronization, and it helps to enable V-Sync on the driver side of the graphics card, but only in conjunction with the active one. G-Sync/FreeSync, to control frames outside the range VRR.

  • ๐Ÿ” Status check: On Xbox consoles in Settings section โ†’ Television and display โ†’ The green marker should be lit next to the Allow variable refresh rate.
  • ๐ŸŽจ HDR and VRR: Make sure the mode is on. HDR auto HDR, Because some games don't run VRR normal-range (SDR).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Chain reboot: Completely de-energize the TV and console (pull out of the socket for 1 minute) to reset errors HDCP and HDMI handshake.

โš ๏ธ Attention: If you are using AV-Receiver or soundbar between console and Xiaomi TV, make sure the intermediate device also supports HDMI 2.1 and passthrough VRR. Otherwise, the chain will break at the weakest link.

Adaptive Syncโ€™s impact on image quality and latency

Many users fear that turning on VRR could worsen picture quality or add latency.In fact, a properly configured Adaptive Sync doesn't add additional input delay, unlike the classic V-Sync, which can add 1 to 3 frames of delay.The technology works at the display panel level, changing the moment of refreshing the frame rather than delaying the output of the signal from the GPU.

As for image quality, static scenes (menu, dialogues) with low frame rate can be observed slight flickering (flickering), especially on the screen. OLED-This is due to a change in the frequency of the backlight, in which manufacturers, including Xiaomi, implement Low Framerate Compensation algorithms (LFC), They double the frame rate to keep it in the working range.

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The main priority of VRR is to eliminate gaps without increasing the input delay. If you notice flickering, try turning on Game mode or turning off Local Dimming.

In conclusion, the competent setting of Adaptive Sync on Xiaomi technology can dramatically change the experience of interacting with digital content. Smoothness of movements in the interface, the absence of artifacts in fast scenes and responsive management โ€“ all this makes the time spent on setting up justified. Remember to periodically check firmware updates, as Xiaomi engineers constantly improve compatibility with new gaming standards.

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Use test patterns (e.g. testufo.com) to visually verify the VRR. When actively synchronized, the FPS counter on the test will change smoothly rather than jumping abruptly, and there will be no horizontal breaks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Adaptive Sync work on older Xiaomi TVs?
VRR technology requires hardware support for a matrix and controller, as well as an HDMI 2.1 port. On older Xiaomi TVs (released before 2020-2021) equipped with HDMI 2.0 ports, a full-fledged Adaptive Sync with a high frame rate is usually not supported. However, some models can support basic FreeSync via HDMI 2.0 at 1080p resolution, but this depends on the specific processor model.
Why does the console say that the TV does not support VRR, even though the specs indicate this?
The most common problem is the cable or the port. Make sure the cable is connected to the HDMI 2.1 port (usually HDMI 3 or 4), and check if the settings on the TV include Eco or Energy Savings, which can limit port bandwidth. Sometimes manual HDMI selection in the developer settings helps.
Can I turn on G-Sync on a Xiaomi monitor if I have an NVIDIA graphics card?
Yes, most Xiaomi gaming monitors are certified as G-Sync Compatible. You need to connect the monitor via DisplayPort, install current NVIDIA drivers, and activate G-Sync in the control panel of the graphics card. Through HDMI, G-Sync can only work on PCs on very new models of TVs and graphics cards of the RTX 3000/4000 series.
Does the inclusion of VRR affect the life of the TV matrix?
No, variable refresh rate technology doesn't have a negative impact on the matrix life; it only changes the refresh rate of frames depending on the load, which is the standard mode of operation for modern LCD and OLED panels. There is no additional wear and tear of components.