HDR on Xiaomi TV: How to turn on and configure for the perfect image

HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology is changing the way you see things on the screen by adding deep shadows, bright highlights and rich colors. Xiaomi TV owners (Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1/Q2, Mi TV P1, and others) often face the question of why HDR doesn’t turn on automatically and how to make it work at full capacity? The problem lies not only in the settings of the TV itself, but also in the compatibility of content, cables and even signal sources.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can activate HDR on Xiaomi TVs, from basic menu settings to hidden options for power users, how to check your model’s HDR support, what formats (HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG) are available on different devices, and what to do if the picture remains dim despite the mode on, and we’ll also reveal a secret method of forcing HDR to be enabled through an engineering menu that is not written in the official instructions.

1. Compatibility Check: Does your Xiaomi TV support HDR technology?

Before trying to turn on HDR, Make sure your Xiaomi TV model supports this technology at all. Not all devices, even labeled "4K", fitted HDR-These are the key points:

• 📺 Series with full support HDR: Mi TV Q1/Q2 (2020–2023), Mi TV P1 (2021–2026), Mi TV Master, Mi TV ES Pro: These models support HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG.
• 📺 Limited Support Series: Mi TV 4S (2018-2019 and Mi TV 4A — only HDR10, No Dolby Vision, brightness and contrast are lower than flagships.
• ❌ No HDR: Mi TV 3S, Mi TV 4 (early versions) and all models with Full resolution HD (1080p).

To determine exactly what support you need, check the specifications of your model on Xiaomi’s official website or check the sticker on the back of your TV — there should be a mention of HDR or Dolby Vision. If you’re not sure about the model, go to Settings → About TV and see the full name.

Important: Even if the TV supports HDR, it requires a compatible signal source (e.g., NVIDIA Shield, Apple TV 4K, PS5/Xbox Series X) and an HDMI 2.0 or higher cable. Connecting through older cables or HDMI 1.4 ports will automatically turn off HDR.

2. Basic settings: how to turn on HDR through the TV menu

If you're Xiaomi. TV supportive HDR, The first step is to activate the mode in the settings. The instructions are suitable for all modern Android models. TV Google TV:

1. Turn on the TV and go to the main menu by pressing the button Settings (cogs) on the remote.
2. Select the Image Settings section.
3. Scroll to Picture Mode and select HDR or Dolby Vision (if available).
4. Return to the main settings menu and go to System → Display and Sound → Advanced Settings.
5. Activate the HDMI Ultra HD Color option for the port to which the 4K/HDR source is connected (for example, a console or player).

After this manipulation, the TV should automatically recognize the HDR-But there are nuances:

• 🔄 After inclusion HDR If you have a picture that's dim or green, it means that the signal source (like the console) is transmitting the wrong format. HDR10 auto.
• 🎮 For game consoles (PS5, Xbox may require a separate setup in the console menu (for example, enablement). HDMI Signal Format: Enhanced).
• 📺 On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) TV P1 2021) Dolby Vision is hidden until a compatible source is connected.

3.HDR problems: why the mode is not switched on or not working properly

A common complaint from users is, "I turned on HDR, but the picture hasn't changed," or "The screen flashes when playing." The reasons can range from faulty cable to firmware errors.

Pay special attention to HDMI cable. Even if it looks like a “high-speed” cable, not all cables support the 18 Gbps required for a 4K HDR 60 Hz. Check the certification on the package – there should be an HDMI Premium Certified logo or an Ultra High Speed HDMI logo.

⚠️ Attention: On the TVs Xiaomi Mi TV 4S (2018) when included HDR It may be that the sound disappears through HDMI ARC. This is a hardware problem, and can only be fixed by upgrading the firmware to version 1.7.65 or higher.

4. Hidden settings: how to force HDR to turn on through the engineering menu

If standard methods don't work, you can try activating HDR through an engineering menu (service menu for technicians), which is suitable for advanced users and can cause malfunctions if you do not act correctly!

Instructions for Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV:

1. Turn on the TV and connect the remote (requiredly original!).
2. Press the buttons sequentially on the remote: Menu → Up → Up → Down → Down → Left → Left → Right → Right (analogue of Konami console code).
3. The engineering menu will open. Go to Picture → HDR Mode.
4. Enable Force HDR (Forced HDR) and save the settings.

After that, the TV will try to process any content as HDR, even if the source does not support this format. The result can be unpredictable, from improved images to artifacts and relights. Use this mode only for testing!

To reset the engineering menu settings, go to Factory Reset → Restore Default or complete a TV reset via the standard menu.

5.HDR Optimization: Calibrating Images for Better Quality

Turning on HDR is only half the battle, and to make it look perfect, you need to adjust the image settings correctly. Here are the recommendations for Xiaomi TVs:

• 🎨 Brightness: Set to 50-60% (for Mi) TV Q2 It's 55. Too high a value is "clogging" shadows.
• 🌈 Contrast: 85–95% (on the Mi) TV P1 Maximum 100% can lead to lighting).
• 🔍 Clearness: Turn off completely (0%) - artificial sharpening spoils HDR-content.
• 🎯 Color Temperature: Choose Warm or Standard (avoid Cold - it distorts shades).

For precise calibration, use YouTube test videos (see "HDR calibration test"). Pay attention to scenes with gray gradients - in properly configured HDR, you should see all shades without "banding".

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If your Xiaomi TV supports Dolby Vision but this mode is not enabled on Netflix, check the profile settings in the app.Some plans (like "Standard") limit the resolution to 1080p and do not transmit HDR.

For game consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X) additionally configure:

• 🎮 Turn on Game Mode in your TV settings (reduces input delay).
• 🔄 Activate. ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode on the console menu.
• 🖥️ Set the permit. 4K 60 Hz (or 120 Hz if the TV supports).

6.Firmware Update: Why It Is Important for HDR to Work

Manufacturers regularly release updates for Xiaomi TVs that fix HDR display errors, add support for new formats (such as HDR10+) and improve color reproduction.

1. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, download and install it (the TV will reboot automatically).

The latest firmware versions for popular models (June 2026):

• Mi TV Q2 75" - 1.9.87 (Added Dolby Vision IQ support)
• Mi TV P1 55" - 1.8.62 (artifacts corrected in HDR-play-off);
• Mi TV ES Pro – 1.7.91 (compatibility with Apple TV 4K improved)

⚠️ Note: If after the update HDR stopped working, reset the image settings (Settings) → Reset → Reset image settings. In rare cases, the new firmware resets custom color profiles.

For manual firmware installation (if automatic update does not work):

1. Download the firmware file for your model from the official Xiaomi website (Support section).
2. Copy it to a flash drive in FAT32 format (no folder needed!).
3. Connect the flash drive to the TV and go to Settings → System Update → Update from USB.

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Updating the firmware is a must before setting up HDR. Older versions (e.g., up to 1.6.XX) may not support Dolby Vision or HDR in games.

7. Alternative ways to improve the picture without HDR

If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support HDR, but you want to improve your image quality, take advantage of these tips:

• 🌟 Turn on Local Dimming (if any) – this improves contrast by highlighting areas.
• 🎭 Use Movie or Cinema Mode instead of Standard – it’s closer to natural colors.
• 🔧 Activate. AI Picture Quality (on models with processor) MTK 9650 and later – The algorithm automatically optimizes the image.
• 🖼️ To watch movies in high quality, use applications with support 4K SDR, For example, Kodi with the addition of Real-Debrid.

You can also emulate "pseudo-HDR" using color gamut settings:

1. Increase saturation to 60-70%.
2. Enable Dynamic Contrast (Dynamic Contrast).
3. Choose the BT.2020 color scheme (if available).

Of course, this will not replace real HDR, but the visual picture will become brighter and richer.

FAQ: Frequent questions about HDR on Xiaomi TVs