When HDR videos refuse to play on your OnePlus 15, the display can look flat, washed out, or the video may not play at all. This is frustrating, especially when you expect vibrant colors and higher contrast from HDR content. In most cases, the issue is caused by settings, app limitations, or content compatibility, not a faulty screen.
Why Your OnePlus 15 Won’t Play HDR Videos
- HDR is disabled in display settings.
- The video app does not support HDR playback.
- Streaming quality is set too low for HDR content.
- The video itself is not mastered in HDR.
- System or app bugs are affecting video playback.
Enable HDR Video Playback in Display Settings
HDR needs to be enabled at the system level so supported apps can use it. If this setting is off, your OnePlus 15 will play videos in standard dynamic range only.
Open Settings, and then tap Display.
Tap Video enhancement or HDR video, and then toggle on the HDR option.
Check the App You Are Using
Not all video apps support HDR, even if the phone does. Using an unsupported app will force the video to play in normal quality.
Open the app you are using, and then check its video playback settings.
Switch to a known HDR compatible app like YouTube or Netflix, and then test the same video again.
Increase Streaming Quality
HDR videos require higher streaming quality to activate. If the app is set to save data, HDR will not turn on.
Open the streaming app, and then tap Profile or Settings.
Tap Video quality, and then set it to High or Maximum.
Confirm the Video Supports HDR
Some videos are labeled as HDR but are actually standard format. Playing non HDR content will never trigger HDR mode on the display.
Open the video details page, and then look for HDR10 or Dolby Vision information.
Try playing a verified HDR video, and then watch for the HDR indicator on your screen.
Restart the Phone
A restart refreshes display services and clears temporary bugs. This often fixes HDR playback issues after updates or app crashes.
Press and hold the Power key, and then tap Restart.
Wait for the phone to boot up, and then test HDR playback again.
Update the System and Apps
Software bugs can interfere with HDR decoding. Keeping everything updated ensures compatibility with newer HDR formats.
Open Settings, and then tap System updates.
Update the phone and video apps, and then restart once updates are complete.
HDR playback on the OnePlus 15 works reliably once the right settings and apps are in place. After enabling HDR, choosing supported apps, and confirming the video format, your display should show the full color and contrast HDR is designed for.
FAQs
How can I tell if HDR is working on my OnePlus 15?
Most OnePlus phones show an HDR or HDR10 indicator when compatible content is playing. You can also notice brighter highlights and deeper contrast immediately.
Does HDR work on mobile data or Wi Fi only?
HDR works on both, but mobile data limits may prevent high quality streaming. Wi Fi is recommended for consistent HDR playback.
Why does HDR work in YouTube but not in Netflix?
Each app handles HDR differently. Netflix may require a higher subscription tier or specific playback settings enabled to activate HDR.
