If your Realme 16 refuses to play HDR videos, the colors may look dull, or the HDR badge may not appear at all. Sometimes the video plays, but it does not switch to HDR mode. This usually happens because of display settings, streaming app limits, or unsupported video formats.
The good news is that most HDR playback issues can be fixed in minutes.
Why Your Realme 16 Won’t Play HDR Videos
- The display resolution is not set to the highest supported option.
- HDR or video enhancement features are turned off.
- The streaming app does not support HDR on your current plan.
- The video file format is not compatible with your device.
- Software bugs affecting video decoding.
Check If HDR Is Supported in the App
Not all streaming apps allow HDR on every device or subscription tier. Some require a premium plan before HDR activates.
Open YouTube or your streaming app, and then play an HDR-supported video.
Tap the three dots menu, and then tap Quality to check if HDR appears next to the resolution.
If HDR does not show, the app may not support it on your account or device.
Increase Screen Resolution and Enable Display Enhancements
HDR needs the highest display settings to work properly. Lower resolution or disabled enhancements may prevent it from activating.
Open Settings, and then tap Display.
Tap Screen resolution, and then select the highest available option.
Next, go back to Display, and then tap Video color enhancement or HDR video mode if available.
Toggle it on, and then test the video again.
Make Sure You Are Using a Supported Video Format
Some downloaded HDR videos use codecs your phone may not fully support. This can cause playback without HDR or complete failure.
Open your Gallery, and then play the HDR video file.
Tap Details, and then check the file format and resolution.
If the format is unsupported, try playing the video using VLC from the Play Store, and then test HDR playback again.
Update the Streaming App
Outdated apps may fail to trigger HDR properly. App updates often include video playback improvements.
Open the Play Store, and then search for your streaming app.
Tap Update if available, and then restart the app before testing again.
Restart Your Phone
Temporary display or decoding glitches can block HDR activation. A restart refreshes the display driver and video engine.
Swipe down from the top to open Quick Settings, and then tap the Power icon.
Tap Restart, and then wait for the phone to boot fully before playing the video again.
Check for Software Updates
System updates often improve display calibration and HDR compatibility. Running outdated software can cause playback inconsistencies.
Open Settings, and then tap Software update.
Tap Check for updates, and then install any available update.
HDR playback on the Realme 16 depends on display settings, app compatibility, and proper video formats. Once you confirm these are correctly configured, HDR should activate automatically when supported content is played.
FAQs
How do I know if a video is actually playing in HDR?
Most apps display an HDR label next to the resolution settings. You may also notice brighter highlights and deeper contrast when HDR is active.
Does HDR work offline on downloaded videos?
It depends on the format and codec used. If the file supports HDR and the phone can decode it, HDR should work even offline.
Why does HDR look too dark on my Realme 16?
HDR adjusts brightness dynamically based on scene lighting. Increasing screen brightness manually can help improve visibility in bright environments.
