When HDR videos refuse to play properly on your Xiaomi 15 Ultra, colors may look washed out, brightness may seem flat, or the video may not play at all. This can be frustrating, especially when you expect premium video quality from a flagship display. In most cases, the problem is caused by app settings, display configurations, or content compatibility issues, not a hardware fault.
Why Your Xiaomi 15 Ultra Won’t Play HDR Videos
- The video app does not support HDR playback.
- HDR is disabled in display or video settings.
- The video itself is not true HDR content.
- Battery or performance restrictions are limiting video processing.
- Software bugs or outdated system apps are affecting playback.
Check If the Video Actually Supports HDR
Not all videos labeled as HDR truly use HDR standards. Some streaming clips are SDR videos with enhanced color grading, which can look similar but do not trigger HDR mode.
Try playing a known HDR video from a trusted streaming app like YouTube or Netflix.
Look for an HDR badge or HDR indicator during playback.
If no indicator appears, the video is not using HDR.
Make Sure HDR Is Enabled in Display Settings
HDR can be disabled at the system level, which prevents apps from activating it. Enabling the correct display settings allows the screen to switch into HDR mode automatically.
Open Settings, and then tap Display.
Tap Brightness and HDR, and make sure HDR or Enhanced video is enabled.
Exit Settings and test HDR playback again.
Disable Battery Saver or Performance Limits
HDR video processing requires higher brightness and GPU performance. Battery saving features may reduce display output, causing HDR playback to fail or look incorrect.
Open Settings, and then tap Battery.
Turn off Battery saver or any extreme power saving mode.
Restart the video and check if HDR activates properly.
Check App-Specific HDR Settings
Some apps require HDR to be enabled inside their own settings. If this option is off, the app will always play videos in standard dynamic range.
Open the video app, and then go to its Settings menu.
Find playback or video quality options, and enable HDR if available.
Close the app completely and reopen it.
Update the System and Video Apps
Software bugs can break HDR playback, especially after a recent update. Keeping your phone and apps up to date helps restore missing features and compatibility.
Open Settings, and then tap About phone.
Check for system updates and install any available ones.
Update your video apps from the app store as well.
Restart the Phone
A restart refreshes display drivers and video services. This simple step often fixes HDR issues caused by temporary system glitches.
Open Quick Settings, and then tap the Power icon.
Tap Restart, and wait for the phone to boot up fully.
Try playing an HDR video again.
HDR video playback on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra depends on proper settings, compatible apps, and supported content. Once everything is aligned, HDR should activate automatically and deliver the rich colors and brightness the display is designed for.
FAQs
How can I tell if HDR is actually working on my Xiaomi 15 Ultra?
Most apps display an HDR label during playback, and the screen becomes noticeably brighter with richer contrast. Some phones also show an HDR icon in the status area.
Does HDR only work on certain video apps?
Yes. HDR works only on apps that support HDR standards like HDR10 or Dolby Vision. Unsupported apps will always play videos in standard dynamic range.
Can low brightness affect HDR playback?
Yes. If brightness is set very low or restricted by battery saving features, HDR may not activate correctly. Increasing brightness or disabling limits usually resolves this.
