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How to Fix PS5 HDR That Looks Washed Out or Too Dark

Start with the PS5’s Adjust HDR screen, confirm whether your game supports HDR, and inspect the output signal before changing RGB Range.
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If PS5 HDR looks washed out or too dark, start with the console’s Adjust HDR screen, then check whether the content and connected TV setup support HDR. Before changing RGB Range, inspect the current video output signal: Sony says to adjust that setting only if the HDMI device is not sending RGB range information correctly.

1. Re-adjust HDR on the PS5

Use Sony’s built-in adjustment before changing display settings. On the console, go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Adjust HDR, then follow the on-screen instructions. See Sony’s PS5 HDR setup guidance.

This is the console-side adjustment. It does not establish universal brightness, contrast, or black-level values for every television; those controls vary by display model.

2. Check whether the content should be in HDR

The PS5’s HDR output mode affects both HDR-compatible and unsupported games and apps. In Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > HDR, choose the behavior that matches what you want:

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On When Supported Uses HDR for content that supports it and leaves unsupported games and apps in SDR.
Always On Converts unsupported games and apps to HDR output as well.

Sony documents both modes in its HDR instructions. If an SDR game or app looks wrong while the console is set to Always On, try On When Supported to avoid converting that content to HDR output.

3. Confirm the connected display setup supports HDR

Sony says every PS5 console supports HDR, but the resulting image quality depends on the connected home entertainment setup. An HDR-capable TV is part of the intended setup; the console setting alone cannot make a non-HDR display show HDR as intended.

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Also consider the complete connection path between the PS5 and display, including any home entertainment equipment in between. Sony’s general guidance does not prescribe a universal TV-side HDR mode or picture value. For exact HDR, HDMI-input, and picture-mode options, follow the instructions for your TV’s specific model.

4. Inspect the output signal before changing RGB Range

In the PS5’s Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output area, inspect the current video output signal and the connected HDMI device information. These details can help you distinguish a console output or connection issue from a display picture-setting issue. Sony describes both in its PS5 resolution and video output guidance.

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Do not toggle RGB Range at random to try to brighten or darken the picture. Sony says to change RGB Range only when the HDMI device is not sending RGB range information correctly. A mismatch may affect how dark and light levels appear, but the setting is not a general HDR brightness control.

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5. Use the TV’s model-specific instructions if the picture is still wrong

If HDR remains washed out or too dark after the console adjustment and output checks, consult the TV maker’s instructions for your exact display model. Look for its guidance on HDR, the HDMI input used by the PS5, and picture modes. Sony’s general PS5 support pages do not give one-size-fits-all TV calibration values or brand-specific menu paths.

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A new television is not the first troubleshooting step. Consider a purchase only if your current setup lacks HDR capability or cannot provide acceptable HDR image quality; Sony does not recommend a particular model in the cited guidance.

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