Alex Ruben
How to Enable Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) on Your Samsung TV for PS5 Gaming
If you want to take your gaming experience on the PlayStation 5 (PS5) to the next level, enabling Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) on your Samsung TV is essential. This feature significantly reduces screen tearing, optimizes your gameplay, and provides smoother visuals with lower input lag—crucial for competitive gaming. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to enable VRR, optimize your gaming settings for PS5, and troubleshoot any VRR issues you might encounter on your Samsung TV.
Step 1: Access the TV’s Settings Menu
To start, you need to access the Settings menu on your Samsung TV. This is where you can adjust various display settings. To do this, turn on your TV and press the Home button on your remote control. Navigate to the Settings icon, which looks like a gear, and select it by pressing Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to External Device Manager
Once you’re in the Settings menu, scroll down and select the General option. Within the General settings, look for the External Device Manager option and click on it. This section allows you to manage external devices like your PS5, ensuring that all features such as VRR function correctly.
Step 3: Enable Game Mode
In the External Device Manager, find the Game Mode option. Enabling Game Mode is crucial as it optimizes the TV’s settings for gaming, reducing input lag. Toggle the Game Mode setting to On. This ensures your TV is ready for the best possible gaming performance.
Step 4: Activate VRR
After enabling Game Mode, you should see the VRR option available in the same External Device Manager menu. Click on it to access the VRR settings, and toggle the VRR function to On. With VRR enabled, you will experience smoother gameplay across various games on your PS5.
Step 5: Finalize Settings and Test Your PS5
Once VRR is activated, it’s a good practice to finalize any other gaming settings on your PS5. Navigate to your PS5’s Settings > Screen and Video settings. Ensure that the Resolution is set appropriately for your Samsung TV, and that HDR settings are enabled if applicable. Once all settings are confirmed, launch a game to test the performance. If everything is working correctly, you should notice a significant improvement in smoothness and responsiveness during gameplay.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
While enabling VRR can enhance your gaming experience, there may be some issues that arise. If you find that VRR is not functioning correctly or you’re experiencing problems such as flickering or delayed inputs, try the following:
- Ensure that your HDMI cable supports high bandwidth (HDMI 2.1 is recommended).
- Check for software updates on both your Samsung TV and PS5 to ensure compatibility.
- Restart both your PS5 and TV to refresh their connection.
- Explore different Resolution settings on the PS5 to determine which works best with VRR enabled.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most issues related to VRR functionality on your Samsung TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)?
VRR is a technology that allows a display to synchronize its refresh rate with the frame rate output of an external device, like a gaming console. This leads to reduced screen tearing and smoother animations.
Do I need special cables for VRR to work?
Yes, for optimal performance, it is recommended to use HDMI cables that support HDMI 2.1, as VRR is natively supported through this specification.
What if my Samsung TV doesn’t support VRR?
If your TV model does not support VRR, you may not be able to enable this feature. Check your TV’s specifications or the manufacturer’s website to confirm its capabilities.