What is VRR and how do I enable it on my TV?

IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

What is VRR?

VRR stands for Variable Refresh Rate. The TV refresh rate is how frequent the TV display updates the image you see on the screen. TV shows and movies are usually shown at a fixed refresh rate (e.g. 30 fps), so you have a consistently smooth experience. Games, on the other hand, aren't as consistent. Your gaming console sometimes has to work a bit harder: video games often incorporate dramatic scene changes, from sudden explosions to swift colour changes, which cause the frame rate to reduce drastically. VRR compensates for these changes by matching the refresh rate to the game's frame rate. This variability reduces lag and avoids screen tearing.  In other words, VRR will create a smoother gaming image and experience. 

How to enable VRR on my TV?

First, check if your TV has the VRR feature

VRR is part of HDMI 2.1 technology. Certain features of HDMI 2.1 are already present on some TVs released in 2019 and onwards. You can check your TV specifications to see which features it supports. You can also check this article to find out more about features specified in HDMI 2.1. 

How to check the specifications of your device

To enjoy VRR, you need to enable the HDMI Enhanced format in the input settings

1. Press the HOME button on your remote control
2. Select Settings
3. Select External inputs in the TV category.
4. Select HDMI signal format and set it to Enhanced Format (VRR). You'll notice that only HDMI 3 or 4 have the Enhanced format (VRR) option, so don't forget to connect your PS5 to HDMI 3 or 4 (and make sure your PS5 is updated with the latest software).