If you are a gamer who uses a Samsung TV to play their games, it’s likely you will have used Game Mode at some point. Game Mode is used to reduce input lag, making your game less likely to freeze and run faster. However, Game Mode doesn’t come without its issues.
With reported lagging, unresponsive TVs and flickering on the screen. If you are having any of these issues you may be wondering how to turn off Samsung Game Mode. Here’s how to fix Samsung Game Mode won’t turn off issue, to allow you to get back to gaming quickly.
What is Samsung Game Mode?
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With models of Samsung TV from 2017 onwards game mode is automatically turned on when a console is plugged into one of the HDMI ports. The Smart TV is able to figure out what the device is and whether it requires Game Mode to be enabled.
Game Mode exists on TVs to fix an issue called input lag. When you are playing your game and get ready to fight the bad guys, you raise your weapon and everything just freezes. Nightmare. With Game Mode enabled this issue should no longer occur.
Samsung advises that when you put your game into Game Mode your TV bypasses two of the video signal processors in the TV. By doing this it cuts down the time your TV needs to process the game. Although this can sometimes impact the picture, it should reduce any lag between your gaming system and the TV.
Samsung Game Mode won’t turn off
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Previously models of Samsung TVs required the game mode to be turned on. However, in newer models, Samsung Game mode is enabled when you use one of the HDMI ports on your TV to plug in a games console. Your TV should be able to read the device, then convert itself into game mode.
Meaning that users who use models of TV from 2017 onwards will need to turn off game mode once their device is plugged in if they no longer want to use this.
If you’re unsure of how to turn Samsung Game Mode off, we are here to help. Here are some easy-to-follow steps in order to turn the mode off (and on again in the future if you wish).
2017-2021 models
- Press the home button on your Samsung remote control
- Choose settings
- Then scroll down to find the General tab, then press enter
- On this page, you should find Game Mode, select this and then choose off or on.
2016 models
Although Game Mode isn’t automatically enabled like it is on newer models. If you turn the setting on and no longer require this, here’s how to turn it off again:
- Select Settings on your remote control
- Then select picture followed by Special Viewing Mode
- Finally, choose ‘off’ on Game Mode.
Can I alter picture settings in Game Mode?
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As stated above, you may notice a picture quality reduction in Game Mode, as the removal of the two processors, can change the color and quality of the image. Although you are unable to edit any of the settings during Game Mode as the way it works is to reduce the unnecessary processes.
However, if you choose to take your TV out of game mode, but are still looking to improve the speed of your game on a Samsung TV, the following settings can help with this.
- Dynamic contrast: Off
- Black tone: Off
- Flesh tone: O
- Gamma: O
- Motion lighting: Off
- Smart LED: Off
- Digital Clean View: Off
How to fix Samsung game mode flickering
Unfortunately, not all games consoles work how you’d expect with Game Mode. Some consoles such as Nintendo Switch, PS5, and Xbox One X can encounter issues with game mode. Users have reported that game mode flickers. Although this may be occasional for some users, others are experiencing this issue every time they attempt to play a game in this mode.
If you find you are having issues with your Samsung TV flickering in Game Mode, here are some easy fixes to get your Game Mode working as it should be.
Fix 1 – Update your TV’s firmware
If you’re having issues with your TV in Game Mode, it could mean that you need to update the firmware in your TV. New hardware is developed over time to fix any bugs and glitches within the TV. Especially with new consoles arriving on the market. With consoles such as the Ps5 and OLED Nintendo Switch, the TV may require new hardware which will be rolled out over time.
Here’s how to update your Samsung TV’s firmware:
- Open the settings menu on your TV
- Select support from the menu
- Choose software update
- Then pick update now
If your TV advises software is up to date, please follow the next step for further help.
Fix 2 – Try a different HDMI cable
Although this may seem obvious, different lengths of HDMI cable can impact the quality of your game. If you are using a long HDMI cable it’s important to remember the data needs to travel further, therefore this may cause delays.
Fix 3- Disable HDR setting
High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a great addition to any new TV, which creates a richer and more vibrant picture. With more depth and lighting this can really optimize your TV experience. If you notice you’re having flickering issues, disabling the HDR setting for HDMI can help fix this. If you’re unsure how to do so, here’s how in a few easy steps:
- Head to Settings on your Samsung TV
- Then choose general then external device manager
- Select HDMI UHD Color then choose ‘off’
Fix 4- Use another HDMI port
Try a different HDMI slot in your TV, as you may be using one that is faulty or just needs a clean. To see if the port is the issue, switch to another and see if the same issue is still occurring.
Conclusion
Game Mode is a great addition to your gaming experience when it works correctly. However, when you are having issues it can become more of a hindrance than an advantage. Therefore we hope you have been able to resolve your Samsung game mode issues here today.
For further console problems, you may find the following content helpful:
