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How to Resolve HDR Issues on a 4K Monitor in macOS Sonoma

By: Author Alex Lim

Posted on

Categories Troubleshooting

  • This guide offers solutions to fix HDR issues on macOS Sonoma and a 4K monitor.
  • Official developers have not acknowledged the problem or provided a fix timeline.
  • Users should exercise caution and verify compatibility when using these workarounds.

Do you find yourself facing problems with HDR not working on your 4K monitor while using macOS Sonoma? You’re not alone. Many users have encountered this issue, where the High Dynamic Range (HDR) option is either missing or limited when they select resolutions like 2560 x 1440, 3008 x 1692, or 3360 x 1890. Some have also noted that even when HDR is available, it’s capped at a 60Hz refresh rate. This issue persists across different cables, whether you’re using USB-C DP-Alt Mode or a USB-C to DP converter cable. Even with HDMI, the refresh rate remains limited to 60Hz.

How to Resolve HDR Issues on a 4K Monitor in macOS Sonoma

The question is, can this problem be fixed? Fortunately, there is a workaround that can help you rectify this HDR bug. In this guide, we’ll show you how to resolve HDR issues on your 4K monitor when using macOS Sonoma. Let’s get straight to it.

How to resolve HDR issues on your 4K monitor when using macOS Sonoma.

How to Resolve HDR Issues on a 4K Monitor Running macOS Sonoma

If you’re facing HDR problems on your 4K monitor while using macOS Sonoma, you can fix it with the help of an open-source tool called Better Display. Here’s a step-by-step guide to resolve the issue:

  1. Download and Install Better Display: First, download Better Display from its GitHub repository and install it on your system.
  2. Launch Better Display: After installation, launch the Better Display tool.
  3. Access Smooth Scaling Resolutions: Within the Better Display tool, locate the Smooth Scaling Resolutions section.
  4. Adjust the Settings: Modify the settings as follows to address the HDR issue based on your desired refresh rate:
    • For a Fixed 120Hz refresh rate, set the maximum scaled HDR resolution to 2432 x 1368.
    • If you’re using a Fixed 144Hz or Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) ranging from 48-144Hz, set the maximum scaled HDR resolution to 2208 x 1242.
  5. Save Changes: Once you’ve made the necessary adjustments, save the changes within the Better Display tool.
  6. Check the Results: Finally, verify the results by checking HDR functionality on your 4K monitor. Your HDR should now be working correctly.

You can fix it with the help of an open-source tool called Better Display.

By following these steps and using Better Display, you can effectively resolve the HDR issue on your 4K monitor running macOS Sonoma.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these steps provide a solution to address the problem of HDR not working on a 4K monitor when using macOS Sonoma. It’s worth noting that the official developers have not acknowledged this issue or provided an estimated time for a fix. We will update this guide if any developments occur. In the meantime, the workarounds mentioned here are your most reliable options for resolving this HDR issue.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is intended to assist users in resolving the HDR issue on a 4K monitor running macOS Sonoma. However, it’s essential to understand that the solutions offered are based on available knowledge and open-source tools. The official developers have not yet addressed this problem or provided a fix timeline. Users should proceed with these workarounds at their discretion, understanding that there may be potential risks or changes in system behavior. We recommend taking appropriate precautions and ensuring compatibility with your specific system before implementing these solutions.