Play HDR video on Mac

Support for high dynamic range (HDR) video, such as HDR films and TV programmes from Apple or other providers, requires the latest version of macOS, a compatible Mac model and an HDR10-compatible display, TV or projector.

Mac models that support HDR

These Mac models support HDR video on their built-in display (if applicable) and external HDR10-compatible displays.

• MacBook Pro introduced in 2018 or later

• MacBook Air introduced in 2018 or later (HDR on external displays requires a model with Apple silicon)

• iMac introduced in 2020 or later, plus iMac Pro

• Mac mini introduced in 2018 or later

• Mac Studio introduced in 2022 or later

• Mac Pro introduced in 2019 or later

Supported HDR formats

The built-in display and Apple Pro Display XDR support Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG. Dolby Vision and HLG are converted to HDR10 when viewed on other HDR10-compatible external displays.

Supported external HDR displays

Use an HDR10-compatible display that connects to the Thunderbolt or HDMI port of your Mac.

• DisplayPort displays: connect to the Thunderbolt port.

• HDMI displays: connect to the HDMI port. If your Mac doesn’t have an HDMI port, connect to the Thunderbolt port using an HDMI cable and USB-C adapter, such as the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter or Belkin Connect USB-C to HDMI Adapter.

• Apple Pro Display XDR: connect to the Thunderbolt port.

If your Mac doesn’t enable HDR for the display automatically, enable it in Displays settings.

Getting the best HDR picture

If HDR video isn't playing in high dynamic range or with the quality you'd expect, try these solutions.

Check your Mac

• Install the latest macOS updates for macOS Catalina or later. Some HDR features are only available with the latest macOS.

• Choose Apple menu  > System Settings (or System Preferences), then click Displays. In Displays settings for the external display, make sure High Dynamic Range is turned on. This setting will only appear on third-party displays that support HDR10, not on built-in displays. If you don’t want to use HDR on your external display, turn this setting off.

• Choose Apple menu  > System Settings (or System Preferences), then click Battery (or Energy Saver). Click the Options button, if present. If “Optimise video streaming while on battery” is turned on, your Mac saves energy by playing HDR video in standard dynamic range (SDR) while on battery power. To play in HDR, connect your Mac to a power source or untick this box.

• HDR content may play at resolutions no greater than 1080p on Intel-based Mac mini, Intel-based MacBook Pro and Intel-based MacBook Air models, depending on the HDR content and the display on which it's being viewed.

Check your display

• Some TVs support HDR only on a specific input, such as HDMI input 2 or HDMI input 3. Check your TV's documentation for details.

• Make sure your display supports HDR10. If the display has its own HDR setting, turn it on or set it to prefer HDR when available.

• Make sure your display is using the latest firmware from the manufacturer. Check your display's documentation for details.

• In general, HDR quality is better on HDR displays that offer better brightness and contrast ratio, which results in a wider dynamic range.

Check your media

If you're playing premium content from a third-party content provider, check with the content provider to make sure they support HDR on your Mac.

Check your cables and other devices

• If you're using HDMI, make sure the HDMI cable and any adapter you may be using with it both support HDR10. Apple recommends HDMI cables that have been tested with Apple TV 4K and a wide range of TVs, such as the Belkin UltraHD HDMI Cable. Compatible adapters include the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter and Belkin Connect USB-C to HDMI Adapter.

• If your video connection passes through an AV receiver, sound bar or other device before connecting to your display, make sure the device supports HDR10 and is using the latest firmware from the manufacturer. You can test it by connecting your Mac directly to the display.

Check your viewing environment

The brightness and colour of HDR video may vary depending on your Mac model and the lighting in your environment. Lower lighting conditions, such as in a dim room, will enhance the visual effect of HDR.

Check your network

The video quality of any content you stream over a network, including over the internet, will be affected by the quality of that network. To stream high-quality video formats, you'll need a fast connection. Apple recommends a minimum speed of 25 Mbps for 4K streaming.

For details about the HDR capabilities or settings of a third-party display, cable or adapter, check the documentation for the product or contact the product vendor.