Samsung TV HDR Error Code: How to Fix It

Easy 15-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
HDR
Brand
Samsung TV
Product Type
smart_tv
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
15-30 minutes
The HDR error on a Samsung TV indicates a signal mismatch between the TV and the connected source device, meaning the TV is receiving an HDR signal it cannot properly process or display. This typically happens when your HDMI cable, port, or source device settings are incompatible with the HDR format your Samsung TV supports. The good news is that most HDR signal mismatch issues can be resolved through settings adjustments and cable or port changes without any professional help.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code HDR

  1. Power Cycle Your Samsung TV and Source Device

    Always unplug the TV from the wall outlet rather than just using the remote standby mode to ensure a full power reset.

  2. Check and Swap Your HDMI Cable

  3. Use the Correct HDMI Port on Your Samsung TV

  4. Enable HDMI UHD Color (Signal Plus) on Your Samsung TV

  5. Adjust HDR Output Settings on Your Source Device

  6. Update Your Samsung TV's Firmware

    Do not turn off the TV or unplug it during a firmware update. Interrupting an update can damage the TV's software.

  7. Disable and Re-enable HDR on Your Samsung TV

  8. Factory Reset Your Samsung TV as a Last Resort

    A factory reset will erase all your customized picture settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and installed app data. Make note of your preferred settings before proceeding.

Parts You May Need

High Speed HDMI Cable (HDMI 2.0 or 2.1)
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HDMI Port Repair Board
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High Speed HDMI Cable (HDMI 2.0 or 2.1)
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HDMI Port Repair Board
Check Price on Amazon
High Speed HDMI Cable (HDMI 2.0 or 2.1)
Check Price on Amazon
HDMI Port Repair Board
Check Price on Amazon
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When to Call a Professional

Contact Samsung support or a certified TV repair technician if the HDR error persists after completing all steps above. Professional help is warranted if the TV's HDMI ports show physical damage, bent pins, or fail to detect any device at all — this may indicate a failed HDMI board or port that requires hardware-level repair. Also seek professional service if your TV is still under warranty, as opening the casing yourself may void it. You can reach Samsung support at 1-800-726-7864 or through their website's live chat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Samsung TV keep showing an HDR error even with a new HDMI cable?
Even with a new cable, the HDMI UHD Color setting on your Samsung TV may be disabled for that specific port. Go to Settings > General > External Device Manager > HDMI UHD Color and enable it for the port your device is plugged into. Also confirm your source device is outputting an HDR format that your Samsung TV model actually supports.
Does every HDMI port on my Samsung TV support HDR?
No. Most Samsung TVs only have one or two HDMI ports that support full 4K HDR bandwidth (18 Gbps or higher). These are usually HDMI 1 or HDMI 2 and may be labeled on the back panel. Check your TV's manual or the Samsung support site to identify which ports are HDR-compatible for your specific model.
What HDR formats does Samsung TV support?
Most modern Samsung TVs support HDR10 and HDR10+ natively. Some higher-end QLED and Neo QLED models also support Dolby Vision. Samsung does not universally support Dolby Vision across all models, so check your specific TV's specifications. Forcing Dolby Vision output from a source device to a TV that only supports HDR10 can trigger the HDR signal mismatch error.
Can a bad HDMI port on my Samsung TV cause the HDR error?
Yes. A physically damaged or failing HDMI port can prevent the HDR handshake from completing, resulting in a signal mismatch error. Test by switching to a different HDMI port on the TV. If the error disappears on a different port but the original port consistently fails, the port itself may be damaged and require professional repair or board replacement.
Will updating my Samsung TV firmware fix the HDR error?
In many cases, yes. Samsung regularly releases firmware updates that improve HDR compatibility and fix signal handshake bugs. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now to check for available updates. If your TV is not connected to Wi-Fi, you can download the firmware from Samsung's official support site and install it via USB.

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