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Fix a TV that has ALLM that will not work

We'll check source output, HDMI cable, TV port, and ALLM settings—or tell you when to call a technician.

Troubleshooting · Home electronics
10–20 min
What you'll need
  • TV remote
  • Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (for HDMI 2.1)
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Steps

Goal: Confirm the symptom, check source and cable, then rule out TV settings.

Check source and cable

Goal: Confirm the source outputs ALLM and the cable and port support it.

  • Open the source device display or video settings. Enable ALLM or Auto Low Latency Mode.
  • Use an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable and HDMI 2.1 port. Reseat at both ends.
  • Good: Source outputs ALLM and cable supports it. Proceed to Check TV settings.
  • Bad: Source not set or cable wrong—fix source and try correct cable and port.

Check TV settings

Goal: Confirm the TV has ALLM or Game Mode enabled.

  • Open TV Settings > Picture or Game. Enable ALLM or Game Mode.
  • If ALLM does not auto-switch, enable Game Mode manually for low latency.
  • Good: TV ALLM or Game Mode enabled. Input lag drops. Done.
  • Bad: Still high lag—power-cycle to reset HDMI handshake, or call a technician.

When to get help

Call a TV repair technician if:

  • ALLM works on one source but not another with the same cable and settings.
  • The TV never switches to low latency with a known ALLM source after all checks.

Verification

  • The TV auto-switches to Game Mode when the source signals game content, or Game Mode is enabled manually.
  • Input lag is reduced when gaming.
  • The source has ALLM enabled.
  • The HDMI cable is Ultra High Speed and firmly connected to an HDMI 2.1 port.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Source ALLM Enable ALLM in source display settings.
  2. HDMI cable and port Use Ultra High Speed cable and HDMI 2.1 port.
  3. TV ALLM Enable ALLM or Game Mode in TV settings.
  4. Power-cycle Unplug TV and source for 30 seconds; plug back in.
  5. Call a pro ALLM does not work with known ALLM source after all checks.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • TV model
  • Source device (game console, PC, etc.)
  • HDMI cable type
  • Steps already tried

Is ALLM enabled on the source?

Source must output ALLM.

Open source device display or video settings. Enable ALLM or Auto Low Latency Mode. Yes: check cable and port. No: enable, then test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Enable ALLM on source and test

Enable ALLM in source settings. Test. If TV auto-switches to Game Mode, done. If not, check cable and TV settings.

Done

Is the cable Ultra High Speed and port HDMI 2.1?

ALLM needs HDMI 2.1.

Use Ultra High Speed cable. Use HDMI 2.1 port on TV. Reseat at both ends. Good: check TV ALLM setting. Wrong: try correct cable and port.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Try correct cable and port

Use Ultra High Speed cable. Plug into HDMI 2.1 port. Test. If ALLM works, done. If not, check TV ALLM setting and power-cycle.

Done

Is ALLM or Game Mode enabled on the TV?

TV must have ALLM or Game Mode on.

Open TV Settings > Picture or Game. Enable ALLM or Game Mode. Enabled: power-cycle. Disabled: enable, then test. If ALLM fails, enable Game Mode manually for low latency.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Enable TV ALLM or Game Mode and test

Enable ALLM or Game Mode in TV settings. Test. If TV auto-switches when gaming, done. If not, enable Game Mode manually and power-cycle.

Done

Power-cycle and test

Unplug TV and source for 30 seconds. Plug back in. Test. If ALLM works, done. If not, enable Game Mode manually or call a technician.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would TV ALLM not work?
Source not outputting ALLM, cable does not support HDMI 2.1, TV port is HDMI 2.0 only, or ALLM is disabled in TV or source. HDMI handshake can also fail.
Can I fix ALLM that will not work myself?
Yes. Check source output, HDMI cable, TV port, and ALLM settings. Most issues are settings or port related.
When should I call a technician?
If ALLM works on one source but not another with the same cable and settings, or the TV never switches to low latency with a known ALLM source. The HDMI board may need repair.

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