How to Enable HDR Video Recording on iPhone

This practical guide walks through how to enable HDR video recording on iPhone, explains the main requirements, and highlights common issues that may appear along the way.

The problem is that HDR clips often produce vibrant colors, sharper images, and thus consume more storage space. Also, most people often don't have a monitor that is compatible to watch HDR video at its fullest quality. For those reasons, Apple decided to turn off the HDR feature by default.

However, if you feel like you really want to use it, or just simply want to experience the iPhone's HDR video recording capabilities, here's how to enable it.

Record HDR video on iPhone

HDR (short for High Dynamic Range) is a premium feature that enables better color reproduction in any given scene. With HDR enabled, your iPhone can record a wider range of colors and more accurately balance the contrast of the darkest and brightest areas in the frame. Additionally, the iPhone's HDR capabilities also support Dolby Vision technology, which helps the target display make the most of the additional image data.

To enable HDR video, first open the 'Settings' app on your phone, then scroll down and tap the Camera option.

Next, click on 'Record Video'.

In the Record Video interface, find the option 'HDR Video (High Efficiency)' (HDR Video (High Efficiency)) and tap the switch to the right to activate it.

(Note: On iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini, HDR video is limited to 30 fps. The higher-end iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max can go up to 60 fps. This can be changed on iPhone models running newer iOS versions).

Before turning on HDR videos, keep in mind that they will be recorded in 'High Efficiency' mode. This means they'll be stored on your phone in the HEVC format instead of the broader compatible MP4 file type. However, the iPhone can also automatically convert HEVC videos to MP4, so you don't have to worry about sharing HDR videos to platforms.

In terms of video playback, most phones and latest generation computers, including iPhone (iPhone X and above) and MacBook (2018 and later), can play HDR video without any trouble. . But on incompatible displays, your HDR video will play at a lower quality standard than usual.