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1. Connect the game device and select its HDMI input
Connect your console or PC to the TV with HDMI, then select that device as the active external input. LG says both steps are required to use Game Optimizer. If the TV does not recognize a gaming device or input connection automatically, select the input manually and check the game-mode setting. LG support guidance
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2. Turn on the game picture mode
LG’s menus vary by generation; these documented routes illustrate why it is important to follow the instructions for your model rather than assume one path applies to every OLED.
| TV software generation in LG instructions | Documented setting path |
|---|---|
| 2021, webOS 6.0 | Settings → All Settings → General → Game Optimizer; turn it on. |
| 2020, webOS 5.0 | Settings → All Settings → Picture → Additional Settings → Instant Game Response; enable the HDMI port connected to the game device. |
On newer or different models, look for Game Optimizer or the model’s equivalent in the on-screen settings or manual. LG’s current model-specific guide is available at LG Support.
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3. Check HDMI Deep Color for the connected port
In LG’s documented 2020 webOS 5.0 route, open Picture → Additional Settings → HDMI Ultra HD Deep Color and enable it for the HDMI terminal used by the game device. LG says this is needed to enable game optimization on that path. Do not treat this older menu route as a universal instruction for newer TVs; check your model’s guide.
- LG warns the image may flicker temporarily when game optimization starts.
- Some picture settings may be unavailable while HDMI Ultra HD Deep Color is enabled.
4. Choose how to handle ALLM
ALLM, or Auto Low Latency Mode, lets a compatible TV and source use a low-latency mode automatically. LG says that when ALLM is set to Auto, picture-quality adjustments on the TV may be unavailable. If you want to customize picture quality, turn ALLM off; otherwise, leave it available for automatic low-latency operation if both devices support it. LG support guidance
5. Enable VRR, G-Sync, or FreeSync only with compatible equipment
Variable refresh rate (VRR) synchronizes the TV’s refresh behavior with the source; LG describes G-Sync and FreeSync as synchronization features that can help reduce tearing or stuttering. Whether the relevant option appears depends on the TV model and the connected source or graphics card. LG’s guides require an HDMI connection and Game Optimizer screen mode for the documented VRR/G-Sync and FreeSync features.
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- A11 AI PROCESSOR: Find and choose what to watch fast, without lag, and enjoy optimized picture with AI Director Processing powered by the LG a9 AI Processor Gen8, delivering 5.6x greater AI processing, 50% faster performance, and 70% improved graphics
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For example, LG documents this route for G-Sync on webOS 22: Settings → All Settings → General → Game Optimizer → Game → VRR & G-Sync → On. Use your model’s guide for other generations, and confirm the PC or console also supports the feature before changing settings. LG VRR and G-Sync guidance · LG FreeSync guidance
6. Adjust optional controls only to address a specific issue
Depending on the model, Game Optimizer may include game genre, dark-area or bright-area adjustment, input-lag reduction, motion controls, blue-light reduction, and a Game Dashboard. Use the dashboard to see which controls are available and active. Change a control when it addresses a real need—such as improving visibility in dark scenes or adapting the image to a bright room—rather than copying settings intended for a different TV or game. LG’s 2023 and 2024 guides show related but not identical options, so not every control is available on every model. LG Game Optimizer guide
Why a gaming setting may be missing or unavailable
- Wrong input: select the HDMI input connected to the console or PC.
- Game mode is off: enable Game Optimizer or the equivalent mode using the route for your TV’s software generation.
- Feature compatibility: VRR, G-Sync, and FreeSync options depend on the TV and source hardware.
- ALLM limits picture controls: when ALLM is Auto, LG says picture-quality adjustments may be blocked.
- Different model menus: settings and labels change across webOS generations; check the manual for the exact model.
There is no universal set of OLED gaming picture values
The official LG guidance cited here does not establish one brightness, contrast, black-level, or color value that is right for every LG OLED, game, and room. Start with the correct input and game mode, then adjust any available picture controls to solve a specific visibility or comfort issue. Avoid applying numeric settings from another model as if they were universal.
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