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How to Play HDR and Dolby Vision Content on iPhone Using a Plugable USB-C to HDMI Adapter

Last Update: October 28th, 2026
Article ID: 3649472

How Do I Enable HDR or Dolby Vision on My iPhone With a Plugable USB-C to HDMI Adapter?

Applicable To

  • Plugable USBC-HDMI8K USB-C to HDMI 2.1 Adapter
  • iPhone 15, 16, 17, 18  models with USB-C (HDR and Dolby Vision output supported on select models, such as the Pro and Pro Max trims)
  • External displays that support HDR or Dolby Vision

With USB-C on iPhone 15, 16, 17, 18 select models such as the Pro and Pro Max trims can play HDR and Dolby Vision content on an external display using a Plugable USB-C to HDMI adapter. If HDR or Dolby Vision is not displaying as expected, adjusting the iPhone's preferred display settings using the steps below typically resolves the issue.

Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Connect your iPhone to the external display using the Plugable USB-C to HDMI adapter.
  2. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  3. Scroll down and tap Display & Brightness. 
    iphone display settings
  4. Tap the external display listed in the Displays sub-menu. 
    iphone display settings
  5. Select the display mode that matches the content you intend to watch: Dolby Vision, High Dynamic Range (HDR), or Standard Dynamic Range (SDR). 
    Note: Not all displays support HDR or Dolby Vision. If an option is missing, the connected display does not support that display mode. 
    iphone display settings
  6. (Optional) Turn on Allow Display Mode Changes to have the iPhone automatically adjust the display mode based on the content you are viewing. 
    Note: This setting can cause a temporary loss of video signal or display flickering when the mode changes.

Expected Result

The external display shows your content in the selected display mode (Dolby Vision, HDR, or SDR). Many displays will also show an HDR or Dolby Vision indicator when that content begins playing.

If the Issue Persists

  • Confirm that HDR or enhanced HDMI color is enabled on your display for the HDMI input in use. Some TVs only support HDR on specific HDMI ports.
  • Try a different HDMI cable, preferably a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, or a different HDMI port on the display.
  • If the issue continues, please contact Plugable Support at support@plugable.com with your iPhone model, iOS version, and display model.