How to enable Xbox One Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)

By Matt Brown
last updated

Here's how to enable Auto Low Latency Mode on Xbox One, following the console's latest update.

Xbox One gained support for various new display options with the April Xbox Update, including highly-anticipated features such as variable refresh rates and compatibility for 1440p monitors. This update also begins to establish a foundation for the future with partial integration of HDMI 2.1, adding support for Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). Allowing for automatic management of display settings, this ensures the most responsive gaming experience.

When ALLM is enabled, your display's settings can be automatically configured to provide the best experience for specific content. On Xbox One this ensures consistent visuals across different content types while reducing gaming latency.

What you need for Xbox One Auto Low Latency Mode

HDMI High Speed Cable

HDMI High Speed Cable (Image credit: Windows Central)

To take advantage of ALLM on Xbox One, the connected TV or monitor must also support the feature. ALLM is tied to the HDMI 2.1 revision, finalized by the HDMI Forum in November 2017. However, displays with compatible ports are still in the early stages of production, meaning public availability is limited. The addition of ALLM is mostly a forward-thinking addition, securing support for the coming years when adoption has increased.

Although Xbox One isn't fully compliant with the HDMI 2.1 specification, ALLM has been added via a firmware update. Depending on hardware limitations, some manufacturers could also take a similar approach to expand availability to existing displays.

How to enable Xbox One Auto Low Latency Mode

Once you've secured the right hardware, enabling ALLM for Xbox One is relatively simple. Diving into the console's advanced video settings, a checkbox enables the feature. This checkbox is available when using a compatible display, while incompatible setups will see the option faded out. Here's how to turn the setting on:

  1. Open the Settings app on Xbox One.
  2. Navigating to the Display & sound tab.
  3. Select the Video output tile.
  4. Select Video modes.
  5. Enable the Allow auto low-latency mode checkbox.

After following these steps, ALLM mode will be available on your console. Going forward, your display's settings should be seamlessly adjusted in accordance with on-screen content.

What do you think of these recent display features available for Xbox One? Drop your thoughts into the comments below.

Updated April 24, 2018: Refreshed this article following the feature's public rollout.

Matt Brown
Matt Brown

Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central's Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.

8 Comments
  • So, we got support for feature, what basically does not exist yet, and still has no feature, what exist many years, I mean HDMI CEC. Bravo Xbox Team.
  • With the fast iteration of TV models, adoption rate of 4K, and potential that the feature could be added to existing TV/monitors by firmware update I say it's great that the Xbox team is out in front of this. I prefer being ahead of the curve, rather than behind it.
  • I totally agree with you! I appreciate Xbox one x/s team are pro-active and laying the foundation right now for best future gaming experiences. Bravo Xbox one Team!! 👏
  • Dude just shut up
  • @Matt thanks for the tip, excuse my ignorance but does this mean switching from watching a documentary in 4K on Netflix to playing Sea of Thieves on XB1X will be automatically adjusted? Also, which level of membership on insider program is required?
  • Does anybody know if low latency mode tvs exist at the moment? Are there any tv models supporting this feature going to be launched during 2018?
  • The mode itself exists, yes, and has for many years. It's the automatic switching based on content, signaling across the HDMI cable from box to TV/Monitor that is new.
  • No hdmi 2.1 television sets haven't yet hit the market as the first hdmi 2.1 variable refresh rate freesync, and low latency type 4k hdr televisions will be released in late 2018........ Right now all current 4k hdr television sets will be obsolete once the hdmi 2.1 television sets finally launch late 2018, and that's really unfortunate to those which bought really expensive 4k hdr television sets like Qled & Oled sets as this low latency mode, and variable refresh rate freesync are only possible with hdmi 2.1 4k hdr television sets which will hit the market mainstream later this year .......