How to force enable and disable 90Hz refresh rate on Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL? [Easy Tricks]

Why does Google sometimes slow down the 90Hz Smooth Display to 60Hz on Google Pixel 4 phone?

The 90Hz Smooth Display is one of the most attractive feature on Google Pixel 4, but why Google implements this feature in a peculiar way. One of the likely reason we may guess is that Google wants to reduce the power consumption of the phone. However, the main reason is more than that.

Although Google hasn’t officially explained the reason, XDA Developers seem to have found a reliable reason behind Google limiting the use of 90Hz. They found that the 90Hz refresh rate only works under high brightness environment. However, when the brightness drops below 75 percent, the refresh rate will automatically drop to the standard 60Hz. That’s really annoying. But why does Google do such a thing?

The XDA Developers explained that slowing down the refresh rate may help avoid the screen flicker. As the screen flicker may be visible as the refresh rate changes, especially it is under low light environment.

But why does Google Pixel 4’s screen refresh rate always need to switch between 90Hz and 60Hz? The XDA Developers said, "This is because the display does not support a true dynamic/adaptive refresh rate, and different refresh rates require different display gamma curves (calibration). The different gamma curves are difficult to perfectly match, so the difference may be noticed when switching between the two refresh rates."

Therefore, we know that the main reason for Google to limit the 90Hz refresh rate to the higher lever brightness is to avoid the visible screen flicker. As compared to the 90Hz refresh rate, the screen flicker may cause a bigger impact on using experience.  

Will this problem get fixed by Google?

Yes. Google has released a statement that "It has constantly assess whether these parameters lead to the best overall user experience," and that they have "previously planned updates that [they’ll] roll out in the coming weeks that include enabling 90hz in more brightness conditions." So it shouldn’t be long for Google company fix this screen refresh rate problem.

Don’t be willing to wait for the official fix and want to enable the always-on 90Hz refresh rate? Please check the detailed steps below.

How to force enable 90Hz refresh rate on Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL?

In fact, you can force enable the 90Hz refresh rate on Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL via settings. However, one thing to note is that the 90Hz always-on mode will cause more serious battery drain, but if you don’t mind trading the more power consumption for a high refresh rate, you can try the following steps.

Step 1. Go to "Settings" - "About Phone".

Step 2. Scroll down the screen and find the build number. Then tap the Build Number seven times continuously to enter the developer mode. If you have a PIN lock, you need to type your PIN code to enable the Developer options.

Step 3. Then go to Settings - System - Advanced - Developer options, and make sure the "Developer Options" is turned on.

Step 4. Scroll down the page and turn on "Force 90Hz refresh rate".

Then you can always enjoy the 90Hz refresh rate feature on your Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL.

How to disable 90Hz refresh rate on Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL?

Don’t want to enable the 90Hz refresh rate on your Google Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL? It’s also will easy to disable the feature. Just perform the following operations.

Step 1. Navigate to "Settings".

Step 2. Scroll down the page and click "Display".

Step 3. Select the "Advanced" button.

Step 4. Tap on the "Smooth Display".

Step 5. Turn the "Smooth Display" toggle to off.  

Then your Google Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL will run at a standard 60Hz screen refresh rate, which will offer you longer battery life.

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Now, have you felt better when you know why Google limits the 90Hz screen refresh rate feature? Moreover, you now have the choice of force enabling the 90Hz screen refresh rate, meanwhile, you can also disable this feature to save the battery power. However, we still hope Google will fix this problem once and for all as soon as possible.    

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