How to disable motion smoothing on a TV

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To disable motion smoothing on a TV, access the settings menu, navigate to the picture settings, and turn off features like Motion Smoothing, Motion Interpolation, or Auto Motion Plus. This process may vary slightly depending on the TV brand and model.

Easy7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
  • A TV with motion smoothing capabilities (most modern TVs have this feature).
  • Access to the TV remote control.
  • Basic understanding of navigating TV menus.
  • No specific software is required, but having the user manual handy can help.

Method 1: Using the TV Remote Control

This is the most common method to disable motion smoothing directly through the TV's settings.
  • Step 1: Press the 'Menu' or 'Settings' button on your remote control.
  • Step 2: Navigate to 'Picture' or 'Display' settings using the arrow keys.
  • Step 3: Look for options labeled 'Motion Smoothing', 'Motion Interpolation', or 'Auto Motion Plus'.
  • Step 4: Select the option and toggle it to 'Off'.
  • Step 5: Exit the menu and verify by watching a fast-moving scene to see if the effect is disabled.
  • Step 6: If it doesn't work, repeat the steps and ensure you are in the correct menu.

For Samsung TVs

Samsung TVs often refer to motion smoothing as 'Auto Motion Plus'.
  • Step 1: Press 'Home' on the remote.
  • Step 2: Navigate to 'Settings' > 'Picture'.
  • Step 3: Select 'Expert Settings'.
  • Step 4: Find 'Auto Motion Plus' and set it to 'Off'.

For LG TVs

LG TVs may label motion smoothing as 'TruMotion'.
  • Step 1: Press 'Settings' on the remote.
  • Step 2: Go to 'All Settings' > 'Picture'.
  • Step 3: Select 'Picture Options'.
  • Step 4: Find 'TruMotion' and set it to 'Off'.

For Sony TVs

Sony TVs may use the term 'MotionFlow'.
  • Step 1: Press 'Home' on the remote.
  • Step 2: Go to 'Settings' > 'Display & Sound'.
  • Step 3: Select 'Picture'.
  • Step 4: Find 'MotionFlow' and set it to 'Off'.

Method 2: Using the TV's On-Screen Display

If you prefer using the on-screen display, this method allows you to navigate through the TV's interface without the remote.
  • Step 1: Turn on the TV and press the 'Input' button to select the source.
  • Step 2: Use the TV's built-in buttons (usually located on the side or bottom) to access the main menu.
  • Step 3: Navigate to 'Settings' > 'Picture'.
  • Step 4: Look for motion smoothing settings and disable them.
  • Step 5: Confirm the changes and exit the menu.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while trying to disable motion smoothing, consider the following solutions:
  • Error: 'Settings not saving' - Solution: Ensure you are not in a restricted mode (like Game Mode) that may override picture settings.
  • Issue: 'Motion smoothing still appears' - Fix: Check if there are multiple motion settings and ensure all are turned off.
  • Problem: 'Settings menu not accessible' - Workaround: Try resetting the TV to factory settings and then attempt to disable motion smoothing again.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users, here are some advanced tips:
  • Keyboard shortcut: N/A - Most TVs do not support keyboard shortcuts.
  • Command line: N/A - TV settings are typically not accessible via command line.
  • Hidden feature: Some TVs allow you to create custom profiles for different viewing modes; utilize this to save your settings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the best viewing experience, always adjust motion settings based on the content type.