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Google Pixel 4 has a hidden High Brightness Mode: Here’s how you can access it
August 12, 2025
The Google Pixel 4 andPixel 4 XLcan reach a peak brightness of 444 nits, according toDisplayMate. While this is pretty low compared to flagships like theGalaxy Note 10(1,308 nits) or theiPhone 11 Pro Max(1,290 nits), Google’s phones have one of the lowest screen reflectance on a smartphone display, making them decently legible in sunlight.
However, if you still think the screen of your Pixel 4 is not very bright under direct sunlight, then you can turn on the phone’s hidden High Brightness Mode.
What’s the trick?
According toXDA Developers, both the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL let you turn up the peak brightness to 610 nits. However, you cannot just toggle a setting to make it happen.XDAfound the fix after rooting the phone and entering a shell command. The publication notes that the Pixel 4 phones can only reach 610 nits while playing anHDRvideo. Even so, the brightness elevating mode reportedly increases screen visibility in sunlight.
XDAalso reports that the High Brightness Mode only comes on when the screen is at maximum UI brightness levels. you may’t use the mode with Adaptive Brightness enabled when you’re outside.
In our testing of the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, we didn’t have any major issues regarding legibility in sunlight. “The displays were vibrant and sharp and serviceably bright in direct sunlight,” we noted in ourreview.
In fact, the Pixel 4 XL is the best all-round smartphone display we’ve tested.
Nevertheless, if you do have a problem with the Pixel 4’s brightness, you could implement the above mentioned trick. Just know that it could have a drastic impact on the battery life of your phone. The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are not very power-efficient devices and the90Hz screenguzzles enough juice anyways.
XDAnotes that the High Brightness Mode goes off when you turn off the display of the phone. So at least you’re not totally killing yourPixel 4’s batteryby having it on throughout the day.
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