Time required: Under 2 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | You'll need: Your LG TV remote (or the LG ThinQ smartphone app)
Quick Answer: How to Turn Off Motion Smoothing on LG TV
If you just need the steps and don't want the backstory, here's exactly how to turn off motion smoothing on LG TV:
Press the Settings button (gear icon) on your LG TV remote.
Select All Settings (the three-dot icon at the bottom of the quick menu).
Select Picture from the left-hand menu.
Scroll down and select Advanced Settings.
Select Clarity.
Select TruMotion and set it to Off.
The menu path varies slightly depending on your LG TV's model year and WebOS version. If you own an older model (pre-2021), scroll down to the version-specific instructions below.
Important: TruMotion settings are saved per Picture Mode and per HDMI input. If you switch inputs or Picture Modes, you'll need to turn off TruMotion again in that context. More on this in the troubleshooting section.
What Is Motion Smoothing (TruMotion) on LG TV and Why Is It On?
TruMotion is LG's built-in motion smoothing technology. It creates artificial frames between real ones to reduce judder and blur during fast-moving scenes. LG ships it enabled by default on most TVs, and it's the primary cause of the "soap opera effect" that makes movies look unnaturally smooth.
If you've ever noticed your LG TV making a Hollywood blockbuster look like behind-the-scenes footage or a live studio broadcast, that's TruMotion at work. The effect is jarring once you see it, and nearly impossible to un-see.
Here's why it happens. Most films are shot at 24 frames per second (fps), but modern LG TVs refresh at 60Hz or 120Hz. That creates a mismatch - the TV has more refresh cycles than it has real frames to display. TruMotion bridges that gap by generating new frames using motion interpolation, predicting what should appear between each original frame. The result is technically smoother motion, but it strips away the cinematic quality that filmmakers carefully craft.
The soap opera effect gets its name because the hyper-smooth look mimics daytime television and cheap video production. It's the exact opposite of what directors intend for theatrical releases.
This isn't just an enthusiast complaint, either. Prominent filmmakers including Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie have publicly urged viewers to disable motion smoothing to preserve the creator's original vision. Their 2018 PSA from the set of Top Gun: Maverick helped spark the UHD Alliance's Filmmaker Mode initiative, which now gives viewers a one-click way to watch content as intended.
But TruMotion isn't inherently bad. For live sports, news broadcasts, and older content with heavy judder, a mild smoothing setting can genuinely improve the viewing experience. The key is knowing when to use it - and when to shut it off.
If you're curious about what Filmmaker Mode actually does and whether it's right for you, our guide on what is filmmaker mode on lg tv covers everything. And if you're dealing with screen issues beyond the soap opera effect, check out how to fix lg tv screen problems for broader troubleshooting.
For the official explanation of TruMotion's underlying technology, LG's Help Library TruMotion page breaks down the two types of frame processing the feature uses.
How to Turn Off TruMotion on LG TV (2021–2026 Models - WebOS 6.0 and Newer)
This section covers every LG TV from 2021 onward, including the 2025 C5, G5, and B5 series. These models all run WebOS 6.0 or later (WebOS 21 through WebOS 24) and share the same basic menu structure.
How to Identify Your WebOS Version
Not sure which WebOS version you're running? Two quick ways to find out:
Mute button method: Press the Mute button on your remote three times quickly. A system information overlay will appear showing your WebOS version and model details.
Settings method: Go to Settings → All Settings → General → About This TV. Your WebOS version will be listed on this screen.
Here's how model years map to WebOS versions:
WebOS Version | Model Year | Example Models |
|---|---|---|
WebOS 24 | 2024–2025 | C5, G5, B5, C4, G4, B4 |
WebOS 23 | 2023 | C3, G3, B3 |
WebOS 22 | 2022 | C2, G2, B2 |
WebOS 21 (6.0) | 2021 | C1, G1, B1, A1 |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to disable motion smoothing on any 2021–2026 LG TV:
Press the Settings button (gear icon) on your LG TV remote. The quick settings menu appears along the right side of the screen.
Select "All Settings" - it's the three-dot icon at the very bottom of the quick settings sidebar. This opens the full settings panel.
Select "Picture" from the left-hand navigation menu. You'll see your current Picture Mode at the top, with sub-menus below it.
Scroll down and select "Advanced Settings." This expands additional picture controls beyond the basic brightness and contrast options.
Select "Clarity." This sub-menu contains all motion-related processing settings.
Select "TruMotion." You'll see the current setting (likely Smooth Movement or Natural if it's never been changed).
Choose "Off." This completely disables frame interpolation. Press the Back button to save and exit.
After completing these steps, play a 24fps movie scene with a slow camera pan - the difference should be immediately obvious. The picture will look more cinematic and natural.
Critical Tip - Apply to All Inputs: Here's something most guides skip entirely. TruMotion settings save independently for each Picture Mode and each HDMI input. If you disabled TruMotion while watching built-in webOS apps, it's still active on HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and every other input. You need to repeat the process for each input and Picture Mode combination you use. This is the number one reason people think the setting "didn't work."
If a firmware update resets your picture settings, you'll need to redo this process. Consider bookmarking this page, and check out how to update firmware on lg tv to stay current.
For those looking to optimize their full picture quality beyond just TruMotion, our guide on how to adjust brightness on lg tv walks through the rest of the Picture menu in detail. You might also want to check settings for accessibility features - here's how to turn off voice on lg tv while you're in the settings.
If you need to connect to Wi-Fi to check for updates or verify your WebOS version online, see how to connect lg tv to wifi.
As verified by LG's official support documentation, the menu path for WebOS 6.0 and later is: All Settings → Picture → Advanced Settings → Clarity → TruMotion.
How to Disable Motion Smoothing on Older LG TVs (2014–2020 - WebOS 1.0 to 5.0)
If you own an LG TV from the 2014–2020 era, the menu structure is different. LG completely redesigned WebOS with version 6.0 in 2021, so older TVs use a separate navigation path.
Before starting, confirm which model you have. If you're unsure, here's how to find lg tv model number - the model number is also printed on a label on the back of the TV.
Step-by-Step for WebOS 5.0 / 4.5 / 4.0 (2018–2020 Models)
Press the Settings button (gear icon) on your remote.
Select All Settings.
Navigate to Picture.
Select Picture Mode Settings.
Select Picture Options.
Scroll to TruMotion and select it.
Choose Off from the available options.
On these older models, you'll see different TruMotion preset names: Smooth, Clear, Clear Plus, and User - rather than the newer Cinematic Movement, Natural, and Smooth Movement labels used on 2021+ TVs. The User option on older models gives you access to De-Judder (0–10) and De-Blur (0–10) sliders for manual fine-tuning.
WebOS Version to Model Year Reference
WebOS Version | Model Year | Example Series |
|---|---|---|
WebOS 5.0 | 2020 | CX, GX, BX, NanoCell 90/85 |
WebOS 4.5 | 2019 | C9, E9, B9 |
WebOS 4.0 | 2018 | C8, B8, E8 |
WebOS 3.5–1.0 | 2014–2017 | Various |
WebOS 5.0 (2020 models) was the final version before LG's complete UI overhaul. If you're used to the CX or GX interface, be aware that the 2021+ menu layout is significantly different.
One important note: very old models (2014–2016) may have slight variations in their menu labels. If you can't find the exact option, consult your TV's manual - LG has digital copies searchable by model number on their support site.
After adjusting TruMotion, it's worth checking whether your firmware is current. Here's how to update lg tv software to make sure you're running the latest version. And if your settings won't save properly after changing TruMotion, a quick how to reset lg tv to factory defaults can clear any stuck configurations.
The older menu path is confirmed by LG Jordan's support documentation, which specifies the WebOS 5.0 path as: All Settings → Picture → Picture Mode Settings → Picture Option → TruMotion.
How to Turn Off TruMotion on Legacy LG TVs (Pre-2014 NetCast Models)
For LG smart TVs built before 2014, you're working with the NetCast platform, not WebOS. The interface is completely different, but TruMotion is still accessible.
Step-by-Step for NetCast Models
Press the Home button on your remote.
Select Setup (or Settings).
Navigate to Picture.
Select Advanced Control (or Picture Options on some models).
Find TruMotion and set it to Off.
On NetCast-era TVs, the available TruMotion options are typically: Off, Smooth, Sharp, Clear Plus, and User. One detail worth noting: the Clear Plus option (which uses backlight scanning) is only supported on TVs with direct LED backlighting. If your older LG has EDGE backlighting, that option won't be available - and that's normal, not a defect.
These are 10+ year-old televisions at this point. If you're finding that your picture quality is lacking overall, it may be time to consider a newer model. Current LG OLEDs and QNED TVs offer dramatically better picture quality, HDR support, and far more granular motion controls. For an honest assessment, check out whether is lg a good tv brand and what the current options look like in our what is the best lg tv roundup.
These legacy menu paths are documented in LG's archived Help Library for HDTV/NetCast/WebOS TruMotion.
How to Turn Off Motion Smoothing on LG TV Without a Remote
Lost your remote? Broken buttons? No problem - there are four ways to access TruMotion settings without a physical remote. The first method is the most reliable.
Method 1: LG ThinQ Smartphone App (Recommended)
The LG ThinQ app turns your phone into a full remote control with access to all TV settings, including TruMotion.
Download LG ThinQ from the App Store or Google Play.
Make sure your phone and LG TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Open the app and add your TV (it should auto-detect on your network). For a full walkthrough of that process, see how to add tv to lg thinq.
Tap the Remote icon within the app.
Use the virtual remote to navigate: Settings → All Settings → Picture → Advanced Settings → Clarity → TruMotion → Off.
The ThinQ app provides the exact same navigation controls as the physical remote, so every menu is accessible. According to LG's official ThinQ setup guide, the app works with LG TVs running WebOS 3.5 and later.
If you want a deeper dive into phone-based control, our guide covers how to control lg tv with phone in full. And yes - can i use my phone as a tv remote lg is one of the most common questions we get.
Wi-Fi Required: Both your phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If your TV isn't connected yet, you'll need physical access to the TV's buttons first to get online. Here's how to turn on wifi on lg tv if you need help.
Method 2: Physical Buttons on the TV
Most LG TVs have a small joystick-style button on the underside or back panel. Press it to open the quick menu, then use short presses to navigate and long presses to select. It's slow and somewhat limited - some sub-menus may not be fully accessible on every model - but it works for basic settings navigation. For related tips, see how to turn on lg tv without remote.
Method 3: Universal Remote
A programmable universal remote that supports LG TV codes can navigate all menus. You'll need to program it with the correct LG device code first. Check out how to pair universal remote to lg tv or how to program universal remote to lg tv for step-by-step instructions.
Method 4: USB Keyboard
Plug a standard USB keyboard into any USB port on your LG TV. The arrow keys and Enter key can navigate the settings menus. It's not the most elegant solution, but it works in a pinch.
Note for Pre-2020 Models: Older LG TVs may use the LG TV Plus app instead of ThinQ. As LG confirms, the TV Plus app's features have been folded into ThinQ, so download ThinQ for the most current experience.
How to Use Filmmaker Mode on LG TV to Disable Motion Smoothing Automatically
If adjusting individual settings feels like too much work, Filmmaker Mode is your one-click alternative. It automatically disables TruMotion, added sharpening, and noise reduction in a single step - preserving movies and TV shows exactly as the filmmakers intended.
Filmmaker Mode is an industry-standard picture preset developed by the UHD Alliance in collaboration with filmmakers, TV manufacturers, and studios. It's available on all LG 4K TVs from 2020 onward.
How to Enable Filmmaker Mode Manually
Press the Settings button on your remote.
Select All Settings.
Go to Picture → Picture Mode.
Select Filmmaker Mode from the list.
That's it. TruMotion, sharpening, and noise reduction are all disabled automatically.
Filmmaker Mode Auto Start
LG TVs running WebOS 5.0 and later can automatically switch to Filmmaker Mode when compatible content is detected. Currently, this works with select Amazon Prime Video titles that embed Filmmaker Mode metadata in their signal.
To enable it: Settings → All Settings → Picture → Advanced Settings → FILMMAKER MODE Auto Start → On.
When triggered, a pop-up asks whether you want to switch to Filmmaker Mode. According to FlatpanelsHD's reporting, the TV even returns to your previous Picture Mode after playback ends - a nice touch that LG added during the initial rollout.
Limitations to Know
Before committing fully to Filmmaker Mode, be aware of a few trade-offs:
Works with HDR10 and SDR, but NOT Dolby Vision. If you watch a lot of Dolby Vision content, Filmmaker Mode won't be available for those titles. You'll need to use Cinema mode or manually configure settings instead. See how to turn off hdr on lg tv if dark DV content is giving you trouble.
Picture appears darker than other modes. This is intentional - it replicates the dimmer, more accurate cinema experience. Some viewers find it too dark for daytime viewing in bright rooms.
Available only on LG 4K TVs from 2020 onward. Older 1080p models don't support it.
Auto Start currently limited to Amazon Prime Video. No other streaming service has added the required metadata yet.
Filmmaker Mode vs. Manually Disabling TruMotion
Filmmaker Mode is more comprehensive - it adjusts multiple settings at once for the most accurate picture. Manually disabling TruMotion gives you more granular control, letting you keep sharpening or noise reduction active if you prefer. For most movie watchers, Filmmaker Mode is the simplest path to a natural picture.
If you've turned Filmmaker Mode on and want to switch back, here's how to turn off filmmaker mode on lg tv.
LG TruMotion Settings Explained: Off vs Cinematic Movement vs Natural vs Smooth
Not everyone wants TruMotion completely off. Understanding what each preset does lets you make an informed choice rather than blindly following a single recommendation.
Here's a breakdown of every TruMotion option on current LG TVs (WebOS 22–24):
Setting | What It Does | Approx. De-Judder Level | Best For | Avoid For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Off | Disables all frame interpolation | 0 | Cinematic purists, gaming | Sports (may show judder on 60Hz panels) |
Cinematic Movement | Applies minimal de-judder to smooth camera pans | ~2–3 | Movies, TV dramas (balanced) | Users sensitive to any SOE |
Natural | Activates black frame insertion (BFI), not interpolation | N/A (BFI) | Blur reduction without SOE | Dark rooms (reduces brightness, may flicker) |
Smooth Movement | Aggressive interpolation, maximum smoothing | ~7–9 | Live sports, news broadcasts | Movies, gaming (heavy soap opera effect) |
User Selection | Manual De-Judder (0–10) and De-Blur (0–10) sliders | Custom | Advanced users who want precise control | Beginners unsure of what the sliders do |
What Each Setting Actually Does
Off is straightforward - zero frame interpolation. On 120Hz panels, 24fps content displays with clean 5:5 pulldown and minimal judder. On 60Hz panels, you may see some stutter during slow camera pans because 24fps content requires 3:2 pulldown, which creates uneven frame timing.
Cinematic Movement applies just enough de-judder (roughly level 2–3) to smooth the worst panning stutter without introducing visible soap opera effect. Many reviewers, including the well-known LG OLED calibrator P40L0, have recommended this setting as a balanced middle ground for movie watching. After the July 2025 firmware update for WebOS 24, LG reportedly improved Cinematic Movement to better eliminate artifacts that were present in earlier firmware versions.
Natural is the most misunderstood option. Multiple competitors incorrectly describe it as "moderate interpolation" - it's actually black frame insertion (BFI). On LG OLED TVs, this is handled by OLED Motion Pro, which inserts black frames between real ones to reduce perceived blur without adding any artificial frames. The trade-off is reduced screen brightness and potential flicker in dark rooms.
Smooth Movement is full-strength interpolation. It cranks up de-judder to maximum, generating the most artificial frames. Useful for live football or basketball where you want the sharpest player tracking, but it turns any cinematic content into a soap opera.
User Selection hands you the controls directly. The De-Judder slider (0–10) smooths the stuttering visible during slow camera pans in low-frame-rate content. The De-Blur slider (0–10) sharpens fast-moving objects to reduce motion blur. A popular advanced recommendation from expert calibrators is De-Judder 2, De-Blur 0–2 as a refined middle ground.
OLED Motion Pro (BFI) Note
On LG OLED TVs specifically, OLED Motion Pro is a separate technology from TruMotion's frame interpolation. Turning TruMotion Off does not automatically disable OLED Motion Pro. If you want zero motion processing of any kind, check the OLED Motion Pro setting independently.
Older WebOS Options (Pre-2021)
On pre-2021 models, you'll see different names: Smooth (similar to Smooth Movement), Clear (adds frames for blur reduction), Clear Plus (backlight scanning), and User (manual sliders). The underlying technology works similarly.
If you're adjusting multiple picture settings alongside TruMotion, you may want to check how to turn on game mode on lg tv for gaming setups, or troubleshoot color issues with how to fix blue tint on lg tv.
For authoritative reference-level calibration values, P40L0's optimized LG OLED settings guide provides thoroughly tested recommendations.
Best TruMotion Settings for Movies, Sports, Gaming and Everyday Viewing
The "correct" TruMotion setting depends entirely on what you're watching. Here's a quick reference table with recommendations for each content type:
Content Type | Recommended Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
Movies & TV Shows | Off, Filmmaker Mode, or Cinematic Movement | Preserves the 24fps cinematic look; eliminates soap opera effect |
Live Sports | Natural or Smooth Movement | Fast-moving objects (players, balls) appear sharper; camera pans are smoother |
Gaming (PS5, Xbox, PC) | Off + Game Mode enabled | Game Mode auto-disables TruMotion to minimize input lag |
Older Content / SD Broadcasts | Cinematic Movement or Smooth Movement | Older shows with lower frame rates benefit from mild smoothing |
Animation / Anime | Natural or Cinematic Movement | Animation's lower native frame rates benefit from subtle processing |
News / Talk Shows | Smooth Movement or Natural | Already shot at higher frame rates; smoothing enhances the live feel |
The 60Hz vs. 120Hz Factor
Here's context that no other guide provides: your TV's native panel refresh rate significantly affects how much you need TruMotion.
60Hz LG TVs benefit more from mild TruMotion. Because 24fps content can't divide evenly into 60Hz, the TV uses 3:2 pulldown - alternating between showing each frame for 3 refresh cycles and then 2. This uneven timing creates visible judder during camera pans. A touch of de-judder (Cinematic Movement or User Selection with De-Judder at 2) smooths this out.
120Hz panels can do perfect 5:5 pulldown for 24fps content - each frame displays for exactly 5 refresh cycles. The result is much smoother motion even with TruMotion completely Off. If you own a 120Hz LG TV (most OLEDs and higher-end QNEDs), turning TruMotion Off introduces less judder than it would on a 60Hz panel.
Motion preference is ultimately subjective. These recommendations are starting points - experiment and trust your own eyes.
For live broadcast viewers, we also cover how to get local channels on lg tv without antenna and how to scan channels on lg tv for setting up over-the-air content.
Troubleshooting: LG TV Still Looks Like a Soap Opera After Turning Off TruMotion
You followed every step, set TruMotion to Off, and… the picture still looks unnaturally smooth. Don't worry - there are six common reasons this happens, and all of them are fixable.
Issue 1: TruMotion Only Applied to One Input
The Problem: You disabled TruMotion on HDMI 1, but when you switch to HDMI 2 or the built-in webOS apps, the soap opera effect returns.
Why: TruMotion settings save independently per Picture Mode and per input. Changing it on one input doesn't affect the others.
The Fix: Switch to each input you use (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, built-in apps, etc.), and disable TruMotion separately in each one. If you need help switching, see how to change input on lg tv.
Issue 2: External Device Overriding TV Settings
The Problem: Your streaming device (Apple TV 4K, Roku, Fire TV Stick) is sending signals that cause the TV to change its processing behavior.
Why: Some external devices output at frame rates or in formats that trigger different TV behaviors. Apple TV in particular can create unexpected results if its settings don't match the TV's.
The Fix: On Apple TV, go to Settings → Video and Audio → Match Content, and enable Match Frame Rate. This ensures the Apple TV sends content at its native frame rate rather than upconverting everything to 60fps.
Issue 3: TruMotion Is Greyed Out
The Problem: You can navigate to the TruMotion setting, but it's greyed out and can't be changed.
Why: Your TV is in Game Mode. When Game Mode or Game Optimizer is active, TruMotion is automatically disabled and the menu option is locked. This is intentional - it reduces input lag for gaming.
The Fix: Switch to a non-game Picture Mode (Cinema, Standard, or Filmmaker Mode) to regain access to TruMotion settings. If a game console with ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) is connected, it automatically triggers Game Mode whenever a game signal is detected. You'd need to disable ALLM on the console to prevent this. For PS5-specific issues with auto-switching, check out how to stop lg tv from turning on ps5.
This behavior is documented in LG's official Game Mode support page.
Issue 4: OLED Motion Pro / BFI Still Active
The Problem: On LG OLED TVs, you turned TruMotion Off but still see motion processing effects.
Why: OLED Motion Pro (black frame insertion) is a separate setting from TruMotion. Disabling TruMotion doesn't touch OLED Motion Pro.
The Fix: Navigate to the TruMotion settings area and look for the OLED Motion Pro toggle. Set it to Off if you want zero motion processing.
Issue 5: Settings Reset After Firmware Update
The Problem: TruMotion was Off, then suddenly it's back on after you turned the TV on one morning.
Why: LG's over-the-air firmware updates can occasionally reset Picture Mode settings to factory defaults, re-enabling TruMotion.
The Fix: After any firmware update notification, re-check TruMotion in all your Picture Modes and inputs. You can also try how to clear cache on lg tv if the TV is behaving erratically after updates.
Issue 6: Real Cinema Is Turned Off
The Problem: With TruMotion Off and Real Cinema Off, 24fps content on 60Hz panels displays with noticeable 3:2 pulldown judder - an uneven stutter that's different from the soap opera effect but still distracting.
Why: Real Cinema mode handles proper film cadence detection for 24fps content. When it's On, the TV adjusts its refresh timing to display 24fps material more evenly. It should generally remain On even when TruMotion is Off.
The Fix: Navigate to Clarity settings and ensure Real Cinema is set to On. This is separate from TruMotion and doesn't introduce the soap opera effect.
For broader screen problems beyond motion issues, our guide on how to fix lg tv screen problems covers everything from flickering to dead pixels.
How TruMotion Affects Gaming: Input Lag, Game Mode and ALLM Explained
If you game on your LG TV, TruMotion isn't just a visual preference - it directly impacts how responsive your controls feel.
TruMotion adds input lag. Every artificial frame the TV generates requires processing time. With TruMotion active outside of Game Mode, input lag on LG OLEDs can climb well above 20ms. In Game Mode, LG OLEDs achieve input lag under 10ms at 4K/120Hz - that's competitive with dedicated gaming monitors. The difference is immediately noticeable in fast-paced games.
Game Mode auto-disables TruMotion. When you activate Game Mode (or Game Optimizer on newer models), TruMotion is automatically turned off and the setting appears greyed out in the menus. This isn't a bug - it's by design to ensure the lowest possible latency. For more details, see how to reduce input lag on lg tv.
ALLM handles the switching automatically. Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) allows compatible consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X to automatically trigger Game Mode when a game launches. If ALLM is enabled, TruMotion becomes unavailable whenever a game console signal is detected - without you touching a thing.
VRR and TruMotion are incompatible. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), whether it's FreeSync or G-Sync, cannot operate simultaneously with TruMotion. When VRR is active, the TV matches its refresh rate to the game's frame output in real-time, making frame interpolation impossible. If you want to use TruMotion with game content, VRR must be disabled on both the console and TV.
The 30fps Game Workaround
Playing a 30fps RPG and the stutter is unbearable? Some gamers willingly trade input lag for smoother motion in slower-paced titles. Here's how:
Disable ALLM on your console (PS5: Settings → Screen and Video → ALLM → Off).
Switch the TV's Picture Mode from Game Optimizer to Cinema or Filmmaker Mode.
Navigate to TruMotion and set it to Cinematic Movement or User Selection (De-Judder 3–5, De-Blur 0).
Accept that input lag will increase - typically to 15–25ms depending on your model.
This is confirmed by LG's own support documentation, which explicitly recommends turning off ALLM and using TruMotion for game titles running below 60fps.
Frequently Asked Questions About LG TV Motion Smoothing
Should I Turn Off TruMotion on My LG TV?
For movies and TV shows, turning TruMotion off or setting it to Cinematic Movement eliminates the soap opera effect and preserves the filmmaker's intended look. For live sports, keeping TruMotion on Natural or Smooth Movement improves motion clarity during fast action. For gaming, TruMotion should always be off to minimize input lag.
The "correct" setting really depends on what you watch most. If you primarily stream movies and series, Off or Filmmaker Mode is the safest choice. If your TV gets heavy sports use, a mild setting adds genuine value. Check our content-type recommendation table in Section 9 for specific guidance.
Is TruMotion the Same as Motion Smoothing?
Yes. TruMotion is LG's brand name for motion smoothing technology. Other TV manufacturers use different names for the same underlying feature: Samsung calls theirs Auto Motion Plus, Sony calls theirs MotionFlow, and TCL uses Action Smoothing. The core technology - motion interpolation - works the same way across all brands.
If you're comparing brands, see is lg tv better than samsung for a detailed comparison.
Does Turning Off TruMotion Affect Picture Quality?
Turning off TruMotion does not reduce picture quality. It simply disables artificial frame interpolation, restoring the original frame rate of your content. Movies will look more cinematic and film-like. The only potential trade-off is mild judder during slow camera pans, especially on 60Hz panels - but many viewers prefer this natural motion to the artificial smoothness of interpolation. Disabling TruMotion has no effect on your TV's lifespan or hardware. For more on longevity, see how long does an lg tv last.
Why Does My LG TV Enable Motion Smoothing by Default?
LG enables TruMotion by default because it reduces motion blur and judder across a wide range of content types, which creates a smoother-looking showroom demo. For sports, news, and general channel surfing, the smoothing effect can look impressive to casual viewers. The downside is that it also applies to movies and cinematic content, creating the soap opera effect that most home theater enthusiasts dislike.
If you want to start completely fresh, here's how to factory reset lg tv - just remember to reconfigure TruMotion afterward.
What Is the Difference Between De-Judder and De-Blur on LG TV?
De-Judder smooths the stuttering visible during slow camera pans in low-frame-rate content like 24fps movies. De-Blur sharpens fast-moving objects to reduce motion blur during action scenes and sports. Both sliders range from 0 to 10 in User Selection mode, with 0 applying minimal processing. A popular starting point is De-Judder 2, De-Blur 0 for movie watching.
How Do I Know Which WebOS Version My LG TV Has?
Press the Mute button three times quickly on your LG TV remote. A system information overlay will appear showing your WebOS version, model number, and firmware version. Alternatively, go to Settings → All Settings → General → About This TV for the same information displayed in a menu format.
Can I Set Different TruMotion Settings for Different Apps?
TruMotion settings save per Picture Mode, not per app. You can't set different TruMotion levels for Netflix versus Disney Plus directly. However, you can quickly switch between Picture Modes - each of which stores its own TruMotion setting independently. So you could use Filmmaker Mode (TruMotion off) for Netflix movies and Standard Mode (TruMotion on Smooth Movement) for sports streaming, and switch between them.
Does TruMotion Cause Input Lag for Gaming?
Yes. TruMotion adds processing time that increases input lag, making game controls feel delayed and unresponsive. LG's Game Mode automatically disables TruMotion to reduce input lag to under 10ms on current OLED models. Always use Game Mode or Game Optimizer when gaming. You can also check whether does lg tv have bluetooth for wireless controller setup to minimize additional latency sources.
Getting the Best Picture on Your LG TV
Disabling TruMotion is the single fastest way to improve your LG TV's picture quality for movies and shows. The core takeaway: navigate to Settings → Picture → Advanced Settings → Clarity → TruMotion → Off for the quickest fix. If that introduces too much judder for your taste, Cinematic Movement or User Selection with De-Judder at 2 offers a comfortable middle ground. And for the absolute simplest approach, Filmmaker Mode handles everything with one selection.
Remember that TruMotion is a tool - not something that's universally good or bad. Configure it intentionally based on what you're watching rather than leaving it on the factory default. Your movies deserve the cinematic presentation their directors fought for, and your sports deserve the smooth clarity that makes live action exciting.
For complete picture optimization beyond motion settings, explore our how to adjust brightness on lg tv guide for a full walkthrough. And for an honest take on LG's current lineup, check out is lg a good tv - you might be surprised by how much the 2025 models have improved.
For a deeper exploration of how to how to clean lg oled tv screen safely without damaging the panel, check our maintenance guide.