If you own an LG monitor and want to adjust the screen brightness, you’ll be glad to know there are two ways to do so. In this guide, we’ll cover both methods and also address updating display drivers and the energy-saving feature.
Manual Adjustment
Most new LG monitors come equipped with a joystick control on the bottom of the panel in the center below the LG logo. The joystick moves left and right, forward and backward for navigation, and presses up to set or select options. Pressing the button up will bring up the main menu. Navigate to the left and select ‘Menu’, then ‘Quick Settings’. From there, you can manually set the brightness and contrast settings. Consult the owner’s manual for your specific model to learn about the other available picture settings.
Adjustment with Software
If you prefer to control monitor brightness using an application, the LG On-Screen Control app for LG monitors is a great option. This app allows you to manage and control all of your connected LG monitors, including the brightness settings. To get the app, go to the LG.com website, hover your mouse over the ‘Product Support’ header on the top of the web page, and click on ‘Software and Drivers’. On the software and drivers page, enter the model number of your monitor in the search box and click ‘Search’. Look for the latest On-Screen Control app in the search results. Make sure to download the correct installer for your operating system (Windows or Mac OS). Once downloaded, install the app. You will need to restart your computer after installation. Run the application, and on the left-side menu, click on ‘Monitor Settings’. This is where you can adjust the brightness and contrast settings of any of the LG monitors connected to your computer.
Updating Display Drivers
If you have changed the settings on your monitor but are still having issues with brightness, you may need to update your display drivers. This can vary based on the components in your computer. Check with your PC manufacturer for additional instructions.
Energy-Saving Feature
The energy-saving feature is turned on by default and is designed to conserve energy by adjusting the brightness of your monitor depending on the room lighting. You can turn this off to verify if it is causing any issues. To do this, press the joystick button up to access the main menu. Move the joystick to the left and select ‘Menu’, then ‘General’, then ‘Smart Energy Saving’, then ‘Off’. Note that LG’s UltraFine 4K and 5K Apple monitors do not have any physical buttons. The monitor brightness is directly controlled by the MacBook connected to it.
Computer Power Saving Settings
Similarly, your computer has its own power-saving settings, which are especially important for those using laptops. For Windows, click on the ‘Start’ button, then click on the gear icon for settings, then ‘System’, then ‘Display’. Under ‘Brightness and Color’, you can adjust the brightness by moving the slider under the ‘Change Brightness’ option to the left or right. Note that a brighter screen means more power consumption. You can uncheck the option to ‘Change brightness automatically’ to prevent the screen from becoming dark, but remember that this will consume more power and drain the battery faster depending on how bright your screen is. If the brightness level is stuck or disabled, you may have to update your graphics driver first, as this may fix the issue.
For Mac OS, click on the Apple menu at the top left of the display, select ‘System Preferences’, then select ‘Energy Saver’ (for Mac OS 12 and later – Monterey and Big Sur, it is now called ‘Battery’). Uncheck ‘Slightly dim the display while on battery power’. Be aware that doing this will consume more battery power as well.
Final Thoughts
If you need further assistance, you can easily find the contact information on the LG.com website. Go to the support menu to ask us more questions. Adjusting the brightness of your LG monitor can greatly enhance your viewing experience. Use these tips to find the perfect settings for your monitor.