XMP vs DNG: Conquering Mobile Preset Frustration in 2026

Lightroom Mobile Presets Not Working in 2026? Fix XMP & DNG Import Issues (Without Losing Your Look)

If your Lightroom Mobile presets not working situation feels like: download a pack, open the app, and nothing shows up (or everything looks wildly overexposed and neon) — you’re not alone. In 2026, most “preset problems” on phones come down to format (XMP vs DNG vs older LRTemplate), sync, and a few sneaky settings that change how your photo gets rendered.

I’ve seen this exact meltdown happen mid-shoot: I imported a preset pack to edit a quick street set for Instagram, and Lightroom Mobile acted like the presets didn’t exist until I fixed the file format and sync path. Once you understand what Lightroom is expecting, the workflow becomes simple and reliable.

If you want a plug-and-play library that includes both XMP presets and DNG presets (so you can edit on mobile and desktop without headaches), start with the 1000+ Master Lightroom Presets Bundle and browse the Lightroom Mobile Presets collection. If you’re building your toolkit, you can Buy 3, Get 9 FREE when you add 12 items to your cart — which makes testing multiple looks way easier without committing to “one perfect preset.”

Quick truth: Presets are not “magic filters.” They’re saved slider moves that assume a certain starting point (profile, exposure, white balance). When that starting point changes — new phone camera, new RAW format, different profile — the same preset can look completely different.

XMP vs DNG vs LRTemplate: What Your Phone Actually Needs

Before you troubleshoot anything, it helps to know what each preset type is doing behind the scenes.

XMP presets (the modern standard)

XMP is Adobe’s current preset format across the Lightroom ecosystem. Think of it like a small “recipe file” that tells Lightroom which sliders to move and by how much. XMP presets are designed to work cleanly across Lightroom (cloud), Lightroom Classic/desktop, and Camera Raw workflows.

On mobile, XMP import is supported — but it works best when you import through the proper menu. Adobe’s official guide shows the correct import path inside Lightroom Mobile: Adobe’s “Import presets in Lightroom for mobile”.

DNG presets (a preset embedded in an editable photo)

DNG is Adobe’s “digital negative” RAW format. When people say “DNG presets,” they usually mean a DNG photo file with the preset look already applied — you import that DNG into Lightroom Mobile, then save the edits as your own preset. This method is extremely mobile-friendly because you can literally “see the look” by opening the DNG and then tapping Create Preset.

LRTemplate presets (the older format)

.lrtemplate is the legacy preset format from older Lightroom versions. Many older packs still ship this way. Lightroom Mobile won’t reliably import LRTemplate directly — so you’ll usually need to convert them to XMP on desktop first (more on that below).

Why Presets “Disappear” or Look Wrong on Lightroom Mobile

Here are the most common real-world causes — and the fastest way to spot which one you’re dealing with.

Wrong format: You downloaded LRTemplate presets and expected mobile to import them like XMP.
Imported to the wrong place: Presets were saved in Files/Drive, but imported as photos (or never imported via Presets menu).
Profile mismatch: The preset expects a profile that isn’t available for that file type (RAW vs JPEG), so colors shift or contrast breaks.
Exposure baseline is different: Phone HDR, different camera brand, or different lighting makes the preset look extreme.
Sync isn’t actually syncing: Desktop presets don’t show on mobile because you imported them into the wrong Lightroom app or you’re logged into a different Adobe account.
Corrupted download: A partial download or “unzip fail” can leave XMP files broken.

If your issue is “I imported, but nothing appears,” this troubleshooting guide is also worth reading: Why Don’t My Imported Lightroom Presets Appear? (Troubleshooting Guide).

Fast Diagnosis Checklist (60 Seconds)

What did you download? Look at the file extension: .xmp or .dng or .lrtemplate.
Are you in the right app? Use Adobe Lightroom (cloud/mobile), not an old standalone Lightroom version.
Do you see “Import Presets”? Open any photo → Presets → menu → Import Presets (Adobe shows this path here: official import steps).
Are you logged into the same Adobe ID everywhere? Sync only works when accounts match.
Did you update the app? Preset import issues sometimes appear after big updates — staying current helps.

Fix #1: Convert LRTemplate to XMP (Best Long-Term Solution)

If your presets are older (.lrtemplate), converting them to XMP is the most future-proof move. This keeps your library modern and makes syncing smoother across devices.

Open Lightroom Classic or Lightroom Desktop on your computer.
Import the LRTemplate presets using the presets import option (the app converts them to XMP in most modern setups).
Enable sync so the converted XMP presets push to your mobile library.
Check your mobile Presets panel after a few minutes (wifi helps).

Adobe explains the official “import on desktop, then sync to mobile” idea here: How to add presets and sync them to Lightroom mobile.

Pro tip: After conversion, create a clean structure: one folder per pack + one “Favorites” group. Your future self will thank you when you’re editing fast on a phone screen.

Fix #2: Import XMP Presets Directly on Your Phone (Cleanest If You Already Have XMP)

If your pack includes XMP presets, import them directly inside Lightroom Mobile (don’t just “open” them from Files and hope it works).

Save the XMP files somewhere accessible (Files app, Google Drive, iCloud, etc.).
Open Lightroom Mobile and open any photo (you need to be inside the editor).
Tap Presets → open the menu (three dots) → choose Import Presets.
Select the XMP files and import.
Confirm the new preset group appears in the Presets panel.

Want a deeper walkthrough that’s built specifically around iPhone/Android handling? This internal guide helps: How to Import XMP Files into Lightroom on iPhone and Android.

Fix #3: Use DNG Presets the “Mobile-First” Way

If your pack includes DNG presets, you’re basically importing a photo that already shows the look. Then you save that look as a preset inside Lightroom Mobile.

Transfer the DNG files to your phone (Files app or Camera Roll).
Import a DNG into Lightroom Mobile (add photo from Files/Camera Roll).
Open the DNG and tap the menu (three dots).
Select “Create Preset” and save it into a new preset group.
Repeat for each DNG look you want saved as a preset.

This step-by-step DNG method is also explained here: How to Install DNG Preset Files in the Lightroom Mobile App.

Pro tip: When saving the preset, uncheck tools you don’t want “locked in” (like white balance). Keeping WB flexible usually makes a preset work across more lighting situations.

When Presets Import But Look Terrible: The 5 Fixes That Save the Edit

Sometimes presets show up perfectly — but the result looks nothing like the preview. That usually means the preset is fine, but the starting point of your photo is different. Here’s how to stabilize it fast.

1) Reset exposure first, then apply the preset

On mobile, tiny exposure differences can explode once contrast curves and color grading are applied. Try this:

Set Exposure roughly correct (subject not too dark/bright).
Apply the preset.
Then adjust Highlights/Shadows slightly.

2) Watch the profile (especially on JPEGs)

Some presets are built assuming a RAW workflow (more dynamic range). If you apply them to JPEGs, colors can clip faster and the image can look crunchy. If your preset includes a specific profile, test switching the profile to a more neutral option before judging the look.

3) Fix white balance before you “rate” the preset

A preset that looks amazing on daylight can look green or muddy indoors. Before you ditch it, correct WB (Temp/Tint) and re-check the mood.

4) Reduce intensity instead of abandoning the preset

In Lightroom Mobile, lower the preset intensity (or manually reduce Contrast/Dehaze/Saturation). This keeps the “style DNA” but makes it match the file.

5) If it’s a phone HDR image, expect extra contrast

Modern phones bake in HDR tone mapping. When a preset adds contrast/curves on top, you can get crushed shadows or weird highlights. Start by lowering Highlights and Whites, then re-balance.

If you want a deeper explanation of why the same preset can look different on every photo (and how to standardize your starting point), this is worth reading: Why Lightroom Presets Look Different on Every Photo (And How to Fix It).

Comparison: XMP vs DNG Presets for Mobile Creators (Which Should You Choose?)

Both formats can work beautifully. The best choice depends on how you edit and where you want your presets to live.

XMP presets (best for cross-device consistency)

Best if: you edit on phone + desktop and want one library across devices.
Strength: clean, modern format; easier syncing when set up correctly.
Watch out: importing XMP incorrectly (as files/photos) can make it feel like “nothing happened.”

DNG presets (best for mobile-first speed)

Best if: you mostly edit on mobile and want a simple “open → save preset” workflow.
Strength: you can preview the look instantly because the DNG is a photo showing the edit.
Watch out: it’s more manual if you have many presets (you save each one).

If you want a deeper breakdown with mobile creator pros/cons, here’s a related read: DNG vs XMP Presets: The Ultimate Showdown for Mobile Photographers.

Presets vs Manual Editing on Mobile: A Practical Hybrid Workflow

Here’s the workflow I recommend when you want speed and control:

Apply a preset for the “mood” (color palette, contrast style, film vibe).
Do 3 manual fixes every time: Exposure, White Balance, and Skin/Subject brightness.
Use selective edits lightly (masking/brush) to keep it natural.

Why this works: presets give you a consistent aesthetic fast, while the manual tweaks handle what presets can’t predict — lighting, skin tones, mixed color temperatures, and phone HDR quirks.

Build a “Never Breaks” Mobile Preset Setup

Once your presets finally work, lock in a system so you never have to fight this again.

Keep a master folder in your cloud storage: “Presets → XMP” and “Presets → DNG.”
Name presets with purpose: “Moody Indoor / Warm Skin / Low Contrast” beats “Preset 07.”
Create 1–2 go-to groups on mobile: “Everyday Clean” and “Cinematic.”
Back up your favorites (screenshots of settings or exported preset packs) so an app reinstall doesn’t wipe your work.
Know where to get help fast: see AAA Presets FAQs for quick answers when something’s off.

Recommended Preset Picks for a Smooth 2026 Mobile Workflow

If you want presets that are designed to be used on phones (and not just “desktop-only packs thrown onto mobile”), these are solid starting points:

Download the 1000+ Master Lightroom Presets Bundle for a huge variety of styles (great for finding your signature look).
Try cinematic street Lightroom presets for mobile + desktop if you love contrasty, story-driven edits.
Use deep green nature Lightroom presets for outdoor travel, forests, and rich landscape tones.

And if you prefer to browse by vibe instead of buying one pack, start here: Lightroom Presets for Lightroom Mobile & Desktop.

Official Adobe Resources (For the Exact Menu Steps)

If you’re ready to stop fighting imports and just edit, explore the Lightroom Mobile Presets collection and grab a versatile starter like the 1000+ Master Lightroom Presets Bundle. You can mix styles, test what fits your camera and lighting, and Buy 3, Get 9 FREE when you add 12 items to your cart — which is perfect when you’re building a complete mobile look library.

Why are my Lightroom Mobile presets not showing up after import?

This usually happens when the preset format is incompatible (older LRTemplate), the presets were imported through the wrong menu, or sync is not active on the same Adobe ID. Try importing via the Presets menu and confirm the files are XMP or use the DNG-create-preset method.

Should I use XMP or DNG presets for Lightroom Mobile?

Use XMP if you want one preset library across desktop and mobile. Use DNG if you’re mobile-first and want the simplest “import a photo, then create preset” workflow.

Why do presets look too strong or “wrong” on my phone photos?

Phone HDR, different lighting, and profile differences change the starting point of the image. Fix exposure and white balance first, then apply the preset, and reduce intensity if needed.

Do presets sync from Lightroom Classic to Lightroom Mobile?

They can, but only when you import into the correct Lightroom app workflow and you’re signed into the same Adobe account on every device. Adobe’s preset sync steps are the safest reference for setup.

What’s the fastest way to rebuild a mobile preset library after reinstalling the app?

Keep a backup folder of XMP and DNG files in cloud storage, then re-import XMP via the Presets menu or recreate presets from DNG files inside Lightroom Mobile.

Written by Asanka — creator of AAAPresets (10,000+ customers).