How to Set Up Xbox Series X for 120Hz Gaming?

2025-10-21

When you play 120 Hz games on your Xbox Series X, you benefit from smoother, faster visuals. It adds to the realism and fun of action and racing games. It’s easy to set up — you simply need a 120 Hz-capable TV or monitor, and a few quick changes in your console settings.

How to Set Up Xbox Series X for 120Hz Gaming? 2

What Do I Need to Run 120 Hz on Xbox Series X (TV/Monitor Specs, HDMI Cable)?

Getting 120 Hz gaming on your Xbox Series X requires the appropriate displays and cable configuration. For one, your television or monitor needs to support a 120 Hz refresh rate. This is supported by most modern gaming TVs and monitors, but you'll want to double-check within whatever product manual or settings are relevant to make sure it reads (120Hz) or (High Refresh Rate).

If you want to do 4K gaming at 120 Hz, then you need the HDMI 2.1 port on your display. HDMI 2.1 provides higher data transfer, meaning that smooth 120 FPS visuals can be displayed in 4K. This is the resolution, of course, but even with HDMI 2.0, you can still use 120 Hz, just at a reduced fraction of the pixel density (1080p or 1440p).

A premium HDMI cable (support for HDMI 2.1 is needed). If in doubt, just use the cable that comes with the console, which it should generally include already, like the Xbox Series X. Do not use an old or cheap HDMI cable that does not pass 120 Hz.

Ensure your TV or monitor is set to Game Mode. This addresses input lag while gaming and allows a better response time. With all of that set up — 120 Hz display, HDMI 2.1 plugged in and Game Mode turned on — your Xbox Series X will run games more smoothly and look prettier, giving you a much swifter, more engaged experience.

How to Enable 120 Hz Mode on Xbox Series X Settings?

Enabling 120 Hz mode on your Xbox Series X only takes a few moments. Ensure your TV or monitor also supports a 120 Hz refresh rate and connected in HDMI 2.1 cable (the same included TV/monitor you had for your console). Once your Xbox and display are connected properly, do the following.

Click the Xbox button on your controller to bring up the main guide.
Settings → General → TV & display options → Go to Profile & system
Choose the resolution supported by your TV under Display, such as 4K UHD, 1440p, or 1080p.
Next, scroll down to Refresh rate, and tap 120 Hz.

If you do not see the option for 120 Hz, it indicates that your display may not be able to display that resolution at that refresh rate. Reduce the resolution to 1080p or 1440p and recalibrate. Underneath Video modes, ensure Allow 120 Hz is enabled.

Once turned on, your display will flicker for a second, followed by adjusting the refresh rate to 120 Hz. You can verify that it is working by returning to the TV & display options to see what you currently have set. After configuring it, you can experience quicker response time, smoother visuals, and more seamless gameplay—particularly in 120 FPS-supported titles like Halo Infinite or Call of Duty.

What HDMI Cable is Required for 120 Hz Gaming on Xbox Series X?

High bandwidth HDMI cable for playing your Xbox Series X games at 120 Hz. Included in the box is a high-speed HDMI 2.1 cable. Such a cable also allows for more data transfer, which is required for 4K at 120 Hz, for example. This cable can deliver clear visuals and quick reactions in games.

Your TV will not display the rest of the 120 Hz options if you are using a poor-quality or an old HDMI cable. A few older HDMI 2.0 cables are capable of 120 Hz, just not at higher resolutions such as 1080p or 1440p, so use the official Xbox HDMI 2.1 cable whenever possible to ensure everything is working the way it was designed to.

Just ensure your TV or monitor is HDMI 2.1 or 120 Hz compatible. Adjust your display settings & turn on Game Mode to minimize lag. At 120 Hz (again, if you have the proper HDMI cable and display), it allows for smoother gameplay and better graphics.

How to Force 120 Hz if Xbox Doesn’t Auto Detect It?

By default, the Xbox Series X should detect 120 Hz, but this isn't always going to happen. To do so, ensure your TV or monitor supports 120 Hz and use the HDMI 2.1 cable that came with your console. After that, head to Settings → General → TV & display options. Confirm resolution if your display is capable of 4K 120 Hz, select 4K UHD. Next, click on Refresh rate and select 120 Hz.

If the option still does not show up, you can navigate to Video modes and ensure Allow 120 Hz is checked. Enable Game Mode — Some TVs require you to enable Game Mode before 120 Hz will work, so turn on Game Mode in your TV settings. Reset the Xbox, and it ought to now be at 120 Hz. It makes gameplay much more fluid and quicker than regular functionality would allow, particularly in action and racing games.

Why is the 120 Hz Option Greyed Out in Xbox Settings?

Here are a few possible reasons why the 120Hz option on Xbox Series X might be greyed out. The first is that your TV or monitor may not support the 120 Hz refresh rate at the resolution you chose. Certain screens will only do 120 Hz at 1080p or 1440p, not at 4K.

And second, you might not be using the Xbox’s companion HDMI 2.1 cable. High resolutions at 120 Hz require data that older cables simply cannot carry. The third is that Game Mode isn’t turned on in your television. Most of the TVs need to have Game Mode activated for the higher refresh rates to be displayed.

Lastly, in Xbox settings, go to Video modes and ensure Allow 120 Hz is enabled. Restart your Xbox after changing these settings. You should then be able to select the 120 Hz option, enabling smoother gameplay and more responsive gameplay when supported games are in action.

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Conclusion

If you want to set up your Xbox Series X for 120 Hz gaming, it results in faster and smoother games. Pair the appropriate TV or display, HDMI 2.1 cable, and correct settings, and you have more attractive graphics and speedy performance. Very easy to configure and provides a better gaming experience.