120Hz output is one of the best display upgrades available on PlayStation 5, but it only works when the console, game, HDMI cable, and screen all support it. If one part of that chain is wrong, the PS5 may stay at 60Hz even when the setting appears to be enabled.
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What You Need Before Turning on 120Hz
To use 120Hz on PS5, you need a game that supports high frame rate output and a TV or monitor with a 120Hz-capable HDMI input. For 4K at 120Hz, the display should support HDMI 2.1. Some 1440p and 1080p monitors can also accept 120Hz, but they may require a specific HDMI port or display setting.
Use the HDMI cable that came with your PS5 where possible. If you are using a replacement cable, make sure it is an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. Avoid passing the signal through an older soundbar, HDMI splitter, capture card, or AV receiver while testing, because those devices can prevent the console from detecting the display correctly.
How to Enable 120Hz on PS5
- Turn on the PS5 and open Settings.
- Go to Screen and Video.
- Select Video Output.
- Open 120Hz Output.
- Set it to Automatic.
The PS5 does not force the home screen to run at 120Hz. The higher refresh rate normally activates only inside supported games or modes. If your TV information panel still shows 60Hz on the dashboard, that does not always mean the setting is broken.
Enable Performance Mode for Supported Games
Many PS5 games place 120Hz support behind a performance mode. Open Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets, then set Performance Mode or Resolution Mode to Performance Mode. You should also check the game’s own graphics menu, because some games require you to enable a 120fps or high frame rate option manually.
If 120Hz Does Not Work
Start by connecting the PS5 directly to the TV or monitor with the PS5 HDMI cable. Confirm that the cable is plugged into the correct HDMI input on the display, because many TVs only offer 120Hz support on one or two ports. On some TVs, you may also need to enable an enhanced HDMI, game mode, or high bandwidth option in the TV settings.
If the option is still unavailable, restart the console and the display, then check for system software and TV firmware updates. For monitors, verify that the selected resolution and refresh rate combination is supported over HDMI rather than DisplayPort only.
Is 120Hz Worth Using?
For fast shooters, racing games, competitive action games, and titles with responsive camera movement, 120Hz can make play feel smoother and reduce input latency. The trade-off is that games often lower resolution, visual effects, or ray tracing quality to reach the higher frame rate. For cinematic single-player games, a 60fps quality or balanced mode may still be the better choice.
Final Check
Once the setting is enabled, test with a confirmed 120Hz game, check the game’s graphics menu, and use the TV or monitor’s information display to confirm the incoming signal. If the screen reports 120Hz during gameplay, the PS5 is configured correctly.
