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How to Enable 120Hz on PS5 and Fix 120 FPS Problems

What You Need Before Changing Settings

Connect the PS5 directly to a 120Hz-capable display, then go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > 120 Hz Output and choose Automatic. Launch a game that supports 120 fps and enable its performance or 120Hz mode. The PS5 menu itself may still display at 60Hz.

You need all four parts of the chain:

A PS5 game that supports a 120 fps mode
A TV or monitor that accepts a 120Hz signal at your chosen resolution
A compatible HDMI port and cable
The correct console and in-game settings

A "144Hz monitor" label does not guarantee that the display accepts 120Hz from a PS5 over HDMI. Check the monitor manual for its supported HDMI resolutions and refresh rates.

Step 1: Use the Correct HDMI Connection

Connect the PS5 directly to the display while troubleshooting. Use the HDMI cable included with the console or a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable when targeting 4K at 120Hz. Plug into the TV's 120Hz-capable HDMI port — some TVs support their full gaming bandwidth on only one or two ports, and that port may need an "Enhanced," "Deep Color," or similar setting enabled in the TV menu.

Step 2: Enable 120Hz Output on PS5

Open Settings from the PS5 home screen. Select Screen and Video, then Video Output. Set 120 Hz Output to Automatic. Leave Resolution on Automatic, or choose a resolution you know the display supports at 120Hz. If your display supports 1440p, use Test 1440p Output to check its 60Hz and 120Hz modes.

Step 3: Choose Performance Mode

Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets > Performance Mode or Resolution Mode. Choose Performance Mode. This preference does not force every game to run at 120 fps — it tells supported games to favor performance when they provide the option.

Step 4: Enable 120Hz Inside the Game

Open the game's graphics or video menu and look for a setting such as: 120Hz Mode, 120 FPS Mode, High Frame Rate Mode, or Performance Mode. Enable it, then restart the game if prompted. Only games with a supported high-frame-rate mode can output 120 fps.

Step 5: Verify the Active Signal

Launch the game first. Then open Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Current Video Output Signal. Verify that it reports 120Hz while the supported game is running. Do not rely on the PS5 home menu as the test.

PS5 Stuck at 60Hz? Try These Fixes in Order

Confirm the game and the installed PS5 version support 120 fps
Enable the game's own 120Hz or performance option
Connect the console directly to the display, bypassing a receiver, splitter, soundbar, or capture card
Try the original PS5 HDMI cable
Move the cable to the display's 120Hz-capable port
Enable the display's enhanced HDMI or gaming input mode
Update the PS5 system software and display firmware
Test 1080p or 1440p at 120Hz if 4K 120Hz is unavailable
Set Video Transfer Rate back to Automatic
Power-cycle the console and display after changing HDMI settings

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all PS5 games run at 120 fps?

No. The developer must include a 120 fps or high-frame-rate mode.

Do I need HDMI 2.1 for 120Hz on PS5?

HDMI 2.1 is needed for the full 4K 120Hz target. Some displays can accept 1080p or 1440p at 120Hz over other HDMI configurations. Check the display's official input specifications.

Why does the PS5 menu show 60Hz?

The console may switch to 120Hz only after a supported game starts. Verify the signal during gameplay.