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PS5 Stuck at 60Hz? How to Enable 120Hz (2026 Fix Guide)

PS5 Stuck at 60Hz? How to Enable 120Hz (2026 Fix Guide)

If your PS5 refuses to output 120Hz and you’re stuck at 60Hz, it’s almost always one of these: the wrong port, a setting you didn’t know existed, or a cable that can’t reliably do HDMI 2.1.

This is the fastest “diagnose → fix” checklist to get 120Hz working.

Quick win: Use your display’s HDMI 2.1 / 4K120 port, enable its Enhanced / 4K120 / Game mode, then set PS5 to Performance Mode.

Fast 120Hz Checklist (Do These in Order)

  1. Confirm the game supports 120Hz and you’ve enabled its 120Hz mode (some titles hide it in video settings).
  2. Use the right HDMI port on your TV/monitor (often only one or two ports support 4K120).
  3. Enable “Enhanced / 4K120 / Game” mode on that port in your TV/monitor menu.
  4. On PS5: Settings → Saved Data and Game/App Settings → Game Presets → Performance Mode.
  5. On PS5: Settings → Screen and Video → Video Output:
    • Enable 120Hz Output: Automatic
    • VRR: Automatic (if your display supports it)
  6. Swap the HDMI cable to a known-good HDMI 2.1 cable (this fixes more cases than people like to admit).

Tip: After changing settings, power-cycle everything (turn off/unplug TV/monitor + PS5 for ~30 seconds).

PS5 Settings That Actually Matter

1) Performance Mode

Settings → Saved Data and Game/App Settings → Game Presets → Performance Mode

2) Enable 120Hz Output

Settings → Screen and Video → Video Output → Enable 120Hz Output → Automatic

3) VRR (Optional)

Settings → Screen and Video → Video Output → VRR → Automatic

VRR can reduce tearing and smooth frame pacing (if your display supports it).

TV/Monitor Settings (Most Common Fix)

1) Turn on “Enhanced Format” per HDMI port

Many TVs ship with HDMI ports in a compatibility mode that caps bandwidth. You must enable the high-bandwidth mode for the port your PS5 is using.

2) Use the correct HDMI 2.1 / 4K120 port

Some TVs only support 4K120 on specific ports. If you’re on the wrong one, you can do everything right and still be stuck at 60Hz.

3) Enable Game Mode

Game Mode reduces input lag and sometimes helps the display properly negotiate 120Hz.

Monitor note: Some monitors do 120Hz at 1080p/1440p but not 4K. That’s normal—prioritize 1080p 120Hz for competitive play.

What to Buy If It Still Won’t Work (Best Value + Upgrade)

If you’ve done the checklist and still can’t get 120Hz, the most common hardware fix is using a cable that reliably supports HDMI 2.1 bandwidth.

Best Value HDMI 2.1 Cable: Zeskit Maya Ultra High Speed

Why it’s great: commonly recommended for stable 4K120/HDMI 2.1 bandwidth and reliable handshakes.

Buy Zeskit Maya on Amazon  |  See in-stock alternatives

Tip: If the exact length/color is unavailable, use the alternatives link and pick any “Ultra High Speed” HDMI cable variant that’s in stock.

Upgrade HDMI 2.1 (Long Runs): RUIPRO Fiber Optic HDMI 2.1

Why it’s great: fiber optic HDMI is often more stable for longer distances and reduces weird handshake issues.

Buy RUIPRO Fiber HDMI 2.1 on Amazon  |  See in-stock alternatives

Optional: If your display is the bottleneck

FAQ

Why does my PS5 only show 60Hz?

Most often it’s the wrong HDMI port, “Enhanced format” is off, Performance Mode is off, or the cable can’t handle the required bandwidth.

Do I need HDMI 2.1 for 120Hz?

For 4K 120Hz, yes—HDMI 2.1 is typically required. For 1080p 120Hz, some displays can do it over older standards, but HDMI 2.1 removes guesswork.

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