Hey there! If you just picked up a shiny new Xbox Series X or Series S, you may have run into a confusing error saying your TV doesn‘t support 120Hz. Don‘t sweat it, this is a common hiccup that can definitely be fixed with the right troubleshooting.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll give you all the tools you need to get your Xbox performing at peak frame rates. Here‘s what we‘ll cover:
- What is 120Hz and why it matters
- Common reasons for the no 120Hz TV error
- How to check your TV‘s true capabilities
- Specific steps to enable 120Hz gaming
- Ideal settings for smoother gameplay
- Which cables support 120Hz signals
- Alternate solutions if your TV maxes at 60Hz
- FAQs on 120Hz gaming
Let‘s start by looking at why 120Hz makes such a difference for gaming and Xbox visuals.
What is 120Hz and Why It Matters for Gaming
120Hz refers to a refresh rate of 120 times per second. This means a 120Hz display can show a new frame 120 times each second, rather than the standard 60 frames per second (60Hz) found on most TVs.
This doubling of the refresh rate to 120Hz enables much smoother visuals, especially in fast paced gaming. According to Microsoft, the fluidity is similar to "the difference between traditional film and high-definition video".
For Xbox Series X/S gaming, 120Hz displays allow syncing the TV‘s refresh rate to the game‘s frames per second. So if a game is outputting 120 fps, a 120Hz screen can present each frame instantly for incredible smoothness.
The benefits of 120Hz gaming include:
- Up to 50% lower input lag for super responsive controls (according to Digital Trends)
- Significantly reduced motion blur during fast on-screen movement
- Minimal stuttering when panning the in-game camera
- Enhanced sense of immersion due to lifelike fluidity
These improvements are most noticeable in competitive online multiplayer titles like Call of Duty or Forza Horizon 5 where split second reactions matter.
According to Samsung, over 50% of TVs shipped in 2022 are expected to support 120Hz. So chances are decent your new TV is capable, but we just need to enable the feature.
Common Causes of the "TV Doesn‘t Support 120Hz" Error
Before we troubleshoot, let‘s go over the likely culprits of this error message:
- Using the wrong HDMI input – 120Hz requires a dedicated HDMI 2.1 port that‘s enabled.
- Old HDMI cable – The new Xbox comes with a special cable rated for 48 Gbps.
- 120Hz not enabled in TV settings – It needs to be turned on for the correct input.
- 4K + 120Hz not supported – Lower resolutions may work if your TV lacks full specs.
By checking these factors, we can get your Xbox hooked up properly and recognize your TV‘s 120Hz capabilities.
First we‘ll confirm your model truly supports 120Hz gaming at 4K resolution.
Verify Your TV Supports 4K Gaming at 120Hz
Before troubleshooting, it‘s important to confirm your specific TV model and year actually supports 4K inputs at a 120Hz refresh rate.
Here are a few ways to verify:
- Check TV manual – Physical manuals often list supported resolutions and maximum refresh rates.
- Manufacturer website – Search for your exact TV model and look at technical specs listed.
- Rtings.com – This A/V review site has a searchable database with detailed specs for most TV models and years.
Specifically, you want to look for confirmation your TV has an HDMI 2.1 port and/or clearly states "4K @ 120Hz" is supported.
If you can‘t find any official mention of 4K 120Hz support, your TV may be limited to 4K 60Hz signals only. This is common on models with HDMI 2.0 ports, but not the newer 2.1 standard.
According to Sony, HDMI 2.1 ports first appeared in 2019 model year TVs and are required for 4K resolution at 120 frame rates.
If your research shows your TV maxes out at 4K 60Hz, your options will be limited. But we can still look at enabling 120Hz at lower 1440p or 1080p resolutions.
Assuming your TV is 120Hz capable, let‘s move on to setup.
Use the Correct 120Hz HDMI Input
With a 120Hz ready TV, the next key step is using the correct HDMI input.
For 4K gaming at 120Hz, you need to use the single HDMI port on your TV labeled for enhanced gaming. This is usually labeled:
- HDMI 4
- Enhanced HDMI Port
- HDMI 2.1
- 120Hz
This dedicated input is tied directly to the HDMI 2.1 controller chip inside your TV required for 4K 120Hz signals.
Some brands like Samsung enable 120Hz across all ports. But many still limit full support to only the enhanced HDMI input.
So be sure to connect your Xbox Series X or Series S to whichever port is designated for high performance gaming. Consult your manual for details.
Use the Included Xbox Series X/S HDMI Cable
To maintain full 4K 120Hz signal integrity from your Xbox console, the included Ultra High Speed HDMI cable is required.
This high bandwidth cable is certified by Microsoft to enable HDMI 2.1 features like:
- 4K resolution at 120 Hz refresh rate
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
According to Microsoft, the Xbox cable is rated for 48 Gbps and future proofed for even 8K video formats.
Replacing it with an older HDMI cable risks limiting performance. So be sure to connect your Xbox to the correct TV input using the provided higher speed cable.
You can also purchase any certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable for extensions or replacements. But avoid older High Speed HDMI cables limited to just 18 Gbps.
Configure Your TV‘s Settings for 120Hz
With your Xbox plugged into the right port, we also need to ensure your TV has 120Hz mode enabled for that input.
Here are the basic steps:
- Find picture settings menu specific to the HDMI input used.
- Locate options like Refresh Rate, Motion Settings, or Game Mode.
- Select 120Hz mode (may be labeled MotionFlow 120 or similar).
The settings vary across TV models and brands, but essentially you need to switch from the default 60Hz refresh to 120Hz.
On a Samsung for example:
- Go to Menu > Settings > External Device Manager > Game Mode Settings
- Enable Game Motion Plus Settings
- Choose Refresh Rate to 120Hz
With the input enabled for 120Hz, your Xbox will be able to detect the capability.
You can also try enabling ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) which auto-configures gaming inputs for fastest response based on your Xbox.
Configure Xbox Video Settings for 120Hz
After setting up the TV properly, we also need to adjust compatible settings on the Xbox itself:
- Go to Settings > General > TV & display options
- Set 4K TV details to 120Hz (if TV supports it)
- Set Resolution to 4K UHD
- Set Refresh rate to 120 Hz
- Enable Allow YCC 4:2:2 for HDR color (if available)
According to Digital Trends, YCC 422 color provides richer hues while maintaining the 4K 120Hz signal.
Matching your Xbox settings to the display ensures you get the maximum frame rate possible for ultra smooth gaming.
You‘ll likely need to configure supported games like Halo Infinite, Gears 5, Forza Horizon 5, and Call of Duty to also render at up to 120fps. This matches the output to your TV‘s new capability. Enjoy the buttery responsiveness!
Alternate Solution: Enable 120Hz at 1440p or 1080p
If your TV falls short of HDMI 2.1 specs for 4K 120Hz, you can often still enable a 120Hz refresh rate at lower resolutions like 1440p or 1080p.
According to Samsung, HDMI 2.0 ports found on older 4K TVs can frequently handle 120Hz at 1080p or 1440p resolutions.
To enable this:
- Set Xbox Resolution to 1440p or 1080p
- Set Xbox Refresh rate to 120Hz
- Enable 120Hz on TV input settings
While limited compared to 4K 120Hz, this can still provide a smoother experience especially for competitive online multiplayer.
I‘d suggest trying 120Hz for games where reaction time matters most like shooters. For cinematic single player games, 4K 60Hz may look crisper.
Either way, it‘s a flexible solution depending on your needs and allows leveraging the faster refresh rate even at lower resolutions.
Which Cables Fully Support 120Hz?
When shopping for any replacement HDMI cables to enable Xbox Series X|S 120Hz gaming, look for:
- Ultra High Speed HDMI certification
- HDMI 2.1 compatibility
- 48 Gbps rated
These meet the latest HDMI 2.1 specifications for 48 Gbps bandwidth required for 4K signals at 120Hz. Plus additional overhead for future 8K/10K specs.
For 1080p or 1440p 120Hz signals, existing quality High Speed HDMI cables are likely sufficient for most gaming setups.
But upgrading to the Ultra High Speed standard future proofs your setup for full 4K 120Hz and provides extra overhead for flawless performance.
120Hz Gaming – Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions for unlocking 120Hz Xbox gaming:
Do I need HDMI 2.1 for 4K 120Hz?
Yes, only HDMI 2.1 ports and cables are rated for the 48 Gbps bandwidth needed for 4K resolution at 120Hz. HDMI 2.0 caps out at 60Hz.
What refresh rate is best for Xbox gaming?
120Hz provides a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience, especially for competitive online multiplayer titles. For more cinematic games focused on visuals, 60Hz is still very playable.
Will older HDMI cables limit 120Hz performance?
Possibly, the new Ultra High Speed cables ensure full 48 Gbps for flawless 4K 120Hz. Older cables may result in lower resolutions or refresh rates.
Is 120Hz a big difference from 60Hz?
Absolutely, the fluidity and crisp response at 120Hz is a game changer, especially in fast-paced first-person shooters or racing games. Input lag is reduced and visuals look far smoother in motion.
Do Xbox games need a 120fps mode?
Yes, games have to be programmed to render up to 120fps to fully take advantage of your TV‘s 120Hz capabilities. Some allow choosing between 60Hz or 120Hz graphics modes.
Experience Next-Gen Gaming Smoothness
With the right troubleshooting steps, you can get your Xbox properly hooked up to experience the absolute smoothest 4K 120Hz gameplay.
Use the designated "gaming" HDMI input, certified Ultra High Speed cables, optimized TV settings, and matching Xbox configuration. This unlocks ultra-fluid high framerate visuals on supporting titles.
Let me know if you have any other questions getting your new Xbox performing at its peak with 120Hz enabled. Game on!
