Best Resolution Settings for PlayStation 5 on Any TV
My Screen Resolution · March 9, 2026
Quick Answer: What Resolution Does the PS5 Output?
The PlayStation 5 supports 720p, 1080p, 1440p, and 4K (2160p) output. It defaults to the highest resolution your TV supports, so if you plug it into a 4K TV, it will output at 4K automatically. If you plug it into a 1080p TV, it will lock to 1080p.
The real question is not just which resolution the PS5 sends to your screen — it is how to configure the surrounding settings (HDR, refresh rate, VRR, game mode) to get the best possible picture. That is what this guide covers.
Want to confirm what resolution your TV or monitor is actually receiving? You can check your current display resolution instantly at MyScreenResolution.com.
PS5 Supported Resolutions Explained
Before you start changing settings, it helps to understand what each resolution option actually means. If you want a deeper breakdown of how these numbers work, see our full guide on what 1080p, 1440p, and 4K mean.
| Resolution | Pixel Dimensions | Total Pixels | PS5 Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| 720p (HD) | 1280 x 720 | 921,600 | Supported |
| 1080p (Full HD) | 1920 x 1080 | 2,073,600 | Supported |
| 1440p (QHD) | 2560 x 1440 | 3,686,400 | Supported (added in system update) |
| 4K (UHD) | 3840 x 2160 | 8,294,400 | Supported |
| 8K | 7680 x 4320 | 33,177,600 | Limited (very few titles) |
The PS5 added native 1440p output in a 2022 system software update. This was a big deal for players using QHD gaming monitors, because before that update, the console would downscale to 1080p on any display that was not 4K.
How to Change Resolution in PS5 Settings
Here is the step-by-step process to manually set or verify your PS5 output resolution:
- From the home screen, go to Settings (gear icon in the top right).
- Select Screen and Video.
- Select Video Output.
- Choose Resolution and select your preferred option: Automatic, 720p, 1080p, 1440p, or 2160p.
When to Use "Automatic" vs a Manual Setting
In most cases, Automatic is the right choice. The PS5 negotiates with your TV over HDMI and picks the highest supported resolution. Manual selection is useful when:
- Your TV reports 4K capability but struggles to display it properly (flickering, black screen).
- You want to force 1080p to prioritize higher frame rates in certain games.
- You are using a 1440p monitor and want to confirm the PS5 is outputting native 1440p rather than downscaling from 4K.
If you set the resolution manually and the TV does not support it, the PS5 will display a confirmation dialog. If you do not confirm within 30 seconds, it reverts to the previous setting automatically — so you cannot permanently lock yourself out.
Performance Mode vs Quality Mode
This is the single most important display decision on the PS5, and it is not in the system display settings — it is in the game settings, and also has a system-level default.
System-Level Default
- Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets.
- Under Performance Mode or Resolution Mode, choose your default.
| Setting | What It Does | Typical Result |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Mode | Prioritizes frame rate | 60 FPS (sometimes 120 FPS), often at lower internal resolution or reduced visual effects |
| Resolution Mode (Quality) | Prioritizes visual fidelity | 30 FPS with native 4K or higher-quality ray tracing and effects |
Which Should You Choose?
Performance Mode is the better default for most players. The jump from 30 FPS to 60 FPS is immediately noticeable — games feel more responsive, camera movement is smoother, and input lag is cut roughly in half. The visual downgrade is usually subtle (slightly lower internal rendering resolution, less demanding effects) and is hard to spot during active gameplay.
Quality Mode makes sense if you play slow-paced, visually driven single-player games where you want to soak in every detail. Games like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Horizon Forbidden West, and Final Fantasy XVI look noticeably more polished in quality mode.
Many recent PS5 titles offer a "balanced" or "performance RT" option that gives you 60 FPS with some ray tracing — the best of both worlds when available.
Per-Game Overrides
Individual games can override the system default. Always check in-game settings under the graphics or display menu. Some games label these options differently (Fidelity, Balanced, Performance, etc.), but the core trade-off is the same: frame rate vs visual quality.
120Hz Output on PS5: What You Need
The PS5 can output at up to 120 frames per second in supported games. To actually see those frames, you need every link in the chain to support it.
Requirements for 120Hz
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| TV/Monitor | Must support 120Hz input at your chosen resolution |
| HDMI port | Must be HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz. HDMI 2.0 supports 1080p at 120Hz. |
| HDMI cable | Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (the one in the PS5 box works) |
| Game support | The game must offer a 120Hz mode |
| PS5 setting | Enable 120Hz Output under Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output |
How to Enable 120Hz
- Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output.
- Set Enable 120Hz Output to Automatic.
- Make sure your TV's HDMI port is set to "Enhanced" or "HDMI 2.1" mode (the label varies by brand; see how to change resolution on a smart TV for brand-specific guidance).
- In the game, select the performance or 120Hz mode.
Games That Support 120Hz
The list grows regularly. Some notable titles with 120Hz modes include:
- Call of Duty (recent entries)
- Fortnite
- Rocket League
- Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (Performance RT mode)
- Unreal Tournament-based titles
- Many sports titles (FIFA/EA FC, NBA 2K, Madden)
Keep in mind that enabling 120Hz often comes with reduced resolution or visual quality. A game might render at 1080p or 1440p internally to hit 120 FPS, even if your TV supports 4K 120Hz.
HDR Settings on PS5
HDR (High Dynamic Range) can make a massive difference in picture quality — brighter highlights, deeper blacks, and more vivid colors. But it can also look terrible if configured incorrectly.
How to Enable and Configure HDR
- Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output.
- Set HDR to On When Supported (or always on, if your TV supports it).
- Set Deep Color Output to Automatic.
- Run Adjust HDR — the PS5 will show you a series of screens to calibrate brightness. Take your time with this. The goal is to barely see the icon on the dark screen and just barely not see it on the bright screen.
TV-Side HDR Settings
Your TV needs to be configured correctly too:
- Enable HDMI Enhanced Signal / HDMI UHD Color on the port the PS5 is connected to. This is the most commonly missed step.
- Set the TV picture mode to Game or Filmmaker mode for the most accurate HDR.
- Turn off dynamic contrast, motion smoothing, and eco mode — these interfere with HDR.
- Set the backlight/OLED brightness to maximum when using HDR.
Why HDR Looks Washed Out (and How to Fix It)
If HDR makes your picture look faded, grey, or washed out, the problem is almost always one of these:
- HDMI Enhanced Signal is not enabled on the TV port. This is the number one cause.
- The TV's HDR calibration is wrong. Re-run Adjust HDR on the PS5.
- TV picture mode is set to something like "Vivid" or "Standard" instead of Game mode, causing tone mapping conflicts.
- The TV has poor HDR capability. Budget TVs that technically "support" HDR often have low peak brightness (under 400 nits), which means they cannot display HDR content properly. In this case, you may get a better picture by turning HDR off entirely.
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) on PS5
VRR adjusts the TV's refresh rate on the fly to match the PS5's frame output. When a game dips from 60 FPS to 55 FPS, instead of showing stutter or screen tearing, the TV simply refreshes at 55Hz to keep things smooth.
How to Enable VRR
- Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output.
- Set VRR to Automatic.
- Optionally enable Apply to Unsupported Games — this tells the PS5 to use VRR even in games that have not been officially patched for it. In most cases, this works fine and improves smoothness.
VRR Requirements
- A TV or monitor that supports HDMI 2.1 VRR (most 2021+ TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony, and Hisense do).
- The Ultra High Speed HDMI cable included with the PS5.
VRR does not make games run at higher frame rates. It makes the frame rates the game already produces look smoother by eliminating screen tearing and reducing visible stutter.
Best PS5 Resolution Settings for 1080p TVs
If your TV is 1080p, you are limited in some ways, but you can still get an excellent experience.
Recommended Settings for 1080p TVs
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Automatic (or 1080p) |
| HDR | Off (most 1080p TVs lack HDR) |
| 120Hz Output | Automatic (if your TV supports 1080p 120Hz via HDMI 2.0) |
| Game Preset | Performance Mode (prioritize 60 FPS) |
| VRR | Not available on most 1080p TVs |
| RGB Range | Automatic |
Key Tips for 1080p
- Always use Performance Mode. On a 1080p TV you are not getting the visual detail of 4K anyway, so there is no reason to sacrifice frame rate for resolution mode. Take the smoother 60 FPS.
- Check if your TV supports 120Hz over HDMI. Some older 1080p TVs advertise 120Hz but only accept a 60Hz signal over HDMI (the 120Hz refers to motion interpolation, not native input). Verify in your PS5's video output information screen.
- If you are considering upgrading your TV, check our guide on how to change resolution on a smart TV to understand what modern TVs offer.
Best PS5 Resolution Settings for 4K TVs
This is where the PS5 really shines. A 4K TV unlocks the full potential of the console.
Recommended Settings for 4K TVs
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Automatic (2160p) |
| HDR | On When Supported |
| Deep Color Output | Automatic |
| 120Hz Output | Automatic |
| VRR | Automatic |
| Game Preset | Performance Mode (or per-game preference) |
| RGB Range | Automatic |
| 4K Video Transfer Rate | -1 (negative 1, meaning automatic/max) |
| HDCP | Automatic |
Key Tips for 4K
- Enable Enhanced HDMI Signal on your TV. This is buried in TV settings and has a different name on every brand: "HDMI UHD Color" (Samsung), "HDMI Enhanced Format" (Sony), "HDMI Deep Color" (LG), "HDMI 2.1 Format" (Hisense). Without it, you will be stuck at 4K 30Hz or HDR will not work.
- Use the HDMI port that supports HDMI 2.1. Not every HDMI port on your TV is the same. On many TVs, only one or two ports are full HDMI 2.1. Check your TV manual.
- Set the TV to Game Mode. This reduces input lag from 50-100ms down to 10-20ms. The picture processing that other modes apply (sharpening, noise reduction, color enhancement) adds delay that makes games feel sluggish.
- Run the PS5 HDR calibration after changing any TV picture settings.
HDMI 2.1: What It Gives You and Whether You Need It
HDMI 2.1 is the connection standard that unlocks the PS5's top-end features. Here is what each HDMI version supports:
| Feature | HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.1 |
|---|---|---|
| 4K 60Hz | Yes | Yes |
| 4K 120Hz | No | Yes |
| 1080p 120Hz | Yes | Yes |
| 1440p 120Hz | No (varies) | Yes |
| VRR | No | Yes |
| ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) | No | Yes |
| Max bandwidth | 18 Gbps | 48 Gbps |
| HDR at 4K 60Hz | Yes (4:2:0 chroma) | Yes (4:4:4 chroma) |
Do You Need HDMI 2.1?
If you have a 4K TV and want to use 120Hz, VRR, or full-bandwidth HDR, yes. HDMI 2.1 is required.
If you are happy with 4K 60Hz and basic HDR, HDMI 2.0 is fine. The PS5 will still look great.
The cable that comes in the PS5 box is an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable rated for HDMI 2.1. Use it. If you need a longer cable, make sure you buy one that is certified Ultra High Speed — generic "high speed" cables max out at 18 Gbps and will not support 4K 120Hz.
Common PS5 Display Issues and Fixes
Black Screen After Changing Settings
Cause: The PS5 switched to a resolution or refresh rate your TV does not support.
Fix: Wait 30 seconds. The PS5 automatically reverts if you do not confirm. If it does not, boot the PS5 in Safe Mode (hold the power button until you hear two beeps) and select Change Video Output > Change Resolution.
No 4K Option Available
Cause: Usually an HDMI issue.
Fixes:
- Check that you are using the HDMI cable that came with the PS5.
- Make sure you are plugged into an HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 port on the TV (not an older HDMI 1.4 port).
- Enable Enhanced HDMI Signal / UHD Color on that port in your TV settings.
- Try a different HDMI port.
- Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output Information to see what the PS5 detects.
4K Shows Up but Looks Blurry
Cause: The game is rendering internally at a lower resolution and upscaling to 4K, or the TV is applying post-processing that softens the image.
Fixes:
- Switch to Quality/Resolution Mode in the game to get native or near-native 4K rendering.
- Turn off noise reduction and sharpening on the TV.
- Make sure the TV is in Game Mode.
HDR Looks Washed Out or Too Dark
See the HDR section above for detailed fixes. The short version: enable HDMI Enhanced Signal on the TV, re-run PS5 HDR calibration, and use Game Mode.
120Hz Not Working
Cause: Missing a link in the chain.
Fixes:
- Confirm your TV supports 120Hz input (not just 120Hz motion interpolation).
- Confirm you are using an HDMI 2.1 port for 4K 120Hz (HDMI 2.0 only supports 1080p 120Hz).
- Enable 120Hz output on the PS5: Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Enable 120Hz Output > Automatic.
- Enable Enhanced HDMI / Game Mode on the TV.
- Check the game — not all PS5 games support 120Hz.
Screen Flickering or Dropping Signal
Cause: Bandwidth issue, often caused by a low-quality HDMI cable or a TV port that cannot handle the signal.
Fixes:
- Use the cable that came with the PS5.
- If using a longer cable, make sure it is certified Ultra High Speed (48 Gbps).
- Try lowering the 4K Video Transfer Rate in PS5 settings to -2 (this slightly reduces bandwidth, which can stabilize the signal on marginal cables or ports).
- Disable VRR temporarily to see if the issue is VRR-related.
Screen Does Not Fit (Overscan / Underscan)
Cause: The TV is applying overscan, which zooms in slightly and cuts off the edges.
Fixes:
- Set the TV's aspect ratio or picture size to "Just Scan," "Full," "1:1," or "Screen Fit" (varies by brand).
- On the PS5, go to Settings > Screen and Video > Screen and adjust the display area.
Recommended Settings at a Glance
Here is a summary table for the most common setups. Use MyScreenResolution.com to verify what resolution your display is currently receiving, then adjust accordingly.
| Your TV | Resolution | HDR | 120Hz | VRR | Game Preset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p, no 120Hz | 1080p | Off | Off | N/A | Performance |
| 1080p, 120Hz | 1080p | Off | Automatic | N/A | Performance |
| 4K, HDMI 2.0 | 2160p | On When Supported | Off (limited to 60Hz at 4K) | Off | Performance or per-game |
| 4K, HDMI 2.1 | 2160p | On When Supported | Automatic | Automatic | Performance or per-game |
| 1440p monitor | 1440p | Off (most monitors) | Automatic | Automatic (if supported) | Performance |
Conclusion
Getting the best picture out of your PS5 comes down to a few key steps: make sure your TV's HDMI port is set to Enhanced mode, enable HDR and run the calibration, turn on VRR and 120Hz if your TV supports them, and default to Performance Mode unless you have a strong reason not to. The PS5 is smart about detecting your TV's capabilities, so the Automatic setting is correct for most options. When something looks off, it is almost always an HDMI signal issue or a TV setting that needs adjusting, not the PS5 itself.