Xbox Series X Resolution Settings Explained
My Screen Resolution · March 9, 2026
Quick Answer
The Xbox Series X outputs up to 4K (3840 x 2160) at 120Hz with HDR10 and Dolby Vision support. To get the best picture, go to Settings > General > TV & display options, set your resolution to 4K UHD, choose the highest refresh rate your TV supports, and enable HDR10 and Dolby Vision under Video modes. If your TV supports HDMI 2.1, turn on VRR and ALLM for the smoothest experience.
The Xbox Series S is more limited: it tops out at 1440p (2560 x 1440) at 120Hz, or 4K only for media playback and upscaled menus.
Not sure what resolution your display is currently running? Check it instantly at MyScreenResolution.com.
Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S: Resolution Capabilities
Before adjusting settings, it helps to understand what each console can actually do. The Series X and Series S share the same software and menus, but they have very different hardware under the hood.
| Feature | Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S |
|---|---|---|
| Max gaming resolution | 4K (3840 x 2160) | 1440p (2560 x 1440) |
| Max media resolution | 4K with Dolby Vision | 4K (streaming/playback only) |
| Max refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| HDR support | HDR10, Dolby Vision | HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| HDMI output | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.1 |
| GPU power | 12 TFLOPS | 4 TFLOPS |
| RAM | 16 GB GDDR6 | 10 GB GDDR6 |
| Optical drive | Yes (4K Blu-ray) | No |
The Series X is the console to own if you have a 4K TV and want the sharpest image. The Series S targets 1080p and 1440p displays. It does output a 4K signal for streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+, but games render at 1440p or lower internally.
If you are not sure what resolution labels like 1080p, 1440p, and 4K actually refer to, our guide on what 1080p, 1440p, and 4K mean breaks it all down.
How to Change Resolution in Xbox Settings
Here is the step-by-step process to configure your Xbox Series X display output:
Step 1: Open TV & Display Options
- Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
- Go to Profile & system > Settings > General > TV & display options.
This is the main hub for all display-related settings.
Step 2: Set Your Resolution
Under Resolution, you will see the options your TV supports:
- 720p — for older TVs
- 1080p — for Full HD TVs
- 1440p — if your monitor supports it (common on gaming monitors)
- 4K UHD — for 4K TVs (Series X only for games)
Select the highest resolution your display supports. The Xbox will only show options that your TV reports as compatible.
Step 3: Set Your Refresh Rate
Under Refresh rate, choose:
- 60Hz — standard, supported by virtually every TV
- 120Hz — for supported TVs with HDMI 2.1 (or HDMI 2.0 at 1080p/1440p)
If you do not see the 120Hz option, your TV either does not support it or the HDMI port you are using is not HDMI 2.1. More on this below.
Step 4: Configure Video Modes
Select Video modes to access advanced display features:
- Allow 4K — enable for 4K TVs
- Allow HDR10 — enable if your TV supports HDR
- Allow Dolby Vision — enable if your TV supports Dolby Vision
- Allow Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) — enable to let the TV switch to game mode automatically
- Allow Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) — enable for smoother gameplay without screen tearing
- Allow YCC 4:2:2 — enable for compatibility with some 4K TVs that struggle with full RGB at 4K
- Allow Auto HDR — applies HDR effects to older games that were not built with HDR
A green checkmark next to each option means your TV supports it. A yellow warning triangle means the TV does not report support for that feature.
4K at 60Hz vs 4K at 120Hz
This is one of the most common questions about Xbox Series X resolution settings. Here is what you need to know.
| 4K at 60Hz | 4K at 120Hz | |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Frame rate cap | 60 FPS | 120 FPS |
| HDMI requirement | HDMI 2.0 or higher | HDMI 2.1 only |
| Bandwidth needed | ~18 Gbps | ~48 Gbps |
| Cable requirement | Standard High Speed HDMI | Ultra High Speed HDMI |
| TV support | Very common | Mid-range and high-end TVs (2020+) |
4K at 60Hz is the sweet spot for most players. The vast majority of Xbox Series X games target 4K/60 in their quality modes. Your TV only needs HDMI 2.0, which has been standard since 2015.
4K at 120Hz requires HDMI 2.1 on both the console and TV, plus an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (the one included with the Series X works). Only certain games support 120FPS, and many that do will lower the internal resolution to hit that frame rate. Competitive titles like Halo Infinite, Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Rocket League benefit the most from 120Hz.
If your TV supports HDMI 2.1 but you still cannot enable 120Hz, check that you are plugged into the correct HDMI port. Many TVs only have one or two HDMI 2.1 ports, and they are not always the most obvious ones. Consult your TV manual.
HDR10 and Dolby Vision Settings
HDR (High Dynamic Range) makes the biggest visual difference after resolution. It expands the brightness range and color gamut, giving you brighter highlights, deeper blacks, and more vivid colors.
HDR10
HDR10 is the baseline HDR format. Every HDR-capable TV supports it, and virtually every Xbox Series X game with HDR uses this standard. Enable it under Video modes > Allow HDR10.
After enabling HDR10, calibrate it:
- Go to Settings > General > TV & display options > Calibrate HDR for games.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set brightness and contrast levels for your specific TV.
This calibration step is easy to skip but makes a meaningful difference. The default settings are often too bright or too dark for your particular panel.
Dolby Vision
Dolby Vision is a more advanced HDR format with dynamic metadata, meaning it can adjust brightness and color on a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame basis. The result is better tone mapping than static HDR10.
To enable Dolby Vision:
- Go to Video modes > Allow Dolby Vision.
- Your TV must support Dolby Vision for this option to appear.
Dolby Vision for gaming was an Xbox exclusive at launch, and the library of supported titles has grown significantly. Games like Halo Infinite, Gears 5, and Forza Horizon 5 support Dolby Vision natively. For games without native support, the Xbox can apply Dolby Vision system-wide if your TV supports it.
One important note: some TVs introduce slightly more input lag in Dolby Vision mode compared to standard HDR10 game mode. If you play competitive multiplayer and every millisecond matters, test both modes and decide which trade-off you prefer.
VRR and ALLM: The Features You Should Not Skip
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
VRR synchronizes your TV's refresh rate with the frame rate the console is outputting. If a game drops from 60 FPS to 52 FPS during an intense scene, VRR tells the TV to refresh at 52Hz instead of a fixed 60Hz. This eliminates screen tearing and reduces stuttering without adding input lag.
The Xbox Series X supports three VRR standards:
- HDMI Forum VRR — built into the HDMI 2.1 specification
- AMD FreeSync — supported by many gaming monitors and some TVs
- AMD FreeSync Premium — adds low framerate compensation (LFC)
Enable VRR under Video modes > Allow Variable Refresh Rate. Your TV or monitor needs to support at least one of these standards.
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
ALLM is simple but important. When enabled, the Xbox automatically tells your TV to switch to its lowest-latency picture mode (usually "Game Mode") whenever you launch a game. When you switch to a streaming app or Blu-ray, the TV switches back to its normal picture mode with full image processing.
This means you never have to manually toggle Game Mode on your TV. Enable it under Video modes > Allow Auto Low Latency Mode.
Both VRR and ALLM require HDMI 2.1 support on your TV.
HDMI 2.1 Requirements: What You Actually Need
HDMI 2.1 unlocks the full potential of the Xbox Series X. Here is what each HDMI version supports:
| Feature | HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.1 |
|---|---|---|
| 4K at 60Hz | Yes | Yes |
| 4K at 120Hz | No | Yes |
| 1440p at 120Hz | Yes | Yes |
| 1080p at 120Hz | Yes | Yes |
| VRR | No (FreeSync via HDMI varies) | Yes |
| ALLM | No | Yes |
| Max bandwidth | 18 Gbps | 48 Gbps |
| HDR10 | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Vision | Limited | Full support |
| eARC | No (ARC only) | Yes |
If your TV only has HDMI 2.0, you can still enjoy 4K at 60Hz with HDR10. That is what the majority of games target anyway. You miss out on 120Hz at 4K, VRR, and ALLM — features that are great to have but not essential for a good experience.
If your TV has HDMI 2.1, make sure you are using the right port and the right cable. The HDMI cable that ships with the Xbox Series X is an Ultra High Speed cable rated for 48 Gbps. If you replaced it or are using a longer cable from a drawer, verify that it is rated Ultra High Speed.
Best Settings for 1080p TVs
If you are using a 1080p TV or monitor with your Xbox Series X, here is how to get the best experience:
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz (if supported) or 60Hz |
| HDR10 | Enable if supported |
| Dolby Vision | Enable if supported |
| ALLM | Enable |
| VRR | Enable if supported |
| Color depth | 10-bit (if TV supports it), otherwise 8-bit |
| Color space | Standard |
At 1080p, the Xbox Series X has GPU power to spare. Games that target 4K/30 will run at 1080p/60 or higher. Games with performance modes can potentially hit 120FPS on a 120Hz-capable 1080p display.
The Series X will internally render at higher resolutions and supersample down to 1080p in many games, which actually produces a cleaner image than native 1080p — you get the anti-aliasing benefits of the higher internal resolution.
If your current display is only 1080p, you can verify your exact output resolution at MyScreenResolution.com.
Best Settings for 4K TVs
A 4K TV paired with an Xbox Series X is where this console shines. Here are the optimal settings:
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K UHD |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz (HDMI 2.1) or 60Hz (HDMI 2.0) |
| HDR10 | Enable |
| Dolby Vision | Enable |
| ALLM | Enable |
| VRR | Enable |
| Allow YCC 4:2:2 | Enable only if needed for 4K compatibility |
| Color depth | 10-bit or 12-bit (HDR requires 10-bit minimum) |
| Color space | Standard (let the TV handle it) |
TV-Side Settings to Verify
Your Xbox can only do its part. These TV settings also matter:
- Enable Game Mode on the HDMI input connected to the Xbox (or let ALLM handle it).
- Enable HDMI Enhanced Signal Format (also called UHD Deep Color, Enhanced HDMI, or Input Signal Plus depending on your TV brand). Without this, the HDMI port may be limited to 4K/30 or 4K/60 without HDR.
- Disable motion smoothing / motion interpolation (e.g., TruMotion on LG, Motion Rate on Samsung). These add input lag and create the "soap opera effect" in games.
- Set the HDMI port to HDMI 2.1 mode if your TV has a separate toggle for this.
Per-Game Quality vs Performance Mode
Most modern Xbox Series X games offer two graphics modes in their settings:
Quality Mode (Fidelity / Resolution Mode)
- Targets 4K resolution (or near 4K with reconstruction)
- Targets 30 FPS (sometimes 40 FPS on 120Hz displays)
- Enables higher graphical settings: ray tracing, better shadows, longer draw distances
- Best for: single-player story games where visual fidelity matters more than responsiveness
Performance Mode
- Targets 1080p to 1440p resolution (varies by game, often uses dynamic resolution)
- Targets 60 FPS (some games offer 120 FPS)
- Reduces graphical settings to maintain the frame rate target
- Best for: multiplayer games, action games, anything where smooth controls matter
Some games add a third option — Quality with 40 FPS — which splits the difference on TVs that support 120Hz (40 divides evenly into 120, so VRR can lock to it cleanly). This has become increasingly popular for single-player titles.
How to Change Graphics Mode
Graphics modes are set per game, not in the Xbox system settings. Look for the option under each game's own settings menu, typically under Display, Graphics, or Video settings. Common labels include:
- Quality / Fidelity / Resolution
- Performance / Frame Rate
- Quality 40 / Balanced
The Xbox system setting Settings > General > TV & display options > Video modes > Allow Auto HDR is a system-wide toggle, but the resolution/frame rate trade-off is always per game.
Common Issues and Fixes
"My Xbox says 4K but the image looks soft"
This usually means the game is using dynamic resolution scaling (DRS). The Xbox outputs a 4K signal, but the game internally renders at a lower resolution (sometimes as low as 1080p) and upscales to 4K. This is normal behavior, especially in performance mode. Switch to quality mode for the sharpest image.
"I cannot enable 120Hz"
Check these in order:
- HDMI port — make sure you are using an HDMI 2.1 port on your TV. Not all ports are the same.
- HDMI cable — use the cable that came with the Xbox or a verified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.
- TV firmware — update your TV to the latest firmware. Some TVs added 120Hz support through software updates.
- TV settings — enable Enhanced Signal Format / UHD Deep Color on the HDMI input.
- Resolution — try lowering to 1080p or 1440p. Some TVs support 120Hz at lower resolutions even without HDMI 2.1.
"HDR looks washed out"
Run the HDR calibration tool at Settings > General > TV & display options > Calibrate HDR for games. Also check your TV's picture settings — make sure the HDMI input is set to a mode that accepts HDR signals, and adjust the TV's backlight/OLED brightness to an appropriate level.
"There is a black border around my screen"
Go to Settings > General > TV & display options > Video fidelity & overscan > Overrides and set it to Auto-detect or adjust the overscan slider. On most modern TVs, set the TV's aspect ratio to Just Scan, Full Pixel, or Screen Fit to eliminate overscan.
"VRR causes flickering"
Some TVs have poor VRR implementations that cause brightness flickering, especially at low frame rates. Check if your TV has a firmware update that addresses this. If not, you may need to disable VRR or set the VRR range to a narrower band in your TV's settings. LG OLEDs and Samsung QLEDs have generally improved VRR handling in recent firmware updates.
"My Xbox is stuck at 640x480"
This happens when the console cannot detect your TV's capabilities. Hold the Xbox button on the front of the console for 10 seconds to trigger a full reset of display settings. The console will restart at a safe resolution, and you can then reconfigure.
Xbox Series X Resolution Settings: Quick Reference
| What You Want | What You Need |
|---|---|
| 4K gaming at 60 FPS | 4K TV + HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 |
| 4K gaming at 120 FPS | 4K TV + HDMI 2.1 + Ultra High Speed cable |
| HDR gaming | HDR10 TV + 10-bit color support |
| Dolby Vision gaming | Dolby Vision TV + HDMI 2.1 recommended |
| VRR (no screen tearing) | HDMI 2.1 TV with VRR or FreeSync |
| ALLM (auto game mode) | HDMI 2.1 TV |
| 1440p at 120Hz | 1440p monitor + HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 |
| Best image on a 1080p TV | Set to 1080p, enable 120Hz if available |
For a look at how PlayStation handles similar settings, check out our guide on PS5 resolution settings.
Conclusion
The Xbox Series X is a flexible console with a deep set of resolution and display settings. The key is matching your settings to your TV's actual capabilities. If you have a 4K HDMI 2.1 TV, enable everything: 4K, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, VRR, and ALLM. If you have an older 4K TV with HDMI 2.0, you still get a great 4K/60 HDR experience. And if you are on a 1080p display, the Series X supersamples its way to a cleaner image than you might expect.
Set the system-level resolution and refresh rate first, enable every video mode your TV supports, then adjust quality vs performance mode inside each game based on your preference. That is all there is to it.
Want to confirm what resolution your display is actually receiving? Visit MyScreenResolution.com to check instantly from any device.