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To enable the best picture and refresh-rate output your setup supports, connect the PS5 directly to the TV, use the TV’s compatible HDMI input, then open Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output. Set Resolution to Automatic or 2160p, enable 120 Hz Output and VRR, and set HDR to On When Supported. These options only work when the TV, selected HDMI port, connection path and game support the requested mode; switching on a PS5 setting cannot add a capability a TV lacks.
What do 4K, HDR, 120Hz and VRR change?
They control different parts of the video signal, so enabling one does not guarantee the others. 4K describes resolution, HDR affects the range of brightness and color, 120Hz is a refresh-rate output option, and VRR adjusts refresh rate dynamically when supported. PlayStation says the PS5 supports HDMI 2.1 and 4K 120Hz output, but the TV and the game also need to support the relevant mode.
| Feature | What it affects | What must support it |
|---|---|---|
| 4K / 2160p | Image resolution | The TV and selected HDMI connection must accept 4K output. |
| HDR | Contrast, brightness and color range compared with SDR | The TV must support HDR, and the content may need to be HDR-enabled. |
| 120Hz output | Refresh-rate output for supported games and displays | The TV and game must support a 120Hz mode. |
| VRR | Dynamic adjustment of refresh rate | The TV and game must support VRR. |
PlayStation describes HDR as delivering a higher contrast, or a larger color and brightness range, than Standard Dynamic Range (SDR). A 120 Hz output setting does not force every game to run at 120 frames per second: it makes the output option available for compatible games and displays. VRR is also conditional, rather than a general performance switch for every game.
Think of the result as a chain rather than a single console setting. The PS5 can offer a mode only when the TV, selected HDMI port and connection path report that mode as available; the game must also support the relevant 120Hz or VRR behavior. HDR is similarly dependent on the display and the content. A 4K label alone does not confirm 120Hz or VRR support, and a TV’s support for one feature does not prove it supports all the others together.
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How do I enable 4K, HDR, 120Hz and VRR on PS5?
First establish a direct HDMI connection, then enable the PS5 options. This sequence makes it easier to tell whether a limitation comes from the TV, a port or intermediary equipment rather than from the console’s settings.
- Connect the PS5 to the TV. Use the HDMI cable included with the console if available. For setup and troubleshooting, connect the console directly to the TV rather than routing video through a receiver, soundbar, switch or capture device.
- Select the correct TV input. If the TV has multiple HDMI inputs, use the port its documentation identifies for the desired capability. Not every port on a TV necessarily supports the same signal modes.
- Open the PS5 video settings. Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output.
- Choose the resolution. Set Resolution to Automatic to let the PS5 select the highest available resolution, or choose 2160p for 4K output when the TV supports it.
- Enable 120Hz output. Turn on 120 Hz Output. This enables 120Hz output for compatible games and TVs; it does not make unsupported games run at 120 frames per second.
- Enable VRR. Turn on VRR if the connected TV supports it. Leave Apply to Unsupported Games off initially; it is optional, and PlayStation recommends turning it off if a game behaves unexpectedly.
- Set HDR behavior. Choose On When Supported if you want HDR output for supported content while leaving non-HDR games and apps in SDR. Select Adjust HDR and follow the calibration prompts.
- Keep Video Transfer Rate on Auto. If you encounter flicker, try -1 or -2, then check whether the image is stable and the desired modes remain available.
- Verify the connection. Check the connected HDMI device information on the PS5. This is where you can confirm the detected capabilities of the current signal path.
For the clearest baseline, make these changes with only the PS5 and TV in the video path. If you change a TV input, replace a cable or adjust a TV signal setting, check the reported HDMI capabilities again before moving to another variable. Keeping the connection simple and changing one thing at a time helps isolate a limitation without confusing a TV-port issue with a PS5 setting.
Which HDR option should I choose?
Choose On When Supported for the most predictable setup: HDR content uses HDR output, while non-HDR games and apps remain in SDR. Choose Always On only if you specifically want the PS5 to convert non-HDR content to HDR output.
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In short, the choice is about output behavior, not about whether a game was made in HDR. On When Supported keeps SDR content in SDR; Always On applies conversion to non-HDR games and apps. If you are troubleshooting a missing HDR signal, start with On When Supported and calibration rather than using Always On as a workaround for a display or input that does not support HDR.
What does VRR do, and should I apply it to unsupported games?
VRR adjusts the display’s refresh rate in real time when the TV and game support the feature. Enable the main VRR setting when both ends of the connection support it; do not assume that it will be available in every game.
Apply to Unsupported Games is a separate, optional setting. PlayStation says it can stabilize frame rate in games without native VRR support, but recommends turning it off if unexpected behavior occurs. If a game develops a display problem after enabling this option, disable it and check the game again before changing other settings.
Use the native VRR setting as the first test. If behavior changes only after enabling Apply to Unsupported Games, switch that option back off and retest. If the problem remains, temporarily turn off VRR as well; that helps determine whether the issue is related to VRR output or another part of the connection. Restore settings one at a time after the test so you can identify which change affects the result.
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What should I change on the TV?
TV menu names and feature support vary by make and model, so there is no universal setting name or port number to give. Consult the TV manual for the input and manufacturer setting that enables the high-bandwidth HDMI signal required by the modes you want.
- Use the documented HDMI input. Some TVs have different capabilities on different HDMI ports. The TV manual or specifications should identify which input supports the desired signal.
- Enable the TV’s enhanced HDMI signal setting, if required. PlayStation notes that HDMI 2.1 support may require a TV-side setting. The label is manufacturer-specific; do not assume a particular name applies to every television.
- Update TV firmware. Install available firmware updates, then reconnect and check the signal again.
- Confirm HDR and VRR support separately. A TV supporting one feature does not establish that it supports the others, or that all of them work through every HDMI input.
If the TV’s documentation does not clearly state support for a desired combination—such as 4K at 120Hz with VRR—do not infer that it works merely because the TV has an HDMI input or a general HDR label. Confirm the capability for the particular model and port.
When checking the manual, look for the specific input’s capabilities rather than relying on a general feature list for the television. Then make sure the PS5 is physically connected to that input. If the TV requires a setting to permit the high-bandwidth signal, enable the setting for that input as described by its manufacturer. Afterward, check the PS5’s connected HDMI device information to see what the active connection reports.
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Start with the HDMI cable included with the PS5. If it is unavailable, damaged or suspected of limiting the signal, PlayStation recommends an Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable as an alternative. A replacement cable cannot make an incompatible TV or HDMI port support 4K at 120Hz or VRR.
For a clean check, connect the PS5 straight to the TV with the included cable or a suitable replacement. If you normally use a receiver, soundbar, switch or capture device between them, bypass it while troubleshooting. Add intermediary equipment back only after the direct connection works, then check whether that equipment and its connections support the mode you are trying to use.
This makes cable replacement a targeted test, not a guaranteed upgrade. If the included cable is unavailable, damaged or a suspected weak link, try an Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable and compare the detected modes with a direct connection. If the same mode is still unavailable, investigate the TV’s documented input, TV-side signal setting and firmware; buying another cable cannot add features that the display or port does not support.
Why is my PS5 showing only 1080p or 60Hz?
A 1080p or 60Hz limit can come from the TV’s capabilities, the selected HDMI input, a TV-side setting, firmware, the cable or equipment between the PS5 and TV. Check these in order rather than changing several console options at once.
- Confirm the TV supports the requested mode. A TV that supports 4K does not necessarily support 120Hz, and support for one HDMI input may differ from another.
- Move to the documented HDMI port. Use the input identified by the TV manufacturer for the capability you want.
- Enable the required TV-side HDMI setting. Check the manual for the option that allows the relevant high-bandwidth signal.
- Connect the PS5 directly to the TV. Bypass a receiver, soundbar, switch or capture device to isolate the signal path.
- Check the cable and firmware. Try the included HDMI cable or an Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable, and update the TV firmware.
- Recheck PS5 output settings. Under Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output, set Resolution to Automatic or 2160p, turn on 120 Hz Output if supported, and leave Video Transfer Rate on Auto unless flicker requires a test at -1 or -2.
- Inspect the detected HDMI device information. The connected-device screen can help establish what capabilities the current connection reports to the PS5.
If the desired mode remains unavailable after these checks, the limitation may be the TV, its selected input or another part of the signal path. Repeatedly toggling unrelated picture settings will not add a capability that the connected hardware does not support.
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Also separate the question “Can the display accept this signal?” from “Is this game using this mode?” The PS5’s 120 Hz Output option makes the output available for supported games and displays; it is not a promise that every game will use a 120Hz mode. Similarly, the main VRR setting does not establish that a particular game supports VRR. Verify the connection’s reported capabilities first, then consider the game’s own support.
How do I fix a blank screen or flicker?
If there is no image
Make sure the TV is on the HDMI input connected to the PS5. Connect the console directly to the TV, then try another HDMI cable and another TV HDMI port. Once an image returns, check the TV documentation to confirm that the port supports the signal mode you intend to use.
If the picture flickers
In Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output, try setting Video Transfer Rate to -1, then -2 if needed. PlayStation says these lower settings reduce some output modes and may improve picture quality, so check the available output modes again after changing them. If the picture still flickers, return to a direct PS5-to-TV connection and check the cable, TV input and firmware.
Because -1 and -2 reduce some output modes, do not treat them as a free fix that preserves every signal option. After changing the transfer rate, verify both picture stability and which modes remain available. If a desired mode disappears, return to Auto and continue checking the cable, direct connection and TV input instead of assuming the lower setting is an equivalent configuration.
If behavior changes after enabling VRR
Turn off Apply to Unsupported Games and retest the affected game. If the issue persists, disable VRR temporarily and verify the TV’s VRR support and HDMI input. Keeping changes limited to one setting at a time makes it easier to identify which part of the setup is responsible.
If a blank screen or flicker begins after adding an intermediary device back into the setup, reconnect the PS5 directly to the TV to compare. If direct connection resolves the issue, the receiver, soundbar, switch or capture device path needs its own compatibility check. If it does not, return to the TV input, cable and firmware checks.
How can I confirm which modes the TV and PS5 support?
Use the connected HDMI device information screen on the PS5 to inspect the capabilities reported for the current connection. That check reflects the active setup, so it is useful after changing ports, cables or TV settings.
For a TV that supports 1440p, the PS5 also provides a test covering SDR and HDR at 60Hz and 120Hz, as well as VRR. This can help verify supported combinations without assuming that a feature listed for the TV applies to every input or format. If a mode is missing, return to the TV’s port documentation and the signal-path checks rather than treating the console setting alone as proof of compatibility.
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Check again after each meaningful change: switching HDMI inputs, enabling the TV’s required signal setting, updating firmware or replacing a cable can alter what the connected setup reports. The 1440p test is an additional option when the TV supports 1440p; it is not a substitute for checking the port’s documented support for the mode you want.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which setup choices are right for my TV?
Use the options below as a starting point. The best choice depends on what the TV and the selected HDMI input support.
| Choice | Use it when | Trade-off or limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution: Automatic | You want the PS5 to choose the highest resolution available through the current connection. | The available resolution depends on the TV and signal path. |
| Resolution: 2160p | You want to select 4K output and the connected TV supports it. | It cannot enable 4K on a connection that does not support it. |
| HDR: On When Supported | You want HDR for compatible content and SDR for non-HDR games and apps. | Non-HDR content stays in SDR rather than being converted. |
| HDR: Always On | You specifically want non-HDR content converted to HDR output. | It applies conversion to non-HDR games and apps. |
| 120 Hz Output: On | The TV and a game support a 120Hz mode. | It does not force every game to run at 120 frames per second. |
| VRR: On | The TV and game support VRR. | It is not a universal setting for games that do not support it. |
| Video Transfer Rate: -1 or -2 | The image flickers while using Auto. | PlayStation says these settings reduce some output modes. |
For a first-time setup, a practical default is Automatic resolution, HDR On When Supported, Video Transfer Rate Auto, and 120 Hz Output and VRR enabled only when the TV and content support them. This keeps non-HDR content in SDR and avoids reducing output modes pre-emptively. If you prefer the PS5 to convert non-HDR content, Always On is an available alternative, but it changes the handling of those games and apps.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat is ALLM, and how does it relate to VRR?
ALLM can automatically switch a compatible TV into a low-latency mode during gameplay. PlayStation says the latest system software is required for ALLM; media apps do not send an ALLM signal, and VRR output can trigger low-latency mode even when ALLM is set to Off.
ALLM is separate from the resolution, HDR, 120Hz and VRR choices above. If the TV supports ALLM, check its documentation and keep the PS5 system software current. Do not treat an ALLM setting as evidence that the TV also supports 4K at 120Hz or VRR.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enable 4K HDR, 120Hz and VRR on PS5?
Connect the PS5 directly to a compatible TV input, then open Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output. Set Resolution to Automatic or 2160p, turn on 120 Hz Output and VRR when supported, set HDR to On When Supported, and use Adjust HDR to follow the calibration prompts.
Why is my PS5 only showing 1080p or 60Hz?
Check whether the TV and the specific HDMI input support the mode, enable any TV-side HDMI signal setting required by the manufacturer, update TV firmware, and connect the PS5 directly to the TV. Then recheck Resolution and 120 Hz Output on the PS5, and inspect the connected HDMI device information.
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Why is PS5 HDR not working on my TV?
Confirm that the TV and selected HDMI input support HDR, set PS5 HDR to On When Supported, and run Adjust HDR. If HDR remains unavailable, check the TV’s documented input and any required TV-side HDMI setting.
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What HDMI cable do I need for PS5 4K at 120Hz?
Start with the HDMI cable included with the PS5. If it is unavailable, damaged or suspected of limiting the signal, PlayStation recommends an Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable. A cable cannot add support that the TV or HDMI port lacks.
Does turning on 120 Hz Output make every game run at 120 frames per second?
No. It enables 120Hz video output for compatible TVs and games; the game must support a 120Hz mode.
Can I use a soundbar and still get 4K 120Hz?
It depends on whether the soundbar and the connections in that setup support the video mode. To find out whether it is causing a limitation, temporarily connect the PS5 directly to the TV and compare the detected HDMI capabilities.
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Does ALLM work while I use streaming apps on PS5?
PlayStation says media apps do not send an ALLM signal. ALLM’s automatic low-latency behavior applies to compatible gameplay conditions, not simply to every screen shown by the console.
What should I do if VRR causes unexpected behavior?
Turn off Apply to Unsupported Games and retest. If the issue continues, temporarily disable VRR and check the TV’s VRR support and HDMI input. Change one setting at a time to isolate the cause.
What does Video Transfer Rate -1 or -2 do?
PlayStation says these settings reduce some output modes and may improve picture quality when flicker occurs. Test them only if needed, then check both picture stability and whether the desired modes remain available.
Does the PS5’s 1440p test check VRR?
For a TV that supports 1440p, the PS5 test covers SDR and HDR at 60Hz and 120Hz, as well as VRR. The available result depends on the display and active signal path.
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The Bottom Line
Connect the PS5 directly to the TV’s documented HDMI input, enable the modes that both the display and content support, and verify the active connection in the PS5’s HDMI device information. Use HDR On When Supported for HDR content without converting SDR, and keep Video Transfer Rate on Auto unless flicker warrants testing -1 or -2. If a mode is missing, check the TV, input, cable, firmware and signal path before assuming a console setting can restore it.
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