The Series X can do 4K at 120 Hz, and Microsoft's condition is that you have all three parts: a Series X, an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable that supports HDMI 2.1, and a TV that supports HDMI 2.1. Then set Resolution to 4K UHD and Refresh rate to 120 Hz under TV and display options. For HDR, the TV must support HDR10, Allow HDR10 must be on, and Auto HDR (Series X|S only) and FPS Boost are per-game options under Compatibility options. If 4K will not select, check that Display is Auto-detect and not a manual HDMI or DVI choice.
Differential
Likely causes of “Xbox Series X|S HDR, 4K, 120 Hz or VRR is not available”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The TV or its port does not support HDMI 2.1
What separates it 4K works at 60 Hz but 120 Hz is grayed out or the picture drops to a lower resolution
How to confirm Check the TV supports HDMI 2.1 and that the cable is in the HDMI 2.1 port; some TVs offer 4K features only on certain ports
- 2
A cable that is not Ultra High Speed
What separates it The picture flickers or blanks when 4K 120 Hz is on
How to confirm Use the 2-meter Ultra High Speed cable supplied with the Series X, or a certified Ultra High Speed cable if you need longer
- 3
Display set manually to HDMI or DVI
What separates it 4K UHD will not select even though the TV supports it
How to confirm Under Video fidelity and overscan set Display to Auto-detect (Recommended); Microsoft says 4K is not available when HDMI or DVI is chosen manually
- 4
An AV receiver limiting the signal
What separates it 4K at 120 Hz works straight to the TV but not through a receiver
How to confirm Use the supplied Ultra High Speed cable, and consult the receiver maker; Microsoft says many can provide parts to fix this
- 5
HDR10 not allowed or the TV in the wrong mode
What separates it HDR does not turn on, or Auto HDR is missing from a game's options
How to confirm Enable Allow HDR10 under Video modes, check the TV supports HDR10 and turn on the TV's HDR or UHD Color setting
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The TV model, the HDMI port used and whether it is an HDMI 2.1 port
- The cable and any receiver in the chain
- The Resolution, Refresh rate, Allow HDR10 and Auto HDR settings
- What the 4K TV details screen shows for your TV
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedCheck your TV supports 4K and HDR
ReversibleLook at the TV's manual or packaging for 4K, UHD or 2160p, 3840 x 2160 at 120 Hz, and HDR10 or Dolby Vision. Then in the guide open Profile and system, Settings, General, TV and display options, 4K TV details to see what the console thinks your TV supports.
Use the right cable and port
ReversibleUse the Ultra High Speed HDMI cable that came with the Series X, in an HDMI 2.1 port on the TV. Some TVs need a setting turned on for full HDMI 2.1 or 4K signals on that port.
Set Auto-detect
ReversibleUnder TV and display options choose Video fidelity and overscan and set Display to Auto-detect (Recommended). Manual HDMI or DVI removes 4K.
Set 4K UHD and 120 Hz
ReversibleUnder TV and display options set Resolution to 4K UHD and Refresh rate to 120 Hz. Microsoft says the console needs all three requirements to be met before 4K 120 Hz is offered.
Allow HDR10 and set up Auto HDR
ReversibleUnder Video modes turn on Allow HDR10. Then for a game, highlight it, press Menu, Manage game and add-ons, Compatibility options and tick Auto HDR or FPS Boost where offered.
Calibrate HDR
ReversibleUse the Xbox HDR Game Calibration app under TV and display options, Calibrate HDR for games, while the TV is in HDR mode. Adjust the TV's HDR picture settings while HDR content is showing, since many TVs keep separate SDR and HDR profiles.
Turn off the TV's energy saving mode
ReversibleTVs may dim automatically to save power. Microsoft recommends disabling the TV's energy saving mode, which may be called power saving or eco solution, for consistent HDR brightness.
Check HDCP 2.2 if some content will not play
ReversibleIf some content will not play, make sure the TV supports HDCP 2.2 and that it is turned on in the TV's settings.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- What the Series X does
- Microsoft lists the Series X at 12 TFLOPS with an RDNA 2 GPU, targeting 4K up to 120 fps with a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive on the disc model; the Series X Digital has the same silicon.
- HDMI cable in the box
- A 2-meter Ultra High Speed HDMI cable that supports HDMI 2.1, including 4K gaming at 120 Hz; position the console within 2 meters of the TV or buy a certified Ultra High Speed cable.
- Tools and supplies
- The supplied cable, the TV manual and remote, and a notepad to record settings.
- What to tell the TV maker
- The TV model, which HDMI port you used, the cable and the settings you tried, with the console's four-digit model number 1882; not a part number.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If 4K 120 Hz fails with the supplied cable straight into an HDMI 2.1 port on a TV that claims support, contact the TV manufacturer, as Microsoft advises
- !If the picture is lost and Xbox and Eject low-resolution start does not restore it, request service
- !If HDR is unstable on a known-good TV and cable, request service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The Series S differences are on its own page.
Out-of-warranty service fee chart by device.
The three requirements and the settings.
Auto-detect, ports, HDCP 2.2 and cables.
Allow HDR10, Auto HDR and TV energy saving.
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I get 4K at 120 Hz on the Series X?+
You need a Series X, an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable that supports HDMI 2.1 and a TV that supports HDMI 2.1. Then set Resolution to 4K UHD and Refresh rate to 120 Hz under TV and display options.
Why can't I pick 4K UHD?+
Check Display is on Auto-detect, since Microsoft says 4K is not available with a manual HDMI or DVI setting, and confirm the TV supports 4K at 60 Hz on that port.
What is Auto HDR?+
A Series X|S feature that gives some backward-compatible games richer HDR. It needs a TV that supports HDR10 and Allow HDR10 turned on; not every game supports it.
What is FPS Boost?+
A Series X|S option that raises the frame rate in select backward-compatible games. Games boosted to 120 FPS need a 120 Hz TV and the console set to 120 Hz.
Does Dolby Vision work on Xbox?+
Microsoft says some video apps support it and most TVs with Dolby Vision also support HDR10. For the best result enable both if your TV supports them.
Can a receiver break 4K 120 Hz?+
Yes. Microsoft says to use the supplied Ultra High Speed cable and consult the receiver maker if you still have issues, since many can supply parts to fix it.
Why does my TV look dim in HDR?+
Check the TV's energy saving mode and its HDR brightness settings. Microsoft recommends disabling the energy saving mode.
Is this the same on the Series S?+
The settings are the same but the hardware differs; the Series S renders up to 1440p and can output 120 Hz at a lower resolution, so it has its own page.