4 Ways to Fix Input Lag on Your Xbox or Playstation

This article explains ways to fix or reduce input lag for your Xbox One or Playstation console or controller.

Input lag occurs when there’s a delay between what you’re doing on a controller and what’s actually happening on the screen and in-game.

Input lag can happen due to issues with your Xbox controller, Xbox console, HDMI cord, or your TV. Sometimes, you can even have input lag with your Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10 and other Xbox accessories.

Check out Xbox DIY’s tips on how to reduce input lag for a more enjoyable and stress-free gaming experience.

1. Buy a 120hz Refresh Rate TV

Looking for the ultimate gaming experience?

Simply put, purchasing a 120hz Refresh Rate TV (non-3D) will help get rid of any input lag you may have experienced with a 60hz Refresh Rate TV.

Even with smaller TVs, a 60hz refresh rate can make it feel like your tv, internet, or controller is lagging or not responding to your inputs.

With larger TVs, it’s even more noticeable. A 120hz refresh rate will help minimize and reduce lag when playing video games.

Below is a guide for that explains what the refresh rate should be for the size of your TV to help get rid of your video game lag:

*It’s worth noting that there are different opinions about consoles limiting frames to 60FPS, the human eye only being able to see 30FPS, and if this is overkill or not. I’m with the camp of better be safe than sorry and have the best technology around if at all possible.

2. Check Your HDMI Cable for Damage

This one is easy. Check your HDMI cable for any wear and tear – punctures, peeling, and/or cracking. If it’s damaged, it’s time to buy a new HDMI cable.

There is also the possibility your cable is eroded, or an internal part is failing – it’s less likely, but if another HDMI cable is working without any issues, you probably need to replace your cable.

There are plenty of affordable HDMI cables available at stores, or online at a retailer like Amazon. We recommend avoiding Monster HDMI Cables like the plague – they’re overpriced, and not worth any potential gains (some have even tried to argue a coat hanger works as well as any other HDMI cord)

3. Use HDMI1 or a Game-Specific Video Input

Most television manufacturers have a dedicated HDMI port for gaming.

If your TV does not have a dedicated HDMI port for gaming, your best bet is to use HDMI 1.

Some televisions may have preset on these HDMI inputs that will help accommodate fast-paced gaming and sports.

The picture mode is different and we’ll talk about that next.

4. Use Game Picture Mode on Your TV

Here’s another one that is commonly missed – some TVs have a ‘game’ mode where the settings of the TV, including colors, motion blur, and other variables, are set specifically to accommodate video games and will help reduce video game lag.

Whereas certain settings can help with motion graphics, such as sports on live TV, these same settings can make your video game lag or feel delayed.

This is probably the most effective way of fixing input lag on your TV for Xbox or Playstation gaming as it typically is doing more harm than good on default settings

Were you able to fix input lag on your Xbox or Playstation?

Sometimes fixing something as frustrating as input lag for your Xbox or Playstation is a matter of going through a few easy steps and taking the time to look at your entire setup.

While the topic of input lag and controller lag in gaming is always a hotly debated topic, XboxDIY will continue to bring you easy to follow repair guides, tutorials, troubleshooting, and other information for your Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox One X.

Have a better way to fix or reduce input lag for your Xbox or Playstation? We would love to hear from you! Drop us a comment below, visit us on YouTube, or reach out to us via our Contact page.