When Xbox feels “laggy,” you’re usually dealing with one of two things:
- Input lag (your button press feels delayed — TV/settings issue most of the time)
- Network lag (rubber-banding, delayed hit registration — connection/NAT issue)
The fastest way to reduce latency is to optimize your display pipeline first, then clean up your controller + network.
Let’s do this in the order that actually moves the needle.
Quick checklist (biggest wins first)
- Turn on Game Mode on your TV (or use ALLM so it happens automatically).
- Enable 120Hz correctly (and confirm your TV + cable support it).
- Enable VRR if your display supports it (helps smooth frame pacing).
- Update your Xbox controller firmware (simple, underrated latency/stability win).
- If multiplayer feels bad: run Xbox network tests + fix NAT issues.
Step 1: Fix the #1 latency source — your TV mode (Game Mode / ALLM)
Most of the time, your Xbox is fine. Your TV is the one adding delay by doing extra processing (motion smoothing, clarity tricks, enhancement modes).
Use ALLM if you can
ALLM = Auto Low Latency Mode. It tells the TV to switch into its low-latency “Game Mode” automatically.
HDMI.org describes ALLM as enabling the ideal low-latency setting to be set automatically.
(If your TV doesn’t support ALLM, just manually enable Game Mode in TV picture settings.)
Step 2: Enable 120Hz properly (and don’t ignore the cable/port requirements)
If your setup supports 120Hz, it can make gameplay feel snappier and smoother — but only if you’ve actually enabled it correctly.
Xbox Support gives the exact steps:
- Xbox button → Profile & system → Settings → General → TV & display options
- Set Resolution = 4K UHD and Refresh rate = 120 Hz
“4K gaming at 120 frames per second is available…” when you have Series X, an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, and an HDMI 2.1 TV.
Xbox Support also calls out a real-world issue: if you’re going through an AV receiver and 4K@120Hz is failing, cable/AVR support can be the bottleneck.
Check more here:
https://support.xbox.com/en-GB/help/hardware-network/display-sound/4k-gaming-at-120hz
Step 3: Turn on VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) if your display supports it
VRR helps smooth out frame pacing when FPS isn’t perfectly locked. It’s not magic, but it often reduces tearing and makes performance dips feel less harsh.
Xbox Support specifically references VRR as a video setting that can be unexpectedly disabled in certain cases (it appears alongside 4K 120Hz and ALLM in their release notes), which is a good reminder to verify it’s still enabled after updates or HDMI changes.
Practical tip:
- If you notice flicker or weird HDR behavior, try switching VRR to “gaming only” or toggling it off for that specific display. (Some displays handle VRR better than others.)
Step 4: Update your controller firmware (easy win)
Wireless controllers are great — but if you want the best responsiveness and stability, keep your controller updated.
Xbox Support says: “Keeping your controller updated with the latest software maximises your controller’s capabilities and compatibility,” and notes you can update wirelessly, via USB, or on PC using the Xbox Accessories app.
If you’re troubleshooting responsiveness:
- try a wired USB controller session as a quick test (it helps isolate wireless interference issues)
Step 5: Reduce online “lag” (network latency) with Xbox’s built-in tests
If your issue is mostly online (rubber-banding, party chat weirdness, matchmaking issues), go after network/NAT.
5A) Check Xbox service alerts first
Xbox Support recommends checking for service interruptions before deep troubleshooting.
5B) Run the multiplayer connection test and follow the official fixes
Xbox Support has dedicated pages for:
- Troubleshoot your Xbox network connection
- Troubleshoot NAT errors and multiplayer game issues
- Troubleshoot multiplayer connection errors
If you see NAT warnings (Strict/Moderate), Xbox’s NAT guide is the correct path — because NAT can prevent hosting/joining and break voice chat even if your “speed” looks fine.
Step 6: One sneaky latency cause — your HDMI chain
If your console goes through:
- an AV receiver
- a soundbar that doesn’t fully support passthrough
- an HDMI switch
…you can lose 120Hz/VRR/ALLM or force slower compatibility modes.
Xbox Support even notes AV receivers can cause issues achieving 4K@120Hz and suggests checking the cable and consulting the AVR manufacturer if needed.
Simple troubleshooting rule:
- connect Xbox directly to the TV (at least once) to verify features work end-to-end.
Related Articles:
- How to Fix Input Lag on a Gaming TV
- How to Optimize PS5 for Online Gaming (Lower Ping + Less Lag)
- How to Optimize Gaming PC for High Refresh Rates (144Hz / 240Hz / 360Hz)
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FAQs
Does 120Hz reduce input lag on Xbox Series X?
It can help — but only if your TV supports it and you’ve enabled it in TV & display options. Xbox Support provides the official setup steps and requirements.
What is ALLM and should I use it?
ALLM automatically switches your TV into a low-latency mode (often Game Mode). HDMI.org describes ALLM as enabling the ideal latency setting automatically.
Why is my Xbox fast in downloads but still laggy in matches?
That’s usually latency/packet delivery/NAT, not download speed. Use Xbox’s network/multiplayer tests and the NAT troubleshooting page.
What should I do if party chat or joining games is broken?
That’s commonly a NAT issue. Xbox Support specifically ties party chat/joining/hosting problems to NAT and provides a troubleshooting flow.
How do I update my Xbox controller?
Xbox Support explains you can update wirelessly, via USB, or using the Xbox Accessories app on PC.
References
https://support.xbox.com/en-GB/help/hardware-network/display-sound/4k-gaming-at-120hz
https://support.xbox.com/en-GB/help/hardware-network/controller/update-xbox-wireless-controller
https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9nblggh30xj3
https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-network/connect-network/xbox-one-nat-error
https://support.xbox.com/en-CA/help/hardware-network/connect-network/xbox-one-network-connection
https://support.xbox.com/en-SG/help/hardware-network/connect-network/xbox-one-multiplayer-connection-errors
https://www.hdmi.org/spec2sub/autolowlatencymode
https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-network/xbox-insider-release-notes/console/alpha-skip-ahead/2025/02/alpha-skip-ahead-2504-250220-2200
https://seekingtech.com/how-to-enable-vrr-for-gaming-only-on-xbox-series-x-and-s/
