How to Fix Input Lag on PS5 – Ultimate Guide 2025
The PlayStation 5 is a powerhouse when it comes to gaming, but even the most advanced console can suffer from input lag if your setup isn’t properly optimized. Whether you’re playing fast-paced shooters, competitive fighting games, or intense racing sims, delayed inputs can ruin your experience—making movement feel sluggish and reactions slower than they should be.
If your controls feel unresponsive or your inputs don’t register as fast as expected, input lag might be the culprit. The issue can come from your TV settings, controller configuration, display refresh rates, or even network latency. The good news? With the right optimizations, you can significantly reduce input lag on PS5 and ensure every button press and movement happens in real-time.
At inputdelay.com, we’ve tested and fine-tuned the best settings, hardware tweaks, and connection optimizations to help you get the most responsive gaming experience on PS5. In this guide, we’ll cover:
🎮 Best PS5 System Settings – Optimize performance, reduce latency, and improve responsiveness
📺 TV & Monitor Optimizations – Enable Game Mode, VRR, and the best refresh rate settings
🎮 Controller Tweaks – Reduce input delay by adjusting Bluetooth, wired connections, and response settings
🌐 Network & Online Fixes – Minimize ping, packet loss, and Wi-Fi interference for smoother online gameplay
⚡ HDMI & Hardware Upgrades – Choose the right cables, ports, and peripherals to eliminate extra lag
If you want the fastest and most responsive PS5 gaming experience, this guide will walk you through every step to eliminate and fix input lag on PS5—so you can game with precision, speed, and confidence.
Let’s optimize Input Lag on PS5 for peak performance!
Updated: March 12, 2025
Pro Tip: Ready to level up your competitive gaming? Don’t miss our best top pick on Amazon* (Affiliate Link)!
Best Tips & Tricks to Fix Input Lag on PS5
Use a Low-Latency Display 🖥️
One of the most significant contributors to fix input lag on PS5 is your display. Follow these steps to optimize your screen setup:
- 🎮 Enable Game Mode: Most modern TVs have a Game Mode, which minimizes post-processing to reduce lag.
- 📊 Check Your TV’s Input Lag: Some TVs have lower input lag than others. If your TV has a high response time (over 10ms), consider upgrading to a gaming monitor or a TV with a lower latency.
- ✅ Recommended Gaming Monitor on Amazon* (Affiliate Link)!
- 🔌 Use HDMI 2.1: If your TV supports HDMI 2.1, use an HDMI 2.1-certified cable to take full advantage of higher refresh rates and lower latency.
- ✅ High-Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable on Amazon* (Affiliate Link)!
- ⚙️ Disable Additional Processing: Features like motion smoothing and dynamic contrast can increase latency. Turn them off in your TV settings.
- 🛠️ Ensure Proper HDMI Port Usage: Some TVs have specific HDMI ports optimized for gaming. Check your manual to ensure you are using the best port.
Fix Input Lag on PS5 Video and Performance Settings 🎮
Tweaking your console’s settings can also help minimize input lag on PS5:
🔄 Set Resolution and Refresh Rate Properly: If your display supports 120Hz, enable it under Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > 120Hz Output.
🌗 Disable HDR (if necessary): Some TVs introduce additional latency when HDR is enabled. Test whether disabling HDR improves responsiveness.
🚀 Enable Performance Mode: Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets and select Performance Mode to prioritize higher frame rates.
- ❌ Disable Ray Tracing: Some games allow you to disable ray tracing, which can improve responsiveness at the cost of graphical fidelity.
Controller Optimization – Reduce Input Lag on PS5 in Aiming
A wireless DualSense controller introduces minimal lag, but a wired connection ensures the lowest latency possible. To use your controller in wired mode:
- 🔌 Connect it to the PS5 using a USB-C cable.
- ⚙️ Go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers and set the Communication Method to “Use USB Cable.”
- 🔄 Ensure your controller firmware is up to date by checking for updates in the Accessories settings.
- ✅ High-Quality USB-C Cable on Amazon* (Affiliate Link)!
Reduce Network Latency (For Online Games) 🌐
If you’re experiencing lag in online games, the issue may be network-related rather than input lag. Try the following:
- 📡 Use a Wired Connection: Ethernet connections are more stable and reduce lag compared to Wi-Fi.
- ✅ Best Ethernet Cable for Gaming on Amazon* (Affiliate Link)!
- 🔍 Check NAT Type: A NAT Type 1 or 2 ensures better online connectivity. Go to Settings > Network to check your NAT type.
- 🚦 Minimize Network Congestion: Avoid streaming or downloading large files while gaming to ensure lower ping.
- 🎛️ Enable QoS on Your Router: Quality of Service (QoS) settings can prioritize gaming traffic for reduced latency.
- 📶 Use a Gaming Router: High-end routers optimized for gaming can help maintain a stable and low-latency connection.
- ✅ Recommended Gaming Router on Amazon* (Affiliate Link)!
- 🌍 Check Server Regions: Some games allow you to manually select servers. Choosing a server closer to your location can improve latency.
Ensure Your PS5 and Display Firmware Are Updated 🔄
Both your console and TV may receive updates that optimize performance:
⚡ Update Your PS5: Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings > Update System Software.
📺 Update Your TV/Monitor Firmware: Check your manufacturer’s website for firmware updates that may improve latency.
- 🔌 Ensure Your HDMI Cable is High-Quality: Using a subpar HDMI cable can introduce latency. A high-speed HDMI 2.1 cable is recommended.
Use a Low-Latency Audio Setup 🎧
Audio delay can also affect perceived input lag. Consider:
- 🎵 Using Wired Headphones: Bluetooth audio can introduce delay—using a wired headset or the PS5’s Tempest 3D Audio-compatible options can help.
- ✅ Low-Latency Gaming Headset on Amazon* (Affiliate Link)!
- 🔊 Adjusting Audio Delay Settings: If your AV receiver or soundbar has an audio delay setting, experiment with lowering it.
- 🎶 Use the PS5’s Built-In Audio Processing: The PS5 has a powerful Tempest 3D Audio engine, which may be more responsive than external devices.
Recommended Settings Summary 📋
| Setting | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Game Mode | ✅ Enable on your TV to reduce processing lag. |
| HDMI 2.1 | ✅ Use an HDMI 2.1 cable for lower latency. |
| Refresh Rate | ✅ Set to 120Hz if your display supports it. |
| HDR | ⚠️ Test with and without HDR, as some TVs introduce lag. |
| Performance Mode | ✅ Enable in PS5 settings to prioritize higher FPS. |
| Wired Controller | ✅ Use a USB-C cable to reduce controller input lag. |
| Ethernet Connection | ✅ Prefer wired over Wi-Fi for stable network performance. |
| Audio Setup | ⚠️ Avoid Bluetooth headsets; wired or 3D audio is better. |
| V-Sync | ⚠️ Disable if the game allows it for reduced lag. |
Game Mode
✅ Enable on your TV to reduce processing lag.
HDMI 2.1
✅ Use an HDMI 2.1 cable for lower latency.
Refresh Rate
✅ Set to 120Hz if your display supports it.
HDR
⚠️ Test with and without HDR, as some TVs introduce lag.
Performance Mode
✅ Enable in PS5 settings to prioritize higher FPS.
Wired Controller
✅ Use a USB-C cable to reduce controller input lag.
Ethernet Connection
✅ Prefer wired over Wi-Fi for stable network performance.
Audio Setup
⚠️ Avoid Bluetooth headsets; wired or 3D audio is better.
V-Sync
⚠️ Disable if the game allows it for reduced lag.
Conclusion 🎯
By following these steps, you can significantly fix input lag on PS5 and enjoy a much more responsive gaming experience. Whether it’s optimizing your display settings, using a wired connection, or tweaking your network, every small improvement can make a big difference in competitive and fast-paced games. Additionally, checking for firmware updates and optimizing in-game settings can further enhance your experience. 🚀