How to Fix Input Lag on XBOX Series X – Ultimate Guide 2025
The Xbox Series X is built for fast, smooth, and immersive gaming—but if your inputs feel delayed or sluggish, input lag might be holding you back. Whether you’re landing precise headshots in FPS games, pulling off frame-perfect combos in fighting games, or navigating fast-paced action sequences, every millisecond matters. A slight delay can throw off your timing, reaction speed, and overall gaming experience.
Input lag on Xbox Series X can come from multiple sources: TV or monitor settings, controller latency, system performance, or network issues. The good news? With the right settings and optimizations, you can drastically reduce input lag and ensure that every action registers instantly.
At inputdelay.com, we’ve tested the best settings, hardware tweaks, and connection optimizations to help you get the most responsive gaming experience on Xbox Series X. In this guide, we’ll cover:
🎮 Best Xbox System Settings – Optimize graphics, performance, and input settings for the lowest latency
📺 TV & Monitor Optimizations – Enable Game Mode, VRR, and the best refresh rate settings
🎮 Controller Tweaks – Reduce input delay with wired vs. wireless optimizations and response time adjustments
🌐 Network & Online Fixes – Minimize ping, packet loss, and lag spikes for smooth multiplayer gameplay
⚡ HDMI & Hardware Upgrades – Use the best cables, ports, and peripherals to eliminate additional lag
If you want the fastest, most responsive experience on Xbox Series X, this guide will walk you through every step to fix input lag on Xbox and optimize your setup—so you can game at your full potential.
Let’s fine-tune your console for peak performance! 🚀🎮
Updated: March 11, 2025
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Best Tips & Tricks to Fix Input Lag on XBOX Series X
Optimize Your Display Settings 📺
Your display plays a crucial role in input lag on Xbox. Here’s how to optimize it for the best experience:
Enable Game Mode 🎮: Modern TVs include a Game Mode that reduces post-processing to minimize latency. Ensure it’s enabled.
Use the Right HDMI Port 🔌: Some TVs have specific HDMI ports optimized for gaming. Refer to your TV’s manual to connect your Xbox to the best one.
Use HDMI 2.1 Cable ⚡: If your TV supports HDMI 2.1, use a certified HDMI 2.1 cable on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link).
Disable Additional Processing 🚫: Features like motion smoothing, dynamic contrast, and noise reduction can increase latency—turn them off.
Set the Correct Refresh Rate ⚙️: Go to Xbox Settings > General > TV & Display Options and set your refresh rate to 120Hz if supported.
Adjust Xbox Series X Settings for Low Latency 🎮
Tweaking console settings can also help improve responsiveness:
Enable Low Latency Mode (ALLM) 🏎️: Xbox Series X supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which automatically switches your TV to its lowest latency mode.
Turn on VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) 🔄: VRR reduces screen tearing and can enhance responsiveness. Enable it in Settings > General > TV & Display Options > Video Modes.
Disable Dolby Vision for Gaming 🌈: While Dolby Vision enhances visuals, it may introduce slight latency. Try disabling it under Video Modes.
- Select Performance Mode ⚡: Some games allow switching between Quality and Performance Mode—choose Performance for better response times.
Use a Wired Controller Connection to Fix Input Lag on Xbox 🎮
A wireless Xbox controller introduces a small amount of latency, but a wired connection ensures the lowest possible delay:
Use a USB-C Cable 🔗: Connect your Xbox controller to the console with a high-quality USB-C cable on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link).
Update Controller Firmware 🔄: Go to Xbox Accessories App and check for controller firmware updates.
Reduce Wireless Interference 📡: Keep the console and controller away from other wireless devices to avoid signal disruptions.
Improve Your Network for Online Gaming 🌐
Input lag in online games can sometimes be caused by network latency rather than hardware issues. Here’s how to improve it:
Use a Wired Connection 🌐: A direct Ethernet cable on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link) is always more stable than Wi-Fi.
Check Your NAT Type ✅: Open NAT provides the best connection. Check and adjust it in Settings > Network.
Optimize Router Settings 📶: Enable Quality of Service (QoS) on your router to prioritize gaming traffic.
Use a Gaming Router 🎛️: If possible, invest in a high-performance gaming router on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link) for lower ping and stable connectivity.
Select the Closest Game Server 🌍: Some games allow you to manually select a server region—choose the one nearest to your location.
Ensure Your Xbox and Display Firmware Are Up-to-Date ⚡
Keeping your hardware updated is crucial for performance and stability:
Update Your Xbox Series X 🔄: Go to Settings > System > Updates to check for firmware updates.
Update Your TV or Monitor Firmware 📺: Some manufacturers release firmware updates that improve latency—check their websites.
- Use a High-Quality HDMI Cable 🏅: A cheap or faulty HDMI cable can introduce input lag on Xbox. Always use a certified HDMI 2.1 cable on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link) for best performance.
Optimize Audio Settings to Reduce Latency
Sound delay can also affect your perception of input lag on Xbox Series X. Try these fixes:
Use Wired Headphones 🎧: Wired gaming headsets on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link) introduce less audio delay than Bluetooth.
Adjust Audio Delay Settings 🔊: If you’re using an AV receiver, check for options to reduce audio delay.
Use Xbox’s Built-In Audio Processing 🏆: The Xbox Series X’s audio engine is optimized for minimal delay—consider using it over external audio devices.
Adjust In-Game Settings to Fix Input Lag on Xbox Series X 🎮
Many games have settings that can impact input lag. Optimize these for better responsiveness:
Disable V-Sync 🚀: V-Sync can introduce input delay to prevent screen tearing—if your game allows, disable it.
Lower Graphics Settings 🎨: Reducing visual effects can improve frame rates and responsiveness.
Fine-Tune Controller Settings 🎮: Some games let you adjust input response settings—experiment to find the best option for you.
Comparison Table: Best Settings for Low Input Lag
| 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. |
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ✅ Enable in Xbox settings to reduce screen tearing. |
| ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) | ✅ Turn on in Xbox settings for automatic low-latency mode. |
| Performance Mode | ✅ Use in supported games for higher FPS and lower input lag. |
| Wired Controller | ✅ Use a USB-C cable to minimize controller latency. |
| Ethernet Connection | ✅ Prefer wired over Wi-Fi for stable network performance. |
| Dolby Vision | ⚠️ Disable if input lag is noticeable in supported games. |
| V-Sync | ⚠️ Turn off in games that allow it for lower 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.
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
✅ Enable in Xbox settings to reduce screen tearing.
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
✅ Turn on in Xbox settings for automatic low-latency mode.
Performance Mode
✅ Use in supported games for higher FPS and lower input lag.
Wired Controller
✅ Use a USB-C cable to minimize controller latency.
Ethernet Connection
✅ Prefer wired over Wi-Fi for stable network performance.
Dolby Vision
⚠️ Disable if input lag is noticeable in supported games.
V-Sync
⚠️ Turn off in games that allow it for lower lag.
Conclusion: How to Reduce Input Lag on Xbox Series X 🎯
If you’re serious about competitive gaming, reducing input lag on Xbox is a must. Whether you’re grinding in Call of Duty, clutching in CS2/CS:GO, or holding angles in Valorant, every millisecond counts. Even Fortnite players know that a fraction of a second can be the difference between a Victory Royale and a quick return to the lobby.
Stay Ahead in the Game
In fast-paced shooters, input lag can be the reason you miss a headshot or lose a crucial fight. If your aim feels off or your reaction time seems slower than usual, your setup might be holding you back. The right monitor, a wired connection, and optimized settings can give you that extra edge. Pro players don’t ignore input lag on Xbox, and neither should you. Fine-tune your gear, minimize delay, and make sure your setup isn’t the reason you’re losing gunfights. Because in games like Call of Duty, CS2, and Valorant, every frame matters.
Also interesting our PS5 Input Lag Guide!
Find out how you can improve your input delay in general: Learn more.