What are the best settings on my Roku TV™ for gaming?
When you plug a supported game console into an HDMI® port on your Roku TV:
- The input tile on the Home screen updates with the console’s name and image.
- The TV detects the console’s capabilities.
- Your TV automatically enables supported gaming features for that HDMI port (such as Game mode, HDR, ALLM, VRR, FreeSync, HFR, or THX Game Mode).
This helps you start playing right away with optimized performance. You may want to adjust these gaming settings to improve how your games look and feel.
Reduce input lag by turning on Game Mode
Game Mode reduces the delay between controller input and on-screen action.
How to turn it on manually:
- Switch to the port on your Roku TV where your game console is connected (e.g., HDMI 1, HDMI 2, AV)
- Press Star
on your Roku TV remote - Use the directional pad to scroll up or down and select Picture settings. The directional pad is plus-shaped and is in the center of your Roku remote
- Select "Customize Picture"
- Scroll and highlight Game mode
- Press left or right to turn Game mode On (or Off)
Automatically enabled for:
- Nintendo Switch
- PS3
- PS4
- PS5
- Xbox 360
Not auto-enabled for:
These rely on Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X/S (these rely on ALLM instead)
Automatically switch into low-latency mode by using ALLM
ALLM (Auto Low-Latency Mode) switches your TV into Game Mode when a game launches and back when you leave.
How to use it:
- Turn on ALLM in your console settings.
- Your Roku TV will switch modes automatically.
- When active, manual Game Mode controls are hidden.
Supported on all 4K Roku TVs except those starting with “6.”
Improve color and contrast with HDR gaming
HDR offers richer colors and better brightness.
How to use HDR:
You don’t need to enable anything.
Your TV automatically switches to HDR mode when:
- Your TV supports 4K HDR (except some models that begin with "6")
- Your console supports HDMI 2.0+
- The game provides HDR content
A temporary on-screen message appears when HDR activates.
Reduce latency and stuttering by turning on VRR or FreeSync
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and FreeSync help smooth out fast-moving scenes.
How to turn them on:
- Press Home.
- Go to Settings > Inputs.
- Select the HDMI port used by your console.
- Enable Variable refresh rate or FreeSync variable refresh rate.
Supported ranges:
- VRR:
- 1080p > 48–120fps
- 4K > 48–60fps
- FreeSync: Up to 120fps on supported 8K Roku TVs (HDMI 1 & 2)
Note: If the menu option doesn’t appear, your Roku TV does not support VRR/FreeSync.
Improve detail and color while keeping low lag with THX Game Mode
Some Roku TVs have THX Game Mode for high-quality gaming visuals.
- Press the Star button on your console’s HDMI input.
- Open Picture mode.
- Select Gaming (the THX mode).
When THX Gaming is enabled, standard Game Mode is automatically turned on too.
Note: Be careful as this is not to be confused with "Game Mode" which is available in older Roku TV models.
How to fix input lag
If your game feels slow, or if you still notice a delay after enabling Game Mode or ALLM, try the following:
Check your console’s video settings
- Make sure the game's resolution and frame rate are supported by your TV.
- Lowering your console's resolution (e.g., to 1080p/120fps) can improve responsiveness. For help, visit the online resources for the manufacturer or contact them directly.
Use a high-quality HDMI cable
Old or slow HDMI cables may not support HDR, VRR, or high frame rates.
Make sure your internet connection is stable
Online and cloud-based games can feel laggy even when the TV is optimized.
Turn off extra processing modes on your console
Some consoles allow optional image enhancements that add delay. Check the console manual or contact the manufacturer for details.
About High Frame Rate (HFR)
HFR lets your TV show games at up to 120 frames per second. Your TV automatically detects higher frame rates when your console outputs them. Only select Roku TV models support high frame rates up to 120fps at Full HD (1080p), Quad HD (1440p), and 4K on select HDMI ports. To check the HFR support on your model, refer to the in-box manual, or contact the manufacturer of your Roku TV.
If a feature doesn’t appear
You may not see options such as VRR, FreeSync, THX Gaming, or HFR if:
- Your TV model doesn’t support them
- You’re using an HDMI port that lacks the needed version (e.g., HDMI 2.0 vs. HDMI 2.1)
- Your console doesn’t support that feature
Check your TV model information by going to Settings > System > About.
Last updated at 2/19/2026 8:03:23 PM
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