How to set up Xbox Series X with a monitor

Want smoother performance, lower latency, and a more compact setup? Connecting your Xbox Series X™ to a monitor can be a great alternative to gaming on a TV—especially if you're aiming for 120 FPS gameplay or want to game at a desk.

At Asurion, we help gamers get more from their setup every day. Whether you’re setting up your console for competitive play or just prefer a monitor’s faster response time, here’s how to connect your Xbox Series X to a monitor and get the best experience.

What you’ll need

Before you get started, make sure you have:

• An HDMI 2.1–compatible monitor (recommended for 4K at 120Hz) or at least HDMI 2.0 for 4K at 60Hz.
• The Ultra High Speed HDMI cable that came with your Xbox Series X.
• Speakers or a headset if your monitor doesn’t have built-in audio.

Step 1: Connect your monitor

1. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI OUT port on the back of your Xbox.
2. Plug the other end into an HDMI IN port on your monitor.
3. Power on both the Xbox and the monitor.
4. Your Xbox should auto-detect the display—if not, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Adjust your resolution and refresh rate

1. Press the Xbox button on your controller.
2. Go to Profile & system > Settings > General > TV & display options.
3. Set the resolution to 4K UHD or 1080p, depending on your monitor’s capabilities.
4. Select Refresh rate and choose 120Hz if your monitor supports it.
5. Use the 4K TV details option to check which features are supported.

Step 3: Enable VRR and HDR (if supported)

1. In Video modes, turn on Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for smoother gameplay.
2. If your monitor supports HDR10, enable Allow HDR10.

Keep in mind: not all monitors support HDR or VRR—even if they are 4K.

Step 4: Set up audio

Monitors often don’t have speakers, so you’ll need to use another audio option:

• Headset: Plug a wired headset into your controller’s 3.5mm jack.
• External speakers: Use an HDMI audio extractor or optical audio adapter.
• Bluetooth: Not natively supported on Xbox—you’ll need a compatible headset or USB adapter.

FAQ

Can I use any monitor with my Xbox Series X?

Yep—as long as it has an HDMI port, you’re good to go. Just keep in mind that monitors with HDMI 2.1 will give you the best performance.

What’s the best resolution and refresh rate combo?

It depends on your monitor, but 1440p at 120Hz or 4K at 60Hz are great options. If your monitor supports 4K at 120Hz, that’s even better.

Do I need a special cable for 4K 120Hz?

You do. Use the Ultra High Speed HDMI cable that came with your Xbox Series X—that’s the one built to handle 4K and high refresh rates.

Can I use HDR on a monitor?

Only if your monitor supports HDR10. You can check for that in your Xbox’s Video modes settings.

Why isn’t my Xbox showing up on the monitor?

Double-check that you’ve selected the right HDMI input on your monitor. If that doesn’t work, try another HDMI cable or port.