How to set up Xbox Series X with a projector

Want to play your favorite games on a massive screen? Whether you're setting up a backyard gaming night or building the ultimate home theater, connecting your Xbox Series X™ to a projector can level up your experience.

Asurion Experts help gamers make the most of their setup every day. From choosing the right cable to adjusting picture settings, here’s how to get your Xbox Series X working perfectly with a projector.

What you’ll need

Before you start, make sure you have:

• A projector with an HDMI input.
• The Ultra High Speed HDMI cable that came with your Xbox Series X.
• A wall or screen to project onto.
• An external speaker or headset (most projectors don’t have strong built-in audio).

Step 1: Connect your Xbox to the projector

• Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI OUT port on your Xbox.
• Plug the other end into the HDMI IN port on your projector.
• Turn on both the Xbox and the projector.
• Set the projector’s source to the HDMI port your console is using.

You should see the Xbox dashboard appear on your projection surface.

Step 2: Adjust your display settings

Once you’re connected:

• Press the Xbox button on your controller.
• Go to Profile & system > Settings > General > TV & display options.
• Set the Resolution (usually 1080p or 4K depending on the projector).
• Choose Refresh rate (60Hz is most common for projectors).
• Use Calibrate TV to tweak brightness, contrast, and overscan.

Some projectors may not support HDR or 120Hz, so you’ll want to test what works best visually.

Step 3: Set up your audio

Projectors typically don’t offer great audio—here’s how to improve it:

• Use your controller’s headset jack for direct audio.
• Connect Bluetooth speakers through your projector (if supported).
• Use an HDMI audio extractor to route sound to external speakers.
• Optical audio adapters are also an option if your setup supports it.

Step 4: Position and focus the projector

Once your visuals and audio are good to go:

• Adjust the focus and zoom on your projector.
• Use keystone correction to square up the image.
• Make sure your Xbox is placed in a well-ventilated area away from the lens path.

FAQ

Can I use any projector with my Xbox Series X?

Yep—as long as it has an HDMI input. Just be sure to check the resolution and refresh rate it supports.

Will I still get 4K with a projector?

Only if the projector supports 4K resolution and HDMI 2.0 or 2.1. Many standard projectors max out at 1080p.

Why is my image stretched or cut off?

Try adjusting the projector’s aspect ratio or use Calibrate TV in your Xbox display settings to center the image.

How do I get better sound?

Use external speakers or a gaming headset. Most projectors have basic built-in audio, so external sound will make a big difference.

Can I play multiplayer games this way?

Absolutely. Using a projector doesn’t affect your online or local gameplay at all—it just changes how big your screen is.