Hidden PS5 Settings That Instantly Improve Performance
The PS5 is already a powerful console, but most users barely scratch the surface of what it can actually do. Sony ships the PS5 with safe default settings that work for everyone, not optimized settings that extract maximum performance. The good news is simple. A few hidden or ignored PS5 settings can noticeably improve gaming performance, reduce lag, sharpen visuals, and make gameplay feel smoother almost instantly.
You do not need technical skills, neither need third party tools. You just need to know where to look and what to change.
This guide breaks everything down in plain language. No jargon overload. No guesswork. Just practical PS5 performance tweaks that actually work.
Why PS5 Performance Settings Matter
Performance does not only mean graphics. It includes frame rate stability, input response time, loading speed, and system smoothness. Many PS5 games dynamically adjust performance based on system preferences. If your settings are wrong, your console may prioritize visuals over smooth gameplay or waste resources on features you never use.
Optimizing these settings helps in :
- Faster response during competitive gaming
- More stable FPS in action heavy games
- Lower input lag for shooters and sports games
- Better overall system speed
If you stream gameplay, create gaming content, or run a small YouTube channel, these tweaks matter even more.
Enable Performance Mode First
This is the single most important setting.
Go to
Settings → Saved Data and Game App Settings → Game Presets
Set Game Preset to Performance Mode
What this does
Performance Mode tells the PS5 to prioritize higher frame rates instead of maximum visuals.
Simple definition
Frame rate means how many images your screen shows per second. Higher frame rate equals smoother gameplay.
Many PS5 games support 60 FPS or even 120 FPS. If Performance Mode is off, those games may run at lower FPS without you realizing it.
This setting alone can instantly make games feel smoother.
Turn On 120Hz Output If Your TV Supports It
If you have a modern gaming TV or monitor, this is huge.
Go to
Settings → Screen and Video → Video Output → Enable 120Hz Output
Set it to Automatic
Why it matters
120Hz allows compatible games to run at up to 120 frames per second. That means ultra smooth motion, especially in shooters and racing games.
Important note
This only works if your TV or monitor supports 120Hz via HDMI 2.1. If not, leave it on Automatic. The PS5 will adjust safely.
Disable Ray Tracing in Games That Allow It
Ray tracing looks amazing but it is heavy on performance.
Simple definition
Ray tracing is an advanced lighting effect that makes reflections and shadows look more realistic.
In many PS5 games, ray tracing reduces frame rate significantly.
Inside game settings, choose:
- Performance Mode instead of Quality Mode
- Disable Ray Tracing if available
You will lose a bit of visual shine but gain smoother gameplay and lower input lag.
Competitive players always choose performance over visuals.
Reduce Input Lag With HDMI Settings
Input lag is the delay between pressing a button and seeing action on screen.
To reduce it
Settings → Screen and Video → Video Output
Set ALLM to Automatic
Set 4K Transfer Rate to Automatic or -1 if you see flickering
What ALLM does
ALLM stands for Auto Low Latency Mode. It tells your TV to switch to game mode automatically, reducing delay.
Lower input lag is crucial for FPS games, sports games, and fast paced action titles.
This also improves controller responsiveness.
Disable Unnecessary System Features Running in Background
Your PS5 runs multiple background features that most users never need.
Turn off these if unused
Voice Command microphone
HD Camera features
Media autoplay
Go to
Settings → System → Power Saving and Accessories
Background apps eat system memory and can cause small performance dips, especially during long gaming sessions.
This is a subtle but real optimization.
Adjust HDR the Right Way
HDR looks great but poorly calibrated HDR hurts performance and visuals.
Go to
Settings → Screen and Video → Video Output → HDR
Set HDR to On When Supported
Then select Adjust HDR
Follow the on screen steps carefully.
Simple definition
HDR improves brightness and color range. If set wrong, it causes washed out visuals and extra processing load.
Correct HDR calibration makes games look sharper without stressing the system.
Free Up Storage Space for Faster Performance
This one is often ignored.
PS5 performs best when at least 15 to 20 percent storage is free.
Delete
Old game captures
Unused games
Clips saved automatically
Go to
Settings → Storage
Why it matters
Full storage slows down system tasks like loading assets, switching games, and background updates.
Fast loading speed is an actual benefit for PS5 users.
Use Wired Internet Instead of WiFi
If you play online games, this is critical.
Use a LAN cable if possible.
Why
Wired internet reduces ping, packet loss, and random lag spikes.
Even if your WiFi is fast, it is not stable like Ethernet.
Lower latency improves online performance in games like shooters, sports, and battle royale titles.
Turn Off Automatic Game Recording
PS5 automatically records gameplay clips in the background.
Go to
Settings → Captures and Broadcasts
Set
Video Clip Format to Manual
Turn off Auto Capture
Why it helps
Background recording uses system resources and storage bandwidth.
Disabling it improves performance consistency, especially during intense gameplay.
Content creators can still manually record when needed.
Controller Settings That Improve Performance Feel
Go to
Settings → Accessories → Controllers
Set Vibration Intensity to Weak
Set Trigger Effect Intensity to Weak or Off
Why
Adaptive triggers and strong vibration feel cool but add input delay in competitive situations.
Reducing them improves reaction time and control accuracy.
Many pro players turn them off completely.
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A Quick Tip for Gaming Creators
If you are building a gaming channel or uploading PS5 gameplay clips, smooth performance matters more than flashy graphics.
If you are interested in growth strategies, check out our internal guide on How Small Gaming Channels Go Viral Without Face Cam. It explains how creators grow using gameplay quality, smart editing, and consistency instead of expensive setups.
Final Thoughts
The PS5 is powerful out of the box, but hidden settings unlock its real potential. These tweaks do not break anything. They simply tell the console what you value more. Smooth gameplay, faster response, and consistent performance.
Start with Performance Mode. Enable 120Hz if supported. Reduce background load. Calibrate HDR properly. Free up storage.
Small changes. Big difference.
Once you apply these settings, most players immediately feel smoother gameplay, better control, and faster system response. That is real performance improvement, not placebo.
Optimize once. Enjoy every game after.
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