How to disable Android’s 60Hz frame rate limit for games

Andrew Romero | Oct 22 2024 - 2:05 pm PT

Some games set a limit on frame rates, leaving you with a stuttering 60fps experience when your device can handle 120fps. Android 15 lets you disable that default frame rate; here’s how.

Most flagship devices released now have a 120Hz display, which means it can relay visual information at a rate of 120 frames per second. This is great for everyday scrolling, and it’s even better for gaming. The difference between 60fps and 120fps is tangible, and it makes all the difference.

A lot of games on the Google Play Store set a default of 60fps, which looks pretty poor running on a 120Hz display.

The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro Fold carry an OLED variable refresh rate panel, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL have a Super Actua LTPO OLED panel. Both displays can easily run at higher refresh rates. With the release of Android 15, there is now an option to disable that default frame rate for games. On the Pixel series, it might be worth checking out.

How to disable default refresh rates

It’s worth noting that Android 15 places this new option in the developer menu, meaning that you’ll need to enable developer mode. Please note that developer mode is locked away for a reason and has the potential to cause issues with your device. Do so at your own risk.

This feature in Android 15 looks to only be a feature on the Pixel series for the time being.

To enable developer mode, head to your settings and tap About phone at the bottom. Scroll to Build number and tap it five times.

From there, you can find and change the default frame rate override toggle.

In the settings app on your Pixel with Android 15, head to System.
Find and tap Developer options.
Find Disable default frame rate for games and tap the toggle.

Doing so overrides the 60Hz limit on games and will allow the Pixel to run them at full speed. Do note that this option can cause some instability in some titles and may not always work. If it begins to have unwanted results during gameplay, you can always go back to the developer options and turn it off.