The screen resolution or size is an important factor of your Xbox gaming experience. So, you need to set the right screen size while playing a game on the console. You might find that most games already have a perfect resolution for your requirements. However, many of them might have a screen size lower than the optimal resolution.
You can usually optimise the screen size as per your requirements through the in-game settings. If that does not work, there are various other methods to fix the screen size on your Xbox. You should be able to achieve the desired results with one of the simple solutions given below.
How to Get the Right Screen Size On Your Xbox?
The solution you must apply depends on what caused the wrong screen size in your case. As you might know, a faulty or wrong type of HDMI cable can cause an issue with your Xbox screen size. Apart from that, the problem might also indicate faulty firmware or an outdated console.
Regardless of the cause of the problem, you can usually resolve it in a few simple steps.
Apply one of the following fixes depending on the cause or simply try out all of them:
Change the Resolution and Refresh Rate on the Console
You must always make sure that you have the right resolution setting on the console if you face this problem. So turn off the console if it is disabled and go to its guide section.
Then, open the Profile & System options there, click on Settings and go to the General section. You will find the Resolution options there in the TV & Display options.
Also, you can simply choose the best resolution for your TV or use the auto-detect option. As you probably know, the latter option will make your Xbox choose the most suitable resolution. You must also make the necessary changes to the refresh rate once you are down.
Calibrate your TV once you have changed the refresh rate and resolution. You will find the option to do that right under Setup on the same page. Depending on the TV model, you might have to use the remote to finish the calibration. Try the next solution if this one is not sufficient to fix the issue.
Change the Resolution in Low-Resolution Mode
You might often fail to fix the resolution while the console is in normal mode. In such situations, you must enable the low-resolution mode and then change the resolution.
You must power cycle the console first to launch it in this mode. Remove the disc if there is any on the tray and shut off the console with the Power button.
Detach all cables from your Xbox after shutting it down and leave it that way for 5 minutes. Then, connect the cables back to the console and hold down the Power and Eject buttons simultaneously to launch the low-resolution mode. Hold down the Pair button instead of Eject if your console does not feature the latter.
Navigate to Settings after launching the console in low-resolution mode and open the General section. Then, click on TV & Display and select a suitable resolution to fix the problem. Your HDMI cable might be damaged if changing the resolution results in a black screen.
Check the HDMI Cable Type You Are Using
Are you using the HDMI cable that came with your Xbox console? If yes, then you are surely using the right HDMI cable.
Otherwise, you must proceed with this solution if you are using a third-party cable right now. The type of HDMI cable determines the range of resolutions it supports, as you might know.
HDMI 2.1
This cable is suitable for Xbox Series X consoles and supports a 144Hz refresh rate in 4K resolution. You can also get a 720 Hz refresh rate in 2K resolution with this cable.
HDMI 2.0
You must use this cable with Xbox Series X consoles and the Xbox One. It offers you quite a low refresh rate in 4K resolution. You get a 144Hz refresh rate with this cable in 4K resolution, also called QHD.
HDMI 1.4 and earlier
This cable offers a resolution of up to 1080p and offers a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz. You can use it with the Xbox One and the Xbox One S models.
It might also be compatible with some models from the Xbox Series X. Like on all other types of HDMI cables, and the refresh rates would increase when you lower the resolution.
Check for Damages to the Cable
Are you already using the right HDMI cable type with your Xbox console? Then, you must check whether the cable is damaged right away.
Look for any wear or tear on its body and try out a different HDMI cable with your console, if required. Alternatively, you can simply try connecting the cable with another device.
Does using a different cable fix the problem in your case? If yes, then the one you have been using is probably damaged. The same applies in case the cable you have been using causes problems with other devices as well. So, replacing the cable can offer a long-lasting solution to the Xbox screen size issue in many cases.
Reconnect the HDMI Cable and Check the Port
You might be facing the problem simply because you have connected the HDMI cable to the wrong port. Consult the manual, if required, to check whether you have used the right port of the console. Then, plug the cable into the right port if you find that to be the case.
Does the issue persist after you connect the cable to another port? In that case, you must check whether the port of the console is damaged. Depending on the cause of the issue, you might need professional help to get a solution.
Connect the HDMI Cable to Another Port
You can check for damage to the port by yourself if you prefer. All you need to do is use the HDMI cable with a different port of the console or that of any other device. If you do not face any issues this time, your console probably has a damaged HDMI port.
Update Your Xbox Console
Outdated software is one of the possible causes of the screen size problems on your Xbox. So, you must make sure that you have the latest software installed on the console.
Go to the Profile & System section in your Xbox and open Settings. Then, select the System option and click on Updates there to check the latest updates.
You will see a few instructions on the screen if any updates are available. Follow these steps to complete the update procedure before checking on the problem. You might have to reset your Xbox console if this solution also fails.
Perform a Soft Reset
You might sometimes fail to fix the screen size on your Xbox with the aforementioned methods. In such cases, you should go to the Settings section in Profile & System and click on Console Info. To perform a soft reset, you must opt for a reset and select the ‘keep my games and app’ option. Approach a service centre if this does not do the trick.
