How to check your phone's real refresh rate

If you want to check refresh rate Android phones are really using, look at two things: the display setting, which shows the maximum you have allowed, and a live readout, which shows what the screen is actually doing right now. On many Android phones, Developer options include a "Show refresh rate" overlay for this. A HUD app that reads the current display rate does the same job while you play.

Why the setting is not the whole story

Many phones with 90 Hz or 120 Hz screens use an adaptive refresh rate. The screen changes its rate depending on what is on it, to save battery. It might run at 120 Hz while you scroll, drop to 60 Hz while you watch a video, and go even lower on a still image.

So even if your display setting says 120 Hz, the screen might be at 60 Hz in a particular game. That is why it is worth learning how to check refresh rate Android phones use while the game is actually running.

Method 1: check the display setting

This tells you the maximum refresh rate your phone is allowed to use.

Open Settings.
Search for "Refresh rate", "Motion smoothness" or "Screen refresh rate". The name varies between brands.
Note the options available, such as Standard (60 Hz), High (90 Hz or 120 Hz) or Adaptive.
Choose the highest or adaptive option if you want smooth gaming.

If you do not see any refresh rate setting, your phone probably has a 60 Hz screen.

Method 2: use the Developer options overlay

Many recent Android phones have a built-in overlay that shows the live refresh rate in a corner of the screen.

Turn on Developer options if they are not already on. Open Settings, find Build number (usually under About phone, sometimes inside a Software information page) and tap it seven times. You may need to enter your PIN.
Go back to Settings and search for "Developer options".
Look for Show refresh rate and switch it on.
Open your game and watch the number in the corner.

Not every phone offers this option. Developer options also contain settings that can cause problems if changed without care, so only change what you need. Our post on developer options gamers ask about explains which ones to leave alone.

Method 3: use a refresh rate test website

Several websites measure how fast your browser can redraw. Open one in your phone's browser and it will show a number. This is quick, but it tells you the rate in the browser, not in your game. Some browsers or power settings may also cap the result.

Method 4: use a live monitoring app

A monitoring or HUD app can read the current display refresh rate that Android reports and show it while you play. This is the most practical method for gaming, because you see the rate inside the game itself, alongside other readings.

Why your phone might show 60 Hz in games

If you check refresh rate (Android's overlay or a HUD both work) and see 60 Hz in a game on a 120 Hz phone, these are the usual reasons:

Battery saver is on. Many phones cap the refresh rate in power-saving mode. See why you should turn off battery saver before gaming.
The display is on standard or adaptive mode. Adaptive mode may choose 60 Hz for some apps.
The game requests 60 Hz. Some games only run at 60 fps, or only offer higher frame rates on certain phones.
The game's frame rate option is set low. Check its Graphics settings.
The phone is hot. Some phones lower the refresh rate to reduce heat.
A per-app setting. Some phones let you choose refresh rate per app, or have a game launcher that changes it.

Refresh rate is not frame rate

The refresh rate is how often the screen redraws. The frame rate is how many new pictures the game makes. A screen showing 120 Hz does not mean the game is running at 120 fps. For more on how the two work together, read does refresh rate matter for mobile gaming?.

Check refresh rate: Android routine before you play

Make sure battery saver is off.
Check the display setting is on the high or adaptive option.
Open the game and check its frame rate option.
Use a live readout to confirm the screen is running at the rate you expect.

How CyberBoost shows the live rate

CyberBoost shows the display's current refresh rate on its live HUD, so you can check it inside the game without turning on Developer options. Its pre-game checks include refresh rate, with a one-tap link to the right display setting. It reads the screen's refresh rate only; it does not measure a game's frame rate.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my phone has a 120 Hz screen?

Look for a refresh rate or motion smoothness option in display settings, or check your phone's official specifications. If there is no option, it is likely 60 Hz.

Why does Show refresh rate say 60 even though I chose 120 Hz?

The phone may be using adaptive mode, battery saver may be capping it, or the app on screen may only request 60 Hz.

Is it safe to turn on Developer options?

Turning them on is safe. Changing settings you do not understand can cause problems, so only switch on the overlay you need.

Does checking refresh rate use battery?

A small overlay uses very little power. You can turn it off again once you have checked.