> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://macfixly.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # How to Change the Display Refresh Rate on Mac in 2026 - URL: https://macfixly.com/change-display-refresh-rate-mac/ - Published: 2026-10-13T04:20:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-13T04:20:00.000Z - Description: Discover how to adjust the display refresh rate on your Mac to improve smoothness, reduce flicker, and optimize battery life in 2026. - Author: Macuser - Tags: Mac, Display Settings, MacOS, Hardware, Tech Tips Your Mac’s display refresh rate can affect everything from visual smoothness to battery life. Whether you notice screen flicker, want to optimize for gaming, or need compatibility with an external monitor, adjusting this setting is often the key. This article explains how to change the display refresh rate on Mac in 2026, covering built-in displays on MacBook Air and MacBook Pro as well as external monitors. You will also learn about macOS System Settings changes and hardware limitations that affect your choices. ## Key takeaways - Use System Settings > Displays to access refresh rate options on macOS Ventura and later. - MacBook Air and MacBook Pro built-in displays typically default to 60Hz, but some Pro models support up to 120Hz. - External monitors may require manual refresh rate selection to avoid flicker or compatibility issues. - Changing resolution often affects available refresh rates; adjust both settings carefully. - Not all refresh rates improve performance; higher rates can increase battery drain. ## Before you start: What you need to change your Mac’s refresh rate Adjusting your Mac’s display refresh rate in 2026 requires understanding key compatibility and hardware requirements. Not all Macs or macOS versions support customizable refresh rates, and the hardware involved impacts your options and results. ### Compatible macOS versions macOS Ventura (version 13) and later, including macOS Sonoma (version 14), provide native support for adjusting display refresh rates. If your Mac is running an earlier version, refresh rate options may be unavailable or limited. ### Supported Mac models and refresh rate limits | Mac Model | Maximum Built-in Display Refresh Rate | External Display Support | | ---------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | | MacBook Air (M2, 2026) | 60Hz | Up to 120Hz via compatible external monitor | | MacBook Pro 14" and 16" (M3, 2026) | Up to 120Hz ProMotion | Up to 144Hz or higher depending on external monitor | | Mac Studio (2026) | N/A (no built-in display) | Up to 240Hz or higher depending on external monitor | ### Understanding refresh rates and their impact The refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), is how many times per second your display updates its image. Higher refresh rates offer smoother motion and reduced eye strain, especially for video or gaming. However, increasing refresh rate can lead to higher battery consumption on portable Macs. ### Hardware requirements - **Built-in Retina displays:** MacBook Pro models with ProMotion support variable refresh rates up to 120Hz; MacBook Air models typically max out at 60Hz. - **External monitors:** To benefit from refresh rates above 60Hz, ensure your external monitor supports the desired refresh rate and uses compatible connection standards like DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, or Thunderbolt 4. - **Cables and adapters:** Use certified high-speed cables to avoid bandwidth bottlenecks that limit refresh rates. ### Checking external monitor compatibility 1. Locate your monitor’s specifications sheet or manual. 2. Confirm the maximum supported refresh rate at your desired resolution. 3. Verify the connection ports and protocols supported (e.g., DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1). 4. Ensure your Mac’s port and cable support the required bandwidth for that refresh rate. 5. If uncertain, check the monitor’s on-screen display (OSD) menu for refresh rate settings once connected. ## How to change refresh rate in Mac using System Settings To adjust the refresh rate of your Mac’s display, start by opening **System Settings** from the Apple menu. In macOS 2026, the interface has been refined but retains familiar structure to help you navigate easily. 1. Click **Displays** in the sidebar. This opens the display configuration panel where built-in and connected external monitors are listed. 2. If you have multiple displays connected, select the display you want to adjust from the top of the window. For example, your MacBook Air’s built-in Retina display or an external 4K monitor will appear as separate tiles. 3. Scroll down within the display details to find the **Refresh Rate** dropdown menu. This may be labeled alongside the *Resolution* and *Brightness* settings. 4. Click the dropdown to reveal available refresh rates. MacBook Air models typically offer standard rates like 60Hz, while MacBook Pro models with ProMotion technology may present dynamic ranges such as 24Hz, 48Hz, 60Hz, and up to 120Hz. External monitors will show supported frequencies based on their specifications and connection type. 5. Select your preferred refresh rate. The display will adjust immediately, allowing you to observe differences in smoothness or battery impact. 6. If the dropdown is missing or greyed out, the display may be locked to a fixed refresh rate by hardware, or you might need to check cable compatibility and macOS updates. The UI between MacBook Air and MacBook Pro is largely consistent, though Pro models with ProMotion offer additional dynamic refresh rate options. External monitors’ settings depend on their EDID data and macOS’s recognition of supported modes. This direct approach through System Settings provides a centralized and user-friendly method to tailor your Mac’s display performance to your current needs. ## How to change screen refresh rate on MacBook Air and MacBook Pro MacBook Air Retina displays in 2026 typically default to a 60Hz refresh rate, with limited options for adjustment due to hardware design. You may only see alternative refresh rates if using an external monitor or specific macOS versions that support minor tweaks. Lowering the refresh rate on MacBook Air can extend battery life moderately but may reduce smoothness in animations. ![How to change screen refresh rate on MacBook Air and MacBook Pro – how to change the display refresh rate on Mac](https://macfixly.com/content/images/2026/10/change-display-refresh-rate-mac-2.webp) MacBook Pro models equipped with ProMotion technology offer dynamic refresh rates ranging from 24Hz up to 120Hz. This adaptive refresh rate allows the system to optimize for smoothness or battery conservation automatically. However, you can manually set a fixed refresh rate if needed, especially to prioritize either smoother motion or longer battery life. 1. Open **System Settings** and navigate to **Displays**. 2. Select your MacBook’s built-in display from the list of detected screens; you should see refresh rate options if available. 3. On MacBook Air Retina, choose from listed refresh rates (often 60Hz only). Selecting a lower rate may improve battery life but reduce animation fluidity; higher rates are generally unavailable. 4. On MacBook Pro with ProMotion, click the refresh rate dropdown to pick a fixed rate between 24Hz and 120Hz. Setting a lower rate can save battery, while 120Hz enhances smoothness for compatible apps. 5. After selection, observe your screen briefly to confirm the refresh rate change; the display should adjust without flicker or errors. Note that forcing a refresh rate outside typical settings may cause temporary flicker or reduced performance. Automatic refresh rate management on MacBook Pro is generally recommended unless you have specific needs. ## How to change external monitor refresh rate on Mac in 2026 To adjust the refresh rate of an external monitor connected to your Mac, start by ensuring the monitor is properly detected in System Settings. Navigate to **System Settings > Displays** and select the external display from the list of connected monitors. You should see available refresh rates listed under the 'Refresh Rate' dropdown if the monitor supports multiple rates. 1. Open **System Settings** on your Mac. 2. Click **Displays** in the sidebar. 3. Select your external monitor from the top menu or sidebar. 4. Locate the **Refresh Rate** dropdown menu below the resolution options. 5. Choose the desired refresh rate from the list; options vary depending on the monitor and connection type. 6. Confirm the change by clicking **Apply** or waiting for the display to adjust automatically. For connection types, USB-C and DisplayPort typically offer wider refresh rate options, including 60Hz and above, depending on the monitor’s capability. HDMI connections may be limited to standard rates like 60Hz or 30Hz, especially on older monitors or cables. Using a high-quality HDMI 2.1 cable can sometimes unlock higher refresh rates on compatible monitors. Some monitors have fixed refresh rates, which means macOS will not provide alternate options. In these cases, the refresh rate adjustment controls will be grayed out or absent. If native macOS controls are insufficient, third-party utilities like *SwitchResX* can provide advanced refresh rate management and custom resolutions, though they require careful configuration to avoid display issues. Popular external monitors connected via USB-C, such as the LG UltraFine 5K, often support smooth switching between 60Hz and higher rates when the Mac detects them correctly. HDMI monitors like the Dell U2723QE may restrict you to 60Hz due to HDMI bandwidth limitations or monitor firmware. ## How to change resolution and refresh rate on Mac simultaneously Optimizing both resolution and refresh rate on your Mac can enhance display performance, but it requires balancing visual clarity with smoothness. macOS allows access to scaled resolutions alongside refresh rate settings through the Displays panel in System Settings. Higher resolutions provide sharper images but often limit the maximum refresh rate available. Conversely, selecting a higher refresh rate may require using a scaled (lower) resolution. macOS prioritizes native resolution for built-in displays but tends to allow more flexibility with external monitors. 1. Open System Settings and navigate to **Displays**. You should see your connected monitors listed. 2. Select the display you want to adjust. For an external 4K monitor, click on its icon to open its settings. 3. Click **Display Settings** or **Advanced** if visible, then choose **Scaled** for resolution options instead of *Default for display*. You will see a list of resolutions with descriptive text indicating “More Space” or “Larger Text”. 4. Select a scaled resolution lower than native 3840×2160, such as 2560×1440\. This step reduces pixel count to help achieve higher refresh rates. 5. Next, look for the **Refresh Rate** dropdown below the resolution list. Select 120Hz if available, instead of the default 60Hz. 6. Confirm changes. Your external monitor should now run at 2560×1440 resolution with 120Hz refresh rate, balancing sharper visuals with smoother motion. 7. Evaluate visual quality and performance. The scaled resolution at higher refresh rate delivers smoother animations and reduced motion blur but may appear less sharp than native 4K at 60Hz. This approach is useful when smoothness is prioritized, such as for video editing or gaming, while still maintaining acceptable image clarity. macOS’s flexibility in handling resolution and refresh rate combinations varies by display and graphics hardware, so options may differ. ## Troubleshooting common issues when changing display refresh rate on Mac If the refresh rate option is missing or grayed out in System Settings > Displays, it often indicates either hardware limitations or an incompatible cable connection. Ensure your cable supports the desired refresh rate and your monitor’s firmware is up to date. When an external monitor flickers or goes black after changing the refresh rate, switch back to a lower refresh rate immediately. This behavior can be caused by unsupported refresh rates or bandwidth constraints. Try reconnecting the monitor or using a different cable. If the issue persists, reset display settings as outlined below. Higher refresh rates can lead to noticeable performance drops or increased battery drain, especially on MacBook models without ProMotion. Monitor your Mac’s activity using Activity Monitor and adjust the refresh rate if you observe excessive CPU/GPU usage or heat. ### Resetting Display Settings 1. Open Terminal and enter **sudo defaults delete /Library/Preferences/com.apple.windowserver.plist**. This command resets display preferences. You should be prompted for your password. 2. Restart your Mac. Upon reboot, check System Settings > Displays to see if refresh rate options reappear or behave normally. ### Updating macOS and Drivers Many users report fixes to refresh rate issues after updating macOS to the latest 2026 release. Navigate to System Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates. Updates often include display driver improvements and bug fixes. If you encounter error messages like “Unsupported Refresh Rate” or “Display Not Supported,” consult your monitor’s manual to confirm supported modes. Using incompatible settings can cause these errors. ## When changing your Mac’s refresh rate is not recommended Adjusting the refresh rate on your Mac is not always beneficial and can sometimes cause issues. Older Mac models with limited hardware support may experience instability or degraded performance when forced to use unsupported refresh rates. Apple’s official guidance often warns against manually overriding refresh rates on these devices due to potential system crashes or display flickering. ![When changing your Mac’s refresh rate is not recommended – how to change the display refresh rate on Mac](https://macfixly.com/content/images/2026/10/change-display-refresh-rate-mac-3.webp) Displays that do not support refresh rate changes or variable refresh rates should remain at their default settings. Attempting to change these rates can result in blank screens, flickering, or even hardware damage as reported in some user cases. Always verify your display’s specifications before making adjustments. For portable Macs, increasing the refresh rate can significantly reduce battery life. Higher refresh speeds demand more power from the GPU and display, which may not be desirable if maximizing battery endurance is a priority. Consider this trade-off carefully if you frequently use your Mac unplugged. Compatibility issues can arise with certain apps or games that are optimized for specific refresh rates. Forcing a non-native refresh rate might cause input lag, visual artifacts, or crashes. Developers sometimes specify recommended refresh settings; deviating from these can negatively impact your experience. ## More on this topic - [How to Change Screen Resolution on Mac: Clear Step-by-Step Guide](https://macfixly.com/change-screen-resolution-mac/) - [How to Turn Off Auto Brightness on Mac: A Clear Step-by-Step Guide](https://macfixly.com/turn-off-auto-brightness-mac/) - [How to Set Up Hot Corners on Mac: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide](https://macfixly.com/p/) ## Frequently asked questions ### How to change display refresh rate on mac? To change the display refresh rate on your Mac, go to System Settings > Displays. Select the display you want to adjust, then click on "Refresh Rate" and choose from the available options. Remember, not all Macs or monitors support multiple refresh rates, so options vary by hardware. ### How to change monitor refresh rate on macbook? On a MacBook, open System Settings and navigate to Displays. Select your built-in or external monitor, then adjust the refresh rate dropdown. External monitors may offer more refresh rate choices, but compatibility depends on the cable and monitor model. ### How to change display refresh rate? Changing the display refresh rate involves accessing the Displays section in System Settings, selecting the target display, and choosing a supported refresh rate. Ensure your Mac and connected monitors support the desired rate to avoid display issues. ### How to change the screen refresh rate? Go to System Settings > Displays, select the screen, and find the "Refresh Rate" setting. Pick the rate that balances smooth visuals with power use. If options are limited, your Mac or display may not support alternative refresh rates. ### how to change screen refresh rate on macbook air On a MacBook Air, open System Settings and click Displays. Select your built-in screen and look for the "Refresh Rate" menu. Choose the preferred rate if available; some MacBook Air models may have fixed refresh rates due to hardware constraints. ## Limits of changing your Mac’s refresh rate Not all Macs or monitors support manual refresh rate adjustments. Some built-in displays are locked to a single refresh rate defined by Apple’s hardware and software design. External monitors may list multiple refresh rates, but forcing unsupported settings risks flickering, black screens, or even hardware strain. If you use your Mac primarily for critical color work, video editing, or gaming, consult your display’s official specifications and Apple support before changing refresh rates. Professionals relying on color accuracy or stable frame delivery should test settings cautiously or stick to default configurations. For users encountering persistent issues or needing more advanced control, third-party apps or specialized hardware calibration tools may be necessary. However, these come with their own risks and learning curves. The most useful next step is to familiarize yourself with the exact capabilities of your Mac and connected displays by visiting System Settings > Displays > Refresh Rate dropdown. Selecting the highest supported refresh rate that matches your workflow ensures smoother visuals without compromising system stability or battery life.