How to Check if Mobile Games Support 185Hz Refresh Rates

Updated 8 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide walks you through checking whether a mobile game can run at a 185Hz refresh rate on your device. You’ll learn where to look in the game’s settings, how to verify your phone’s display output, and how to confirm the game is actually rendering at 185 frames per second. Before starting, make sure your phone’s display is set to its highest refresh rate in the system settings, and that you have the game installed and updated.

What You’ll Need

A phone with a display that supports 185Hz (most phones cap at 120Hz or 144Hz, so verify your model’s spec first).
The game installed and updated to the latest version.
Access to the game’s settings menu (usually a gear icon on the main screen).
Optional: A screen refresh rate overlay tool (like a developer option or third-party app) to see the live refresh rate.

Step-by-Step

Check your phone’s display settings. Go to your phone’s Settings > Display > Refresh rate (or Screen resolution). Set it to the highest available option. If your phone doesn’t list 185Hz, it likely maxes at 120Hz or 144Hz, and you cannot force 185Hz output.
Confirm your phone’s hardware capability. Look up your phone model’s official specifications online (e.g., on the manufacturer’s website) to see if the display panel natively supports 185Hz. Some gaming phones (like certain ROG Phone or RedMagic models) offer 165Hz or 185Hz modes, but not all do.
Open the game and go to its settings. Launch the game, navigate to the main menu, and tap the Settings icon (usually a gear or cog). Look for a “Graphics,” “Display,” or “Frame Rate” section.
Look for a refresh rate or frame rate option. In the graphics settings, search for options like “Frame Rate,” “Refresh Rate,” “FPS,” or “Display Mode.” If the game supports 185Hz, you’ll see a selection like “185Hz,” “185 FPS,” or “Ultra” (which may correspond to the highest refresh rate).
If you see a 185Hz option, select it. Tap the 185Hz option and apply the change. The game may restart or prompt you to confirm.
If you don’t see 185Hz, check for a “High” or “Max” option. Some games don’t list the exact number but offer a “High” or “Max” setting that uses the display’s maximum refresh rate. Select that and then verify the actual output (next step).
Verify the actual refresh rate using an overlay. On Android, enable Developer Options (Settings > About Phone > tap Build Number 7 times). Then go to Developer Options > “Show refresh rate” (or “Show screen updates”). This displays a small overlay showing the current refresh rate in real time. On iOS, you’ll need a third-party app (like a frame rate counter) or use the Xcode tools if you’re a developer.
Play the game and watch the overlay. Start a gameplay session. The overlay should show 185Hz (or 185fps) if the game is running at that refresh rate. If it shows a lower number (like 120Hz), the game is not running at 185Hz, even if you selected a high option.
Check if the game has a separate “High Refresh Rate” toggle. Some games (like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact) have a specific toggle for high refresh rate mode. Look for a switch labeled “High Refresh Rate” or “120fps” (some games only go up to 120fps, even if your display is 185Hz).
Consult the game’s official documentation or community. If you can’t find any refresh rate option, search online for “[Game Name] 185Hz support” or check the game’s official forum or subreddit. Developers often list supported refresh rates in patch notes or FAQs.

Common Mistakes

Assuming your phone supports 185Hz. Most flagship phones top out at 120Hz or 144Hz. Only a few gaming phones offer 165Hz or 185Hz. Check your specs before troubleshooting.
Confusing refresh rate with frame rate. The refresh rate is the display’s hardware capability; the frame rate is how many frames the game renders per second. The game’s frame rate can be lower than the display’s refresh rate, but it cannot exceed it.
Not enabling the highest refresh rate in system settings. If your phone is set to 60Hz, the game won’t run at 185Hz even if it supports it.
Looking for a “185Hz” label when the game uses different wording. Some games use “Ultra” or “Extreme” for the highest frame rate. Always check what that option actually does in the game’s help or patch notes.
Ignoring battery saver mode. Battery saver often caps the refresh rate to 60Hz. Turn it off while testing.

Tips

Use a frame rate overlay tool. On Android, the developer option “Show refresh rate” is the most accurate. For iOS, apps like “FPS Meter” or “GameBench” can help, but they may require a subscription or a PC connection.
Test in an actual gameplay scenario, not just the menu. Menus often run at lower frame rates. Start a match or level to see the real performance.
Check if the game has a “Performance” mode. Some games offer a “Performance” or “High” graphics preset that unlocks higher frame rates. You may need to select that preset to see the 185Hz option.
Keep your phone cool. High refresh rates generate more heat. If your phone overheats, the system may automatically reduce the refresh rate to protect the hardware.
Update the game regularly. Developers often add higher refresh rate support in updates. If you don’t see 185Hz now, check again after a major update.

Troubleshooting

If the game doesn’t show a 185Hz option: First, confirm your phone actually supports 185Hz. If it does, try these steps:

Restart the game. Sometimes the game needs a fresh start to detect the display’s capabilities.
Clear the game’s cache. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > [Game] > Storage > Clear Cache. This can reset corrupted settings.
Reinstall the game. If clearing cache doesn’t work, uninstall and reinstall the game. This ensures you have the latest version and no corrupted files.
Check for a beta version. Some games offer beta versions with higher refresh rate support. Join the beta program if available.
Contact the game’s support team. If you’ve done all the above and still can’t find 185Hz, contact the developer via their official support channel. They can confirm whether the game supports your specific device.

If the game shows 185Hz but the overlay shows a lower refresh rate: This means the game is not actually running at 185Hz. Possible reasons:

Your phone’s system is capping the refresh rate. Check your battery saver settings and disable them. Also, some phones have a “Smart” or “Auto” refresh rate mode that reduces it to save battery. Set it to “High” or “Fixed.”
The game is not optimized for 185Hz. Even if the option exists, the game may still run at a lower frame rate due to performance issues. Lower your graphics settings to improve performance.
Your phone is overheating. If the phone gets hot, it may throttle the refresh rate. Let it cool down and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I force a game to run at 185Hz if it doesn’t have the option?

No, you cannot force a game to run at a refresh rate it doesn’t support. The game must be coded to render at that refresh rate. Some games have hidden options that can be unlocked via configuration files, but that’s rare and not recommended.

Why does my game only show 60Hz or 120Hz options?

This is likely because your phone’s display only supports up to 120Hz, or the game’s developers have not added support for higher refresh rates. Check your phone’s specs and the game’s official documentation.

Does a 185Hz display make a difference in mobile gaming?

Yes, a higher refresh rate provides smoother motion and reduces input lag, which can be beneficial in fast-paced games like shooters or racing games. However, the difference between 144Hz and 185Hz is less noticeable than from 60Hz to 120Hz.

Will running a game at 185Hz drain my battery faster?

Yes, higher refresh rates consume more battery power because the display updates more frequently. If battery life is a concern, you may want to lower the refresh rate to 120Hz or 60Hz.

Can I use a third-party app to unlock 185Hz in games?

Some apps claim to force higher refresh rates, but they often require root access on Android or jailbreaking on iOS, and they may not work with all games. They can also cause instability or crashes. It’s safer to rely on official game settings.

Is 185Hz the same as 185 FPS?

Not exactly. The refresh rate (185Hz) is how many times the display updates per second. The frame rate (185 FPS) is how many frames the game renders per second. If the game renders at 185 FPS, it will display at 185Hz (if the display supports it), but the game could render at 120 FPS while the display is still at 185Hz.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.