How to Enable 120 FPS in Mobile Legends on Android 9

If you’ve ever wondered whether your Android 9 device can push Mobile Legends to a buttery‑smooth 120 frames per second, you’re not alone. The game’s default cap often sits at 60 FPS, which is fine for casual play but can feel limiting when you’re chasing that perfect skill shot. Fortunately, a handful of tweaks—some built‑in, others a bit more technical—can coax out the extra frames you crave. Below, we break down what you need to know, why it matters, and the exact steps to get that 120 FPS boost without bricking your phone.

Why 120 FPS Makes a Difference

Higher frame rates translate to smoother motion, reduced motion blur, and a more responsive feel. In a fast‑paced MOBA like Mobile Legends, that split‑second advantage can be the difference between a kill and a missed opportunity. While the visual difference between 60 FPS and 120 FPS isn’t as dramatic on smaller screens, the input latency drops noticeably, giving you a tighter connection between your tap and the on‑screen action.

That said, unlocking 120 FPS isn’t a silver bullet. Your device’s hardware—CPU, GPU, and thermal management—still sets the ceiling. If your phone struggles to stay cool, you might see occasional frame drops or throttling. Keeping an eye on temperature and battery health is part of a responsible high‑FPS setup.

Prerequisites: What Your Phone Needs

• Android version: Must be running Android 9 (Pie) or later.
• Supported GPU: Most Snapdragon 660+ or MediaTek Helio P70+ chips can handle 120 FPS, but check your specific SoC.
• Mobile Legends version: Update to the latest stable release; the game now includes a native 120 FPS toggle for compatible devices.
• Storage space: At least 500 MB free to download any required patches or third‑party tools.

If you meet these basics, you’re ready to dive into the guide.

Step‑by‑Step Guide to Unlock 120 FPS

There are two main routes: using Mobile Legends’ built‑in settings (the safest) or applying a small system tweak for devices that don’t yet expose the option.

Method 1: Native In‑Game Setting (Recommended)

1. Launch Mobile Legends and tap the Gear icon in the top‑right corner to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Display > Graphics.
3. Find the Frame Rate dropdown. If your device is compatible, you’ll see options for 30 FPS, 60 FPS, and 120 FPS.
4. Select 120 FPS and confirm. The game will prompt a short restart to apply the change.
5. After the restart, you can verify the frame rate by tapping the three‑dot menu in‑game and enabling the FPS Counter.

This method works on most newer devices that the developers have flagged as “high‑performance.” If you don’t see the 120 FPS option, move on to Method 2.

Method 2: Enabling High Refresh Rate via Developer Options

Some Android 9 phones hide the high‑refresh‑rate flag unless you manually toggle it. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings → About Phone and tap Build Number seven times to unlock Developer Options.
2. Return to the main Settings menu and select System → Developer Options.
3. Scroll down to Force GPU Rendering and enable it. This forces the GPU to handle more frames, which can help the game reach 120 FPS.
4. Next, locate Refresh rate or Display refresh rate (the exact wording varies by manufacturer). Set it to 120 Hz if the option exists.
5. Now reopen Mobile Legends and follow the steps in Method 1 to see if the 120 FPS slot appears.

Note: For some OEM skins of Android 9, the refresh‑rate toggle might be buried under Display → Advanced. If you can’t find it, a quick web search with your phone model name plus “120 Hz enable” often yields the exact path.

Method 3: Using a Third‑Party Frame‑Rate Mod (Advanced)

If the previous methods fail, a third‑party app like Game Booster or a custom kernel can expose the hidden 120 FPS flag. This approach carries risk, so proceed only if you’re comfortable with rooting or flashing a custom recovery.

• Root your device using a reputable tool (e.g., Magisk). Ensure you back up your data first.
• Install a frame‑rate controller app that can modify the prop.video_fps system property.
• Set the property to 120 and reboot.
• Launch Mobile Legends; the 120 FPS option should now be visible.

Because rooting voids warranties and may introduce instability, we recommend this only as a last resort.

Optimizing Performance After the Unlock

Unlocking 120 FPS is just the first step. To keep the experience fluid, consider these tweaks:

• Enable Game Mode: Many Android skins have a “Game Mode” that optimizes CPU allocation.
• Close background apps: Free up RAM to prevent frame drops.
• Use a high‑quality charger: Maintaining a steady power supply helps the CPU stay at peak clocks.
• Adjust in‑game graphics: If you notice occasional stutter, drop the visual effects from “High” to “Medium” while keeping the 120 FPS setting.

These small adjustments often make the difference between a consistently smooth 120 FPS session and occasional hiccups.

FAQ

Q: My phone runs Android 9, but I don’t see a 120 FPS option. Why?

A: Not all Android 9 devices support a 120 Hz panel or have a GPU capable of that frame rate. Check your phone’s specifications for “Refresh Rate” or try enabling the hidden flag via Developer Options.

Q: Will unlocking 120 FPS drain my battery faster?

A: Yes, higher frame rates consume more power. Expect a modest increase in battery usage, especially during long matches. Using a power‑saving mode while gaming can help mitigate the impact.

Q: Is it safe to root my device just for this feature?

A: Rooting gives you deep control but also voids warranties and can expose the system to security risks. If you’re only after higher FPS, exhaust the native and developer‑option methods first.

Q: Does the 120 FPS setting work on all maps and game modes?

A: The setting applies globally, but certain heavy‑load scenes—like large team fights—may still dip below 120 FPS if the hardware can’t keep up. Adjust graphics settings if you notice frequent drops.