Imagine this: You’re in the middle of an intense boss fight when suddenly your screen blacks out and displays a “No Signal” message. Can there be anything more frustrating than that? You can’t watch movies or play games until you bring up the PS menu on your TV screen. So, what are you supposed to do if the HDMI connection to your PS4 isn’t working?
You can start diagnosing and fixing your PS4/HDMI cable issue by inspecting the HDMI port and clearing it of any debris, or simply testing with another HDMI cable. A more technical fix may involve booting the console into safe mode to check the resolution settings.
The HDMI port is incredibly fragile, and as a result, it’s usually one of the first things that become damaged on your console. Let’s look at the signs that indicate a problem with the HDMI port before moving on to the troubleshooting steps.
Signs That Indicate an Issue With the HDMI Port
If you’ve plugged your HDMI cable into the port, but there’s still no sound or video, the problem might be because of a damaged or non-functional port. Signs that indicate a PS4 HDMI port issue include:
- A distorted or pixelated screen.
- A loose or tight port.
- A “No Input” message or a black screen.
Troubleshooting Tips to Fix The Issue
If you’re getting no connection, a blank screen, or a “No Signal” message when you start up your PS4, there are a few steps you can take to fix the issue.
Start By Checking the HDMI Port
Some people have been able to fix the problem by cleaning the HDMI port located inside the PS4. If your cable isn’t flush with the console, there might be a small piece of metal in the port. You can use a flathead screwdriver to push the piece down and out of the way for an unobstructed connection.
Booting Into Safe Mode
Similar to troubleshooting a computer, booting your PS4 into safe mode can also help fix signal issues. With the console turned off, hold the power button for 6 to 7 seconds, or until you hear the second beep, to launch it into safe mode.
The safe mode allows you to change the resolution, restore default settings, restart the PS4, rebuild the database, and update system software. It’s advisable to update the software first. If your PS4 is not connected to the internet, you can update the software manually with a USB flash drive.
Check for a Blinking Blue Light
If the light on your PS4 keeps blinking blue and does not change to white, there might be an issue with the power supply. Here’s what you need to do to fix this problem:
- Force shutdown the PS4 by holding the power button for 7 to 8 seconds, or until you hear two beeps.
- Disconnect the power cord from your socket or wall outlet and inspect it for any damage.
- Make sure you also check the pins that connect to your console directly.
Use a Different HDMI Cable
The most common reason behind a PS4/HDMI cable issue is a faulty HDMI cable. It’s better to try using a different HDMI cable, ideally one that’s connected to another device on the same TV, to identify the issue.
If you think the cable is damaged or defective, you can easily fix the problem by switching to a new, functional High-Speed HDMI Cable (on Amazon).
Is the Problem Caused By a Broken HDMI Port?
If your TV screen remains black or displays a “No Signal” message even after the light on your PS4 turns white, then it’s highly likely that you have a defective HDMI controller chip or HDMI port. This problem is referred to as the “White Light of Death.”
While it’s quite common for a broken HDMI port to cause signal issues on the PS4, it’s important to first eliminate several other probable causes. The most common reasons why your PS4 may not display video include:
- The HDMI cable is defective.
- The HDMI port is physically damaged.
- There’s a conflict between your TV and PS4. For example, the TV might not be able to support the PlayStation’s resolution.
- Other electronic components of the console are not working properly.
Replacing the HDMI Port Yourself
It’s challenging to replace the HDMI port yourself, but it’s entirely doable as long as you have the right equipment and decent soldering skills. However, repairing the HDMI controller chip is a completely different matter and is not something you should attempt yourself.
Without proper equipment and experience, you’ll likely not only incorrectly replace the HDMI controller chip or port, but also do more damage to your PS4.
Make sure you always go to a qualified repair shop for a damaged printed circuit board (PCB), so you don’t have to worry about damaging the pads or traces on the console’s circuit board.