Uh-oh! Why isn’t the sound on? If your PS4 console is not bringing sound when you switch it on, don’t panic, it happens to many other PS4 owners. This issue could be due to wrong TV input, incorrect audio settings, or firmware problems.
PS4 audio issues usually are related to the HDMI cable. And if trying another HDMI cable doesn’t fix it, check the PS4’s audio settings to ensure the output is set properly. Then, confirm the audio input settings are correctly configured. And don’t forget to make sure the speakers aren’t muted.
In most cases, when your PS4 console audio doesn’t work automatically, a few simple DIY steps should help you diagnose and fix things really quickly. So let’s look at the possible reasons your PS4 is not getting sound to the screen and ways you can correct the problem.
Possible Causes of No Sound Issue on PS4
If, after switching on your PS4, it shows video but without sound, this is most often due to a software issue, More rarely, the HDMI cable or connection may be the culprit, but let’s start with the basics!
TV Muted or on the Wrong Input
If you see the video for the PS4 on the screen, that’s good news – you’re already on the correct input. If you aren’t, try and navigate there on your TV. Once you get past that point, be sure and make sure your TV isn’t muted! It’s the quickest, easiest thing to check and if you use the mute function on your TV periodically, there’s a good chance this is what’s causing your problem at first.
Incorrect Audio Settings
Next, the audio settings on both the TV and the PS4 need to be reviewed.
First, check the Audio Output Settings on PS4 and make sure it’s sending audio where you expect it to. Next is the Audio Devices Settings on the TV, where you want to make sure that the input the PS4 is connected to is selected. Both of these functions are going to be in Settings under Options on the respective device.
Software Problems
Although rare, a coding fault with the software may lead to audio failure in some cases. To prevent the possibility of a software-related issue, ensure that you update your PS4 regularly.
If you use your PS4 for offline games most of the time, then it is time for you to connect to the internet to get the latest update. Make this as frequent as possible to get the latest updates, so your console doesn’t have any more issues.
It has a Broken HDMI Cable or Port
If you don’t carefully insert or unplug your HDMI cable, you may dent or otherwise damage the port on the PS4, which could also be a reason why your audio is not working.
Another way to ensure that your HDMI cable is working is to try using your HDMI on another PS4 and see if it brings clear audio; if it does, the fault might be from your console.
How to Fix the PS4 No Sound Issue – Detailed Steps
Here are some possible ways you can fix your PS4 no sound faults. Above, we presented some quick-fix direction along with the potential causes of this problem, but if you want to see more detail or just have a more direct guide to follow, let’s take a look at some more detailed steps!
1. Check All Your TV’s Inputs
If one HDMI input or source on your TV doesn’t work, try the other input options. There is a good chance you are using the wrong input. Here is what I mean, if you are currently using HDMI 1, explore the remaining HDMI ports on your TV.
Inspect the HDMI port.
Check the HDMI port on your PS4 and TV to ensure that they are working fine. Also, pay attention to dirt and other foreign objects because they can block your HDMI cable leading to an error connection.
Also, try not to insert a sharp object into the port. After all, you want to avoid damaging the connector. Instead, try using compressed air, which is the best way to clean it.
2. Use Another HDMI Cable
After inspecting and cleaning the HDMI cable and cleaning it (if necessary), and it is still not bringing audio, check the cable itself. If you have access to another console or device that uses HDMI, use the cable and see if it works. Alternatively, try using another HDMI cable, and don’t hesitate to buy a new one – they’re reasonably priced (on Amazon) and since they get everything in the PS4 onto your TV, it’s worth a few bucks to know you have a reliable, quality HDMI cable..
3. Ensure that Your Audio Devices Settings are In Place
If you are using a headphone or headset and not getting sound, you might need to check your Audio Devices settings. To do this, follow the following steps below to check the Audio Settings.
- Switch on your PS4, then go to Settings.
- Choose a select device, then select the audio device.
- You will see the Select Output to the Headphones option, then go to All Audio.
Once you finish this setup, go back to the game and check if the audio is working.
4. Try Configuring your Output Settings
If there is still no sound after carrying out the step above, try Configuring your Output Settings. Here is how to go about it:
- First, boot your console, then go to settings.
- Next, go to the Sound and Screen and Audio Output Settings.
- Choose Primary Output Port and choose DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL).
- Next, click the appropriate boxes to pick the format that your setup supports and select ‘ok.’
- Next, return to the Audio Output Settings and choose Audio Format (Priority).
- Finally, select Bitstream (Dolby).
After following all the steps above, go back to the game and check if the audio is working correctly.
5. Update Your System Software
Suppose, after following all the steps above, the console is still not bringing audio. It might be because your system software is outdated, so connect the console to the internet and install all available software updates. To do this, go to settings, then System Software Update.
6. Revert Your Console’s Settings to Default
After carrying out all the steps above, there is a good chance this will fix the fault, but it is still not fixed; maybe it is time to restore default settings in Safe Mode. Do this by following the steps below:
- Switch off your PS4 by pressing the power button on its front panel.
- Hold it down until the power indicator blinks a few times.
- Once the console is completely off, press the power button for at least 10 seconds or when you hear two beeps. The first beep should come after the initial press, while the next after 7 seconds.
- Connect your DualShock4 controller, and press your PS button
- At this point, the safe mode should be launched. So pick the fourth option, which is Restore Default Settings.
7. Contact Sony
If the audio still fails to work at this point, there is only one explanation left: the console may have a hardware malfunction. It could be that a motherboard issue is affecting your audio chip.
At this point, only a professional can help. So, reach out to the nearest Sony Store or Service Center. If you have a warranty, it will be covered for free.