Imagine being just moments away from victory in your favorite PlayStation 5 game only to lose because the screen flickers at a crucial moment. The flickering screen issue on the PS5 has been reported by several gamers. But what really causes the flickering screen problem, and how can you resolve it?
The flickering screen problem on the PS5 is caused by faulty HDMI cables, problems with the video transfer rate, or outdated TV firmware. It can be resolved by replacing the HDMI cable, manually changing the 4k transfer rate, and/or updating the PS5 and TV firmware.
If your screen flickers once in a while, it’s probably something wrong with the game settings or software and nothing to worry about. However, if the flickering issue happens across multiple games, you’ll need to look for solutions. Let’s explore some of the causes and fixes for the flickering screen issue on PS5s.
Why Is Your PlayStation 5 Screen Flickering?
The PS5 is a well established console at this point, and plenty of gamers love it. However, as we discuss in our Ultimate PS5 Owner’s guide, the console is just like any other device and may have some issues over time. You can run into audio issues, lag, even jammed discs if you’re trying to play PS3 or PS4 titles on the console.
And if your PS5 console is suddenly louder, that’s a symptom we want to note at this point as well. One of the symptoms we see commonly is a flickering screen, which could be caused by a few different things.
Worn Out HDMI Cables
One of the most common issues that lead to screen flickering is faulty or worn-out HDMI cables. The cables needed to connect the PS5 with your Smart TV should be HDMI 2.0 cables or High-Speed cables.
If your cables are outdated, you can get them replaced easily. We recommend the iVanky High Speed HDMI 2.0 Cable (on Amazon).
However, sometimes the cables aren’t faulty but just worn out. If you game regularly, the HDMI cables could come under strain and eventually wear out. Again, this is an easy fix as you just have to get a new cable.
There could also be handshake issues with the HDMI cables, and this can be resolved by restarting both your TV as well as the PS5.
4K Video Transfer Rate
4K video transfer rate is basically additional compression on the color information on your PS5. Lately, many PS5 gamers have reported that by changing the settings on the 4K video transfer rate from automatic to -1 or -2, the flickering screen issue seems to be resolved.
However, you don’t want to play with these settings more than necessary, as it will impact the quality of the graphics on the PS5. Another issue is that you may have changed the HDR settings and if so, it should be turned back to automatic.
The 4K video transfer rate may be set to the settings required for playing movies rather than games, so if you adjust them to a rate of -2 or -1, it should be perfect.
TV Firmware Not Updated
With new Smart TVs coming out every day, TV manufacturers are continually making updates to their firmware to keep them from becoming obsolete.
While some manufacturers will give you a notification when an update is available, many people miss these updates altogether. If the flickering problem is caused by a bug or faulty TV software, updating the firmware may be the solution.
In order to update your TV, you’ll need to visit your TV manufacturer’s website and update the firmware.
There could also be a firmware issue with the PS5 as well. Your PS5 system software could be outdated, and although it usually updates itself, it is worth checking it out to make sure.
How Do You Fix the Flickering Screen on PS5?
Unless your flickering screen problem is caused by a hardware or firmware problem on the PS5, you shouldn’t stress out. Even if there’s a hardware problem, you should be covered by the PS5 warranty.
But before you make that warranty claim, try some of these simple fixes:
Change Your 4K Transfer Rate.
The 4K transfer rate could be playing a major role in the flickering screen issue, and here’s how to fix this:
- Go to the homepage on the PS5 menu and select “Settings.”
- Click on “Screen and Video.”
- On the left pane, you’ll see “Video Output.” Select it and change the video transfer rate to -2 or -1.
- Restart your console.
This should resolve most flickering issues that have nothing to do with your TV. However, it’s not guaranteed to work if you have cable issues. This brings us to the next fix:
Replace Your HDMI Cables
A handshake issue with the HDMI cable may also cause the screen to flicker randomly. To fix this problem, unplug your TV and your PS5 at the same time. Make sure the HDMI cable is unplugged from both sides, and then plug your power cables in again. Start your TV and the console and see if the issue is resolved.
If the HDMI cable doesn’t work one way, try switching the ends. Connect the opposite end to the TV and check whether the flickering issue is resolved.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, you may want to check to see whether the HDMI cables are worn out or aren’t the right set of cables. The Playstation 5 requires you to have 2.0 HDMI cables or High-Speed cables, but luckily they’re pretty cheap on Amazon.
Update Your TV and PS5 Firmware
Most modern TVs are Smart TVs or Android TVs. Both need regular firmware updates every few months, just like the firmware on your smartphone. If you’re experiencing a flickering screen problem, it could be due to outdated firmware.
To update the TV firmware, go to the website of your TV manufacturer and check for updates for your TV’s model number. Download and install the updates from your TV’s browser and restart the TV.
If this doesn’t do the trick, try updating the firmware of your PS5. Sony regularly provides new firmware updates, which should automatically updated, but it’s worth a look to make sure yours is up to date.
To update your PS5, go onto the home menu on the PS5 and select “Settings.” Go onto “System and System Software.” Update the system software and don’t turn off the PS5 until the update is completed.