The PlayStation 4 is a fantastic console, but it comes with its own share of potential problems that might lead you to scratch your head. Display issues are one example, like cut-off edges or stretched images. These types of issues can arise for several reasons, but don’t toss your controller into the screen just yet. Try these quick solutions instead.
A PS4 zoomed screen can typically be diagnosed from either the TV or the PS4’s video settings. Look for the options around the screen’s aspect ratio and overscan features, and the PS4’s “Sound and Screen” options, and start toggling them one-by-one to see if that fixes things.
Your first mission in troubleshooting a zoomed screen on a PS4 is determining the cause of the problem. Once you’ve done that, the potential solutions are quick and easy to implement. Let’s explore possible causes and their quick fixes in detail.
Why Is Your PS4 Screen Zoomed In?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Your screen could be zoomed in for a number of reasons, including incorrect video output settings, hardware issues, and software glitches. That said, most of the time the issue related to your TV or monitor.
Incorrect aspect ratios, overscan settings, and low resolutions are some of the most common TV-related reasons for a zoomed-in screen. It’s also possible that you’re using an old RCA-type TV that doesn’t support the PS4’s 4K display.
In other cases, the issue might stem from your PS4. For example, your PS4 display may be set to “Enlarge” in the “Display Area Settings” menu, or you’ve switched on the accessibility option “Zoom.” In addition, some games like The Witcher 3 and Forza Horizon have their own screen display options that might be causing the issue.
How Do You Un-zoom A PS4 Screen?
The remedy is determined by the reason. To start, connect your PS4 to a different TV or monitor to determine if the problem is with the console or the TV display. Then apply the solutions provided below accordingly.
Solution 1: Change The Aspect Ratio Settings
If you are using a TV or monitor that supports 4K resolution, make sure that the aspect ratio is set to “Full Pixel” or “1:1.” Most newer models detect the input signal and adjust the aspect ratio automatically.
Solution 2: Adjust The Overscan Settings
Some monitors “overscan” or zoom in on smaller pictures to fit the screen, sometimes cutting off the edges of the image in the process. By default, this feature is turned off on most TVs.
To check these settings, follow the user manual for your monitor. Once you reach the display settings, set them to “Full,” “Just Scan,” or “Auto,” depending on your TV model.
If the problem persists, try resetting your TV to its default settings. This will undo any unneeded changes that might have caused the zoomed-in screen.
Solution 3: Reset PS4 Display Settings
If you think your PS4 might be causing the issue, try resetting its display settings by following these steps.
- Go to “Settings.”
- Select “Sound and Screen” from the scroll-down menu.
- Select “Display Area Settings.”
- You should see two options here: “Enlarge” and “Shrink.” Select “Shrink.”
- Confirm the setting by pressing “X” on your controller.
Solution 4: Adjust the UI Setting in the Game
Some games have their own built-in options to scale the UI. If your zoom issue only appears in one particular game, custom settings might be the reason. Usually, these settings only change the position of the UI, but if your TV allows it, it may also affect the screen size.
To fix this, enter the game’s display menu and adjust the settings. You’ll need to experiment a bit to figure out what combination of settings works best for you.
Solution 5: Disable Accessibility Features
Check to see if you inadvertently activated the “Zoom” accessibility function. If enabled, whenever you press the PS and square buttons simultaneously, it will magnify the screen. This feature is easy to identify because it only allows you to see a small portion of the screen at a time.
Press the PS or the circle button on your controller to turn it off. Then go to “Settings” and select “Accessibility.” Find the “Zoom” option and disable it.
Solution 6: Check Your Cables
Ensure that all your cables are connected properly. If you’re using an HDMI cable, try another option to see if that makes any difference.
It’s worth noting that some users have reported that changing the HDMI mode setting to PC (even when using a TV) solved the issue.
Solution 7: Seek Tips From Fellow Players
If you’ve run through all these possible solutions and feel like you’re at the end of your rope, don’t panic. Chances are there’s someone else who experienced the same issue in conditions similar to yours, and it’s just a matter of finding out how they dealt with it.
One way of searching for further info is joining PS4 communities. You can find several in the “Community” section of the PlayStation home screen and ask for help whenever you’re stuck.