How to fix no sound on TV from PlayStation

This guide will help you diagnose and restore audio when your PlayStation console is not sending sound to your TV or home theater. You'll achieve clear, working sound for games, streaming apps, and system menus by working through common settings and connections.

Note: Steps can vary by console generation, system software, and region. This guide focuses on safe, general methods.

Quick Answer

Check your TV and receiver volume levels and mute settings.
Unplug the HDMI cable from your console and TV for 60 seconds, then reconnect it firmly.
On your PS5 or PS4, go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output and confirm the correct output device is selected (e.g., HDMI OUT).
In the same menu, try changing the Audio Format (Priority) to Linear PCM (this often fixes handshake issues).
Restart your PlayStation console and your TV/receiver.

If this doesn’t work, follow the detailed diagnostics below.

What you need

Before you start

Your PlayStation console (PS5 or PS4) turned on.
A TV or A/V receiver that was previously working with the console.
An HDMI cable (the one currently in use is fine).
The ability to navigate the PlayStation settings menu.
A standard TV remote to check audio settings.
A basic understanding of your home audio setup (e.g., console to TV, or console to receiver).

Good to know

Most sound issues stem from HDMI "handshake" problems.
Different games or apps may have their own internal volume settings.
Your TV might have specific HDMI ports that support certain audio formats.
Safe Mode on your PlayStation is a powerful tool for resetting display and audio settings.
Temporary sound loss after a system update is common and usually fixable.

Diagnose the issue in 2 minutes

Answer these quick questions to narrow down the cause.

1. Is it completely silent, or is sound intermittent or crackling?

Completely silent: Often a connection, output selection, or format mismatch. Crackling/intermittent: Could be a failing HDMI cable, port, or audio format (like Dolby) that your TV doesn't fully support.

2. Did the sound stop working after a specific event?

After a system update? Check audio settings. After moving the console? Check cable connections. After connecting a new headset? The console might be routing audio there.

3. Do you have sound in the PlayStation menu, but not in a game/app?

This points to an in-app setting or a specific audio format the game is trying to use that your TV can't decode.

4. Do you get sound through a connected headset, but not the TV?

This confirms the console is producing audio. The issue is with the HDMI audio path or your TV's settings.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1 — Check the basics

Eliminate simple oversights first.

Ensure your TV or A/V receiver is not muted and the volume is turned up.
Try a different input source on your TV and switch back to the PlayStation input.
If using a soundbar or receiver, ensure it's set to the correct input and is powered on.

What you should see: The TV displaying the PlayStation image, with volume indicators moving if you press the volume buttons.

Step 2 — Power cycle everything

A full power cycle clears temporary glitches and resets the HDMI handshake.

Fully shut down your PlayStation (not Rest Mode).
Turn off your TV and any audio receiver.
Unplug the HDMI cable from both the console and the TV/receiver for 60 seconds.
Plug the HDMI cable back in firmly at both ends.
Turn on the TV first, then the audio receiver (if any), then the PlayStation.

What you should see: A fresh boot-up of the console with audio potentially restored.

Step 3 — Verify audio output settings on PlayStation

Ensure the console is sending audio to the right place.

On your console, go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output.
Confirm Output Device is set to "HDMI Out (TV)" or similar (not a headset).

PS5: Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output > Output Device. Also check Audio Format (Priority).

PS4: Go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings > Primary Output Port.

What you should see: "HDMI Out" selected as the primary output device.

Step 4 — Change the audio format

Complex audio formats (like Dolby) can cause handshake failures. Switch to a simpler format.

In the Audio Output settings, find Audio Format (Priority) or Primary Output Port Format.
Change it to Linear PCM.
Exit settings and test the sound.

What you should see: Sound may return immediately. This is the most compatible format.

Step 5 — Try a different HDMI cable and port

Cables and ports can fail or be incompatible.

Swap your current HDMI cable with a known-good, high-speed cable.
Plug the console into a different HDMI port on your TV.
If using an A/V receiver, try connecting the PlayStation directly to the TV as a test.

What you should see: If sound works, the original cable, port, or receiver path was the issue.

Step 6 — Check for system updates

Outdated system software can have audio bugs.

Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings.
Select Update System Software and follow prompts if an update is available.

What you should see: Your console checking for and installing the latest update.

Step 7 — Boot into Safe Mode and rebuild database

This cleans up system software glitches without deleting your data.

Turn off your PlayStation completely.
Press and hold the power button until you hear a second beep (about 7 seconds).
Connect your controller with a USB cable and press the PS button.
Select Option 5: Rebuild Database.

What you should see: A scanning process. This can take a while depending on your storage.

Common scenarios and fixes

Scenario

Sound works in PS menus but not in a specific game or streaming app like Netflix.

Likely cause

The app/game is requesting an audio format (e.g., Dolby Digital) that your TV can't process via HDMI.

Fast fix

Change the console's Audio Format to Linear PCM. Also, check the in-app audio settings.

When to escalate

If it's only one app, check for app updates or reinstall it.

Scenario

No sound after a PlayStation system software update.

Likely cause

Update may have reset audio settings or introduced a temporary bug with your specific TV model.

Fast fix

Go through Audio Output settings again. A full power cycle of all devices is especially effective here.

When to escalate

If multiple users report the same issue after an update, wait for a patch from Sony.

Scenario

Sound cuts out intermittently or has static/crackling.

Likely cause

A failing or low-quality HDMI cable, or interference from other electronics.

Fast fix

Replace the HDMI cable with a certified High-Speed or Ultra High-Speed cable.

When to escalate

If a new cable doesn't help, the HDMI port on the console or TV might be damaged.

Scenario

Using a soundbar or A/V receiver, and the PlayStation shows "No signal" or has no sound.

Likely cause

HDMI-CEC or ARC/eARC settings conflict, or the receiver is not compatible with the console's video/audio mode.

Fast fix

Connect the PS directly to the TV to test. Disable HDMI-CEC (called Device Link or BRAVIA Sync) on all devices temporarily.

When to escalate

Consult your receiver's manual for specific HDMI compatibility modes.

Scenario

Sound only comes through a connected wireless headset, not the TV.

Likely cause

The console is routing all audio to the headset as the primary output device.

Fast fix

Turn off the headset. Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output and set Output Device back to HDMI Out.

When to escalate

If the console doesn't switch back automatically, it may be a headset firmware issue.

Scenario

TV says "Audio not supported" when the PlayStation turns on.

Likely cause

The console is set to an audio format (like 7.1ch Linear PCM) that the TV's HDMI port doesn't accept.

Fast fix

Boot into Safe Mode (see Step 7 above) and choose Option 2: Change Resolution. This will boot with basic audio (Stereo PCM).

When to escalate

After booting, manually set the Audio Format to something your TV supports, like Dolby Digital or Stereo PCM.

Quick reference

Audio formats and compatibility

Format	Best For	Common Issue
Linear PCM (Stereo/5.1/7.1)	Maximum compatibility. Direct, uncompressed audio.	Older TVs/receivers may not accept multichannel PCM over HDMI.
Dolby Digital	Surround sound over optical or basic HDMI.	Slight audio delay (latency) in games for some users.
DTS	Alternative surround format for compatible systems.	Less common; not all TVs support passthrough.
Dolby Atmos (PS5)	3D/object-based audio with compatible soundbar/receiver.	Requires specific HDMI eARC support and setup.

Safe defaults for stable audio

Setting Area	Recommended Baseline
Audio Format	Set to Linear PCM for troubleshooting. Change to Bitstream (Dolby/DTS) only if your system supports it and you prefer it.
HDMI Device Link (CEC)	Turn Off if you experience intermittent signal or power issues.
Resolution	Set to Automatic. If issues arise, try setting a specific resolution like 1080p.
System Updates	Enable automatic downloads and installs to keep audio drivers up to date.
Controller Audio	In Sound settings, set "Output to Headphones" to Chat Audio to avoid routing all game sound to the controller.

Mind map summary

No Sound from PlayStation
│
├── Basic Checks
│   ├── TV volume up & not muted?
│   ├── Correct TV input selected?
│   └── Audio device powered on?
│
├── Connection/Handshake
│   ├── Power cycle all devices
│   ├── Reseat HDMI cable
│   ├── Try different HDMI cable & port
│   └── Bypass receiver (direct to TV)
│
├── Console Settings
│   ├── Output Device = HDMI Out
│   ├── Audio Format = Linear PCM
│   └── Check for System Update
│
├── Advanced Fixes
│   ├── Boot in Safe Mode
│   │   └── Rebuild Database
│   └── Disable HDMI-CEC/Device Link
│
└── Scenario-Specific
    ├── Sound in menus only → Change Audio Format
    ├── Sound via headset only → Turn off headset, check output device
    └── Crackling/static → Replace HDMI cable

Primary Recommendation: Start with a full power cycle and set Audio Format to Linear PCM. This solves the majority of cases.

Troubleshooting checklist

Console & Settings

Power cycle the PlayStation (full shutdown).
Confirm Output Device is HDMI Out.
Set Audio Format to Linear PCM.
Check for and install system updates.
Boot into Safe Mode and rebuild database.
Disable HDMI Device Link (CEC).

Hardware & Connections

Reseat HDMI cable at both ends.
Try a different, high-quality HDMI cable.
Try a different HDMI port on the TV.
Connect PlayStation directly to TV (bypass receiver).
Power cycle TV and audio receiver.
Check if other devices have sound on the same TV port.

When to escalate

Contact PlayStation Support if:

All troubleshooting fails and you suspect a hardware fault with the console's HDMI port.
You experience consistent audio issues across multiple TVs and cables.
The problem started after a physical impact or liquid damage to the console.

What to collect: Console model number (e.g., CFI-1215A), system software version, the exact make/model of your TV and receiver, and any error codes (though rare for audio).

Consider TV/Receiver Manufacturer Support if:

Other devices also have no sound through the same TV port or receiver.
Your TV displays a persistent "Audio Not Supported" error with multiple sources.
You suspect a firmware issue with your specific TV model and a PS5/PS4 update.

What to collect: TV/receiver model number, current firmware version, and the steps you've already tried.

FAQ

Why did my PlayStation sound stop working all of a sudden?

This is often due to a failed HDMI handshake, which can be triggered by a power fluctuation, system update, or a change in connected devices. A full power cycle usually resolves it.

Should I use Linear PCM, Dolby, or DTS?

For pure compatibility and no audio delay, use Linear PCM. If you have a surround sound system that requires a bitstream signal (like over optical audio), use Dolby Digital or DTS. Experiment to see what works best with your setup.

Does the HDMI cable version matter for audio?

Yes. For basic stereo or 5.1 surround, a standard High-Speed HDMI cable is fine. For advanced formats like 7.1 PCM, high frame rate video with audio, or Dolby Atmos, a Premium High-Speed or Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable is recommended to ensure bandwidth.

Can HDCP cause no sound issues?

Usually, HDCP (copy protection) issues cause a complete loss of signal (black screen), not just sound. If you have no picture either, HDCP could be the culprit. Try a different HDMI cable or port.

Will rebuilding database in Safe Mode delete my games?

No. Rebuilding the database cleans and reorganizes data on the drive. Your games, saves, and media will be safe. It's a safe and recommended troubleshooting step.

Why is there no sound when I use a PSVR unit?

PSVR has its own audio routing. Ensure the headset's inline audio control unit is connected properly and the TV audio is not muted in the PSVR settings. Sound typically comes from the headset's 3.5mm jack by default.

My TV has ARC/eARC. What settings should I use?

For ARC/eARC to work, you must connect the PlayStation to the correct HDMI port (usually labeled ARC/eARC) and enable both HDMI-CEC and ARC/eARC in your TV's settings. On the PS5, you can then enable "Enable 3D Audio for TV Speakers" if supported.

I only get sound from one speaker. How do I fix this?

Check your console's audio output settings to ensure it's not set to an incorrect channel configuration (like 5.1 when you only have stereo). Set it to Linear PCM (Stereo) as a test. Also, check your TV's balance and audio mode settings.

Sources and references

Official PlayStation Support documentation for PS5 audio output settings.
Official PlayStation Support documentation for PS4 sound and screen settings.
General HDMI specification and handshake process documentation.
Audio format guides (Linear PCM vs. Bitstream Dolby/DTS) from home theater authorities.
TV manufacturer support articles on HDMI ARC/eARC and compatibility.
Community troubleshooting threads on common PlayStation audio issues.

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How to fix no sound on TV from PlayStation

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