How to Troubleshoot Dolby Options Missing

This guide will help you restore missing Dolby Digital or Dolby Atmos audio format options on your PlayStation console. You'll learn how to check your hardware compatibility, adjust system settings, and ensure your home theater setup is configured correctly to enable these premium audio features.

By the end, you should see the Dolby audio format options available in your console's sound settings and be able to select them for an immersive gaming and entertainment experience.

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

Quick Answer

Ensure your audio device (AV receiver, soundbar, TV) is connected via HDMI and supports Dolby Digital or Atmos.
On your PlayStation, go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output.
Set Output Device to AV amplifier or Sound Bar (not TV).
In Audio Format (Priority), try selecting Bitstream (Dolby).
Restart both your console and your audio device.
Check for system software updates on your PlayStation.

If this doesn't work, run through the detailed Diagnostics below.

What you need

Before you start

A PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4 console.
Your console must be connected to an audio device (AV receiver, soundbar) or TV via HDMI.
Your TV or audio device must support Dolby Digital or Dolby Atmos (check the manual).
A stable power connection for all devices.
Your controller to navigate menus.
Basic knowledge of navigating the console's Settings menu.

Good to know

Dolby Atmos on PS5 requires an AV receiver or soundbar that supports HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel).
Dolby Digital is more common and widely supported.
The "Output Device" setting in Sound determines which audio formats are available.
Some TVs pass through Dolby audio, others do not—this is a common blocker.
A high-speed HDMI cable (often labeled "Premium" or "Ultra High Speed") is recommended for Atmos.
System software updates can add or change audio format support.

Diagnose the issue in 2 minutes

Follow this quick decision flow to pinpoint where the problem lies.

Check your Output Device setting: Is it set to "TV"? If so, Dolby options for external audio are usually unavailable. What you should see: Output Device set to "AV Amplifier" or "Sound Bar".
Check your audio device's input/source: Is your audio device powered on and set to the correct HDMI input from the PlayStation? What you should see: The audio device display shows it's receiving a signal.
Check your audio device capabilities: Does your receiver or soundbar explicitly support Dolby Digital or Dolby Atmos? What you should see: Model information in the manual or on the device indicating support.
Check your TV's audio passthrough settings: If the PlayStation is connected to the TV, and the TV sends audio to the soundbar (via ARC/eARC), does the TV support passthrough? What you should see: A setting like "Digital Sound Out: Pass-Through" or "Bitstream" in your TV's audio menu.
Check for system updates: Is your console's software up to date? What you should see: No pending updates in the System > Software Update section.
Test with a different HDMI cable and port: A faulty cable or port can limit audio capabilities. What you should see: A stable picture and sound.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1 — Verify your audio device's Dolby support

The most common reason for missing Dolby options is hardware incompatibility. Confirm your receiver, soundbar, or TV can decode the format.

Consult the user manual or specifications for your audio device.
Look for terms like "Dolby Digital", "Dolby Digital Plus", "Dolby TrueHD", or "Dolby Atmos" in the audio features.
For Dolby Atmos on PS5, your audio device must support it via HDMI (not just via streaming apps).

What you should see: Clear documentation that your device supports the Dolby format you're looking for.

Step 2 — Check your physical connections

An incorrect or substandard HDMI connection can prevent high-bandwidth audio formats from being available.

Ensure the PlayStation is connected directly to your AV receiver or soundbar if possible.
If using TV passthrough (ARC/eARC), connect the PlayStation to the TV's HDMI input and use a separate HDMI cable from the TV's ARC/eARC port to the audio device's ARC/eARC port.
Try using a different, certified high-speed HDMI cable.
Try a different HDMI input port on your audio device or TV.

What you should see: A secure connection with no flickering or audio dropouts.

Step 3 — Configure your TV's audio settings (if using ARC/eARC)

If your audio setup involves your TV passing sound to a soundbar, the TV's settings are critical.

On your TV, go to its Sound or Audio settings.
Look for "Digital Sound Out", "Audio Format", or "HDMI Audio" options.
Set this to "Pass-Through", "Bitstream", or "Dolby Digital". Avoid "PCM" or "Stereo".
Ensure any "eARC" mode is turned on if your equipment supports it.

What you should see: Your TV is set to pass the original audio signal to your external device without processing it.

Step 4 — Adjust PlayStation audio output settings

The console's settings must match your hardware setup.

On your PlayStation, navigate to Settings > Sound > Audio Output.
Set Output Device to AV Amplifier (for receivers) or Sound Bar.
Select the correct number of Channels under "AV Amplifier" or "Sound Bar" settings.
Go to Audio Format (Priority). Try selecting Bitstream (Dolby).

PS5: For Atmos, you must select "AV Amplifier" as Output Device, set HDMI Device Type to "AV Amplifier", and choose "Dolby Atmos" from the Audio Format list if your equipment is compatible.

PS4: Options are primarily for Dolby Digital. Ensure "Output Device" is not set to "TV".

What you should see: The Dolby audio format you selected is now active. The missing option should now be present and selectable.

Step 5 — Perform a power cycle

A full restart can clear temporary handshake issues between devices.

Fully power off your PlayStation (do not use Rest Mode).
Unplug your AV receiver, soundbar, and TV from power for 60 seconds.
Plug your audio device and TV back in, then power them on.
Turn on your PlayStation last.
Re-check the Audio Format settings in Sound.

What you should see: Devices re-establish their HDMI connection, potentially making new audio formats available.

Step 6 — Update system software

Sony occasionally updates audio support and compatibility through system software.

Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings.
Select "Update System Software" and follow the prompts if an update is available.
After updating, revisit the Audio Output settings.

What you should see: Your console is running the latest software version, potentially with bug fixes for audio.

Step 7 — Test with a different media source

Determine if the issue is system-wide or related to a specific game or app.

Launch a different game or a streaming app like Netflix that is known to support Dolby audio.
Check if the audio format changes on your receiver's display during playback.
Some games may have their own in-game audio output settings that override the system.

What you should see: Your audio device indicates it is receiving a Dolby signal from the alternate source.

Common scenarios and fixes

Scenario

"Dolby Atmos" is completely missing from the Audio Format list on PS5.

Likely cause

The console is not detecting a compatible Atmos decoder. This is often because the Output Device is set to "TV" or the connected audio device does not support Atmos via HDMI.

Fast fix

Set Output Device to "AV Amplifier", ensure your receiver/soundbar supports HDMI Atmos, and use a direct HDMI connection from the PS5 to the audio device.

When to escalate

If your audio device definitely supports HDMI Atmos and you have a direct connection, but the option is still missing, check for firmware updates on your audio device.

Scenario

"Bitstream (Dolby)" is grayed out or not selectable on PS4/PS5.

Likely cause

The Output Device is likely set to "TV". When set to TV, the console typically defaults to Linear PCM output.

Fast fix

Change the Output Device to "AV Amplifier" or "Sound Bar".

When to escalate

If the option remains grayed out after changing the Output Device, your audio device may not support any Dolby bitstream formats. Verify its capabilities.

Scenario

Dolby options were available before but disappeared after a system update.

Likely cause

A software update may have changed default settings or introduced a temporary compatibility bug.

Fast fix

First, perform a full power cycle of all devices. Then, manually re-enter your Audio Output settings and reselect your preferred format.

When to escalate

If the issue persists, look for community reports of the same problem with that specific system software version. A future update may be needed.

Scenario

Receiver shows "PCM" or "Stereo" even when a Dolby format is selected on the PlayStation.

Likely cause

The TV is interfering with the signal. If the PlayStation is connected to the TV first, and the TV is connected to the soundbar via ARC, the TV may be decoding the Dolby signal itself and sending PCM to the soundbar.

Fast fix

Enable "Pass-Through" or "Bitstream" mode in your TV's audio settings as described in Step 3.

When to escalate

If your TV lacks passthrough capabilities, you may need to connect the PlayStation directly to your audio device to get Dolby formats.

Scenario

Dolby Digital works, but Dolby Atmos does not.

Likely cause

Atmos requires specific hardware support (HDMI eARC for TV setups, or a direct connection to a compatible AV receiver).

Fast fix

Ensure you are using the correct HDMI port (often labeled eARC) on your TV and that eARC is enabled in the TV's settings. For a direct connection, ensure your receiver supports Atmos decoding.

When to escalate

If all settings and connections are correct, your specific model of TV or receiver might have a firmware limitation. Check the manufacturer's support site.

Scenario

Audio cuts out or is choppy when a Dolby format is selected.

Likely cause

HDMI handshake issues or an insufficient HDMI cable that cannot handle the bandwidth of the audio format.

Fast fix

Replace the HDMI cable between the problematic devices with a certified high-speed cable.

When to escalate

If a new cable doesn't help, there may be an incompatibility between the specific models of your devices. Try different combinations of HDMI ports.

Quick reference

Table A: Audio Format Availability

Output Device Setting	Commonly Available Formats	Key Requirement
TV	Linear PCM (2ch, 5.1ch, 7.1ch)	Dolby bitstream options are usually unavailable.
AV Amplifier / Sound Bar	Dolby Digital, DTS, Linear PCM	Device must support the format. Correct number of channels must be set.
AV Amplifier (PS5 for Atmos)	Dolby Atmos (if compatible)	Direct HDMI connection or eARC setup with a compatible Atmos decoder.

Table B: Safe Defaults for Stable Audio

Setting Area	Safe Baseline	Reason
System > Power Saving	Set "Supply Power to USB Ports" in Rest Mode to "Always" or "3 Hours".	Ensures peripherals and potential audio adapters stay powered for consistent connections.
Screen & Video > 4K Video Transfer Rate	Set to "-1" or "-2" if experiencing audio/video dropouts.	Reduces HDMI bandwidth demand, which can stabilize audio handshaking.
Sound > Audio Output	Use Linear PCM if you encounter consistent bitstream issues.	PCM is universally supported and avoids decoder compatibility problems.
General > System Software Update	Enable "Update System Software Automatically".	Ensures you receive the latest compatibility and bug fixes.

Mind map summary

Dolby Options Missing
    |
    ├── Hardware Check
    |   ├── Does my audio device support Dolby (Digital/Atmos)?
    |   ├── Is it connected via HDMI? (Direct connection best)
    |   └── Is my HDMI cable high-speed and working?
    |
    ├── PlayStation Settings
    |   ├── Output Device = AV Amplifier / Sound Bar (NOT TV)
    |   ├── Audio Format (Priority) = Bitstream (Dolby) or Dolby Atmos
    |   └── Number of Channels matches speaker setup
    |
    ├── TV Settings (If using ARC/eARC)
    |   └── Digital Sound Out = Pass-Through / Bitstream
    |
    ├── Power & Connection State
    |   └── Perform full power cycle of all devices
    |
    ├── Software State
        ├── Update PlayStation system software
        └── Update audio device firmware (if possible)

    Recommended Path: Start with Hardware Check, then fix Settings. Use Power Cycle to refresh connections, and finally update Software.

Troubleshooting checklist

Console & Settings

Output Device set to AV Amplifier or Sound Bar.
Audio Format (Priority) set to Bitstream (Dolby) or Dolby Atmos.
Number of channels is correctly configured.
System software is up to date.
Console has been fully restarted (not just rest mode).

Audio/Video Equipment

Audio device (receiver/soundbar) supports the Dolby format.
HDMI connections are secure and using capable cables.
TV audio output is set to Pass-Through/Bitstream (if using ARC).
eARC is enabled on TV and receiver (for Atmos).
All devices have been power cycled (unplugged).
Audio device firmware is up to date.

When to escalate

Try these actions if the standard troubleshooting steps have failed.

Try Safe Mode (Rebuild Database): If settings seem to reset or behave erratically, boot your PlayStation in Safe Mode and select "Rebuild Database". This cleans up system data without deleting your games or saves.
Contact Audio Device Manufacturer: If you suspect a compatibility bug or need confirmation of your device's capabilities, your receiver or soundbar's support team may have specific guidance or firmware updates.
Contact PlayStation Support: If you believe the issue is a bug specific to the console's software after an update, or if you've confirmed all hardware is compatible and settings are correct, support may have a workaround or need to log the issue.

What to collect before contacting support

Exact model numbers of your PlayStation, TV, and audio device (receiver/soundbar).
Your current system software version (found in Settings > System > System Software).
A description of your connection setup (e.g., "PS5 > HDMI 2 on TV > eARC to Soundbar").
Photos or notes of your exact audio settings screens on the PlayStation and your TV.
Any error codes or specific on-screen messages (though rare for this issue).

FAQ

Why is "Dolby Atmos" not showing up on my PS5?

Dolby Atmos on PS5 requires your audio output device to be set to "AV Amplifier", and the connected receiver or soundbar must support Dolby Atmos decoding via HDMI. It will not appear if Output Device is set to "TV" or "Sound Bar" (for most soundbars). A direct HDMI connection from the PS5 to the Atmos device is most reliable.

Do I need a special HDMI cable for Dolby Atmos?

For the best results, a certified "Premium High Speed" or "Ultra High Speed" HDMI cable is recommended. These cables are tested to handle the higher bandwidth required for features like Atmos, 4K, and HDR. Older or low-quality cables may cause issues.

My TV supports Dolby Atmos via apps, but my PS5 says it doesn't. Why?

Many TVs support Dolby Atmos only within their built-in streaming apps (like Netflix) by decoding it internally to PCM or sending a compressed Dolby Digital Plus Atmos stream. The PS5 requires the TV to pass through the full HDMI Atmos signal from an external device, which many TVs cannot do. Check your TV's manual for "HDMI passthrough" capabilities.

Is Linear PCM better than Bitstream (Dolby)?

Linear PCM is an uncompressed format, so in theory, it can offer the highest fidelity. However, it requires the PlayStation to decode the audio, and your receiver must support multi-channel PCM. Bitstream (Dolby) sends the encoded signal for your receiver to decode, which is often necessary for features like Atmos and can be more compatible. Choose based on what your system supports and what sounds best to you.

Can I get Dolby Digital from my PS4 through an optical cable?

Yes, on PS4, if you set "Output Device" to "AV amplifier (via optical digital)" and then set "Audio Format (Priority)" to "Bitstream (Dolby)", you can output Dolby Digital via an optical (Toslink) cable. Note that optical does not support newer formats like Dolby TrueHD or Atmos.

Will selecting Bitstream (Dolby) affect all sound, including game chat?

Yes, the Audio Format setting applies globally to all audio output from the console. Game chat audio will be included in the bitstream mix. Some users report chat audio issues with certain bitstream settings; if this happens, try switching to Linear PCM or adjusting chat audio settings in the specific game or party.

Why does my receiver say "PCM" even when I select a Dolby format?

This usually indicates that a device in the chain (often your TV) is decoding the Dolby signal and converting it to PCM before sending it to the receiver. Ensure your TV's audio output is set to "Pass-Through" or "Bitstream". Alternatively, connect your PlayStation directly to your receiver to bypass the TV's processing.

Does my PlayStation need to be connected to the internet for Dolby audio to work?

No, Dolby audio formats are a local hardware feature and do not require an internet connection once the software is up to date. However, you may need the internet to download system updates that improve audio compatibility.

Sources and references

Official PlayStation Support documentation for PS5 audio output settings.
Official PlayStation Support documentation for PS4 audio output settings.
Dolby Laboratories technical guides on Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos compatibility.
General HDMI specification and compatibility guidelines (HDMI Licensing Administrator).
Consumer technology articles on HDMI ARC and eARC functionality.
Audio/Video receiver setup manuals from major manufacturers (e.g., Denon, Sony, Yamaha).
Community troubleshooting threads on audio format handshake issues.

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How to troubleshoot Dolby options missing

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