Connect the HDMI cable from your PS4 to your TV
The PS4 connects to your TV with a single HDMI cable. One end plugs into the HDMI port on the back of the PS4 (labeled "HDMI OUT"), and the other end plugs into any HDMI port on your TV. The PS4 comes with an HDMI cable in the box, so you do not need to buy one separately unless yours is damaged.
HDMI ports look like small rectangular slots, wider at the top than the bottom. Most TVs have multiple HDMI ports — check the back or side of your TV to find them. It does not matter which HDMI port you use; they all work the same way. Push the cable in firmly until you hear or feel a small click.
If your TV is older and does not have HDMI ports, you will need an adapter. The PS4 does not support older connection types like composite (the red, white, and yellow cables) or component cables. A third-party HDMI-to-composite adapter exists, but the picture quality will be poor. Upgrading to a TV with HDMI is the better choice if you have an older set.
Turn on the TV and PS4, then select the correct HDMI input
Once the cable is connected, turn on your TV first, then turn on the PS4 by pressing the power button on the front of the console. The PS4 will boot up and display its startup screen on the TV automatically — but only if your TV is already on the correct HDMI input.
Your TV may not be set to the HDMI input where you plugged in the PS4. Use your TV remote to find the input or source button (often labeled "Input," "Source," or "HDMI"). Press it and select the HDMI port number where your PS4 is connected. If you are not sure which one, cycle through the HDMI inputs until you see the PS4 startup screen appear.
Some newer TVs have a feature called HDMI-CEC (also called Bravia Sync, EasyLink, or other brand names) that automatically switches to the correct input when you turn on the PS4. If your TV supports this, you can enable it in the TV settings to avoid manually switching inputs every time.
Key Takeaways
- Connect the HDMI cable from the PS4's HDMI OUT port to any HDMI port on your TV, then push it in firmly until it clicks.
- Turn on the TV before the PS4, then use your TV remote to switch to the correct HDMI input where the PS4 is plugged in.
- If your TV has HDMI-CEC, enable it in the TV settings to automatically switch inputs when you power on the PS4.
- Older TVs without HDMI ports cannot display PS4 video clearly and will require a new TV to play games properly.
Adjust picture settings if the image looks wrong
After the PS4 boots up, the picture should fill your TV screen and look sharp. If the image is too small, too large, or has black bars around the edges, the PS4 display settings may need adjustment. Go to Settings on the PS4 home screen, select Sound and Screen, then choose Screen Size and Zoom.
Use the on-screen guides to adjust the image so it fills the TV screen without cutting off the edges. This is especially important if you are using an older TV or a TV with an unusual aspect ratio. The PS4 will remember these settings, so you only need to do this once.
If the picture looks blurry or the colors seem off, check that your TV is set to its native resolution. Most modern TVs default to 1080p or 4K, which the PS4 supports. Your TV remote should have a picture settings menu where you can check this. Avoid using picture modes like "Dynamic" or "Vivid" for gaming — "Standard" or "Game" mode usually looks better.
Connect a controller and test the connection
Once the PS4 is displaying on your TV, you need to connect at least one PS4 controller (DualShock 4) to play games. Press the PS button in the center of the controller. The PS4 will detect it and add it to your account. The first time you connect a controller, you may need to press the PS button and the Share button together for a few seconds to put the controller in pairing mode.
After the controller connects, navigate to a game or app on the PS4 home screen to make sure everything is working. The controller should respond to button presses, and the game or app should display smoothly on your TV. If the picture stutters or the controller does not respond, try moving closer to the PS4 — wireless interference from other devices can sometimes cause problems.
Troubleshoot if your TV does not show the PS4 picture
If you turn on the PS4 and the TV screen stays black or shows "No Signal," the HDMI connection is not working. First, turn off both the TV and PS4, then unplug the HDMI cable from both ends. Wait a few seconds, then plug it back in firmly. Turn on the TV first, switch to the correct HDMI input, then turn on the PS4.
If the screen is still black, try a different HDMI port on your TV. Some ports may not work if they are damaged or disabled in the TV settings. If you have another HDMI device (like a streaming box or Blu-ray player), plug it into the original port to test whether the port itself is broken.
If the PS4 still does not appear, the HDMI cable may be damaged. Try the cable that came with the PS4 in a different TV if you have access to one. If the PS4 works on a different TV, your original TV's HDMI ports may all be faulty, and the TV may need repair or replacement. If the PS4 does not work on any TV, contact PlayStation Support for help with the console itself.
Use an AV receiver or soundbar if you want better audio
The PS4 can send sound through the HDMI cable to your TV's built-in speakers, but TV speakers are usually small and tinny. If you want better audio, you can connect the PS4 to an AV receiver or soundbar instead of directly to the TV.
To do this, plug the HDMI cable from the PS4 into the AV receiver or soundbar's HDMI input, then run another HDMI cable from the receiver or soundbar to your TV. The PS4 will send both picture and sound through the receiver, which then sends the picture to the TV and the sound to its speakers. This setup gives you better audio without any extra steps — the PS4 handles it automatically.
If your soundbar or receiver does not have HDMI inputs, you can use an optical audio cable instead. Plug the optical cable from the PS4's optical audio port (if it has one) into the soundbar or receiver. You will still need the HDMI cable for video. Check your soundbar or receiver manual to see which audio inputs it supports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a PS4 with a monitor instead of a TV?
Yes, as long as the monitor has an HDMI port. Connect the PS4 to the monitor the same way you would connect it to a TV. Many gaming monitors have lower input lag than TVs, which can improve your performance in fast-paced games. However, most monitors do not have built-in speakers, so you will need to connect headphones or external speakers for audio.
What if my TV only has one HDMI port and it is already in use?
You can buy an HDMI splitter or switch that lets multiple devices share one port. Plug the splitter into your TV's HDMI port, then plug both the PS4 and your other device into the splitter. You will need to manually switch between them using the splitter's remote or button. Alternatively, you can unplug one device and plug in the other when you want to switch.
Do I need a special HDMI cable for 4K gaming?
The HDMI cable that comes with the PS4 works for both 1080p and 4K. You only need a newer HDMI 2.1 cable if you are using a PS5, which supports higher frame rates at 4K. For the PS4, the standard cable is sufficient. If you buy a replacement cable, any HDMI cable labeled "High Speed" or higher will work.
Why does my PS4 picture look stretched or squished?
This usually means your TV is set to the wrong aspect ratio. Go to your TV's picture settings and look for an option called "Aspect Ratio," "Picture Size," or "Zoom." Set it to "16:9" or "Full" to match the PS4's output. If the PS4 picture still does not fit correctly, use the PS4's Screen Size and Zoom settings (in Sound and Screen) to adjust it.
Can I connect the PS4 wirelessly to my TV?
No, the PS4 does not support wireless HDMI or casting to a TV. You must use a physical HDMI cable. This is actually better for gaming because a wired connection has no lag or interference, whereas wireless connections can cause picture delays or dropouts.