How to Connect Your PS4 to a TV

The basic connection: HDMI cable from console to TV

Your PS4 connects to a TV using a single HDMI cable — the same type of cable that connects most modern devices. One end plugs into the HDMI port on the back of your PS4, and the other end plugs into any HDMI port on your TV. The PS4 comes with an HDMI cable in the box, so you likely have one already.

Before you plug anything in, make sure both the PS4 and TV are powered off. This prevents any electrical issues and makes the connection cleaner. Locate the HDMI port on the back of your PS4 — it's the flat, rectangular port labeled HDMI. On your TV, find an available HDMI port (most TVs have between two and four). Insert the cable firmly into both ports until you hear or feel a click.

Once the cable is connected, turn on your TV first, then turn on your PS4. Your TV should automatically detect the PS4 and switch to that input, or you may need to manually select the correct HDMI input using your TV remote. Look for a button labeled "Input," "Source," or "HDMI" on your remote.

Key Takeaways

Connect the HDMI cable from the back of your PS4 to any HDMI port on your TV, then power on both devices.
If your TV does not automatically switch to the PS4 input, use your TV remote to manually select the correct HDMI port.
The PS4 will automatically adjust its display settings to match your TV's resolution the first time you connect.
If you see no picture, try a different HDMI port on your TV or test the cable with another device to rule out a faulty cable.

What to do if your TV does not show a picture

If you plug in the HDMI cable and your TV stays blank, the problem is usually one of three things: the wrong input is selected, the cable is not fully inserted, or the cable itself is damaged.

First, check that your TV is set to the correct HDMI input. Use your TV remote to cycle through the inputs — you should see the input number displayed on screen as you switch (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.). The PS4 will appear on whichever input you plugged the cable into. If you are not sure which one, try each HDMI port on your TV one at a time.

Second, unplug the HDMI cable from both the PS4 and TV, then plug it back in firmly. Sometimes a cable that looks connected is not fully seated. If you still see no picture after trying all HDMI ports, the cable may be damaged. Test it by connecting it to another device — a streaming device, Blu-ray player, or another console — to see if that device appears on your TV. If nothing works with that cable, try a different HDMI cable.

Adjusting display settings after your first connection

When you turn on your PS4 for the first time after connecting it to your TV, it automatically detects your TV's resolution and adjusts itself to match. You do not need to manually change any settings — the PS4 handles this on its own. Most modern TVs support 1080p or 4K resolution, and the PS4 will use whatever your TV supports.

If you want to check or change these settings later, go to Settings on your PS4 home screen, select Sound and Screen, then select Screen Size and Resolution. Here you can see what resolution your PS4 is currently using and manually change it if needed. Most people leave these settings at their default values, since the PS4 chose them based on what your TV can display.

Using an older TV without HDMI ports

If your TV is older and does not have HDMI ports, you cannot connect a PS4 directly to it. The PS4 only outputs video through HDMI — there is no composite cable option or other workaround built into the console. Your only option is to use a different TV that has at least one HDMI port, or to replace the older TV.

If you have an older TV you want to keep using for other purposes, consider purchasing an inexpensive newer TV or monitor with HDMI ports specifically for gaming. Many basic 1080p TVs with HDMI are available at low cost and will work perfectly with your PS4.

Connecting to a monitor instead of a TV

You can connect your PS4 to a computer monitor or gaming monitor using the same HDMI cable. The connection process is identical — plug the HDMI cable into the PS4 and into the monitor's HDMI port, then power on both devices. The monitor will display the PS4 output just like a TV would.

One thing to note: most monitors do not have built-in speakers, so you will not hear game audio through the monitor itself. You will need to connect external speakers or a headset to your PS4 to hear sound. You can plug headphones or speakers into the 3.5mm audio jack on the PS4 controller, or connect wireless headphones through the PS4's Bluetooth settings.

Troubleshooting sound when you have picture but no audio

If your TV shows the PS4 screen but you hear no sound, the issue is usually that your TV's volume is muted or turned down, or the PS4 is outputting sound to a different device. First, check your TV's volume using the remote — unmute it if it is muted, and turn the volume up to test.

If your TV volume is on and you still hear nothing, go to Settings on your PS4, select Sound and Screen, then select Audio Output Settings. Make sure HDMI is selected as the output device. If you recently connected headphones or speakers to the PS4, the console may be sending sound to those devices instead of your TV. Disconnect any external audio devices and restart your PS4 to reset the audio output.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any HDMI cable to connect my PS4 to my TV?

Yes, any standard HDMI cable works with a PS4. You do not need an expensive or special cable — a basic HDMI cable from any electronics store will work just as well as the one that came with your console. The only thing that matters is that the cable is not damaged.

What if my TV only has one HDMI port and I need it for something else?

You can purchase an HDMI splitter or HDMI switch, which lets you connect multiple devices to a single HDMI port. An HDMI switch lets you toggle between devices with a button, while a splitter displays multiple inputs at once (though this is less common). Both are inexpensive and available at most electronics retailers.

Does the PS4 work with any TV, or does it need to be a smart TV?

The PS4 works with any TV that has an HDMI port, whether it is a smart TV or not. A smart TV has built-in apps and internet features, but the PS4 does not need those features to work. An older non-smart TV with HDMI ports will display your PS4 perfectly.

Why does my picture look blurry or stretched on my TV?

This usually means your TV's picture settings are zooming or stretching the image. On your TV remote, look for a button labeled "Picture Size," "Aspect Ratio," or "Display Mode," and change it to "Fit to Screen," "Just Scan," or "1:1" — the exact name depends on your TV brand. This tells your TV to display the PS4 image without stretching it.

Can I connect my PS4 to a TV wirelessly without an HDMI cable?

No, the PS4 does not support wireless video output to a TV. You must use an HDMI cable for the video connection. However, you can use wireless controllers and wireless headsets with your PS4 — only the video signal requires a cable.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.