The fastest way: HDMI cable from the PS4 to your TV
Connect the HDMI cable to the HDMI port on the back of your PS4 — it's the rectangular port with a flat, wide connector. Plug the other end into any HDMI port on your TV. Turn on both devices. Your PS4 will automatically detect the TV and display the setup screen.
That's the complete connection. HDMI carries both picture and sound through a single cable, so you don't need anything else. If your TV has multiple HDMI ports, it doesn't matter which one you use — they all work the same way.
If the picture doesn't appear, try a different HDMI port on your TV. Some ports occasionally have connection issues. If you still see nothing, restart the PS4 by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
Key Takeaways
- HDMI is the only cable you need — it sends both picture and sound from the PS4 to the TV in one connection.
- Plug the HDMI cable into the rectangular port on the back of the PS4 and into any HDMI port on your TV.
- The PS4 automatically detects your TV and adjusts the picture size when you turn both devices on.
- If the picture doesn't show up, try a different HDMI port on the TV or restart the PS4 by holding the power button for 10 seconds.
What to do if your TV doesn't have HDMI ports
Older TVs without HDMI ports cannot connect directly to a PS4. HDMI is the only connection method the PS4 supports — there is no adapter that will make it work with composite cables (the red, white, and yellow plugs) or coaxial connections.
Your options are to replace the TV with one that has at least one HDMI port, or connect the PS4 to a monitor or projector that has HDMI instead. Many used TVs with HDMI cost less than $100, and even budget models from the last 10 years have multiple HDMI ports.
Why the picture might be cut off at the edges
If the PS4 menu or games appear too large and you can't see the edges of the screen, your TV's overscan setting is zooming in slightly. This is common on older TVs and doesn't mean anything is wrong with the connection.
To fix it, go to Settings on your PS4, select Sound and Screen, then select Display Area. A grid will appear on your screen. Use the controller to shrink the grid until you can see the entire PS4 menu around the edges. This tells the PS4 how much space your TV actually has.
If you don't see a Display Area option, your TV's overscan is the problem instead. On your TV remote, look for a menu option called Picture, Display, or Zoom. Change it from "Zoom" or "Full" to "Just Scan" or "Fit to Screen" — the exact name varies by brand.
Connecting a second controller or headset
Once the PS4 is connected to the TV, you can add a second wireless controller by pressing the PS button and the Share button together on a new controller until the light bar flashes. The PS4 will find it automatically.
For a headset, plug a USB wireless adapter into the PS4 if it came with one, or connect a Bluetooth headset by going to Settings, Devices, Bluetooth Devices, and selecting the headset from the list. The TV connection has nothing to do with controllers or headsets — they connect directly to the PS4.
Using a soundbar or external speakers instead of TV speakers
If your TV's speakers are quiet or poor quality, you can send the PS4 sound to a soundbar or receiver instead. Connect the soundbar to your TV using an HDMI cable (most modern soundbars have HDMI ports), or use an optical audio cable if your TV has an optical port.
Then go to Settings on the PS4, select Sound and Screen, and choose Audio Output. Select the option that matches your setup — usually "HDMI" if the soundbar is connected via HDMI, or "Optical" if you used an optical cable. The PS4 will send sound to that device instead of the TV speakers.
Troubleshooting when the PS4 won't show on the TV
If you plug in the HDMI cable and the TV stays black, try these steps in order. First, unplug the HDMI cable from both the PS4 and TV, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in firmly. Make sure the connector is fully inserted — it should click into place.
Second, try a different HDMI port on the TV. Third, restart the PS4 by holding the power button for 10 seconds until it shuts down completely, then turn it back on. If the TV still doesn't show the PS4, try a different HDMI cable if you have one — the cable itself can fail.
If none of that works, the PS4 or TV may have a hardware problem. Test the TV with another device (a cable box, streaming device, or computer) to confirm the HDMI port works. If the TV works with other devices but not the PS4, contact PlayStation Support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special HDMI cable for PS4?
No. Any standard HDMI cable works with the PS4. You don't need an expensive "gaming" cable or a high-speed version. A basic HDMI cable costs $5 to $10 and will work perfectly.
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. Some TVs have built-in casting features, but the PS4 cannot use them.
What if my TV only has one HDMI port and it's already in use?
You can buy an HDMI switch for $15 to $30 that lets you plug multiple devices into one port. Plug the switch into the TV's HDMI port, then plug the PS4 and your other device into the switch. You'll need to manually switch between them using a button on the switch.
Will the PS4 work with a computer monitor instead of a TV?
Yes, as long as the monitor has an HDMI port. Connect it the same way you would a TV. If the monitor doesn't have built-in speakers, you'll need to connect a headset or external speakers to the PS4 for sound.
Can I use an HDMI extension cable to put the PS4 in another room?
Yes, but keep the cable under 25 feet if possible. Longer cables can lose signal quality. If you need to run HDMI a long distance, use an HDMI extender or booster, which costs $20 to $50 and strengthens the signal over longer distances.