The simplest connection: HDMI cable

Your PlayStation 4 connects to a TV using a single HDMI cable — the same type of cable that connects most modern devices. One end plugs into the PS4, the other into your TV. The PS4 comes with an HDMI cable in the box, so you likely already have what you need.

HDMI carries both picture and sound through one cable, which is why it is the standard for game consoles. You do not need any other cables, adapters, or settings to get a picture on screen. The PS4 automatically detects the TV and sends the signal the moment you plug in.

Key Takeaways

  • Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the PS4's HDMI port on the back, and the other end into any HDMI port on your TV.
  • Turn on both the PS4 and TV — the picture appears automatically without any menu changes needed.
  • If you see no picture, try a different HDMI port on your TV or swap the cable for the one that came with the PS4.
  • HDMI cables work the same way whether they are new or old, so an older cable in a drawer will work just as well as a new one.

Finding the HDMI ports on your PS4

The PS4 has one HDMI port on the back of the console, toward the right side when you are facing it. It is a rectangular port about the size of your thumbnail. The HDMI cable connector is flat and slightly wider than it is tall — it only fits one way, so you cannot force it in backwards.

Plug the cable firmly into the port until you hear or feel a small click. The connection should be snug. If the cable feels loose or wiggles, pull it out and push it in again. A loose HDMI connection is the most common reason people see no picture.

Finding the HDMI ports on your TV

Most TVs have two to four HDMI ports on the back or side. They are labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, and so on. Any port works — the TV does not care which one you use. Plug the other end of your cable into whichever port is easiest to reach.

If your TV is mounted on a wall, the ports are usually on the back, which can be awkward to access. In that case, use a longer HDMI cable so you have slack to work with. Standard HDMI cables come in lengths from 3 feet to 25 feet, and they all work the same way.

Turning on the PS4 and TV

Press the power button on the PS4 — it is on the front left of the console. The console takes about 30 seconds to start up. While it is starting, turn on your TV using its remote or power button. You do not need to select an input or change any settings.

The TV automatically detects the PS4 signal and switches to the correct input. If your TV does not switch automatically, press the Input or Source button on your remote and select the HDMI port where you plugged in the cable. The PS4 home screen should appear within a minute.

What to do if you see no picture

If the TV stays black or shows "No Signal," first check that both the PS4 and TV are fully powered on. Look for lights on the front of each device. If the PS4 light is off, press the power button again and wait 30 seconds.

Next, unplug the HDMI cable from both ends and plug it back in firmly. Make sure it clicks into place. If you still see no picture, try plugging the cable into a different HDMI port on your TV — sometimes one port is faulty while others work fine. If that does not work, try the HDMI cable that came with the PS4 if you have a different cable plugged in now.

If you have tried all of these steps and still see no picture, the TV or PS4 may have a hardware problem. At that point, contact the TV manufacturer or PlayStation support for further help.

Sound without picture, or picture without sound

If you hear audio but see no picture, or see a picture but hear no sound, the HDMI connection is partially working. Unplug the cable, wait five seconds, and plug it back in firmly. This usually fixes the problem because the connection was not fully seated.

If sound works but the picture is still black, try changing the TV's picture settings. Press the Menu button on your TV remote and look for a Picture or Display option. Make sure the brightness is not set to zero. If you cannot find the setting, consult your TV's manual — the menu layout varies by brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special HDMI cable for PS4?

No. Any standard HDMI cable works with PS4. The cable that came in the box is fine, and an older cable from another device works just as well. You do not need to buy a new cable or a premium one.

Can I use an HDMI splitter or extender?

Yes, but avoid them if you can. A splitter lets you connect two devices to one TV port, and an extender lets you run the cable a long distance. Both work, but they add a point where the signal can fail. If you need one, buy it from a major electronics retailer so you can return it if it does not work.

What if my TV does not have HDMI ports?

Older TVs with only composite ports (red, white, and yellow plugs) cannot connect directly to PS4. You would need an HDMI-to-composite converter, which is inexpensive but adds complexity. A simpler option is to replace the TV or use a monitor with HDMI instead.

Does the PS4 work with any TV size?

Yes. The PS4 sends the same signal to a 32-inch TV as to a 65-inch TV. The picture quality depends on the TV's resolution, not its size. A smaller TV with good resolution looks better than a large TV with poor resolution.

Can I connect PS4 to a computer monitor instead of a TV?

Yes, if the monitor has an HDMI port. Plug the cable in the same way. Many computer monitors do not have built-in speakers, so you may need to connect headphones or external speakers separately to hear sound.