Why won’t my PS4 show up on my TV?

I experienced this issue a while ago, and after some trial and error, I found out it was related to the HDMI handshake between my PS4 and TV. Here’s what I did to resolve it: 1. Check HDMI Cable: Make sure your HDMI cable is fully functional. Even though it seems like a simple step, sometimes cables can be defective. Try using a different HDMI cable that you know works with other devices. 2. Switch HDMI Ports: Plug your HDMI cable into a different HDMI port on your TV. Sometimes the specific port you’re using can be malfunctioning. 3. Enable Safe Mode: – Completely turn off your PS4. – Hold the power button until you hear the second beep. – Connect your DualShock 4 controller with a USB cable to the PS4. – Press the PS button on the controller to enter Safe Mode. 4. Change Video Output Settings: In Safe Mode, select ‘Change Resolution.’ The PS4 will restart and then allow you to select the output resolution. I found that reducing the resolution to 720p worked for my setup initially, and then I was able to increase it back to 1080p once the connection stabilized. 5. Check TV Settings: Ensure that your TV settings are optimized for the connection. Go to your TV’s input settings and check if there is a specific HDMI mode (such as ‘Enhanced Mode’) that needs to be enabled. If none of these steps work, it may point to a more technical issue with either the PS4’s HDMI port or the TV’s.

I had a similar issue with my PS4. The problem for me was the resolution settings on my PS4. I fixed it by: 1. Turning off my PS4 completely. 2. Holding the power button until I heard a second beep. 3. Connecting the controller with a USB cable and pressing the PS button. 4. Selecting ‘Change Resolution’ from the menu that appeared. After that, my PS4 prompted me to select the correct resolution, and it finally displayed on my TV.

Having struggled with this problem myself, I can genuinely sympathize with how frustrating it can be. Here’s a comprehensive approach that eventually worked for me: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting: 1. Power Cycle Both Devices: – Turn off and unplug both the PS4 and your TV from the power source. – Leave them unplugged for at least a minute to ensure any residual charge dissipates. – Plug them back in, turn on the TV first, then the PS4. 2. HDMI Cable and Port Check: – Use a different HDMI cable, as faulty cables are often the culprit. – Try different HDMI ports on your TV. If you have access to another TV, test the PS4 there to determine if the TV is the issue. – Avoid using HDMI splitters or switches as they can sometimes interfere with the signal. 3. Safe Mode Operations: – Completely turn off your PS4 by pressing the power button for about seven seconds. – Hold the power button again until you hear a second beep. This usually takes around seven seconds. – Connect your PS4 controller with the USB cable and press the PS button. – In the Safe Mode menu, choose option 2: ‘Change Resolution.’ This will restart the PS4 and set the display to 480p. You should at least see something on the screen now. 4. Changing Output Resolution: – Go to your PS4 Settings once it restarts. – Navigate to “Sound and Screen,” then “Video Output Settings.” – Change the resolution settings. If your TV supports 1080p, select that. If 1080p doesn’t work, try 720p to see if that resolves the issue. 5. HDCP Settings: – High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) sometimes causes problems with HDMI connections. – Go to “Settings” on your PS4, then to “System.” – Scroll down and uncheck the “Enable HDCP” option. Disabling HDCP might solve the problem where a blank screen is shown. 6. Firmware Updates: – Ensure that both your PS4 and your TV have the latest firmware updates. – For the PS4, go to ‘Settings,’ then ‘System Software Update,’ and follow the prompts to download and install any available updates. – For your TV, check the manufacturer’s website or your TV manual on how to update the firmware. Each brand might have different methods for firmware updates. 7. TV Settings and Picture Mode: – Some TVs have specific modes for gaming. Ensure that you are using “Game Mode” if your TV includes this setting. – Check the aspect ratio settings on the TV to make sure it’s set to the correct mode (usually “Full” or “Screen Fit”). 8. Use a Different TV or Monitor: – If possible, connect your PS4 to another TV or computer monitor. – If it works with the other device, the issue is likely with your original TV rather than the PS4. Personal Experience and Additional Notes: In my case, the TV firmware was outdated, causing compatibility issues with my PS4. After updating the firmware and ensuring the PS4 resolution settings were suitable for my TV’s capabilities, everything started working perfectly. It’s also worth mentioning that some older TVs might have limitations with newer gaming consoles like the PS4, especially regarding HDCP compliance and supported resolution/refresh rates. If you’re using an older TV, ensure that it can handle the PS4’s output specs. Lastly, patience and methodical troubleshooting can greatly help! Sometimes it’s a simple solution that’s easy to overlook, but by systematically testing each potential issue, you can usually find the root cause and fix it.