When a PS4 has picture but no sound, Sony's list is: make sure the screen and audio devices are not muted, set the audio output to an HDMI device, update the system software, try another HDMI cable and connect directly to the screen with soundbars and capture devices removed, and update the screen's firmware. The PS4 also has settings the PS5 lacks, such as a Primary Output Port that includes an optical port on older models only, Output to Headphones (default Chat Audio) and Audio Format (Priority), and by design voice chat and game audio cannot go to both the headset and the TV.
Differential
Likely causes of “PlayStation 4 (Slim and Pro) has no sound or headset audio problems”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The screen or a device is muted
What separates it There is no sound on the TV but the picture is fine and the TV shows a mute icon
How to confirm Check the screen and any audio devices are not muted and the volume is loud enough, as Sony lists first
- 2
The audio output is set to the wrong place
What separates it Sound goes to a headset that is off or nowhere after connecting an optical device
How to confirm Check Settings, Sound and Screen, Audio Output Settings, Primary Output Port, and the HDMI output
- 3
HDCP blocking audio and video
What separates it The console has no sound or picture through a receiver or capture card
How to confirm Sony says the console cannot output video and audio if an HDMI device is not HDCP compatible; HDCP can be turned off for gameplay only
- 4
Headphones set to chat only
What separates it Chat is heard in the headset but game sound comes from the TV or vice versa
How to confirm Under Settings, Devices, Audio Devices, Output to Headphones, choose All Audio; the default is Chat Audio
- 5
A faulty HDMI cable or outdated firmware
What separates it Audio cuts out with one cable or after a TV firmware change
How to confirm Use a different HDMI cable and update the screen or audio device firmware
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Where the sound is missing: TV, receiver, headset or all
- The Primary Output Port, Audio Format and Output to Headphones settings
- Whether a soundbar, receiver or capture device is in the chain
- Whether the PS4 is a Slim (CUH-2000 series) or a Pro (CUH-7000 series), since the Slim has no optical port
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedCheck muting and volume
ReversibleConfirm the screen, soundbar and headset are not muted and the volume is high enough. This is Sony's first sound check.
Set the audio output
ReversibleGo to Settings, Sound and Screen, Audio Output Settings, Primary Output Port. Choose HDMI Out for the TV. DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) exists only on some models; Sony says the CUH-2000 series does not have an optical digital output.
Check HDCP
ReversibleIf a receiver or capture card is connected, Sony says HDCP may block audio and video. To turn it off for gameplay only, go to Settings, System and clear Enable HDCP; all applications close when you change it.
Set headphone output
ReversibleGo to Settings, Devices, Audio Devices, Output to Headphones. The default is Chat Audio; choose All Audio to send game sound too. If the option is grayed out, the controller is not detecting the headphones.
Try another HDMI cable and connect directly
ReversibleA faulty HDMI cable can cause sound problems. Swap it and plug the console straight into the screen with soundbars and capture devices removed.
Update the system software and screen firmware
ReversibleGo to Settings, System Software Update, and check the screen or audio device has the latest firmware.
Check the Audio Format (Priority)
ReversibleUnder Audio Output Settings, Audio Format (Priority) is Linear PCM by default. Some sound systems need it left there; the Sony article notes the setting applies to games and video apps.
Fix a wireless headset
ReversibleMake sure the USB adapter is firmly plugged in, turn the headset off and on, remove unused adapters and keep other wireless devices away. Note that voice chat and game audio cannot output to both the headset and the TV at once.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Optical audio
- Sony's audio output article says the CUH-2000 series (the Slim) has no optical digital output terminal. Check your model before trying to use one.
- HDCP
- HDCP is enabled by default on the PS4's HDMI output and can be turned off for gameplay only; Blu-ray, DVD and streaming video will ask you to turn it back on.
- Tools and supplies
- A second HDMI cable, a pin for the headset adapter reset hole, the TV remote and a soft cloth.
- What to tell Sony
- Which outputs are silent, the settings you changed and the model number; a part number is not needed.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the PlayStation 4 Pro.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If there is no audio on any screen with a known-good HDMI cable, contact PlayStation Repairs
- !If a headset will not pair with its own adapter after a reset, contact PlayStation support
- !If you hear crackling at a port, unplug the console and stop
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. Sony writes the headset and voice chat pages for the PS5 and PS4 together, so PS5-only features such as 3D audio are not described here.
No audio output steps.
Primary Output Port, HDCP, headphones and audio format.
PS4 headset and microphone settings.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is there no sound on my PS4?+
Check muting, the audio output setting, the HDMI cable and connection, the system software and the screen firmware, in Sony's order.
Does my PS4 have an optical audio port?+
Not every model. Sony says the CUH-2000 series does not have an optical digital output terminal, so a Slim cannot use one.
What is Output to Headphones?+
A setting under Devices, Audio Devices that chooses whether headphones get all audio or only chat. Sony's default is Chat Audio.
Can game audio play through both the TV and a headset?+
Not for voice chat and game audio together. Sony says, due to PS4 specifications, they cannot output to both the headset and the TV.
What is Audio Format (Priority)?+
The audio format the console outputs for games and video apps. Sony's default is Linear PCM.
Why does turning off HDCP help?+
HDCP is copy protection. Sony says a device that is not HDCP compatible stops the PS4 outputting video and audio, and HDCP can be turned off for gameplay only.
Is the Pro different from the Slim for audio?+
Only for the optical port: Sony says the CUH-2000 Slim has none. The settings and steps are otherwise the same.