When the PS5 Slim Digital has no sound, or sound only on one side, or the wrong sound format, the order of checks is simple and the console's own audio menus are the place. Settings, Sound, Audio Output shows the output device and the audio format; make sure it is the TV or the receiver you are using, since the console can be set to a headset that is off. For a TV, the Enable 3D Audio for TV Speakers setting can fail if the TV's own sound mode is not compatible, and Sony's page describes the TV mode to choose. Dolby Atmos is chosen under Audio Format, Priority, and some receivers or soundbars drop out with it, so try Linear PCM instead.
If the picture works and sound does not, an HDMI ARC or eARC handshake is the usual cause, so power cycle the TV and the soundbar, and test a direct HDMI link. A headset connected by USB or Bluetooth takes sound from the TV; turn it off or check the output. The Slim Digital can send audio over HDMI and also to a headset through the controller's headphone jack or a USB headset, and the console sets the output priority for you; if the headset is plugged in but off, sound can go there. Settings, Sound, Volume, Headphones and Audio Output give each separate control.
Differential
Likely causes of “PlayStation 5 Digital Edition slim has no sound or headset audio problems”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The wrong audio output device
What separates it No sound from the TV
How to confirm Settings, Sound, Audio Output: choose the TV or receiver
- 2
A headset taking the audio
What separates it Sound goes to a headset that is off
How to confirm Turn it off or switch the output
- 3
Dolby Atmos or 3D Audio not handled by the device
What separates it Crackle or dropouts on a soundbar
How to confirm Set Audio Format to Linear PCM or turn off 3D Audio
- 4
A failed ARC or eARC handshake
What separates it The picture works but no sound
How to confirm Power cycle the TV and soundbar and check the HDMI ARC port
- 5
TV sound mode
What separates it 3D Audio for TV speakers is silent
How to confirm Choose the sound mode Sony describes for it
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The TV or soundbar model
- The audio format selected
- Whether a headset is connected
- Whether other devices give sound through the same input
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedCheck the audio output
ReversibleSettings, Sound, Audio Output and choose the right device.
Disconnect headsets
ReversibleTurn off Bluetooth headsets and unplug USB ones.
Change the audio format
ReversibleSet Audio Format (Priority) to Linear PCM, then try Dolby Atmos again.
Toggle 3D Audio
ReversibleSettings, Sound, 3D Audio, turn Enable 3D Audio off or on.
Power cycle the TV and soundbar
ReversibleUnplug them for a minute to reset ARC.
Test on another HDMI input
ReversibleTo see whether the TV port is the problem.
Check the controller's headphone jack
ReversibleUnplug a headset from the controller and test the TV sound.
Check Headphones volume
ReversibleSettings, Sound, Volume, and see whether the Headphones volume is low or muted.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- PCM versus Atmos
- Linear PCM is the simplest and most compatible format.
- ARC
- The TV's ARC port carries sound to a soundbar.
- Headset priority
- A headset plugged into the controller takes the sound.
- Two volume sliders
- The TV and headphone volumes are separate.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If sound is silent on a direct HDMI link to a TV, contact PlayStation support
- !If only a soundbar fails, check its firmware
- !A crackling headset jack on the controller is a controller fault
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Audio output and 3D Audio settings for a silent PS5.
Sony's steps for 3D Audio through TV speakers.
Sony's hub for PS5 hardware, safe mode and troubleshooting.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my PS5 Slim have no sound?+
The output device, a headset or an HDMI ARC fault.
What does 3D Audio do?+
It positions sound around you on supported devices.
Should I use Dolby Atmos?+
Only if your receiver handles it cleanly.
Does the TV matter?+
Yes, its sound mode and ARC setting.
Why is there no sound from the TV with a headset plugged in?+
The console sent it to the headset.
Where is the headphone volume?+
In Sound, Volume.