The PS5 Slim Digital Edition has an HDMI 2.1 port, so it can output 4K at 120 Hz with HDR and variable refresh rate, but it only does so when the console, the cable and the TV or monitor all agree, and most problems are a failed handshake between them. A TV with HDMI 2.0 inputs, an older cable or a monitor that treats 120 Hz as a special mode will drop to 60 Hz, flicker, or show no signal when the console switches to a mode the display cannot take. Naughty Dog's support page and KTC's guide, for monitors, give the same remedy ladder.
Use the cable that came with the console, plug it into the TV's HDMI 2.1 input, enable the display's game mode and its enhanced or Deep Color HDMI setting, and turn off Adaptive Sync or FreeSync on a monitor that cannot do it with a PS5. In Settings, Screen and Video, Video Output, check 120 Hz Output and Variable Refresh Rate. If the picture vanishes, wait for the console's revert prompt or start Safe Mode and choose Change Video Output. Check also that HDR is calibrated: Settings, Screen and Video, Video Output, Adjust HDR walks you through three screens that set the brightness range for your TV, and a washed-out or too-dark picture is often an HDR setting that needs adjusting rather than a fault.
Differential
Likely causes of “PlayStation 5 Digital Edition slim HDR, 4K, 120 Hz or VRR is not available”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A TV port or setting without HDMI 2.1
What separates it The picture flickers or stays at 60 Hz
How to confirm Use the HDMI 2.1 input and enable Enhanced or Deep Color HDMI for it
- 2
A cable that cannot carry 4K 120
What separates it No signal at 120 Hz
How to confirm Use the supplied cable or a certified Ultra High Speed cable
- 3
Adaptive Sync or FreeSync on a monitor
What separates it Blank screen or flicker after enabling VRR
How to confirm Turn FreeSync off in the monitor's menu
- 4
An unsupported output set on the console
What separates it Black screen after changing video output
How to confirm Safe Mode, Change Video Output, Change Resolution
- 5
The 4K transfer rate too high
What separates it Intermittent dropouts
How to confirm Settings, Screen and Video, Video Output, 4K Video Transfer Rate: -1 or -2
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The TV or monitor model and the port used
- The cable in use
- Whether 120 Hz Output and VRR are on
- What the screen does when the issue starts
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedUse the supplied cable on the HDMI 2.1 input
ReversiblePlug it into the TV input marked 4K 120 or HDMI 2.1.
Enable the TV's game and enhanced HDMI modes
ReversibleSwitch on Game mode and the Enhanced, Deep Color or HDMI Ultra HD setting for that input.
Check the console's video settings
ReversibleSettings, Screen and Video, Video Output, and look at 120 Hz Output and VRR.
Lower the 4K transfer rate
ReversibleSet 4K Video Transfer Rate to -1, then -2 if needed.
Turn off FreeSync on a monitor
ReversibleIn the monitor's menu disable Adaptive Sync if it is not HDMI 2.1.
Reset video output in Safe Mode
ReversibleHold power until the second beep, choose Change Video Output, then Change Resolution.
Run the HDR adjustment
ReversibleSettings, Screen and Video, Video Output, Adjust HDR, and follow the three screens.
Check that the TV reports HDR
ReversibleLook for the HDR badge on the TV when a game starts.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Handshake problems
- Most 120 Hz faults are a failed handshake between console and display.
- Monitors
- Many monitors need FreeSync turned off for a PS5.
- Safe Mode
- It can reset the video output without a picture.
- HDR calibration
- The console sets the picture to your TV's range.
- Washed-out HDR
- Often a setting, not a fault.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the picture fails on a known-good HDMI 2.1 TV and cable, contact PlayStation support about the HDMI port
- !If only one TV fails, check its firmware and ask its maker
- !A bent HDMI port needs repair
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
How to fix VRR and 120 Hz picture trouble on a PS5.
Monitor settings that block 120 Hz on a PS5.
Cable, port and video output resets for a PS5 with no picture.
Sony's hub for PS5 hardware, safe mode and troubleshooting.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my PS5 Slim not output 120 Hz?+
The TV port, cable or settings may not support HDMI 2.1.
What is VRR?+
Variable refresh rate, which smooths frame drops.
My screen went black; what now?+
Wait for the revert, or use Safe Mode to change video output.
Is the supplied cable enough?+
Yes, it carries 4K 120.
Why does my HDR look washed out?+
The adjustment may need running.
How do I know HDR is on?+
The TV shows an HDR indicator.