When a PS5 has picture but no sound, Sony's own list is short and ordered: make sure the screen and any audio device are not muted, set Audio Output in Settings, Sound to an HDMI device, update the system software, try a different HDMI cable, and connect the console straight to the screen with the soundbar or home theatre unplugged. For a wireless headset, the problem is usually the USB adapter, another adapter in the other ports, or interference, and each Sony headset family has its own reset.
Differential
Likely causes of “PlayStation 5 has no sound or headset audio problems”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The TV, soundbar or headset is muted or the volume is low
What separates it There is no sound from the screen but the picture is fine and the TV shows a mute icon
How to confirm Check the TV and any audio device are not muted and the volume is high enough, as Sony lists first
- 2
The console's audio output is set to the wrong device
What separates it Sound comes from a headset that is off, or from nothing after you connected an AV amplifier
How to confirm Open Settings, Sound, Audio Output and set Output Device to the HDMI device, and check the HDMI Device Type
- 3
A faulty HDMI cable or an intermediate device
What separates it Sound cuts out or is missing only when a soundbar, home theatre or capture device is in the chain
How to confirm Try a different HDMI cable and connect the console directly to the screen, as Sony directs
- 4
Out-of-date system software or screen firmware
What separates it The problem began after a screen firmware change or an old update
How to confirm Update the PS5 system software and check for a firmware update for the TV or audio device
- 5
A headset adapter or pairing problem
What separates it A wireless headset gives no sound or only chat or only game audio
How to confirm Reseat the USB adapter, remove unused adapters from the other ports and, if needed, reset the headset
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the sound is missing on the TV speakers, a headset, a soundbar or all of them
- The Output Device and HDMI Device Type shown in Settings, Sound, Audio Output
- Whether any receiver, soundbar or capture card sits between the console and the TV
- The headset model, if any: PULSE 3D, Platinum, Gold, PULSE Elite or PULSE Explore
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedRule out muting and volume
ReversibleCheck that the screen and any audio devices are not muted and are set loud enough. Sony lists this before any setting change, and a muted soundbar looks exactly like a console fault.
Set the audio output
ReversibleGo to Settings, Sound, Audio Output and check Output Device. It should be the HDMI device if you use the TV or a receiver, and the headset if one is connected. Sony says your available settings vary by device.
Check the HDMI Device Type
ReversibleIf you use an AV amplifier, choose it as the HDMI device type so you can set the number of channels and adjust speaker positions. A wrong type can leave surround channels silent.
Try another HDMI cable and connect directly
ReversibleA faulty cable can cause audio problems. Swap it, and connect the console directly to the screen with soundbars, home theatre kit and capture devices unplugged. Sony recommends the HDMI 2.1 cable that came with the console.
Update the system software
ReversibleGo to Settings, System, System Software, System Software Update and Settings and install any update. Sony lists this step for sound problems.
Update the screen or audio device firmware
ReversibleSony says to make sure your screen or audio device has the latest firmware and to check the maker's manual for any settings needed for high-resolution signals.
Fix a wireless headset
ReversibleMake sure the USB adapter is firmly in the console port, turn the headset off and on, remove unused adapters from the other ports and keep other wireless devices away. If it still fails, reset the headset using the method for your model.
Adjust the game and chat balance
ReversibleA PlayStation wireless headset lets you hear chat and game audio together. If you hear only one, adjust the chat and game volume balance on the headset.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Where the ports are
- Sony says you can connect a wireless headset adapter to any USB port on a PS5. The CFI-1000 launch model has a front USB-A and USB-C, while the CFI-2000 and CFI-7000 group have two front USB-C ports.
- HDMI cable
- Sony recommends the HDMI 2.1 cable included with the console for the best results, though older cables can be used. The PS5 supports 4K at 120 Hz.
- Tools and supplies
- A pin or paperclip for the headset adapter's reset hole, a second HDMI cable, a towel to rest the console on and the TV remote.
- Headset support
- Have the headset model and the console model number ready, not a part number, when you contact PlayStation support.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the PlayStation 5 launch disc model, PlayStation 5 launch Digital Edition.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If there is no sound on any TV, cable or headset after the steps, contact PlayStation Repairs with the console model number
- !If a headset will not reset or pair with a known-good adapter, contact PlayStation support
- !If you hear crackling or see sparks at a port, unplug the console and stop
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. Sony writes them for the PS5 family and the wireless headsets it sells, so this page does not cover third-party headsets, for which Sony says to check with the maker.
No image and no audio troubleshooting steps.
Audio output, HDMI device type and microphone settings.
Adapter, pairing and reset steps for the wireless headsets.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is there no sound on my PS5?+
Sony's checklist: unmute the screen and audio devices, set Audio Output to the HDMI device, update the system software, try another HDMI cable and connect directly to the screen without a soundbar in between.
Where are the PS5 audio settings?+
Settings, Sound, Audio Output. You can also switch the output device from the control center by choosing Sound.
What is Switch Output Device Automatically?+
A Sony setting that switches to a headset or other audio device as soon as it is connected. Turn it off if the console keeps jumping to a device you do not want.
How do I set up 3D audio?+
Under Settings, Sound choose 3D Audio (TV) or 3D Audio (Headphones). Sony uses the controller's microphone to measure your room for TV speakers and offers a personalized profile or five presets for headphones.
Why do I only hear chat, or only the game?+
Sony's headsets play both at once; if you hear only one type, adjust the chat and game volume balance on the headset.
How do I reset my PlayStation headset?+
The method depends on the model. For the PULSE 3D, insert a pin into the adapter's reset hole for at least one second, hold CHAT and VOLUME+ and slide the power switch on. The Platinum and Gold headsets use MUTE, and the Gold also uses VSS.
Does a receiver affect PS5 sound?+
It can. Connect the console straight to the screen to test, and set the HDMI Device Type to AV amplifier so the channel count matches your speakers.
Does the model of PS5 change the sound settings?+
No. Audio settings and the headset steps are the same on the launch model, the Slim and the Pro.