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Fix a TV that has PlayStation that will not work

We'll check input, power, cable, and Safe Mode—or tell you when to call a technician.

Troubleshooting · Home electronics
5–20 min
What you'll need
  • DualSense or DualShock controller
  • USB cable (for controller in Safe Mode)
  • TV remote
Step 1 of 5

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Steps

Goal: Confirm the symptom, check input and power, then rule out cable and resolution issues.

  • Confirm the PlayStation does not show a picture, does not respond, or will not display.
  • Good: You have confirmed the symptom. Proceed to Check input and power.
  • Bad: PlayStation works sometimes—may be rest mode or cable.

Check input and power

Goal: Confirm the correct input is selected and PlayStation has power.

  • Use the TV remote to select the HDMI input for the PlayStation.
  • Confirm the PlayStation power cable is connected. Wake it from rest mode if needed.
  • Good: Correct input selected and PlayStation has power. The home screen appears. Done.
  • Bad: Still no picture—proceed to Check cable and Safe Mode.

Check cable and Safe Mode

Goal: Rule out cable and resolution mismatch.

  • Reseat the HDMI cable at both ends. Try a different port and cable.
  • Power-cycle the TV and PlayStation. Unplug both for 30 seconds, plug back in.
  • Boot into Safe Mode: turn off PlayStation, unplug power 30 seconds, hold power 7 seconds until second beep. Connect controller via USB, press PS button. Select “Change Resolution” to set 1080p.
  • Good: Cable or resolution fix works. PlayStation displays. Done.
  • Bad: Still does not work—initialize from Safe Mode or call a pro.

When to get help

Call a TV repair technician if:

  • The PlayStation does not display on any HDMI port after all checks.

Call Sony support or a repair shop if:

  • The PlayStation will not power on or will not boot.

Verification

  • The PlayStation home screen appears on the correct input.
  • The controller responds.
  • Games and apps load.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Input and power Select correct input; wake PlayStation from rest mode.
  2. Cable and ports Reseat cable; try different port and cable.
  3. Power-cycle Unplug TV and PlayStation for 30 seconds; plug back in.
  4. Safe Mode Boot Safe Mode; change resolution or initialize.
  5. Call a pro PlayStation does not work on any port or will not boot.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • PlayStation model (PS4 or PS5)
  • TV model
  • HDMI cable type
  • Steps already tried

Is the correct input selected?

Wrong input shows no picture.

Use the TV remote. Select the HDMI input for the PlayStation. Correct input: check power. Wrong input: select correct one, then test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Select correct input

Select the input where PlayStation is connected. Confirm PlayStation has power. If home screen appears, done. If not, check power and cable.

Done

Does PlayStation have power?

PlayStation may be in rest mode.

Check power cable. Press power button or PS button to wake from rest mode. Powered: reseat cable. No power: connect power, then test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Connect power and test

Connect power cable. Wake PlayStation. If it works, done. If not, reseat cable and power-cycle.

Done

Reseat cable and power-cycle

Unplug HDMI at both ends. Plug back in firmly. Try different port and cable. Power-cycle TV and PlayStation. If signal appears, done. If not, boot Safe Mode to change resolution.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would PlayStation stop working on the TV?
Wrong input selected, PlayStation in rest mode, loose or faulty HDMI cable, bad HDMI port, or resolution mismatch. Less often: firmware glitch or faulty console.
Can I fix PlayStation that will not work myself?
Yes. Check input, power, and cable. Power-cycle the TV and PlayStation. Boot into Safe Mode to change resolution or initialize. Most issues are input, cable, or handshake related.
When should I call a technician?
If you have checked input, power, cable, port, and Safe Mode with a known-good cable and the PlayStation still does not display on any port. The TV HDMI board or the PlayStation may need repair.

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