Learn how to fix PS5 HDMI handshake issues with this in-depth guide. Discover real solutions to resolve black screen and no signal problems.
Let me share a quick story. I’m a gamer, just like you, and I was so excited to finally play Horizon Forbidden West on my shiny new PS5. I had everything ready: the console, the TV, and even an HDMI 2.1 cable. What could go wrong, right?
But when I turned it all on, I got… nothing. A black screen. No signal. Just me, staring at the void, wondering if I’d just turned my $500 console into a paperweight before even seeing the main menu.
Sound familiar? If you’re here, chances are you’ve been through something similar. HDMI handshake issues with the PS5 are way more common than you’d think. For such an advanced console, it’s surprisingly picky about video output and syncing with your TV or monitor.
It reminded me of the frustration of troubleshooting internet speeds when working from home: you can have all the fancy equipment, but one weak link in the chain can mess up the whole setup. And the PS5? Same deal.
This guide is the result of hours of trial and error, research, and testing. It’s not just a generic list of fixes. We’re going to break down what actually works, why these issues happen, and how to fix them based on your specific setup.
Let’s get this sorted once and for all.
Article Breakdown
What Is an HDMI Handshake and Why Should You Care?
The HDMI handshake is basically your PS5 and TV “talking” to each other to figure out compatibility. The console says, “I can do 4K, 120Hz, HDR, and HDCP 2.3,” and the TV responds with what it can handle. If they’re on the same page, everything works fine, and you get a picture.
But if they’re not speaking the same “language”, like if your PS5 uses HDMI 2.1 but your TV only supports HDMI 2.0, or there’s a version mismatch in HDCP, your screen might go black, flicker, or cut out.
It’s frustrating when this happens, but most of the time, you can fix it without buying new equipment.
Why the PS5 Is Particularly Prone to Handshake Problems
Here’s where things get interesting.
The PS5 isn’t just any console. It’s built with bleeding-edge tech, HDMI 2.1, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), 4K at 120Hz, HDR10, and HDCP 2.3. That’s a lot of technical jargon, but what it means is that the PS5 is trying to push next-gen graphics that only newer TVs can fully support.
When something in that chain isn’t compatible, whether it’s your cable, your TV’s HDMI port, its firmware, or a setting on the PS5 itself, the handshake fails. It’s not always obvious what the culprit is, but I’ll help you decode it.
Let’s break it down.
Quick Fixes That Actually Work
Before you start blaming Sony or making plans to return your TV, let’s go through the easy wins. These are the fixes that solved my issue, and many others I’ve helped troubleshoot.
1. Check Your HDMI Cable (Seriously, Do This First)
I know. You’ve heard this before. But let me ask, do you know for sure that your HDMI cable is HDMI 2.1 certified?
I thought I had a good cable. Turns out, it was a generic one bundled with an older Blu-ray player. Once I swapped it out with a certified HDMI 2.1 cable from Belkin, the difference was night and day.
Pro Tip: Look for cables certified by the HDMI Forum. Brands like Zeskit, Cable Matters, and Belkin tend to be reliable.
2. Restart Everything
It’s easy to overlook, but power cycling your devices clears cached data that could be interfering with the handshake.
- Turn off your PS5 and TV completely.
- Unplug both from the wall for 5 minutes.
- Plug them back in and turn them on.
This simple reset has solved more handshake issues than fancy firmware updates.
3. Try Another HDMI Port
Not all HDMI ports on your TV are created equal. On many models, only one supports HDMI 2.1 fully. For example, on some LG OLEDs, it’s HDMI 1 or 2. If you’re plugged into HDMI 3, you might be missing out.
Tip: Consult your TV’s manual or specs to find the correct port.
4. Disable HDCP Temporarily
This one saved me.
Go to: Settings > System > HDMI > Enable HDCP
Toggle this OFF.
Some TVs (especially older ones) struggle with HDCP 2.3. Disabling it temporarily can restore the handshake. You can turn it back on once everything’s working.
Advanced Fixes for Persistent Problems
If the quick fixes didn’t work, don’t worry. We’re just getting started.
A. Boot into Safe Mode and Adjust Video Output
Here’s a move that saved me when my screen was totally black:
- Turn off the PS5 completely.
- Hold the power button down until you hear two beeps (about 7 seconds).
- Connect your controller via USB, then choose: Change Video Output > Change Resolution.
- Select 1080p.
If the handshake succeeds in 1080p, the issue is likely with 4K or 120Hz compatibility. You can then tweak settings from the main menu.
B. Turn Off HDR
I love HDR, when it works. But sometimes, it’s the culprit.
Go to: Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > HDR > Off
Try booting up your PS5 now. If the screen returns, you’ve narrowed down the issue.
C. Update Firmware on Both Devices
This is huge, and often overlooked.
For PS5:
- Go to Settings > System > System Software > Update System Software.
For Your TV:
- Find the firmware section in your TV’s settings.
- If automatic updates don’t work, visit the manufacturer’s website.
- Download the latest firmware to a USB stick and update manually.
Note: After updating, power cycle both devices again.
When I updated the firmware on my Sony TV, everything clicked. The handshake issues vanished. It was like they finally learned how to talk to each other.
Pro-Level Fixes for the Technically Daring
Now we’re in the deep end. These are fixes for gamers who’ve tried everything else.
A. Use an HDMI Switch with EDID Management
This one blew my mind: An HDMI switch can act as a translator between your PS5 and TV.
Some models come with EDID management, allowing you to lock in a resolution and refresh rate. This prevents the PS5 from negotiating a setting your TV can’t handle.
Look for: Switches that support HDMI 2.1 and EDID dip switches.
B. Install an HDMI Signal Booster
If your cable run is longer than 10 feet, signal degradation can cause the handshake to fail. A signal booster or active HDMI cable can amplify the signal.
This helped a friend of mine who had his PS5 wired through a wall to a ceiling-mounted projector. The handshake failed until he added a booster.
C. Reset Your TV’s HDMI Cache
Many modern TVs store HDMI settings per input. Sometimes, these get corrupted.
- Unplug everything.
- Plug the PS5 into a different HDMI port.
- Rename the input to “Game Console” or “PC”, some TVs optimize settings based on the label.
Preventing Handshake Hell in the Future
Okay, so you’ve fixed the issue. Here’s how to keep it that way.
1. Invest in High-Quality Cables
Don’t skimp on an HDMI cable. It’s the bridge between your console and TV. A cheap one might work… until it doesn’t.
2. Enable Game Mode on Your TV
Game Mode disables unnecessary post-processing and often improves handshake reliability.
On LG TVs, for example: Settings > Picture > Picture Mode Settings > Game
3. Know Your TV’s Limits
If your TV only supports HDMI 2.0, don’t force the PS5 to output 4K/120Hz. Set it to 4K/60Hz or 1080p/120Hz in: Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output
4. Keep Firmware Up to Date
Make it a habit to check for updates every few months. Compatibility issues get patched, especially as HDMI 2.1 becomes more common.
When to Get Help
If you’ve tried everything and still can’t get a stable signal, it might be time to call in reinforcements.
- Test your PS5 on a different TV. If it works, the issue is likely with your original display.
- Try a different console on your TV. If that works, your PS5 might be the issue.
- Contact Sony Support. If your HDMI port is physically damaged, it may need repair.
- Hire a pro. If you’re running a home theater setup, sometimes a professional installer can diagnose signal chain issues better than any forum post.
Key Takeaways
- HDMI handshake issues are frustrating but fixable.
- Understanding HDMI versions, HDCP protocols, and firmware compatibility is key.
- Once you know how these elements work together, solving the problem becomes manageable.
Useful Articles:
- HDMI Firmware Update Guide for Intel® NUC Kit: A detailed guide on updating HDMI firmware for Intel® NUC Kit models, including step-by-step instructions.
- What is HDCP? High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection: An overview of HDCP, explaining its purpose in protecting digital video and audio content from illegal copying.
- HDMI Versions: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2, 2.1: Differences & Compatibility: A comprehensive comparison of HDMI versions, detailing their features, compatibility, and advancements.
This guide isn’t just a list of steps to follow, it’s more like a journey. I’ve been through it myself, and now I hope you feel ready to take it on with confidence.
