PS4 controller and tv working in 480p

Is your PS4 failing to display the correct video output? Only working in 480p resolution and not other resolutions? Well... You have come to the right place.

Your PS4 is only working in 480p resolution because either your TV settings don't allow it, your PS4 settings are not correctly set, you have a defective HDMI cable or you have defective HDMI port.

Without wasting much time let us go through each of the possible causes of this issue and see how we can fix it.


1. Check your TV settings

When checking your TV's settings, there are a few things to consider. First, you should make sure that your TV is capable of displaying the resolution you want to output from your PS4. Many older TVs are limited to 720p or 1080i resolutions, so if your PS4 is set to output in 1080p or higher, your TV may not be able to display the image correctly.

In addition to resolution, you should also check other settings on your TV that may affect the display quality.  Some TVs have picture modes that change resolutions when they are set. You can adjusted for different types of modes, such as movies, sports, or gaming. You may want to experiment with different picture modes to see which one gives you the best image quality/resolution.

Finally, if you have a newer TV that supports features like HDR (High Dynamic Range), you should make sure that this is enabled on both the TV and your PS4. This will automatically change the resolution to a higher one but it requires both the TV and the console to be configured correctly.

2. PS4 settings are not correctly set

When checking your PS4's settings, there are a few things to consider. First, you should make sure that your PS4 is set to output the correct resolution for your TV. If your TV supports 1080p or higher resolution, you should set your PS4 to output at this resolution. To do this, go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings > Resolution.

If your PS4 is already set to output at 1080p or higher, you may want to check other settings that can affect the display quality. 

Another setting to check is the Automatic Resolution setting. This setting allows your PS4 to automatically adjust the resolution to match the capabilities of your TV. If this setting is enabled, your PS4 will automatically detect the best resolution for your TV and set it accordingly.

If you are still having issues with the display quality, you may want to try resetting your PS4's display settings to their default values. To do this, go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings > Reset Video Output Settings. This will reset all video output settings to their default values, which may resolve any issues with the display quality.

If none of these solutions work, keep reading and the next one might work for you.

3. Check your HDMI cable

When checking your HDMI cable, there are a few things to consider. First, make sure that the HDMI cable you are using is compatible with your PS4 and your TV. Older HDMI cables may not support higher resolutions, so if you are using an older cable, you may need to upgrade to a newer one.

Next, make sure that the HDMI cable is properly connected to both your PS4 and your TV. Ensure that the HDMI cable is fully inserted into both the PS4 and the TV, and that the cable is not damaged or frayed.

You may also want to try using a different HDMI port on your TV. Some TVs may have multiple HDMI ports, and one of them may be bad. If you are experiencing issues with the display quality, try switching to a different HDMI port to see if this resolves the issue.

Finally, you may want to try using a different HDMI cable altogether. If you have access to another HDMI cable, try swapping it out to see if this resolves the issue. Sometimes, HDMI cables can become damaged or fail over time, so using a different cable may rule out the HDMI cable being defective.

Overall, ensuring that you are using a high-quality, compatible HDMI cable that is properly connected to your PS4 and your TV is important for achieving the best possible display quality.

Related: What HDMI cable comes with the PS5

4. Defective HDMI port

A defective HDMI port on your PS4 can cause the console to display in 480p if the signal is not being transmitted properly. If there is an issue with the HDMI port, it may not be able to transmit the full range of video signals that your PS4 is capable of outputting.

In some cases, a defective HDMI port may only be able to transmit a lower resolution, such as 480p. This can result in your PS4 being limited to this lower resolution, even if it is capable of outputting at a higher resolution.

A defective HDMI port may also cause intermittent signal loss or display issues. You may experience flickering, black screens, or other display problems when using a defective HDMI port. The photo below shows the HDMI port with a missing pin.

defective ps4 HDMI port


Final Thought

It important to consider each of the possible causes for the PS4 showing in 480p, and to troubleshoot each one in order to determine the root cause of the issue. Checking your PS4's display settings, your TV's settings, your HDMI cable, and your PS4's HDMI port can all help to identify and resolve the issue. 

Ultimately, the goal is to achieve the desired display quality on your PS4, and taking the time to troubleshoot and resolve any issues can help to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. 

You can also change your PS4 resolution by starting your PS4 in Rest mode and then selecting your desired resolution.

Thank you for reading and don't hesitate to leave a comment if you have any questions.