The PlayStation 5 is a current-gen console with some of the best graphics and specifications, but it has its faults. The console has various issues that may stop players from enjoying their favorite games, and the HDMI “handshake” issues can cause the most annoyance.
Fortunately, because the issue is so common, there are various potential fixes players can use to get rid of it. From ensuring it isn’t a hardware issue to turning off unnecessary settings, this guide aims to help you fix the PS5 HDMI handshake issue.
What are PS5 HDMI Handshake Issues?
PS5 HDMI handshake issues refer to problems with the HDMI connection between the PS5 and any display device. The display device could be a monitor or a TV. You can tell you’re having this problem in various ways, including:
- The display device shows a black screen, despite the PS5 being powered on.
- Flickering on the screen.
- The console defaults to lower resolutions and refresh rates.
Essentially, the display device and PS5 can’t establish a proper connection, though the HDMI cable itself isn’t always at fault.
How Can You Fix PS5 HDMI Handshake Issues?
There are a handful of potential fixes you can utilize to hopefully fix the HDMI handshake issue you’re having.
Disable HDMI Link
While not a fix most usually suggest, disabling the HDMI link option on the PS5 has proven to fix many handshake issues for the PS5. This option links the PS5’s and display device’s power state, so turning one on also turns the other on. However, depending on the display device’s specifications, the PS5 may struggle to detect whether the monitor or television is on, causing display issues.
Follow the steps below to disable the HDMI link option on your PS5:
- Turn your PS5 on and select the gear icon in the top-right corner of the home screen to access system settings.
- Scroll down and choose the “System” option.
- Navigate to the “HDMI” category and ensure “Enable HDMI Device Link” is disabled.
Disabling this option will require you to turn the console and display device on separately. However, since it occasionally messes with the HDMI connection between the two devices, it’s worth disabling it to see if the HDMI handshake issues stop.
Certain display devices also have HDMI CEC, which is close to the same thing as the HDMI link option. Those who have this setting enabled should try disabling it by navigating their monitor or TV’s system settings to see if it fixes the HDMI handshake issues.
Ensure the Cable Isn’t the Issue
As the issue’s most common name suggests, the HDMI could be the cause of the display device and the PS5 not properly connecting. Try the following troubleshooting methods to determine whether the HDMI cable is the root cause of the problem.
- Inspect the HDMI cable for any physical damage. This includes both connector ends, as bent pins or torn wires can cause problems.
- Use a different HDMI cable with the same PS5 and display device.
- Use a different HDMI port on your TV or monitor.
If the same PS5 HDMI handshake issues persist after trying these troubleshooting methods, then the cable likely isn’t the cause.
Adjust Your PS5’s Video Settings
The final potential fix is to adjust the PS5’s video settings to help it connect to the display device. Three video settings are known to cause PS5 HDMI handshake issues, so it’s a good idea to try adjusting all of them.
All three settings are found on the same page:
- Select the gear icon in the top-right corner of the home screen to access system settings.
- Navigate to the “Screen and Video” option.
- Select “Video Output.”
Now, there are three options you must adjust on this screen.
- Set HDR to off
- Set HDCP Mode to HDCP 1.4 Only
- Change 4K Video Transfer Rate from Automatic to -1 or -2
Don’t adjust all three settings at once since starting from the top and working down is better.. If changing one setting doesn’t fix the PS5 HDMI handshake issue, set it back to default and try another one. If you’re unable to adjust the video settings because of the HDMI handshake issues, boot your PS5 in safe mode and adjust the video settings from there.
Hovering over the “4K Video Transfer Rate” option gives a message that asks the user to set the transfer rate to -1 or -2 if their screen flickers. Try -2 if the -1 option doesn’t work, and set it to automatic again if the issue persists.
Try Some Generic Fixes
If none of the methods worked so far, consider trying the following troubleshooting methods. While usually unrelated to HDMI handshake issues, there’s a slight chance they could still indirectly cause display issues for your PS5:
- Turn the PS5 and display device off and unplug them. Wait five minutes and plug them in before turning them back on.
- Update the firmware for your PS5 and TV.
- Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable while both devices are on, since it sometimes temporarily fixes the issue.
