Why is there no sound coming out of my PS4 controller?
Check Audio Settings
To fix the issue of no sound coming from your PS4 controller, the first thing to check is your system’s audio settings. Confirm that audio output is enabled in your PS4’s system settings menu. Go to Settings > Devices > Audio Devices and ensure everything is enabled and volume sliders are turned up.
Also inspect the volume controls directly on your PS4 controller. Press and hold the PS button to bring up the quick menu, then go to Sound/Devices > Adjust Volume to check the controller speaker volume. Make sure this is turned up and not muted.
Try connecting your controller to different USB ports on the PS4 console. Some ports may not relay audio correctly. If possible, connect to a port on the front or back directly rather than through a USB hub.
If the controller still has no audio after checking these basic settings, the issue likely lies with the controller hardware or PS4 software itself. Further troubleshooting steps may be required.
Update Controller Software
One of the most common solutions for fixing no audio from a PS4 controller is to update the controller’s software. Sony releases firmware updates for PS4 controllers periodically that include bug fixes and improvements.
To update your PS4 controller’s software, first connect the controller to your PS4 via a USB cable. This provides a connection to allow the software update. Then go to Settings > Devices > Controllers from the PS4 home screen.
Select your controller from the list of devices. Then choose Update Software. Your PS4 will check for the latest firmware available and prompt you to install it.
Let the software update complete. Then disconnect and reconnect your controller. With the controller updated to the latest firmware, audio should be restored.1
Keeping your controller firmware up-to-date is a good practice to maintain full functionality and prevent issues like no audio output.
Reset Controller
A common solution is to reset the controller to factory default settings when troubleshooting issues like no audio. To reset the DualShock 4 controller, first locate the small reset button on the back of the controller near the L2 shoulder button. As instructed by PlayStation Support, use an unfolded paper clip or similar small object to press and hold the reset button for at least 5 seconds. This will reset the controller hardware and software settings to default.
According to Lifewire, resetting the DualShock 4 controller often resolves problems with buttons, audio, and connectivity issues. After resetting, pair the controller to the PS4 again by connecting it with a USB cable and pressing the PS button. Then test to see if audio is restored through the controller speaker or headset.
Try a Different Controller
One of the easiest ways to troubleshoot and narrow down the cause of no sound from your PS4 controller is to test the audio with a different controller. Borrow a controller from a friend who has a PS4 or buy a new or used replacement controller if possible.
Connect the alternate PS4 controller to your console and try the audio again. If sound now comes through the headset or speakers, then you’ve confirmed the issue was with your original controller and not your PS4 console or other hardware. This is a quick way to isolate the problem.
According to Sony, the reported hardware failure rate for PS4 controllers is less than 1%. So it’s unlikely both controllers would be defective. If the new controller’s audio still doesn’t work, the problem is likely with the PS4 system, cables, or TV/audio equipment.
If the alternate controller has functioning audio, you may need to repair or replace your original controller. But at least you’ll know the root cause and can move forward resolving it.
Check Headset/Audio Cable
One of the first steps when troubleshooting no sound from your PS4 controller is to check your headset or audio cable. Try connecting different headphones or an alternate audio cable to your controller. If sound works with the new headphones or cable, then the issue was with your original headset or cable.
You can also test your headset or audio cable on another device like a phone, computer, or MP3 player. If you get sound when connected to a different device, then the headphones and cable are likely working properly and the problem is with your PS4 controller. But if there’s still no audio from the headset on other devices, then the issue is with the headset or cable itself.
According to the PlayStation support article “How to troubleshoot PlayStation wireless headset issues,” you should also try turning your wireless router off and then on again if using a wireless headset, as this can sometimes resolve connectivity problems. Resetting your headset may also help in some cases.
If a different headset or audio cable results in sound through your PS4 controller, then your original headset or cable is faulty. You’ll want to replace whichever component is not working properly.
4. Disable Controller Speakers
The controller speakers can be disabled through the PS4 settings menu. Here are the steps:
Go to Settings > Devices > Controllers.
Under Controller Settings, disable ‘Enable Vibration’ and ‘Enable Controller Speaker’. This will turn off the vibration motors and speaker built into the DualShock 4 controller.
Disabling the controller speakers is a troubleshooting step that can help isolate if the issue is specifically with the controller’s audio output. If sound returns when using headphones after disabling the speakers, it indicates a problem with the controller’s integrated speaker hardware or software.
To re-enable the controller speakers and haptic feedback, simply toggle ‘Enable Vibration’ and ‘Enable Controller Speaker’ back on.
Check PS4 Audio Port
One potential cause of no audio from the PS4 controller is a damaged or obstructed 3.5mm audio port on the controller itself. Examine the audio jack on the bottom of the controller for any debris, corrosion, or physical damage that could prevent proper connection.
Try inserting and removing an audio cable or headset several times to clear any debris or buildup. The constant inserting and removing can help dislodge any obstructions in the port. Be gentle when doing this to avoid damaging the port further.
Users on Reddit report success fixing controller audio issues by cleaning the audio port. One user recommends using compressed air to blow out any dust or debris (source). Just be careful not to force anything into the port that could cause damage.
If the audio port appears visibly damaged, the internal contacts may be broken. In that case, the controller likely needs professional repair or replacement.
Factory Reset PS4
Doing a factory reset on your PS4 will erase all data and restore the system back to default settings. Before resetting, it’s crucial to back up your game data, screenshots, video clips, and any other files you want to keep.
To backup data, plug in an external USB drive to your PS4 and go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Copy to USB Storage Device. This will copy all your game data to the external drive.
You can also backup your game settings by going to Settings > Application Data Management > Saved Data in Online Storage > Download to System Storage. This will download your online game save files to your PS4’s internal storage.
Once your data is backed up, power off your PS4 and reboot it into Safe Mode by holding down the power button until you hear two beeps. Connect your controller via USB and select option 7, “Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software).” This will begin the factory reset process.[1]
Initializing will wipe your PS4 back to default settings. You’ll need to reconnect to WiFi and PSN, and re-download any games, apps, and DLC. After resetting, restore your game data and settings from the backup files.
Initialize PS4 System Software
A factory reset can potentially fix issues with no audio from the PS4 controller by completely reinstalling the system software. This process initializes (formats) the PS4 hard drive and reinstalls the most up-to-date system software version. According to Sony, initializing will delete all data and users on the system [1].
To initialize the PS4 system software:
- Download the PS4 reinstallation file from Sony’s website using the model number of your PS4. This is a large file, around 1 GB.
- Copy the PS4 reinstallation file to a USB flash drive.
- Enter safe mode on the PS4 by holding the power button until you hear two beeps. This will display the safe mode menu.
- Select option 7 – Initialize PS4. This will begin the process of formatting the hard drive and reinstalling system software.
Initialization can take 30+ minutes to fully complete. Be patient and let the process run. Once finished, all data is erased and the system software is a clean install [2]. If the controller audio issue persists after initializing, it’s likely a hardware problem.
Contact Sony Support
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps listed above and the PS4 controller still has no audio, the next step is to contact Sony support. They have professional technicians who may be able to help diagnose and resolve the issue.
According to https://donotpay.com/learn/ps4-controller-repair/, PS4 controller repairs can cost between $40-$60 on average. However, costs will vary depending on the specific issue and parts needing replacement. Sony’s support team can provide a repair cost estimate.
In some cases, the controller may need professional repair at a Sony authorized service center. This will likely be more expensive than a basic DIY fix, but may be necessary if there are complex hardware issues causing the audio problem.
Before sending your controller in for professional repair, be sure to back up any save data you want to keep. You may need to factory reset the controller or possibly replace it if issues persist.