PS5 Screen Flickering Issues? Here’s How to Fix It

PS5 screen flickering has become a common frustration for many gamers. This issue interrupts the smooth display the PlayStation 5 is designed to provide. Flickering can range from slight interruptions to serious disruptions during gameplay. Fixing this problem is key to preserving the PS5’s high-quality visuals and performance. Identifying and addressing the root causes can help players get back to enjoying their games without distractions.

Understanding PS5 Screen Flickering

What is Screen Flickering?

PS5 screen flickering involves sudden changes in brightness or color on the display. It disrupts gameplay and may include flashes of white, green, or black screens. These interruptions can happen occasionally or continue consistently, depending on the cause.

Common Symptoms and Types of Flickering

Gamers may encounter several types of PS5 screen flickering, characterized by:

• White Flickering: Sudden bursts of bright light that obscure game details.
• Green Flickering: Flashes of green that can indicate signal or cable issues.
• Black Flickering: Momentary black screens that interrupt gameplay continuity.

Potential Causes

Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of PS5 screen flickering, including:

• HDMI Connection Issues: Faulty or loose HDMI cables can disrupt the signal between the console and the display.
• Software Glitches: The PS5’s firmware or game-specific bugs may lead to graphical anomalies.
• Hardware Malfunctions: Internal hardware problems within the PS5 or the display can cause flickering.
• Settings Misconfiguration: Incorrect video output settings, such as HDR or resolution mismatches, can also be culprits.

Recognizing these symptoms is key to diagnosing and fixing the flickering issue. With the right approach, players can enjoy uninterrupted gameplay again.

Common Causes of Screen Flickering

Handshake Issues with HDCP

A common cause of PS5 screen flickering is a handshake issue with High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP). This digital copy protection is designed to prevent copying of digital audio and video content as it travels across connections. When there’s a miscommunication between the console and the display, it can result in flickering.

Faulty or Incompatible HDMI Cables

The quality and compatibility of HDMI cables play a crucial role in the quality of the video output. A faulty or incompatible HDMI cable can disrupt the signal transmission, leading to screen flickering. It’s essential to ensure that the HDMI cable is in good condition and supports the HDMI 2.0 or higher standard required by the PS5. We recommend this premium quality 48 Gbps Anker HDMI cable [Amazon.com $14.99] – The PS5 is a high-performance system, you need a reputable brand cable.

Incorrect PS5 Settings

Settings related to HDR (High Dynamic Range) and 4K transfer rate on the PS5 can also contribute to screen flickering if not configured properly. Incorrect settings can cause the console to output video signals that are not supported by the connected display, leading to flickering issues.

Initial Troubleshooting Steps

Restarting Your PS5

One of the first steps in troubleshooting PS5 screen flickering is to simply restart the console. This can resolve temporary software glitches or issues causing the flickering. To restart your PS5, hold down the power button until you hear two beeps, indicating it’s completely off, then turn it back on after a few moments.

Checking for Physical Cable Damage

• Inspect the HDMI cable for any visible signs of wear or damage.
• Ensure the HDMI cable is securely connected to both the PS5 and the display.
• Try using a different HDMI cable to determine if the issue persists, indicating the original cable may be faulty.

These initial steps can help identify and possibly resolve simple causes of screen flickering, allowing gamers to return to a stable and clear gaming experience.

Advanced Solutions

Adjusting PS5 Settings

Disabling HDR

High Dynamic Range (HDR) enhances the visual quality of games and movies on your PS5 by providing a wider range of colors and contrasts. However, if your TV or monitor does not support HDR, or if there are compatibility issues, it can cause screen flickering. To disable HDR:

1. Navigate to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output.
2. Select HDR and set it to Off.

Changing 4K Transfer Rate Settings

The 4K transfer rate setting adjusts the bandwidth of the video signal sent from your PS5 to your display. Incorrect settings here can lead to screen flickering, especially on TVs that do not support the highest bandwidth options. To adjust the 4K transfer rate:

1. Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output.
2. Scroll to 4K Video Transfer Rate and select -1 or -2 to reduce the bandwidth.

Adjusting Resolution, RGB Mode, and HDCP Settings

Sometimes, the resolution or RGB mode settings can cause compatibility issues with your display, leading to flickering. HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) can also interfere with certain displays or recording equipment.

• To adjust the resolution, navigate to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output and select a resolution that matches your TV’s native resolution.
• For RGB Mode, go to the same menu and adjust the RGB Range to Full or Limited, depending on your display’s capabilities.
• To disable HDCP, go to Settings > System > HDMI and toggle Enable HDCP to off. Note: Disabling HDCP may prevent you from watching some video content.

Hardware Solutions

Trying a Different HDMI Cable

A common cause of PS5 screen flickering is a faulty or low-quality HDMI cable. Ensure you are using an HDMI 2.1 cable if you want to take advantage of 4K resolution at 120Hz or 8K resolution. If you suspect the cable is the issue, replace it with a high-speed HDMI cable certified for HDMI 2.1.

Using Your PS5 Horizontally

Placing your PS5 horizontally can sometimes resolve flickering issues, possibly due to improved ventilation or a more stable connection with the HDMI cable. If you’ve been using your console in a vertical position, try laying it horizontally to see if there’s any improvement.

Updating PS5 and TV Firmware

Keeping your PS5 and TV firmware up to date is crucial for ensuring compatibility and performance. Sony and TV manufacturers frequently release updates that can fix bugs and compatibility issues that may cause screen flickering.

• To update your PS5, go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings and follow the prompts to install any available updates.
• For your TV, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for checking and updating the firmware, which is usually found in the settings menu.

Preventive Measures

To mitigate the risk of encountering PS5 screen flickering, consider adopting these preventive strategies:

Regularly Updating Your PS5

Ensure your PlayStation 5 is running the latest software by regularly checking for system updates. Sony frequently releases updates that enhance system stability and can resolve underlying issues that may lead to screen flickering.

Using High-Quality HDMI Cables

Invest in high-quality, high-speed HDMI cables that are compatible with the HDMI 2.1 specification. This ensures optimal signal transmission between your PS5 and display, reducing the likelihood of flickering due to cable inefficiencies.

Avoiding Frequent Changes to Video Settings

Minimize adjustments to your PS5’s video output settings, such as resolution and HDR configurations. Consistently altering these settings can sometimes trigger display inconsistencies, including flickering. Find a setup that works well with your display and stick with it for a stable gaming experience.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps and the PS5 screen flickering persists, it may be time to seek professional assistance:

Persistent Flickering After Troubleshooting

When the screen continues to flicker despite following all recommended solutions, the issue might be more complex than initially anticipated. This persistent problem could indicate a deeper software or hardware malfunction.

Potential Hardware Issues with the PS5

If flickering persists, it could indicate hardware problems. Reach out to Sony’s customer support for expert help or repair options. They can guide you on warranties or direct you to authorized repair centers for proper diagnosis and fixes.

FAQs

PS5 screen flickering can often be fixed by troubleshooting settings and hardware connections. If these don’t work, seek help from Sony support to keep your gaming experience smooth and enjoyable.