Do you also want to repair damaged HDMI port on your PS4 console. If yes, then we will tell you in this article how much will it cost? And read this article till the end to know more about repairing PS4 HDMI port.
Can you use the PS4 without HDMI?
If someone is telling you that it is possible to use your PS4 without HDMI, then it is completely wrong. Don't be fooled because it's not possible to use your PS4 without HDMI because the console doesn't have any other video outputs. It also doesn't have driver support for USB to HDMI adapters, so outputting video through one of the USB ports isn't an option.
How can you tell if PS4 video problems are caused by a broken HDMI port?
Whenever you turn on the PS4 and then you see a white light on the console and the TV displays a black screen (sometimes with a "No Input" or "No Signal" message) or shows a distorted video output, So it is likely that the HDMI port or the HDMI controller chip is bad. It is often referred to as the white light of death.
But the light on the console doesn't turn white when turning on the PS4, and instead stays blue, so you're dealing with a different issue entirely. This happens when the PS4 is not able to boot up and is called the Blue Light of Death.
While a broken HDMI port is a common cause of video problems on the PS4, it's important to rule out several other possible causes first. There can be many reasons why the console is not displaying video. The most common are:
- The HDMI cable is defective.
- There is a conflict between the Playstation and the TV, for example, the TV does not support the console’s resolution.
- There is physical damage to the HDMI port itself.
- Some of the other electronic components in the PS4 are not working correctly.
Signs of PS4 HDMI Port Damage
Let us first know what is the use of PS4 HDMI port? You can connect the console to your television through the PS4's HDMI port. Sound and pictures are also transmitted through this port. Most modern gaming consoles already have this cable as it is capable of providing the highest definition video signal and surround sound.
Other indicators of PS4 HDMI Port problems are the following:
- no video signal
- no input error
- black screen
- pixelated display
- distorted graphics
- faulty light indicator on the console
Specific signs of hardware damage on the PS4 HDMI port are as follows:
- Bent Pins – this is a prevalent issue among PS4 owners. It’s often the result of frequent plugging of the HDMI cable in and out, aggressively.
- HDMI pins pushed in on the console – this usually happens if the cable is forcibly plugged into the HDMI port.
- Loose HDMI port – this is when the cable wobbles when plugged in to the port due to some missing HDMI pins.
If you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, you can perform the basic troubleshooting on your end by checking the HDMI port for any indications of physical or liquid damage.
You can find the HDMI port on the upper center at the back of your PS4. It usually looks like a half of an octagon. If you see any signs of cut or slash, then that could be the underlying cause.
But wait, is the TV okay?
Remember that not all the aforementioned symptoms are tied to a damaged PS4 HDMI port as they too can occur due to a damaged television in use. Having said that, also consider checking your television.
A faulty or incompatible cable in use may also be the underlying cause. To rule these out, you can try using a different cable and a different TV (if available) to see if the problem is gone. If it persists, then it’s likely that the part of the PS4 itself is damaged.
Why does the PS4 HDMI port break?
If we talk about the main reason for issues with the HDMI port of PS4, then I think that the port itself becomes very weak. This is due to poor design by Sony, and causes the port to wear out quickly and get damaged easily. This is especially the case with the first generation PS4s.
There are a few things that can cause a weak HDMI port to break:
- Frequent plugging and unplugging of the HDMI cable. This causes the port to wear out over time.
- Pushing the cable in hard and/or at an angle. Due to the design of the port, this can move, bend or break the small pins inside of the HDMI port.
- A sudden force pulling on the cable, such as someone/something pulling the cable or the PS4 falling over while plugged in. Aside from damaging the HDMI port, this can also cause the port to shear off the circuit board completely.
What to do if the HDMI port on your PS4 breaks?
Unfortunately, there’s not much can be done on your end to get the problem fixed unless the problem is software-related.
But if you’ve got the know-how about micro-soldering and electronics stuff and you strongly believe that you can fix it yourself, then you can always try repairing it at home. The entire process typically involves removal, cleaning and installation.
To do this, you will first need to secure the right tools such as a soldering gun and a new HDMI part that’s compatible with your console.
Once you’ve got the needed components and tools, you can start desoldering the old, damaged PS4 HDMI port at the pins and anchor holes, clean up the old solder from the pins and install the new working HDMI part on the right spot.
Prior experiences in electronics repair is a plus to achieve positive results in this repair venture. If you’re not confident, you can always let the professionals fix it for you then.
Just find the nearest repair shop around or go to Sony’s official website and locate the nearest authorized service centers in your area.
Can you fix it yourself?
Replacing an HDMI port can be a bit daunting, but it can be doable if you have the right equipment and the right skills. But note that the HDMI controller chip is much more challenging to fix. I don't recommend a DIY repair unless you either know what you're doing, or if you see it as a learning experience and don't mind doing further damage to the console.
There is a saying "Experience and knowledge are both necessary to do the right thing." So without the proper experience or equipment, not only is it wrong to repair an HDMI port or controller chip, but it can also damage the console even more. For example, damage to marks or pads on a printed circuit board.
How much does the PS4 HDMI port repair cost?
For information, let us tell you that the cost of PS4 HDMI port varies depending on the severity of the damage component. For minor damage, the average repair cost will be around $100 or less. However, this estimate is only applicable if you opt to visit a non-Sony repair shop as third-party shops usually charge much less than OEM shops. That said, if you take your damaged console to a Sony-authorized shop, they'll likely charge you around $150 or more to repair your PS4 HDMI port.
A Sony-authorized shop repair costs a lot more than other shops, but on a positive note, it doesn't void your warranty. If your PS4 is still under warranty, consider this option. Otherwise, you can go elsewhere that charges less for the same repair service.
Is it possible to play a PS4 with HDMI port damage?
According to a few resourceful users, it’s still doable to play with a PS4 with a broken HDMI port. What they purportedly did was enable Remote Play on the PS4 and started playing the console even without a bigger TV screen. Should you wish to give it a shot, here’s what they did:
- Turn your PS4 on.
- If auto-sign is not enabled, press X. Otherwise, skip to the next step.
- Press UP once and then press RIGHT 7 times.
- Now, hit X.
- Finally, press DOWN 12 times and then press X twice.
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