Start by finding out whether the distortion comes from your TV speakers, an HDMI-connected soundbar or receiver, or your headphones. Then check the PS5’s selected output and connections one at a time. Sony’s troubleshooting guidance recommends checking mute and volume, verifying audio output, trying a different HDMI cable when relevant, and updating system software.
First, identify which audio path is affected
Play the same game or video through the output that sounds wrong, then compare another available path if you can. Note whether the problem occurs through:
- TV speakers: Audio travels from the PS5 to the television over HDMI.
- A soundbar or AV receiver: The audio system may be connected between the PS5 and TV, or connected to the TV.
- Headphones: The issue may be limited to the headset, its connection, or the selected headphone output.
If only one path is distorted, concentrate on its settings and connections first. That observation can narrow down what to check, but it does not by itself prove which component is faulty. Sony’s PS5 picture and sound troubleshooting guide covers basic checks and connection troubleshooting.
Check mute, volume, and the PS5 audio output
- Make sure the TV or audio device is not muted and that its volume is audible. If you use headphones, check their volume and mute controls too.
- On the PS5, open Settings > Sound > Audio Output.
- Check Output Device and select the device you intend to use.
- If audio is going over HDMI, check HDMI Device Type. If you are using headphones, review Output to Headphones.
- Under Audio Format (Priority), check the format selected for games and video apps. Options can vary with the connected equipment and configuration.
Some apps have their own audio settings. Sony notes that the disc player, for example, may have separate audio options. If distortion happens only in one app, check that app’s settings as well as the console settings. See Sony’s PS5 audio settings guide for details.
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Isolate the HDMI connection
Use these checks if sound comes through the TV, soundbar, or AV receiver over HDMI. Sony says a faulty HDMI cable can cause audio problems.
- Reseat the HDMI cable at both ends.
- If a receiver, soundbar, capture device, or other intermediary is in the signal path, connect the PS5 directly to the TV or screen temporarily. This helps determine whether bypassing that device changes the sound.
- If possible, test a different HDMI port on the screen.
- If possible, compare with another HDMI cable. Consider replacing the cable if it is damaged or if a comparison test shows that another cable resolves the problem.
Sony recommends the HDMI 2.1 cable supplied with the PS5 for the console’s high-performance features, but says older HDMI cables can also be used. That recommendation does not mean HDMI 2.1 is required to fix distorted audio. For Sony’s connection advice, see its PS5 picture and sound troubleshooting guide.
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Update the PS5 and connected equipment
Sony recommends updating PS5 system software when troubleshooting sound. Check for an available system software update in the console’s settings and install it, then test the same audio path again.
Also check whether the TV, soundbar, or receiver has a firmware update. For device-specific update steps or audio options, consult that manufacturer’s instructions. Sony includes checking connected equipment’s software and consulting its manual among its sound troubleshooting steps.
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If the problem involves TV-speaker 3D audio
These checks apply when you are using the PS5’s 3D audio feature through TV speakers; they are not a general explanation for every crackle or distorted sound.
- Compare the sound with stereo and 3D audio to see whether the symptom changes.
- Make sure objects are not blocking the TV speakers.
- While troubleshooting 3D audio, turn off TV sound-quality adjustments such as surround-sound processing and check whether the result changes.
- If the TV volume changes when the 3D-audio effect is enabled, adjust the volume as needed.
- Repeat the room-acoustics measurement if you move the TV or seating, or if the room environment changes. The PS5 uses the controller’s built-in microphone for this measurement.
Sony’s TV-speaker 3D audio setup guidance describes these checks.
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Use the results to decide what to check next
| What changes the sound? | What to check next |
|---|---|
| Connecting the PS5 directly to the TV improves HDMI audio. | Reconnect the soundbar, receiver, capture device, or other intermediary and check its settings and firmware. Consult its manufacturer’s instructions. |
| A different cable or HDMI port improves the sound. | Inspect the original cable or port and continue testing with the connection that works. A damaged or faulty cable may need replacement. |
| Only headphones sound distorted. | Check the headset’s volume and mute controls, then review Settings > Sound > Audio Output and Output to Headphones. |
| Only one app or the TV-speaker 3D-audio effect is affected. | Check that app’s audio options or follow the TV-speaker 3D-audio checks above. |
| Distortion remains after the relevant checks. | Contact PlayStation Repairs for help with a possible console-side issue, or the connected-device manufacturer for device-specific support. |
These comparisons help narrow down the affected part of the setup; they are not a definitive hardware diagnostic. If the sound remains abnormal after the connection and settings checks, use Sony’s sound troubleshooting page to reach PlayStation Repairs, or contact the manufacturer of the TV, audio system, or headphones involved.
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