PlayStation 4 Controller No Sound

PlayStation 4 Controller No Sound

Maaz Hussaini and 2 contributors
Last updated on

Before diving into advanced troubleshooting, perform these initial checks:

  • Check Controller Volume Settings: Confirm that the volume on the controller is not muted, and adjust the volume using the PlayStation's settings.
  • Check that the game you are playing uses the controllers speaker: Some games by default won't use the PlayStation 4's controller speaker unless it is for specific sound effects.
  • Restart the Console: A simple restart of the console can sometimes resolve audio-related glitches.
  • Inspect Controller for Damage: Check the controller for any physical damage, and ensure there are no loose components.

Causes

1

Incorrect audio output settings can lead to no sound from the internal speaker.

  1. Navigate to the PS4 home screen and go to Settings > Devices > Audio Devices.
  2. Check the Output to Headphones setting. Ensure it is set to All Audio if you want all audio to be transmitted through the controller's internal speaker.
  3. Adjust other audio settings, such as microphone volume and audio mix, to ensure they are configured correctly.
2

If you followed the steps above, and adjusting the volume on your controller did not work, then you need to reset your controller.

  1. Completely shut off your PS4 console.
  2. Find the Reset Button on the back of your controller, behind the L2 Button, and use a paperclip, or some other thin object, to hold the button down for a few seconds, in order to reset your controller.
  3. After your controller has been reset, plug your controller into a USB cord, and plug the USB into your PS4 console, in order to repair the controller to your console.
  4. Turn your PS4 console back on.

Following these steps will resolve any temporary software issues that could have been causing the issue. In addition you'll also want to check that your controllers firmware is up to date.

  1. Connect the controller to the PS4 using the USB cable.
  2. Turn on the PS4 console and navigate to Settings > Devices > Controllers.
  3. Select Update Firmware and follow the on-screen instructions to update the controller firmware.

You should also check to make sure that your PlayStation 4 has the latest system software.

  1. Ensure your PS4 is connected to the internet.
  2. Go to Settings > System Software Update and follow the on-screen instructions to update the system software.
  3. After the update, restart the PS4 console and check if the controller's speaker can play sound.
3

If you dropped/threw your controller, kept the controller in a dusty place, or spilled a liquid on your controller the speaker board might be dirty or damaged. This is also relevant if the speaker sound is distorted.

  • Open your controller, by following iFixit's official DualShock 4 Speaker Replacement Guide.
  • Inspect the speaker for any damage, or loose connections. If the speaker itself is damaged, then you will need to replace the speaker with a new one.
  • You will also want to check all the surrounding components for any further damage. Look for any burns, liquid damage, or anything else that would be out of place.

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