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Every PS4 has HDMI OUT, LAN (Ethernet), AUX, AC IN and USB ports. The key model difference is optical audio: original PS4 and PS4 Pro consoles have a DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) port; the PS4 Slim does not. The Pro also has a third USB port on the rear, while the original PS4 and Slim have two USB ports on the front.
PS4 ports at a glance
| Model family | USB ports | Optical audio | Rear connections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original PS4, CUH-1000/1100 | 2, front | Yes | AC IN, DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL), HDMI OUT, LAN, AUX |
| Original PS4, CUH-1200 | 2, front | Yes | AC IN, DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL), AUX, HDMI OUT, LAN |
| PS4 Slim, CUH-2000/2100/2200 | 2, front | No | AC IN, AUX, HDMI OUT, LAN |
| PS4 Pro, CUH-7000/7100/7200 | 3: 2 front, 1 rear | Yes | AC IN, HDMI OUT, AUX, DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL), USB, LAN |
These are model-family layouts; the physical spacing and order vary by revision. Use the labels printed beside the connectors rather than relying on a diagram or a left-to-right port order. Sony’s PS4 setup guide shows the different rear layouts.
Front of the PS4
The original PS4 and PS4 Slim have two USB-A ports on the front. They sit near the disc slot and power/eject controls. The disc slot and buttons are part of the front hardware, but are not connection ports.
The PS4 Pro also has two front USB-A ports, plus a third USB port on the back. That makes three USB ports total on the Pro; the original PS4 and Slim have two.
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Console USB ports can connect and pair a DualShock 4, charge it, and connect compatible storage or peripherals. Compatibility depends on the device and the PS4 software; a USB connection does not guarantee that every accessory or drive will work.
What the rear ports do
HDMI OUT
HDMI OUT sends picture and sound from the PS4 to a TV, monitor, AV receiver, HDMI switch or capture device. Connect it to an HDMI input on the display or compatible equipment. It is an output, not an input: you cannot use the PS4 to display video from a cable box, PC, PS5 or another console.
For the simplest setup, connect the PS4 directly to the TV or monitor and select that HDMI input. A monitor needs an HDMI input and must support the video mode the console is using. If a receiver or other intermediary device produces a black screen, bypass it and connect the PS4 directly to the TV. Sony notes that HDCP compatibility can cause problems in some PS4 Pro receiver setups; see its AV receiver troubleshooting guidance.
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This TOSLINK port sends digital audio to a compatible receiver, soundbar, DAC or headset base. It appears on original PS4 models and PS4 Pro, but not on the PS4 Slim. If you are buying an optical cable or an optical-only headset, check the console model first.
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On a model with the port, connect the optical cable to the console and audio device, select the matching input on that device, then open Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings > Primary Output Port and select DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL). Choose only audio formats your receiving device supports. Sony documents the options in its audio output guide.
The Slim can still send audio over HDMI. Depending on your equipment, alternatives include using the TV or receiver’s audio output, connecting a compatible headset to the controller, or using an HDMI audio extractor. An extractor adds another device and cable path, and compatibility with HDCP, video modes and audio formats varies; it is not a guaranteed fix for every setup.
LAN
The LAN port is for wired Ethernet. Connect it to a router, network switch or wired home-network outlet. Sony’s specifications list support for 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX and 1000BASE-T Ethernet on the documented models. A wired connection may be more stable and less vulnerable to wireless interference than Wi-Fi, but actual speed and latency depend on your home network, internet service, congestion and the game server.
For a wired connection, plug in Ethernet, then on the PS4 open Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection, choose Use a LAN Cable, and select Easy for automatic setup or Custom if your network requires manual settings. Menu wording can vary with system software.
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AUX
The console’s AUX port is the dedicated connection for PlayStation Camera. It is not a regular headphone jack, general-purpose audio input, USB port or power connector. Connect the camera’s cable to AUX; if it is not detected, unplug and reconnect it, then restart the console if needed. Sony’s connection guide covers the camera and other setup steps.
USB
The PS4’s USB-A ports are used for a wired DualShock 4 connection, controller charging, compatible USB storage and supported peripherals. The Pro has one extra port at the rear. USB storage requirements differ by intended use, formatting and system software, so check Sony’s PS4 User’s Guide for the specific storage function rather than assuming any flash drive or hard drive will work. For troubleshooting, connect a drive directly to the console before trying a hub.
A DualShock 4 connects to the console with a Micro-USB cable, not USB-C. For initial pairing, use a cable that supports data; a charge-only cable can power the controller without establishing the wired connection.
AC IN
AC IN is the console’s power input. Connect the power cable made for the exact model and region to AC IN, then to a wall outlet, following Sony’s setup instructions. Do not choose a replacement cable by appearance alone: check connector fit, electrical rating and regional requirements.
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Connect the PS4 to a TV or monitor
- Connect an HDMI cable from the console’s HDMI OUT to an HDMI input on the TV or monitor.
- Connect the appropriate power cable to AC IN and a wall outlet.
- Select the matching HDMI input on the display, then turn on the PS4.
HDMI carries both picture and sound, so a separate audio connection is optional when the display or connected receiver handles audio. Sony’s official setup guide illustrates the connection.
Ports the PS4 does not have
- No HDMI input: the console’s HDMI connector is labeled HDMI OUT.
- No USB-C: the console has USB-A ports; the DualShock 4 uses Micro-USB.
- No standard 3.5-mm headphone jack on the console: compatible headphones usually connect to the headset jack on the DualShock 4.
- No built-in RCA, composite, component, coaxial digital-audio, SD-card or eSATA port: Sony’s documented physical layouts list HDMI, LAN, USB, AUX, AC IN and, on applicable models, optical audio. An external converter does not mean the console has one of these ports.
The controller is separate hardware. Its headset jack and Micro-USB socket should not be mistaken for connections on the PS4 itself. Sony’s hardware parts guide identifies the controller connections.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Identify your PS4 model
Look for the model number beginning with CUH on the console or its packaging. The broad families are CUH-1000/1100 and CUH-1200 for original-style PS4, CUH-2000/2100/2200 for Slim, and CUH-7000/7100/7200 for Pro. Sony explains where to find the number in its model and serial number guide.
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Quick troubleshooting
No picture on the TV
- Check that the HDMI cable is firmly connected at both ends and the TV is on the correct HDMI input.
- Confirm the cable runs from the PS4’s HDMI OUT to an HDMI input on the display.
- Temporarily remove a receiver, switch or capture device from the path and connect the console directly to the TV.
- Restart the display and console; if possible, try another cable or HDMI input.
- If the display cannot handle the selected video mode, consider the PS4’s Safe Mode resolution options.
No optical audio
First check whether the console is a Slim: it has no optical port. On an original PS4 or Pro, check that the cable is fully seated and its protective caps are removed, the receiving device is set to the correct optical input, the PS4’s primary output is set to optical, and the selected format is supported by the receiver or headset base.
Controller will not pair over USB
Try a known-good Micro-USB data cable, not just a charging cable, and connect directly to either front USB port. Then press the controller’s PS button. If it still will not pair, restart the console and try pairing again; Sony’s controller connection instructions are in the PS4 User’s Guide.
USB storage is not recognized
Check that the device is formatted and configured for the specific PS4 storage function you intend to use, and connect it directly to a console USB port. Requirements vary by function and software; consult Sony’s current user guide rather than assuming all drives or hubs are supported.
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