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Every PS4 has HDMI OUT, LAN (Ethernet), AUX for PlayStation Camera, AC IN for power, and USB-A ports. The key model difference is optical audio: the original PS4 and PS4 Pro have a DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) port; the PS4 Slim does not. The Pro also has one extra USB port on the back.
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 | 2 front, 1 rear | Yes | AC IN, HDMI OUT, AUX, DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL), USB, LAN |
These are model-family layouts; the exact placement and order can vary between revisions. Sony’s PS4 setup guide shows the rear layouts, and the original PS4, Slim, and Pro manuals list their respective connections.
What’s on the front?
The original PS4 and PS4 Slim have two USB-A ports on the front. They can connect a DualShock 4 controller, compatible USB storage, and supported accessories. The PS4 Pro also has two front USB ports, plus a third USB port on its rear panel. The disc slot and power/eject controls are also on the front, but they are not connection ports.
What each PS4 port does
HDMI OUT
Connect HDMI OUT to an HDMI input on a TV, monitor, AV receiver, or compatible intermediary device. HDMI carries the PS4’s picture and sound. It is an output, not an input: you cannot feed video from a cable box, PC, PS5, or another console into the PS4.
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For the simplest setup, connect the PS4 directly to the display, select that HDMI input, and connect power to AC IN. If you get a black screen through an AV receiver or other device, bypass it and connect the PS4 directly to the TV. Sony notes that intermediary-device compatibility, including HDCP, can cause display problems with PS4 Pro systems; see its black-screen troubleshooting guidance.
DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL)
This TOSLINK port sends digital audio to a compatible receiver, soundbar, DAC, or headset base. It is on the original PS4 and PS4 Pro, but not the Slim. To use it, connect an optical cable to the audio device, then on the console open Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings > Primary Output Port and select DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL). Choose only audio formats supported by the receiving device. Sony documents this in its audio-output guide.
PS4 Slim owners: an optical cable cannot connect directly to the console because the port is absent. Use HDMI audio through the TV or receiver, connect a compatible headset to the controller, or consider an HDMI audio extractor after checking its resolution, HDCP, and audio-format compatibility.
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LAN
LAN is the wired Ethernet connection for a router, network switch, or wired network outlet. The PS4 supports standard Ethernet networking, including gigabit-capable hardware on the specified models. A cable can be more stable and less prone to wireless interference than Wi-Fi in a suitable setup, but actual speed and online latency still depend on your router, internet service, network traffic, and game-server route.
To configure it, connect an Ethernet cable, then 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 may differ with system software.
AUX
AUX is the dedicated connection for PlayStation Camera. It is not a regular audio jack, USB port, Ethernet connector, or general-purpose accessory input. Connect the camera’s cable to AUX; if it is not detected, unplug and reconnect it, then restart the console if needed. See Sony’s installation guide.
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USB
The USB-A ports connect or charge a DualShock 4, connect supported peripherals, and work with compatible USB storage. Not every USB device or accessory works for every purpose, and storage must meet the PS4’s format and compatibility requirements. If a drive is not recognized, connect it directly to the console rather than through a hub and check the PS4 storage guidance.
The DualShock 4 uses a Micro-USB cable, not USB-C. For initial pairing, use a cable that carries data; some charge-only cables provide power but cannot pair the controller. Press the PS button after connecting it to the console. The controller setup guide covers registration.
AC IN
AC IN is the power input. Use a cable appropriate for the exact console model and region, with the correct connector and electrical rating. Do not assume a cable that fits—or one advertised simply as a PS4 cable—is safe for every revision.
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Ports the PS4 does not have
- No HDMI input: HDMI OUT sends the console’s signal to another device.
- No USB-C: the console ports are USB-A; the DualShock 4 uses Micro-USB.
- No built-in 3.5 mm headphone jack: compatible headphones usually connect to the DualShock 4’s headset jack, not the console.
- No built-in RCA/composite, component, coaxial digital-audio, SD-card, or eSATA ports in Sony’s standard hardware layouts. An external converter does not mean the console itself has those connections.
The controller’s headset jack and other controller connections are separate from the ports on the console. Sony’s hardware guide identifies the controller’s headset connection.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Quick connection instructions
Connect to a TV or monitor
- Connect HDMI OUT on the PS4 to an HDMI input on the display.
- Connect the appropriate power cable to AC IN and a wall outlet.
- Select the matching HDMI input on the display and turn on the PS4.
A monitor must have an HDMI input and support the video mode the console is using. If a receiver or switch interrupts the picture, test a direct connection to the display.
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Pair a controller
- Connect the DualShock 4 to a console USB port with a Micro-USB data cable.
- Press the PS button. After registration, the controller can normally be used wirelessly.
Connect PlayStation Camera
- Place the camera above or near the display.
- Connect its dedicated cable to AUX.
- If it is not recognized, disconnect and reconnect the cable; restart the console if necessary.
Use optical audio
On an original PS4 or Pro, connect an optical cable from DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) to the receiving device, select the corresponding input there, then set the PS4’s primary output to optical in Audio Output Settings. On a Slim, use HDMI audio, controller-connected audio, or a compatible external audio-routing option instead.
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Troubleshooting by symptom
No picture or “no signal”
- Reseat the HDMI cable at both ends and confirm the display is on the correct HDMI input.
- Make sure the cable is connected to the PS4’s HDMI OUT and to an HDMI input on the display.
- Bypass any receiver, HDMI switch, or capture device, and test the PS4 directly on the TV.
- Restart the display and console; try another HDMI cable or TV input.
- If the display cannot handle the current video setting, consider the console’s Safe Mode resolution options.
No optical sound
First confirm the console is not a PS4 Slim. Then check that the optical cable is fully seated and its protective caps are removed, select optical on the receiver or headset base, set the PS4’s primary output to optical, and choose a supported audio format.
Controller will not pair
Try a known-good Micro-USB data cable (not only a charging cable), another front USB port, and a console restart. If necessary, reset the controller using its recessed reset button and pair it again over USB.
USB storage is not recognized
Check that the drive is seated, connected directly to a console port, and formatted and configured for the storage function you want. Extended storage and backup storage have different requirements; consult the PS4 User’s Guide for the applicable software and storage instructions. A hub or a drive that draws more power than the console can provide may also complicate detection.
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How to identify your PS4 model
Look for the CUH model number on the console or its packaging; the location varies by chassis. Sony explains where to find the PS4 model and serial numbers. As a quick guide, CUH-1000/1100 and CUH-1200 are original-style PS4 revisions; CUH-2000/2100/2200 are Slim; and CUH-7000/7100/7200 are Pro. Storage capacity, color, bundle name, or a stand alone is not a reliable way to identify the revision.
If you are buying a cable or adapter, choose it for the port and model you actually have. In particular, confirm optical audio is present before buying a TOSLINK cable for direct console connection, and verify the exact model and region before replacing a power cable.
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