You can play PS5 without HDMI by using Sony's official PS Remote Play app to stream your console's video and audio to a compatible device over your home network. If your HDMI port is broken or you lack a compatible display, this is the primary and most reliable method to keep gaming while you weigh the cost to fix a PS5 HDMI port.
How to play PS5 without HDMI using remote play
Remote Play streams your PS5 screen to another device, letting you control the console remotely. Follow these steps to set it up before your HDMI port fails.
- On your PS5, go to Settings > System > Remote Play and turn on Enable Remote Play.
- Go to Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode. Enable Stay Connected to the Internet and Enable Turning On PS5 from Network. This allows you to start a session even when the console is in rest mode.
- Ensure your PS5 system software is updated to the latest version.
- On your chosen device (smartphone, tablet, PC, or Mac), download and install the free PS Remote Play app from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or the PlayStation website for PC/Mac.
- Launch the app and sign in with the same PlayStation Network account you use on your PS5.
- Select your PS5 console from the list. The app will search for and connect to your PS5, then begin streaming your games.
- Connect a DualSense, DualSense Edge, or DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller to your remote device via Bluetooth or USB. On mobile devices, you can also use on-screen controls.
What you need for PS Remote Play
Before you start, make sure you have these essentials:
- A compatible device: Android smartphone/tablet (Android 9+), iPhone/iPad (iOS/iPadOS 14+), Windows PC (Windows 10/11), Mac computer, Android TV (Android TV OS 12+), another PS5 or PS4 console, or the PlayStation Portal remote player.
- A PlayStation Network account: This must be the same account you use on your PS5.
- A high-speed internet connection: A minimum of 5 Mbps for both upload and download is required; 15 Mbps is recommended for optimal performance. Both your PS5 and the remote device should be on the same fast network for best results.
Troubleshooting and limitations of remote play
Remote Play is powerful, but it has important constraints. Some games, particularly those requiring peripherals like PlayStation VR, PlayStation VR2, or the PlayStation Camera, are not compatible with Remote Play. The feature also consumes a significant amount of mobile data, so monitor your usage closely to avoid exceeding data caps and incurring extra charges. The most critical limitation is that Remote Play must be enabled on your PS5 while the HDMI port is still working. If the HDMI port is broken and Remote Play has never been turned on, initial setup without a screen is not officially supported, as all official guides assume you have visual access to the console's settings.
Using an HDMI-to-AV converter for older TVs
If you have a TV with only RCA or component inputs (the red, white, and yellow jacks), you can use an HDMI-to-AV converter. This hardware box takes the PS5's HDMI signal and converts it to analog AV signals. Connect an HDMI cable from your PS5 to the converter's input, then use AV cables to connect the converter's output to your TV's matching ports. Power on everything and select the AV input on your TV. Be aware that this method will reduce video and audio quality compared to a direct HDMI connection. If your TV has multiple AV inputs, you may need to switch from HDMI 1 to HDMI 2 or the AV channel to see the PS5 output.
Using a VGA-to-HDMI converter for older monitors
For a monitor that only has a VGA input, a VGA-to-HDMI converter is the solution. Connect an HDMI cable from your PS5 to the converter. Then use a VGA cable to link the converter to your monitor. Since VGA does not carry audio, you will need a separate audio solution, such as connecting a 3.5mm audio cable from the PS5's controller or a dedicated audio adapter to external speakers. Power on your PS5 and monitor, then select the VGA input on the display. Video quality will be limited by the monitor's maximum resolution, which is often lower than what the PS5 can output.
Using a DVI-to-HDMI converter for older monitors
If your monitor has a DVI input, a DVI-to-HDMI converter (or a simple cable with HDMI on one end and DVI on the other) will work. Connect the HDMI end to your PS5 and the DVI end to the monitor. A critical caveat: DVI does not carry audio signals. You must connect a separate audio cable from the PS5 controller or a USB sound adapter to speakers or headphones. Also, DVI connections may not support HDCP, which is required for playing protected content on Blu-ray discs or some streaming services. This method provides a digital video signal, so picture quality can be good, but you will need to use a separate audio-capable method to get sound.
