PS4 Pro: 4K and HDR guide

PS4 Pro: 4K and HDR guide

Learn how to set up 4K and HDR on your PlayStation®4 Pro.

What is 4K?

4K is almost four times higher definition than standard (1080p HD). Though all PS4 systems have HDR capabilities, you can enjoy 4K only with the PS4 Pro system. Availability of enhanced image quality depends on your home entertainment set-up. The PS4 Pro automatically selects the best available resolution.

The definition displayed on your TV may be limited when you have a PlayStation®VR Processor Unit and headset connected to your PS4 Pro. 

PS4 Pro: How to enable 4K resolution

You can only get dynamic 4K with a PS4 Pro system connected to a 4K compatible display device (e.g. 4K TV, 4K projector) with a Premium HDMI cable.

You need to enable 4K on both your PS4 Pro system and 4K compatible display device. You also need to enable this setting in any other device in between your PS4 Pro and 4K compatible display device (e.g. 4K compatible Home Cinema System/AV receiver)

Refer to your display device manual to ensure:

  • You're connecting your PS4 Pro system to the correct 4K HDMI input. Check this for all devices connected between your PS4 Pro and 4K compatible display device.
  • Your display device supports 4K/60 Hz. If it doesn't, the picture may be scaled down to 2K/60 Hz.
  • Make sure you are using Premium HDMI cables to connect all devices in the chain. You can find out more about Premium HDMI cables here.

Every 4K compatible display device is different, so you need to refer to your device manual for detailed instructions.

  1. Open your 4K compatible device display settings menu.
  2. Find the resolution settings and enable 4K.
  3. Repeat these steps for any devices between your PS4 Pro and 4K compatible display device.

Your PS4 Pro system should automatically enable 4K if it detects a 4K compatible device connected to it. To make sure 4K and the highest possible resolution are enabled:

  1. From the home screen go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings.
  2. Set the Resolution to 2160p - YUV420 or 2160p - RGB.
  3. If you set the resolution to Automatic your PS4 Pro system will default to the highest possible resolution available for the display device it is connected to and content being played/streamed.
  4. Start a 4K compatible game* or video streaming service.

*Some games will require you to enable 4K within the in-game menu. Check the game manual to find out more.

Note: Some options may be greyed out (not available) if your 4K display device does not support these resolutions.

I can't get an image or 4K/HDR on my PS4 Pro system

This is due to some compatibility limitations of some 4K TV models.

If, after connecting your PS4 Pro system to your 4K compatible TV, you are not seeing any image please follow these steps:

  1. Access Safe Mode on your PS4 Pro system.
  2. Select option 8: Set HDCP Mode
  3. Select HDCP 1.4 Only
  4. Your system will automatically restart when you select OK.

You should now be able to see an image on your TV. However, you may not get 4K or HDR for some content or apps while HDCP 1.4 is enabled.

  1. Power off your PS4 Pro again by holding down the power button until you hear a second beep. Once it's powered down, access Safe Mode again as before.
  2. Now selection option 2: Change Resolution. You'll be prompted to restart the system and select a resolution.
  3. Once the system has restarted, select 2160p - YUV420 as the resolution. You should now be able to see an image on your TV.
  4. Now turn off your PS4 again, and restart it in Safe Mode one last time.
  5. Select option 8: Set HDCP Mode and then select option 1: Automatic.

If you're still having problems after following these steps, please contact your TV manufacturer for further assistance.

  • Check that you're using the correct HDMI input. Most 4K display devices have dedicated HDMI ports for 4K resolution. Check your device manual to identify which port you should be using.
  • Make sure any HDMI cables between your PS4 Pro and TV are Premium certified (v1.4+). The HDMI cable supplied with your PS4 Pro is suitable.
  • Check your TV settings and make sure that UHD Colour is set to "on". (not applicable for all TV models)
  • Make sure that the content you're playing supports 4K or HDR. Some games required 4K or HDR to be enabled within the in-game menu.

Need help? 

Contact our support specialists

Contact PlayStation Support