In this article, we will show you how to connect audio speakers to the PlayStation 4. This can be done using an optical audio cable or an audio extractor; you can also connect headphones to the controller. Wireless Bluetooth speakers cannot be connected to a PS4, but they can be connected to a controller using a cable.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: How to use an optical audio cable
Step 1. Purchase an optical audio cable
This cable has hexagonal plastic plugs with a small metal contact in the middle. Optical audio cable is sold in electronics stores and online stores.
There is no optical audio port on the PS4 Slim; if you have such a model, use a different method
Step 2. Insert one plug of the audio cable into the optical audio port on the speakers
The shape of the port is similar to that of a cable plug. The optical audio port is located on the back of the main audio speaker.
If your speaker does not have an optical audio port, buy an optical adapter. For example, to connect an optical cable to standard RCA speaker connectors, buy an adapter (optical audio port) –RCA
Step 3. Insert the other plug of the audio cable into the PS4's optical audio port
It is located on the left side of the back of the console.
Step 4. Turn on your PS4
In a moment, you will hear sound from the speakers.
If you can't hear anything, turn up the speaker volume
Method 2 of 4: How to use the audio extractor
Step 1. Purchase an audio extractor
On opposite sides of most audio extractors, there are two HDMI connectors, as well as an optical audio jack, 3.5mm jack, or RCA jack. Audio extractors are sold in electronics stores and online stores.
- Make sure the audio output of the extractor (eg RCA) matches the audio input of the speakers.
- Please note that the sound quality from the audio extractor will be lower than if the speakers are connected directly to the console.
Step 2. Purchase an audio cable to connect the speakers to the extractor
The cable must match the audio input of the speakers and the audio output of the extractor.
Step 3. Buy a second HDMI cable
The PS4 comes with one HDMI cable, but you'll need a second one to connect the extractor to your TV.
Step 4. Connect the first HDMI cable to the console and to the extractor
Connect this cable to the HDMI connector on the back of your PS4 and to the Audio In port on the extractor.
Step 5. Connect the second HDMI cable to the TV and to the extractor
Connect this cable to the HDMI connector on your TV and to the Audio Out port on the extractor.
Step 6. Connect the audio cable to the extractor and to the speakers
Connect this cable to the audio output of the extractor and to the audio input of your speakers.
Step 7. Turn on your PS4
In a moment, you will hear sound from the speakers.
If you can't hear anything, turn up the speaker volume
Method 3 of 4: How to use headphones
Step 1. Buy an audio cable that has 3.5mm plugs on both ends
These plugs are the same as those found on the headphone and microphone wires.
- If you have a 3.5mm plug wire attached to your headphones, skip this step.
- The specified cable is sold in electronics stores and online stores.
Step 2. Connect one plug of the audio cable to the headphones
The corresponding connector is located on the bottom or side of one of the headphones.
Step 3. Connect the other plug of the audio cable to the controller
You will find the headphone jack on the bottom of the controller (between the controller knobs).
If you have a 3.5mm plug wire attached to your headphones, simply plug that plug into the controller's headphone jack
Step 4. Turn on the PS4 and the connected controller
Just press the PS button on the connected controller.
Step 5. Select an account, and then press the X button
You will be logged into PS4.
Step 6. Scroll up to open the console menu
Step 7. Select Settingsand then press the button X.
You will find the "Settings" option on the right side of the menu bar.
Step 8. Scroll down and then select Devices
Now click the X button. It's at the bottom of the page.
Step 9. Select Audio Devicesand then press the button X.
You will find this option at the top of the page.
Step 10. Select Headphonesand then press the button X.
This option is located at the bottom of the page.
If you have not connected an audio cable to the controller, this option will be grayed out, that is, inactive
Step 11. Select All Soundsand then press the button X.
Now all sounds from the console will be played through the headphones instead of the TV speakers.
Step 12. Press PS
From now on, all sounds played by the console will be heard in the headphones.
Method 4 of 4: How to use wireless speakers
Step 1. Buy an audio cable that has 3.5mm plugs on both ends
Wireless Bluetooth speakers cannot be connected to PS4, but they can be connected to the controller using the specified cable.
- Remember that Bluetooth speakers may or may not be compatible with PS4, but in any case, wireless speakers can only be connected to PS4 via an audio cable.
- Most Bluetooth speakers have a headphone jack. If the speakers do not have such a connector (or it is broken), you will not be able to connect them to the PS4.
Step 2. Connect the speakers to the controller
Insert one plug of the audio cable into the headphone jack on the bottom of the controller and the other plug into the Audio In or Line In jack on the back of the Bluetooth speakers.
Step 3. Turn on the console and log in to it
Press the PS button on the connected controller to turn on the console, then select your profile and press the X button.
Step 4. Select "Settings"
Scroll up to the menu bar, scroll right and select Settings (portfolio icon) and then press the X button.
Step 5. Scroll down and then select Devices
This option is located in the middle of the settings page.
Step 6. Select Audio Devices
You will find this option at the top of the page.
Step 7. Select Playback Devices
It's at the top of the page.
Step 8. Select Headphones connected to the controller
You will find this option on the right side of the screen.
Depending on other PS4 settings, this option may already be selected
Step 9. Select Headphones
It's at the bottom of the screen.
Step 10. Select All sounds
It's on the right side of the page. Now all sounds from the console will go to the controller, that is, they will be played through the connected speakers.
Step 11. Turn on your wireless speakers
Press the on / off button
on the speaker cabinet. From now on, all sounds played by the console will be played in Bluetooth speakers.
If you unplug the audio cable from the controller, audio will play through the PS4's main speakers (for example, through the TV speakers)
Advice
- If you have a PS4 Slim console, the speakers must be connected to the TV, and then the PS4 must be connected to the TV (via HDMI cable). In this case, all sounds will go through the speakers and not through the TV speakers. You may first need to open the TV menu and select your speakers as your primary audio source.
- Extractors with HDMI ports and optical audio jack also have legacy types of audio ports that plug in older speaker models.