How To Connect a PS4 To a VGA Monitor?

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A few nights ago, you were met with one of the worst tragedies any gamer could possibly imagine: your beloved TV suddenly stopped working!

For the past few years, gaming has been your ultimate relaxation technique to cool down after work, and you’re committed to continuing this ritual without a TV. 

After some brainstorming, you realize that you may be able to connect your PS4 to a monitor. However, your monitor’s only working port is VGA, so can you still connect your PS4 to it? 

Yes, you can! However, due to the differences in connectors and video signals between these two ports, you must use an HDMI to VGA adapter, an HDMI splitter, or an HDMI switch.

PS4 gaming consoles support High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (or HDCP for short), which necessitates an HDCP-compliant connection between the PS4 and TV/monitor/projector to display the console’s content on-screen. 

This function is enabled by default and will prevent your console from sending video/audio signals to your VGA-compatible monitor. 

So, before connecting to PS4 to a VGA-compatible monitor using an HDMI to VGA adapter, you must disable your PS4’s HDCP feature. 

However, since many apps (specifically streaming platforms) use HDCP to protect their content from piracy, disabling this function may stop certain apps like Netflix, Disney+, etc., from working.

To connect a PS4 to a VGA-compatible without an HDMI splitter, you must use an HDMI to VGA adapter. This adapter will convert your PS4’s digital video signals to VGA analog signals so your monitor can display them. However, you will also need to use an AUX cable and external speakers or headphones to hear your PS4’s audio through. 

Disable the HDCP Feature to Connect a PS4 to a VGA Monitor

As previously mentioned, you must disable your PS4’s HDCP function to connect it to a monitor via an HDMI-to-VGA converter. This process can only be done by connecting your PS4 to a TV and accessing its settings. 

So, if you don’t have a working TV at home, you may need to connect it to one at a friend’s house before connecting it to a monitor. 

Once your PS4 is connected to a TV, disable its HDCP feature by following the steps below: 

Step 1: Open the Settings. 

Step 2: Scroll down and select System. 

Step 3: Untick Enable HDCP to disable it. 

Now that you’ve disabled HDCP, you’re ready to connect your PS4 and VGA monitor using an HDMI to VGA adapter. 

Materials Needed

• HDMI to VGA adapter
• HDMI cable
• VGA cable 
• AUX 3.5mm audio cable
• External speakers OR headphones

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Plug your PS4 and monitor into power and turn them on. 

Step 2: Plug one end of an HDMI cable into your PS4 and the other into the HDMI to VGA adapter’s HDMI port. 

Step 3: HDMI to VGA adapters must be powered. You can power your adapter using your PS4’s USB port or by plugging it into an electrical outlet with a USB adapter. 

Step 4: Connect one end of an AUX 3.5mm audio cable to your external speakers/headphones and the other end to the HDMI to VGA adapter’s 3.5mm port.

Step 5: Next, connect one side of a VGA cable to your monitor’s VGA port, screwing it in place. Then, connect the other side to the HDMI to VGA adapter’s VGA port.

You can see an example of what the final result should look like below. If something isn’t working correctly, ensure your VGA connectors’ screws are sufficiently tightened and that all connected devices are sufficiently powered and turned on. 

Use an HDMI Splitter or Switch

If connecting your PS4 to a VGA-compatible monitor using only an HDMI to VGA adapter isn’t your cup of tea, consider using an HDMI splitter or switch instead!

Follow the directions below to connect your PS4 to a VGA monitor via an HDMI splitter or switch.

With an HDMI Splitter

Materials Needed

• HDMI Splitter 
• HDMI to VGA adapter 
• VGA cable
• HDMI cable
• One USB cable A to micro USB 
• External speakers and 3.5mm jack cable (may be attached or be bought separately) 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Check that your PS4 and monitor are both securely connected to a reliable power source and turned on. 

Step 2: Plug one end of your HDMI cable into the PS4’s HDMI port then plug the other end into the HDMI splitter’s Input port. 

Step 3: Next, plug your HDMI to VGA adapter’s HDMI connector into one of the HDMI splitter’s Outport ports. 

Step 4: Connect the HDMI splitter to an electrical outlet using its 5V adapter. 

Step 5: Now it’s time to connect your HDMI to VGA adapter to your monitor. Plug one end of a VGA cable into your monitor’s VGA port, making sure to tighten its screws. Then, plug the other end into the HDMI to VGA adapter’s VGA port. 

Step 6: If your speakers have an attached 3.5mm cable, you can plug it directly into the HDMI to VGA adapter’s AUX port. Otherwise, you must connect the two using a separate AUX cable plugged into the speaker/headphones’ 3.5mm jack. 

You can see what your final setup should look like below. Remember to ensure that all devices are powered and all cables are securely plugged into their respective ports. 

With an HDMI Switch

Materials Needed

• HDMI switch 
• HDMI to VGA adapter
• VGA cable
• HDMI cable
• USB 5V power supply for the HDMI switch
• External speakers and 3.5mm jack cable (may be attached or be bought separately) 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Power your PS4 and monitor before turning them on. 

Step 2: Plug one side of an HDMI cable into the PS4 console’s HDMI input port before connecting the other side to one of the HDMI switch’s Input ports. 

Step 3: Then, turn your attention to your HDMI to VGA adapter. Plug the adapter’s attached HDMI cable into the HDMI switch’s Output port.

Step 4: Your HDMI switch must be powered to transmit the video/audio signals. So, plug the provided power cable’s USB A connector into your PS4’s USB port. Then, plug the cable’s micro USB connector into the HDMI switch’s power port. 

Step 5: Plug one end of a VGA cable into your monitor’s VGA port, making sure to screw it in place. Then, connect the other end to the HDMI to VGA adapter’s VGA port. 

Step 6: Now, all that’s left to do is connect the audio. Plug your 3.5mm audio cable into your speakers (skip this step if they have an attached AUX cable). Then, plug the other end of your 3.5mm cable into your HDMI to VGA adapter’s AUX port. 

When you finish connecting everything, it should look similar to the setup below. 

Wrapping Things Up

If your TV or projector is on the fritz, you can absolutely connect your PS4 to a monitor instead. While PS4s are natively HDMI-compatible, they can also be connected to VGA-compatible monitors. 

However, since VGA is not HDCP-compatible, you must disable your PS4’s HDCP function on a TV before connecting it to the monitor. Luckily, you only need to do this once, though you will not be able to access certain platforms like Netflix while HDCP is disabled. 

You can connect a PS4 to a VGA-compatible monitor with or without an HDMI splitter/switch, though you will need to use an HDMI to VGA adapter for all setups. 

Remember to correctly power the adapter/splitter/switch, PS4, and monitor, and don’t forget to connect an external speaker to the adapter so you can hear your game’s audio. 

What’s your experience connecting a PS4 to a VGA-compatible monitor? Do you notice any significant differences in playing PS4 games on a monitor versus on a TV? 

Let us know in the comments below! 

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