PS5 Dolby Atmos Not Working: How to Resolve the Issue

Dolby Atmos is a staple for audiophiles because it is the most immersive audio experience. You can attach your PS5 to your Dolby Atmos system to make the gaming experience worthwhile. However, sometimes, even after setting up the connection, Dolby Atmos doesn’t work on the PS5. So, if you’re going through the same, the following are some reasons that may cause the PS5 Dolby Atmos to stop working.

Quick Fixes

Here are some quick fixes you can do to solve the problem of your PS5 Dolby Atmos not working.

1. Check if the HDMI cables are in the correct ports.
2. Check that your soundbar and TV have an HDMI ARC or eARC port.
3. Use a high-transmission HDMI ARC-compatible. You may use an HDMI Standard 2.1 cable. 
4. Check if there are any loose or damaged connection cables and replace them. 

Reasons Why PS5 Dolby Atmos Not Working

System’s Compatibility

One of the reasons for your PS5 Dolby Atmos not working could be the device’s incompatibility. If your TV or soundbar doesn’t have an HDMI ARC port or eARC port, the audio signals will be transmitted in low bandwidth, which will halt the Dolby Atmos working. 

Lose or Damaged Cables

Another reason your PS5 Dolby Atmos might not be working could be a damaged or broken connection cable. Connect the PS5 to your soundbar and TV via an HDMI cable to enjoy Dolby Atmos. However, if the cable is broken or damaged, the signal transmission will be affected, and you won’t be able to enjoy Dolby Atmos audio. 

Audio Output Not Adjusted

Sometimes, despite the system’s compatibility and perfectly working audio cable, your PS5’s Dolby Atmos may still not work. It could be because of the wrong audio output settings. You need to adjust the audio output from your TV and soundbar settings and adjust it to HDMI ARC output to get the Dolby Atmos to work. 

System Malware

System malware could be caused by a virus entering the system, faulty settings, or outdated firmware. 

Pending Updates

If you have not updated your home theater equipment since the beginning, the problem you’re facing now could result from outdated firmware. 

Fixes For Dolby Atmos Not Working

Ensure HDMI ARC/eARC Compatibility

First, you must know that the Dolby Atmos format is supported only by high-transmission HDMI cables with larger bandwidth, specifically HDMI 2.1 standard cable. So, ensure you use a high-transmission HDMI cable to support Dolby Atmos.

Furthermore, your TV or Soundbar must have an eARC/ARC port. If your TV doesn’t have an eARC or ARC port, you can connect your PS5 directly to the soundbar and then connect the soundbar to the TV. 

However, if your TV and soundbar both have an eARC port, it’s best to connect the PS5 to the eARC port of the TV. Here’s how you can do it.

1. From the Sound Settings, set the PS5 to Dolby Atmos. 
2. Connect the PS5 to HDMI 1 of the TV and ensure that the HDMI 1 is set to Game mode from the TV settings> Picture/Display Settings> Picture/Viewing Mode> Game Mode> Toggle on or Enable.
3.  Use a high-transmission HDMI cable (2.1 standard) and connect it to the TV’s eARC port and the soundbar’s eARC IN port.
4. Now, go to TV Settings> Sound> Sound Out> HDMI ARC (Device)> Soundbar
5. Next, go back to Sound and open Advanced Settings. Locate the eARC support option and Turn it On.
6. Return to Sound>Advanced Settings> Digital Sound Output> Set this to Pass Through.
7. Finally, in the TV Sound Settings, locate Advanced Settings, select HDMI Input Audio Format, and set it to Bitstream instead of PCM.
8. Set the Soundbar to eARC mode.

Check the Connection Cables

The HDMI cable you’re using to set up the PS5 with your soundbar could also be why your PS5 Dolby Atmos is not working. If you’re using a regular HDMI cable, it won’t be able to process the high-frequency Atmos signals, causing disruption and distortion. It’ll result in a lossy and glitchy audio output. So, it’s recommended to use an HDMI 2.1 standard cable.

Furthermore, your Dolby Atmos might not be working simply because of a broken or damaged HDMI cable. Check and replace the HDMI cable if required to fix the connection. Ensure that the HDMI cable is fixed in the ports firmly; a loose connection could also result in lossy or distorted audio.

Adjust the Audio Settings

Even after setting up the whole connection, using the right HDMI cable, and putting the cables in the right ports, if your PS5 Dolby Atmos is not working, it could be because of the settings. As you’re using an eARC/ARC connection, you need to adjust the Audio output settings from the TV to eARC.

Here’s how you can do it.

1. Go to TV Settings and locate Sound Settings.
2. In the Sound Settings, search for Advanced Settings> Digital  Sound Output> Set it to Pass Through.
3. Finally, in the TV Settings> Advanced Settings> Select HDMI Input Audio Format and set it to Bitstream.
4. Set your Soundbar to eARC mode. 

Factory Reset the Devices

Factory resetting the devices could also help resolve the problem that you’re facing. If all the connection cables are working all right, the audio output settings are adjusted, and you’re using a compatible HDMI cable, you may try resetting the devices. Resetting the devices depends on the model of the TV and soundbar that you’re using.

Start by resetting the soundbar and check that the problem is resolved. However, if the problem remains unsettled, you can try resetting the TV and the PS5 to the default setting. Just be sure to readjust the audio settings of the TV and soundbar after the factory reset.

You can factory reset your PS5 Controller by following these steps. 

1. Turn off your PS5 and press and hold the power button for a few seconds until you hear a beep. 
2. Disconnect the DualSense wireless controller from the official USB cable.
3. Ensure that there’s no disc in your console before all of this. 
4. Turn the controller over and locate the Reset button in the small hole beside the logo.
5. Use a common pin or bobby pin to press it for 5 seconds; this will reset your DualSense wireless controller of PS5.

Install System Updates

If you’ve not updated your TV or soundbar for a long time, it could be one of the reasons why your PS5 Dolby Atmos is not working. Check for available updates for your TV and soundbar from the official websites of the models and manufacturers you’re using. Install the updates, restart the system, and check if the Dolby Atmos issue has been resolved.

Restart the Devices

Another way to resolve the PS5 Dolby Atmos not working issue is to restart the devices. Once you have set up the connection and ensured all the cables are intact and compatible with the eARC connection and the system has updated software, you may try a power cycle or restart.

Turn off the TV, soundbar, and PS5; remove all the power cables and let the system rest for a few seconds. Next, plug the cords back and test the system.

Final Words

It’s normal to have glitches with any audio equipment that you have in your home theater; so, if your PS5 Dolby Atmos is not working, there could be several reasons behind it, including wrong audio output setting, incompatible system or HDMI cable, software bug or pending updates. 

These problems could be easily resolved by following troubleshooting steps given above. However, if the problem remains unsettled even after all the troubleshooting, you may contact the customer service of your TV soundbar manufacturer. They’ll guide you about the process to resolve the problem.