“I am using this to connect both my PS5 and laptop to one monitor. Sometimes while using it with my laptop my monitor will stop receiving a signal and go black for a couple seconds then return to showing the screen. Is there something I am doing wrong?”
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This is a common issue with HDMI switches, and it’s usually not something you’re doing “wrong”, but there are a few things that can cause the screen to go black briefly when using a laptop + PS5 on one monitor. Here are the most likely reasons and fixes, explained simply. Why the screen goes black for a few seconds 1️⃣ Resolution / refresh rate changes (most common) When you’re using a laptop, it may: Change resolution Change refresh rate (60Hz ↔ 120Hz / 144Hz) Switch HDR on or off Wake from sleep or dim the screen When this happens, the HDMI switch and monitor re‑handshake the signal, which causes: 👉 a black screen for 1–3 seconds, then it comes back. ✅ This is normal behavior for HDMI switching. 2️⃣ Laptop output is higher than the switch or cable likes PS5 and laptops often output: 4K High refresh rates HDR If your laptop is set to: 4K @ 120Hz Or HDR + high refresh The switch may momentarily lose sync. ✅ Fix to try: Set your laptop to 4K @ 60Hz (or 1080p @ 60Hz) Turn HDR off on the laptop This often stops the flicker completely 3️⃣ HDMI cable quality Even if the switch is fine, a cable can cause brief signal drops. ✅ Make sure: You are using High Speed or Ultra High Speed HDMI cables Cables are not very long Try swapping the cable used with the laptop 4️⃣ Power-saving features on the laptop Some laptops briefly cut or reset the video signal when: Power settings change The system adjusts performance The GPU switches modes ✅ Fix to try: Plug the laptop into power Disable aggressive power‑saving modes Avoid closing the laptop lid if it triggers display changes 5️⃣ HDMI switch limitations Most HDMI switches: Do not buffer video Simply pass the signal through So any small signal change causes a short blackout. ✅ This does not mean the switch is defective.
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