When your PS5 suddenly stops showing an image and you discover the HDMI port is damaged, the next question is always the same:
“How long will the repair take?”
At ZapFixers, we specialize in PlayStation HDMI port repairs, and turnaround time is something we take seriously. Here’s a full breakdown of how long the repair actually takes, what affects the timing, and why some consoles take longer than others.
⏱ Typical PS5 HDMI Port Repair Time
For most cases, PS5 HDMI port repair takes:
⭐ 24–48 hours drop-in
⭐ 2–5 days for mail-in customers (including shipping)
We don’t rush microsoldering work — but we also don’t drag it out. Our workflow ensures the console is properly diagnosed, repaired, tested under load, and returned fast.
🔍 Phase 1: Intake & Diagnosis (30–60 minutes)
Every console starts with a full diagnostic, including:
- HDMI port inspection under the microscope
- Testing continuity on HDMI pins
- Checking for lifted pads or torn traces
- Verifying no hidden GPU or retimer issues
- Checking 12V and 5V rails for shorts
- Boot testing via capture card
This phase tells us whether it’s a simple port replacement or whether additional damage needs repair.
🛠 Phase 2: HDMI Port Removal & Microsoldering (1–2 hours)
This is where most of the time goes.
A proper HDMI port replacement includes:
- Preheating the board on a professional hot plate
- Applying flux and carefully removing the damaged port
- Cleaning and leveling the pads
- Microsoldering the new HDMI port
- Inspecting each of the 19 pins under high magnification
- Rebuilding damaged pads or traces if needed
If the port ripped pads, the repair time increases because we must rebuild the missing traces.
📡 Phase 3: Testing & Burn-In (1–3 hours)
We don’t just plug it into a TV and call it a day.
We fully test:
- 4K 60Hz and 120Hz video handshake
- HDCP
- HDMI retimer operation
- Stability during long gameplay sessions
- Wiggling the HDMI cable to ensure no movement
We use a capture card and OEM diagnostic tools to verify that every pin is communicating correctly. This testing is what guarantees a long-lasting repair.
⏳ When Repair Takes Longer
Some PS5s need extra work. Here’s when the timeline extends:
1. Torn Pads / Damaged Traces
If the HDMI port was yanked violently or the cable was forced in upside down, some of the tiny pads under the port rip off.
Repair time increases because we must:
- Rebuild pads
- Run microscopic jumper wires
- Reinforce the area with UV mask
This can add 1–2 hours.
2. Shorts on the 5V or 12V Lines
If the HDMI port shorted internally, it can damage:
- HDMI filter
- Retimer chip
- Components near the port
Finding and fixing these issues requires deeper board-level diagnostics.
3. Water Damage or Liquid Exposure
Corrosion adds extra cleaning and trace restoration.
4. High Queue Volume
Holiday seasons (Nov–Jan) heavily increase PS5 HDMI failures.
If we are overloaded, repairs may take slightly longer — but we still aim for 24–48 hours max.
⚡ Why ZapFixers Can Repair PS5 HDMI Ports Faster
Repair speed isn’t about rushing — it’s about specialization.
We do multiple PS5 HDMI repairs every week, so we’ve streamlined the process:
- Dedicated workstation for PS5 HDMI jobs
- Professional hot air setup designed for multilayer boards
- HDMI-freeze testing to detect micro-fractures
- Custom jigs for stable retimer testing
- In-house parts, no waiting for suppliers
Experience speeds up the job — and reduces mistakes.
🧰 Real Experience: When a “Quick Fix” Becomes a Deep Repair
A few months ago, we received a PS5 from a customer who tried to replace the HDMI port himself.
Half the pads were missing, and the retimer chip was partially shorted.
A typical 1-hour repair turned into a 4-hour rebuild, involving:
- micro jumpers
- pad reconstruction
- retimer reflow
- extensive burn-in testing
Still—we brought it back to life, and that’s why repair times can vary so much.
