my vg28uql1a is stuck on 'no signal' with my ps5 even though everything's plugged in, hdmi 2.1 cable and all

Diagnosis

This "No Signal" state on the ASUS VG28UQL1A is typically caused by an HDMI 2.1 handshake failure. Because this monitor supports high-bandwidth 4K @ 144Hz, it requires a precise "handshake" with the PS5 to negotiate the HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) and the specific resolution/refresh rate. If the monitor is set to an older HDMI standard or if the PS5 is attempting to push a signal (like 120Hz) that the monitor's current firmware state isn't acknowledging, the screen remains black with the "No Signal" floating box. Furthermore, this often happens when the monitor is in a "deep sleep" state or when the HDMI EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) is set to a version that doesn't align with the PS5's output. You can confirm this is a handshake issue if you can see the monitor's built-in OSD (On-Screen Display) menu by pressing the joystick, but the actual game image from the console fails to appear. If the OSD is also unresponsive, the issue is power-related rather than signal-related.

How to Fix It

Follow these steps exactly to force a new handshake between the PS5 and the VG28UQL1A:

1. Completely shut down your PS5 (do not use Rest Mode). Hold the power button on the console until it beeps twice and the lights go fully off.
2. Unplug the power cable from the back of the ASUS VG28UQL1A and the power cord from the wall outlet. Wait exactly 60 seconds to allow the capacitors on the mainboard to discharge.
3. Plug the monitor back in and power it on. Use the rear joystick to navigate the OSD menu.
4. Navigate to System Setup > HDMI EDID Mode. Ensure this is explicitly set to HDMI 2.1. If it is set to 1.4 or 2.0, the PS5 may fail to trigger the 4K/120Hz signal.
5. Go to the GameVisual menu and select Racing Mode. This is the most stable profile for color accuracy and signal stability on this specific panel.
6. Ensure the HDMI cable is seated firmly in the HDMI 2.1 port (usually the one closest to the edge of the chassis).
7. Power on the PS5. If the signal doesn't appear immediately, press the joystick on the monitor, go to Input Select, and manually toggle from 'Auto' to HDMI.

If That Didn't Work

• Boot PS5 in Safe Mode: Hold the PS5 power button for about 7 seconds until the second beep. This forces the console to output a low-resolution 480p signal. If the image appears now, go to Settings > Screen and Video and disable '120 Hz Output' and 'HDR' temporarily to see if the signal stabilizes, then re-enable them one by one.
• Swap the HDMI Cable: Even if you are using the cable that came with the PS5, these can have internal micro-fractures. Test with a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (48Gbps). If the cable is not rated for HDMI 2.1, the monitor will trigger a "No Signal" error when the PS5 tries to push 4K at high refresh rates.
• Disable HDCP on PS5: In some rare cases, the HDCP handshake fails. Go to Settings > System > HDMI and toggle Enable HDCP to Off. Note that this will prevent you from using apps like Netflix or YouTube, but it will confirm if the "No Signal" is caused by a copy-protection failure.
• Firmware Update: Use a USB drive to update the monitor's firmware. ASUS frequently releases updates for the VG series to improve compatibility with console HDMI 2.1 handshakes. Check the ASUS support site for the latest .bin file specific to the VG28UQL1A.

Heads Up

• Avoid HDMI Extenders: Never use an HDMI extension cable or a cheap switcher between the PS5 and this monitor; the 48Gbps bandwidth required for 4K/144Hz is extremely sensitive to signal degradation.
• Cable Management: Ensure the HDMI cable is not bent at a sharp 90-degree angle where it enters the monitor, as this can damage the internal pins of the HDMI 2.1 port.
• Power Cycling: If you experience intermittent flickering after a long session, a "hard" power cycle (unplugging from the wall) is the only way to reset the HDMI controller on this model.
• HDR Settings: If the image appears but looks "washed out," ensure you have run the HDR Calibration tool within the PS5 settings specifically for this panel's peak brightness.