It's throwback Thursday, and you're eager to dive back into a game you haven't played in awhile, like Sims 2: Castaway. But when you get ready to start, you realize that your PS4™ isn't reading discs anymore. Annoying, right?
Before you kick your gaming console to the curb (or just kick it repeatedly), we've got some simple fixes for you to try.
At Asurion, we understand how important tech is to making your life more fun and convenient. From troubleshooting to repairs, we've got you covered. Here's why your PS4 won't read discs and how to fix it.
Why your PS4 may not be reading discs
There are a variety of reasons your PS4 isn't recognizing your discs. Here are some of the most common ones.
You have a minor console issue
This is the best possible type of issue you can have when you see that error message. It's a momentary hiccup that you can usually solve by restarting your PlayStation®.
You have a game disc problem
If your disc is cracked, scratched, or outright defective, your PS4 might not be able to read it.
You have a software glitch
The error could stem from your software not working properly, usually because you forgot to update it.
You have faulty hardware
Internal damage stemming from a drop or fall can knock the delicate parts inside the console out of place—or worse—break them, requiring a PlayStation disc drive repair.
It’s not game over—yet
If your console stops working, we’ll handle the repairs. Make an appointment, or visit your nearest store today.
Schedule a repair
How to fix an unrecognizable PS4 disc
Just like your favorite choose-your-own-adventure book, there are a few routes you can take to solve an unrecognizable PS4 disc error. We recommend this one because it's easy and it works.
1. Restart your PS4
Restarting your console clears most glitches and allows it to turn on correctly. To restart your PS4, hold down the PS button on the controller and select Power > Restart PS4. After restarting, try the game disc again.
2. Make sure your PS4 game disc is clean
The source of all your pain and suffering—okay, not all of it—could just be a dirty disc. Eject the disc, and check for any scratches or scuffs. If it's dirty, clean it with a dry microfiber cloth. Then try inserting it again.
If the error message continues, try testing other clean game discs. If they give you the same error, that's a sign you have a system or hardware problem.
3. Update your software in Safe Mode
Safe Mode is a feature that lets you start and use your console with the bare minimum of programs it needs to work. Updating the software in this mode is a great way to make sure everything's current while temporarily stopping any system issues that could be causing your PS4 disc read error.
To update your PS4 in Safe Mode, follow these steps:
- Press the Power button to shut down the console.
- Press and hold the Power button until you hear two beeps.
- Once prompted on screen, connect the controller to the console by using the USB cable, and press the PS® button on the controller. Once the console has entered Safe Mode, choose Update System Software.
- After the console's software updates, it'll restart. Once the console is on, insert a disc to see if the same error appears.
4. Factory reset your PlayStation 4
The last stop on your console troubleshooting journey is a factory reset. This kind of reset will delete your game files and restore your console back to its default settings.
Saving, exporting, and factory resetting can be a frustrating process—but it doesn't have to be. We've got an easy-to-follow guide to help you factory reset your PlayStation—without losing your game progress.
5. Talk to an expert
Still having trouble? Your console might have a broken part inside. Since we don't have X-ray vision, you can't see what's going on with your console without taking it apart. Bring your PlayStation to your nearest uBreakiFix®by Asurion storeso we can see what's wrong with it. We're here to help.
*The Asurion® trademarks and logos are the property of Asurion, LLC. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Asurion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any of the respective owners of the other trademarks appearing herein.*
FAQs
Most instruction manuals and console manufactures will tell you to clean your games with a clean, lint-free, soft, dry or slightly damp cloth and wipe in straight lines from the disc's center to its outer edge. Don't wipe in circles: That's how the discs are read, and doing so could cause further damage.
How do I fix my PS4 not reading discs? ›
Troubleshoot PS4 console disc reading issues
- Clean the disc with a soft, clean cloth to remove any dirt or prints.
- Try inserting another game, Blu-ray disc, or DVD. PS4™ consoles can't play burned discs or audio CDs.
- Access Safe Mode and select option 5 Rebuild Database.
How to Fix Corrupted Data on PS4
- Delete the game and reinstall it. ...
- Delete corrupted downloads. ...
- Clean the game disc. ...
- Update the software. ...
- Restore your PS4 software licenses. ...
- Start the PS4 in safe mode and rebuild the database. ...
- Initialize your PS4. ...
- Hard reset your PS4.
Most instruction manuals and console manufactures will tell you to clean your games with a clean, lint-free, soft, dry or slightly damp cloth and wipe in straight lines from the disc's center to its outer edge. Don't wipe in circles: That's how the discs are read, and doing so could cause further damage.
Why wont my PS4 read DVDs? ›
Some discs may not be playable due to scratches, dust, the quality of recording, or the characteristics of the recording device. In rare instances, DVDs, BDs and other media may not play properly on your PS4™ system. This is primarily due to variations in the manufacturing process or encoding of the software.
Why is my PS4 spitting out discs? ›
Disc problems: Scratches and foreign materials like dirt, food, and other debris can cause the system to eject your disc immediately. Software problems: Power cycling the PS4 and updating the software usually solve these issues.
How to enable disc playback on PS4? ›
How to play media discs on PS4 consoles. To play a Blu-ray Disc™ or DVD, insert the disc into the disc slot, and then select the content from the content area. Your PS4™ console must enable the disc playback feature over the Internet (only once) before you can play any BDs or DVDs.
How do I fix my PS4 disc not coming out? ›
Turn over and rotate the console so that the PlayStation logo is upside down. Insert a screwdriver into the manual eject hole, just above the PS4 logo, and turn counterclockwise to release the disc. You'll have to push the screwdriver through a layer of plastic, but don't worry—this will not affect your warranty.
How do I get my PlayStation disc to work? ›
How to play PlayStation games on disc
- Insert your game disc into the disc slot. The game installs automatically the first time you play it. You may be asked to select which add-ons to install.
- Once installed, select the game from your Games home. Your game starts. Keep the disc inserted every time you play the game.
Make sure your PS4 game disc is clean
If it's dirty, clean it with a dry microfiber cloth. Then try inserting it again. If the error message continues, try testing other clean game discs.
Dampen a microfiber cloth in it, then wipe the disc from the center to the edges until it looks clean. Isopropyl alcohol, or rubbing alcohol, is available online or at pharmacies. Isopropyl alcohol cleaners can damage PS4 discs. Most discs only require a quick wipe with a clean cloth.
How do I fix my PS4 Cannot read disc? ›
There may be a problem with the firmware that runs your PS4 if it still can't accept or read discs. Try rebooting your console into safe mode and selecting the Rebuild Database option. If that doesn't work, try the Reinstall System Software option available in safe mode. Clean the interior of your PS4 disc drive.
Why is my PS4 not accepting discs? ›
Check if a disc is already in your PS4
If your PS4 isn't accepting discs, it could be because there's one already inside, or perhaps one was inserted without your knowledge. If this is the case, eject that disc first. If it doesn't eject, you'll need to use the manual eject screw, shown in a few steps below.
How do you fix a DVD play that will not read disc? ›
- Ensure that the disc has been inserted into the player correctly.
- Examine the DVD for fingerprints, smudges, or scratches and, if necessary, clean the disc using a soft dry cloth.
- Ensure the disc has been properly created and finalized.
- Ensure the DVD region code and format of the disc is compatible with the player.
This is because the PS4 itself is region-locked with DVD and Blu-ray discs. If you want to play DVDs from other regions, you need to change the region on your PS4.
How do I fix a corrupted disc on my PS4? ›
As introduced on this page, basically, there are three ways that can help to fix the corrupted data on PS4:
- 1). Delete the Corrupted Data.
- 2). Delete the Downloaded or Corrupted PS4 Files, and Redownload Them.
- 3). Rebuild PS4 Database.
Blu-ray disks do not last forever and parts of the disk eventually become unreadable making the game useless. Leaving the disk horizontal in your PS4 is just one thing that reduces the overall life span of disks whether they are CD/DVD/Blu-ray.
How do I get my PS4 to take a disc? ›
Lift the panel off starting from the left side.
- With the top panel removed, you'll see a screw with the PlayStation symbols on it. Remove this by turning the screw anti-clockwise to remove the HDD.
- Pull the HDD part way out of the console so that the disc manual eject hole (1) is clear:
If you're looking to play a game on PlayStation without a disc, you're going to need to install a digital copy downloaded from the PSN store. (Usually but not always a separate purchase.)
Does PS4 have DVD capability? ›
PS4 supports different DVD disc formats such as DVD-R/RW*1 (video mode, VR mode*2), DVD-ROM, DVD+R/RW*1, *1 AVCHD, and 2 CPRM. In addition to this, it also supports different Blu-ray disc formats such as BD-R/RE (BDAV, BDMV) and BD-ROM (Hybrid discs are supported).
Make sure your PS4 game disc is clean
Eject the disc, and check for any scratches or scuffs. If it's dirty, clean it with a dry microfiber cloth. Then try inserting it again. If the error message continues, try testing other clean game discs.
Why is my PS4 not supported discs? ›
The PlayStation®4 console can't read the disc. The disc format may be unsupported, or the disc may be corrupted. Eject the disc and make sure that it isn't dirty, scratched or damaged. Make sure that the format of the disc is supported by PS4™ consoles.
How do I get my PlayStation 4 out of Safe Mode? ›
Wait for the power light to stop flashing, then remove the power cable and leave the console for 20 minutes. Reconnect the power cable and press the power button to turn on the PS4 console. If your PS4 console still starts in Safe Mode, go to Rebuild Database and select OK.
