How to Fix a PS4 That Won't Take, Read, or Eject a Disc (2023)

When the PS4 disc drive malfunctions in any way, you may find that it won't take new discs, won't read discs, or will refuse to eject your discs. Here's how to get your drive working again.

What Causes PS4 Disc Handling Errors?

When a PlayStation 4 has trouble handling discs, it's due to physical hardware, the console firmware that controls everything, or damaged discs. The disc drive mechanism itself may be broken, the disc sensor or eject button may be broken, or there may be a bug or corruption in the firmware that prevents the system from accepting, reading, or ejecting discs or any combination of those problems.

To figure out why your PS4 is having disc handling issues, you first need to narrow down the specific problem.

PS4 Won't Accept Discs

This problem happens when there is already a disc in the system, when the disc you're trying to insert is dirty or damaged, or the system doesn't recognize that you're trying to insert a disc.

PS4 Won't Read Discs

Reading issues are usually because the disc is dirty or damaged. The disc drive itself may also be damaged or have a firmware problem.

PS4 Won't Eject Discs

Dirty or contaminated internal components, a damaged ejection mechanism, and a handful of other issues can cause this problem. You can always eject the disc using the manual eject screw, but fixing the problem may be more difficult.

How to Fix It When a PS4 Won’t Take, Read, or Eject a Disc

If you're having disc handling issues with your PS4 and it won't take, read, or eject a game or movie disc, use these troubleshooting steps to get it working again.

1. Make sure there isn't a disc in your PS4. If you can't insert a disc into your system, try pushing the eject button on the front of the console. You may have forgotten that you put a game or movie in, or someone might have put one in without your knowledge. If a game ejects, you should be able to insert the one you wanted to play.

2. Reboot your PS4. There's a chance that you may be dealing with a minor temporary bug, in which case shutting down and restarting your PS4 might fix the problem. If your console starts accepting, reading, and ejecting discs after a reboot, you can use it like you usually would and only return to this list if it starts acting up again.

   See Also

   Ultimate Guide to Troubleshooting PS411 Common PS4 Problems and How to Fix ThemWhy Wont My PS4 Turn On? (9 Easy Fixes)

3. Try using the manual eject screw. If you're trying to eject a disc from your PS4 and nothing happens, or you're unsure if there is a disc in the system, you can use the manual eject screw to remove anything currently in the drive and start fresh.

   To use a PS4 manual eject screw:

   1. Turn off the PS4, and unplug all of the cables.
   2. Remove the HDD cover or top panel if necessary.
   3. Locate the manual eject screw.
   4. Tighten the screw to eject the disc.

   Carefully holding the PS4 so that the disc slot points down may help the disc come free.

4. Clean your video game disc or DVD. If you're sure there is no disc currently in the system, the disc you're trying to insert may be dirty or damaged. Physically examine the disc for dust, dirt, and other contaminants like food. If necessary, clean the disc with a microfiber cloth and insert it again.

   Wipe your disc in straight lines from the center to the outer edge, and only use a dry microfiber cloth.

5. Try a different game or movie. If you're still unable to insert a disc, or the PS4 won't read your disc, set aside the disc you were working with and try a different one. Try a variety of PS4 game discs and DVD or Blu-Ray discs if you have them to see if the system will accept and read any of them. If it does, there's a good chance that you have one or more damaged discs.

6. Rebuild your PS4 database from safe mode. 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.

7. Clean the interior of your PS4 disc drive. Using canned air or a blower, clean the dust from your PS4 drive. You may need to remove the top cover to remove all the dust. If too much dust has accumulated in the drive, or the rollers are dirty, it may refuse to take in new discs or read any disc currently in the system.

8. Inspect your PS4 disc drive for damage. Remove the top cover of your PS4 and physically inspect the disc drive. If any foreign objects have been allowed to enter the disc slot, you may find them jammed inside the disc drive. Stickers, tape, and other things stuck on game or movie discs can also become trapped in the drive and prevent it from working correctly.

   If you find any foreign objects in the disc drive, carefully remove them. Exercise caution, and avoid touching any components that you can avoid. If possible, use tweezers or another similar tool to remove any foreign objects without disturbing the delicate parts of the drive.

What If Your PS4 Still Won’t Take, Read, or Eject Discs?

If your console still has disc handling problems after going through all of the troubleshooting steps, then it's likely that you have a hardware failure that's best left to the professionals.

Your disc drive will probably require repairs or replacement, and attempting to do so yourself could end up being a costly proposition if you repair or replace the wrong components. For additional help and assistance, contact Sony customer service.