A PS4 that will not read a disc has a short ladder from Sony: reinsert the disc after each step, wipe it with a soft clean cloth from the center outward, try another game, Blu-ray or DVD, and remember the PS4 cannot play burned discs or audio CDs. Then Safe Mode option 5, Rebuild Database, and only if that fails option 7, Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software), which deletes all information. A disc that ejects by itself, or a stuck disc, has its own fixes, including a manual eject screw released with a long Phillips screwdriver.
Differential
Likely causes of “PlayStation 4 (Slim and Pro) will not read discs”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A dirty or fingerprinted disc
What separates it One disc fails but others work, and it looks smudged
How to confirm Wipe it from the center to the edge with a lint-free cloth made for Blu-ray or DVD discs, then reinsert it
- 2
A disc type the PS4 does not play
What separates it A burned disc or audio CD is rejected while commercial discs read
How to confirm Sony says the PS4 cannot play burned discs or audio CDs, so try a commercial PS4 game, Blu-ray or DVD
- 3
A corrupted system database
What separates it Several discs fail or game icons behave oddly after a crash
How to confirm Start Safe Mode and choose option 5, Rebuild Database, as Sony lists before any reinstall
- 4
A loose manual eject screw making the disc eject by itself
What separates it The disc spits out unprompted or the drive behaves as if the eject button is pressed
How to confirm Tighten the manual eject screw; Sony directs you to its guide for the screw's position on your series
- 5
Outdated system software
What separates it The disc problem began after a long time offline or a failed update
How to confirm Go to Settings, System Software Update and install the latest version
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the disc is a PS4 game, a Blu-ray, a DVD or a burned disc
- Whether more than one disc fails and whether the disc is scratched
- Whether the disc ejects itself or is stuck, and whether the drive makes noise
- Your PS4 series: CUH-7000 (Pro), CUH-2000 (Slim), CUH-1200 or CUH-1000
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedClean and inspect the disc
ReversibleHold the disc by the edges, look for scratches, and wipe it from the center towards the edge with a lint-free cloth made for cleaning Blu-ray or DVD discs. Reinsert it after each step in this list.
Try another disc
ReversibleUse a different commercial game, Blu-ray or DVD. If the second disc works, the first is the problem; if a homemade disc is rejected, that is expected.
Update the system software
ReversibleGo to Settings, System Software Update. Sony lists this step for a disc that keeps ejecting, and it costs nothing.
Rebuild the database in Safe Mode
ReversibleTurn the console off, hold the power button until the second beep, connect the controller by USB and press the PS button, then choose option 5, Rebuild Database. It does not erase your games.
Reinstall the system software only if needed
ReversibleOption 7, Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software), deletes all information on the console including the system software. Back up first and use Sony's reinstallation file on a USB drive.
Stop an unwanted eject
ReversibleTurn the console off from the Quick Menu, unplug it and hold the power button for 30 seconds until you hear two beeps. After five minutes plug it back in. Then check the manual eject screw is not loose.
Release a stuck disc with the manual eject screw
ReversibleUnplug all cables. On a CUH-7000 or CUH-2015 series put the console upside down, remove the cap or push through the plastic film over the hole above the PS logo, and turn a long Phillips screwdriver anti-clockwise, several turns, until the disc is released.
Contact Sony if the drive still fails
ReversibleIf the disc still will not read, Sony's next step is PlayStation Repairs. Give them the model number and the steps you tried.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Manual eject by series
- Sony's guide has separate steps for CUH-7000, CUH-2015, CUH-1200 and CUH-1110 and CUH-1000 series. On the Pro the screw hole is above the PS logo and turns anti-clockwise; the CUH-1200 needs the top panel slid off first and turns clockwise.
- Safe Mode options
- Option 5 is Rebuild Database and option 7 is Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software), which deletes everything.
- Tools and supplies
- A long Phillips screwdriver, a flashlight, a lint-free cloth for the disc and a towel to rest the console on.
- Model number for support
- Have the CUH series ready; Sony asks for the model number and serial number, not a part number.
- Repair cost
- For this fault a disc drive fault is quoted after diagnosis; the PS4 repair shops price most often is the HDMI port at $80 to $150.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If a disc is stuck and the manual eject screw does not release it, do not pry it; contact Sony repair
- !If Rebuild Database and a reinstall do not fix reading, request a repair
- !If the drive grinds or scrapes when a disc loads, stop using it and unplug the console
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The screw positions differ by series and Sony gives them as pictures; only the steps in words are reproduced here.
Sony's reading, unwanted ejection and stuck disc steps.
Manual eject screw positions by series.
Rebuild Database and Initialize PS4.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why won't my PS4 read a disc?+
Start with the disc: clean it, try another, then Rebuild Database in Safe Mode. Sony says the PS4 cannot play burned discs or audio CDs.
Why does my PS4 eject discs by itself?+
Sony lists a loose manual eject screw as a cause. Turn the console off, unplug it and hold the power button for 30 seconds, update the software and tighten the screw.
How do I get a stuck disc out of a PS4?+
Unplug all cables and use a long Phillips screwdriver in the manual eject hole. On the Pro it turns anti-clockwise and may need several turns.
Which Safe Mode option rebuilds the database?+
Option 5, Rebuild Database, according to Sony's PS4 disc troubleshooting article.
Will Rebuild Database delete my games?+
No. Option 7, Initialize PS4, deletes all information on the console; Rebuild Database does not.
Does the manual eject work the same on every series?+
No. Sony gives separate steps for the CUH-7000, CUH-2015, CUH-1200 and CUH-1000 and 1110 series; on the CUH-1200 you turn the screw clockwise after moving the drive.
Is the Slim's drive different from the Pro's?+
For troubleshooting they follow the same ladder; the difference is where the manual eject screw sits for each series.
When should I call Sony?+
When the disc will not release with the screw, when the drive grinds, or when Rebuild Database and a reinstall do not help.