If an Xbox Series X will not read a disc, first see whether the disc sits properly: some consoles take a disc only halfway because of the drive's dust cover, and a small push with the palm helps. Clean the disc with water only, power off and unplug the console for 30 seconds, then try a different game disc. Install the latest system update, because Microsoft has changed the drive's read retry timing and loading speed through firmware. Clicking or grinding means the drive mechanism is failing.
Differential
Likely causes of “Xbox Series X|S (disc and digital models) will not read discs”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A disc that is dirty or scratched
What separates it One disc fails and others read
How to confirm Clean it with water only and test another disc
- 2
The dust cover holding the disc
What separates it The disc goes in halfway and stops
How to confirm Push gently with the palm of your hand to seat it
- 3
A firmware or update issue
What separates it Discs read more slowly or fail after an update
How to confirm Install the latest system update, or use an offline update with a USB drive
- 4
A drive mechanism fault
What separates it Clicking, grinding or a disc that will not load anywhere
How to confirm Book Xbox service
- 5
A console power glitch
What separates it The drive does not respond at all
How to confirm Unplug for 30 seconds, then start again
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether every disc fails or only one
- Any clicking or grinding
- Whether the console has the latest update
- Whether the disc is the same region as the console
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedTry another disc
ReversibleA disc that fails alone is the disc; one that works proves the drive.
Clean the disc
ReversibleWipe it from the center outward with a soft cloth and water; no solvents.
Power cycle
ReversibleTurn the console off, unplug it for 30 seconds and start it again.
Install the system update
ReversibleOpen Profile and system, Settings, System, Updates, or use an offline update from USB if the console cannot go online.
Use the manual eject hole if the disc is stuck
ReversibleWith the console off and unplugged, push a straightened paper clip into the hole on the underside beside the stand until the disc pops out, then pull it free.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Series X only
- The Series X has an Ultra HD Blu-ray drive; the Series S and the Series X Digital Edition have no drive, so disc problems do not apply to them.
- Repair cost
- A disc drive repair costs a good share of the console's value, which is why the simple disc, cleaning and update checks come first.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the Xbox Series X Digital Edition, Xbox Series S (512GB and 1TB), Xbox Series S 512GB.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If every disc fails and the drive clicks, book service
- !If the disc is stuck, use the manual eject hole with the console off
- !If the console smells of burning, stop and unplug it
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Out-of-warranty service fee chart by device.
Insertion, cleaning, region and Blu-ray app steps.
Restart-and-eject and the paper clip method.
Disc quality, another disc and reinstall steps.
Where the manual eject hole is.
Disc drive fixes for the Series X.
Exact questions
Common questions
Where is the manual eject hole on an Xbox Series X?+
On the bottom panel near the disc drive, along the edge of the round stand. Power off and unplug first, then push a straightened paper clip in.
Why does my Series X disc only go in halfway?+
Early reports blamed the drive's dust cover, and a small push with the palm of your hand loosens it so the disc slides in.
Why does my Xbox Series X drive click?+
Grinding or clicking means the drive mechanism is failing and needs repair.
Can a system update fix disc reading?+
Microsoft has tweaked read retry timing and loading speed through firmware, so updating can help.