Why PS5 Won’t Read Discs and How to Fix It

by PlayStation Expert · Published 22/03/2023 · Updated 29/03/2023

The PlayStation 5 is one of the most popular gaming consoles around, and it has been out for a few months now. But some users are reporting issues with the console not reading discs. This can be very frustrating for anyone who enjoys gaming on their PS5, as it limits their ability to enjoy the titles they have purchased. This article will discuss why the PS5 won’t read discs and how to fix it.

PS5 cannot read disc

What Causes the PS5 Not to Read Discs?

There are a few reasons why the PS5 won’t read discs, the most common are:

The disc is dirty or scratched — If there is dirt, debris, or scratches on the disc, it may not be able to be read by the PS5. Therefore, to ensure that the PS5 won’t have issues reading discs, it is important to check the condition of the disc first. Discs that are scratched, smudged, or bent should not be inserted into the console. Additionally, the PS5 may not be able to read discs if the laser lens inside of the console is dirty or if there is an issue with the disc drive itself.
It is important to check for any hardware issues with the console, as well as make sure that the firmware is up to date.
A software bug can also prevent the PS5 from reading discs, so it is important to check for any updates or patches that could fix the issue.
Finally, it is important to make sure that the game disc is compatible with the PS5 console, as some older discs may not be supported.

How to Fix the PS5 Not Reading Discs

Here are a few easy solutions to fixing a PS5 that won’t read discs:

Clean The Disc

The first step is to clean the disc. To do this, you should use a soft, lint-free cloth and gently wipe away any dirt or debris from the disc. You should also check the disc for any scratches or other damage that may have occurred. If the disc is in good condition, you can move on to the next step.

Clean the laser lens

The next step is to clean the laser lens inside the PS5. To do this, you should use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. Dip the cotton swab into the rubbing alcohol and gently wipe away any debris or dirt from the lens. Make sure that you do not use too much pressure or rub too hard, as this could damage the lens.

Insert the Disc Correctly

Make sure it is inserted correctly. The disc art should face the center of the console. Many people made this mistake when they started up, thinking they had a defective unit.

Restart the PS5

Restarting the PS5 can resolve many issues related to performance and functionality. To do this, press and hold the PlayStation button on the console for at least 10 seconds until the power indicator blinks twice. This will turn the console off and then back on again.

Factory-Reset the PS5

If this doesn’t work, you can try a factory reset. To do this, go to Settings > System > Console Reset > Initialize PS5. This will reset all the settings on your console, which should help it read discs again.

Replace the disc drive

If you have cleaned the disc and the laser lens and the PS5 still won’t read discs, then you may need to replace the disc drive. To do this, you should contact Sony for instructions on how to return the disc drive.

Conclusion

The PS5 not reading discs can be very frustrating for gamers, as it limits their ability to enjoy their purchased titles. Fortunately, there are a few steps that you can take to try and fix the issue, such as cleaning the disc and the laser lens inside of the console. If these steps do not work, then you may need to replace the disc drive.

PS5 Won’t Read Discs FAQ

How do I fix my PlayStation not reading discs?

Clean the disc with a soft, clean cloth to remove any dirt or prints. Try inserting another game, Blu-Ray disc, or DVD. PS5™ consoles can’t play burned discs or audio CDs. Access Safe Mode and select option 5 Clear Cache and Rebuild Database.

Why won’t none of my games load on PS5?

Restart the PS5 console. Check the disk for errors. Check PS4 to PS5 compatibility. Change saved data and game/app settings.

Why is my disc drive not reading discs?

A dirty or scratched disc surface is the most common reason for a CD/DVD issue when inserted into a computer. Check the disc for damage and confirm that the disc is compatible with your computer. Clean the disc and check for damage: Clean any dust or smudges from the disc with filtered water and a lint free cloth.