Buzz
While the PS5 is Sony's latest gaming console, many gamers continue to enjoy their PS4s. However, this enjoyment can be disrupted when the console stops reading discs. It’s incredibly frustrating when your PS4 refuses to play a newly purchased $60 game. If you’re facing this problem, here are some solutions to try.
To start, I primarily purchase digital games, so I’ve never personally dealt with this issue on my PS4. I became aware of it through a Reddit thread, where a user shared that their PS4 would only read their Elden Ring disc and none of their other games, including Dark Souls 3, Sekiro, or older PS4 titles. While many comments humorously suggested this was a FromSoftware feature—turning the PS4 into an Elden Ring-only machine—it also led to a helpful discussion on potential fixes for disc-reading problems.
Power off your PS4 completely
Could this step fail? Absolutely. However, it’s crucial to attempt the simplest solution before moving on to more complex fixes. Additionally, the PS4’s “rest” mode often discourages users from fully powering down the system. Remember, all electronics benefit from an occasional reboot, and your PlayStation is no different.
If you haven’t powered off your PS4 in years, you can do so by pressing and holding the power button on your controller, then selecting Power > Turn Off PS4. Alternatively, hold the power button on the console itself for three seconds to shut it down completely.
Gently tap your PS4
Believe it or not, tapping your PS4 is a surprisingly effective solution, according to anecdotal evidence. To try this, insert your disc and lightly tap the console above the disc drive as the disc begins to load. While many users in the Reddit thread swear by this method, opinions differ on the PS4’s orientation during the process. Some insist it only works when the console is horizontal, while others claim it must be vertical.
Test both positions to see what works for you, and don’t give up if it doesn’t succeed immediately. If the disc isn’t recognized, eject it and try again. Some users report needing as many as 10 attempts before the PS4 finally reads the disc.
Rebuild the PS4's database
Unless your PS4 is equipped with an SSD, it relies on a traditional hard drive to store all your data. As the system saves new files, it scatters them across the drive without organizing them efficiently. Over time, this disorganized storage can slow down memory access, as the system has to search extensively for related files. This issue can also impact the console’s ability to read discs.
This is where rebuilding the database becomes essential. When you rebuild the PS4's database, it reorganizes all files in a logical sequence. This ensures the system can quickly locate related files without searching the entire drive. Rebuilding the database is beneficial even when your PS4 isn’t experiencing disc-reading issues, making it a dual-purpose solution.
To rebuild the database, you’ll need to start your PS4 in safe mode. Begin by turning off your PS4, then connect your controller to the console using a USB cable. Hold down the power button until you hear two beeps: the first is the standard startup sound, and the second will occur after about seven seconds.
When prompted, press the PS button on your controller. You’ll see a menu of options—select “Rebuild Database” and wait for the process to complete. Depending on the size of your data, this can take anywhere from a few hours to an entire day, so patience is key.
Restore your PS4 to factory settings
The final software solution to attempt is a factory reset, which is the most drastic measure for resolving software-related problems. If your PS4’s disc-reading issue stems from the operating system, wiping everything and reinstalling a fresh version of the software is likely to resolve it.
To begin, navigate to Settings > Initialization > Initialize PS4. Alternatively, you can enter safe mode and select “Reinstall System Software” to completely erase and reset your PS4.
Repair the PS4's disc drive
If software issues are not the cause, the problem likely lies with the disc drive itself. Fortunately, these drives are relatively straightforward to repair, whether you choose to do it yourself or seek professional assistance.
TronicsFix offers an excellent video that provides a detailed guide on removing the disc drive and diagnosing potential problems. The issue you’re facing might be similar to the one demonstrated in the video, such as a roller becoming dislodged from the drive. TronicsFix thoroughly explains which screws to remove, what to inspect, how to resolve the issue, and the steps to reassemble everything correctly.
