How to Fix PS4 Unrecognized Disc Error?

PS4 cannot recognize the disc you have inserted into the console. This is a frustrating issue to be encountered especially when you are facing it with a new game you recently bought. If you are stuck with the PS4 unrecognized disc error, then you won’t be able to install the game.

This issue is most likely to be encountered when the disc is dirty or damaged, or when there are some glitches within the console itself. So what can be done about it? Here are some working methods that you can follow to fix the PS4 Unrecognized Disc error.

Fix PS4 Unrecognized Disc Error

Before getting ahead with the fixes, it is essential to know the reason behind the issue. Here’s why you may face the unrecognized disc error on your PS4-

1. Dirty or damaged disc
2. Disc not inserted properly
3. Temporary glitch with the console
4. Outdated system software
5. Technical issue with the console

No need to worry about even if you are facing this error due to any of the reasons above; you can follow the steps given below to fix it-

1. Clean Disc

If your PS4 console keeps on throwing the unrecognized disc error then it can be due to the dirty disc. Clean the disc you are trying to use on your PS4. You can clean the disc with a microfiber cloth. If the disc is still dirty, then you can get rubbing alcohol to clean the disc. 

Many people have PC cleaning kits at their home, which can be used with other gadgets as well as discs. If you have such a cleaning kit, then you can use it to clean your disc. The cleaners in such kits are mild and do not damage the disc at all. 

2. Ensure the Disc is Inserted Properly

You can face this issue if the disc is not inserted properly into the PS4. Disc misalignment is often the reason behind the unrecognized disc error. What you can do is eject the disc from the PS4 and then insert it back into the PS4. 

3. Restart your PS4

A temporary glitch with the console can also cause this issue. To fix it, you can try restarting your PS4, and then try using the disc again. Here’s how to do that-

1. First, eject the disc from the console. 
2. Now, press and hold the PS button on the controller to open the Quick Menu. 
3. Select the Power option, and then select the Restart PS4 option. 
4. Once your PS4 restarts, reinsert the disc into it. 

4. Update the Console’s Firmware

Outdated firmware is another reason why PS4 may throw unrecognized disc errors. Check for the latest firmware update on the console and install the latest update available to fix the issue. The steps for this are mentioned below-

1. Press and hold the PS button, select the Power option, and then select Turn Off PS4. 
2. Once your PS4 turns off, hold down the power button on the console. Leave the button after you hear two beeps from the console. 
3. Press the PS button again to boot into safe mode. 
4. Now select the Update System Software option. 
5. Connect your PS4 console to the router through the LAN cable and select Update Using the Internet option.
6. Once the update is downloaded and installed, restart your console. 

5. Rebuild Database

A corrupted database is a common reason causing this issue with PS4. If the issue is caused by corrupted database, then rebuilding the database will probably solve the issue. The steps to do so are-

1. Turn off your PS4 first. 
2. After turning off your PS, hold down the console’s power button. Release the button after you hear two beeps. 
3. Press the PS button on your PS4 controller. 
4. Select the Rebuild Database option from all the options in the safe mode menu. 
5. It will take some time for the console to rebuild the database. 
6. Once the process is completed, try using the disc again on your PS4. 

6. Check with Another Disc

If rebuilding the database didn’t solve the issue, then try using another disc on your PS4, and see if that fixes the issue or not. If you don’t face the issue with another disc, then probably the data on the disc is corrupted or there’s some issue with the disc itself. 

In case, you face the issue with another disc as well, then the console is to be blamed for the reason. You can continue with the next step if the issue is still encountered even with another disc. 

7. Initialize PS4

Another method that has proved to have solved the issue for many users is initializing the PS4. When you initialize PS4, all the data on the system storage will be deleted. It means all the settings as well as your data will be deleted. So only proceed with this method if the above steps fail to fix the issue. The steps given below will guide you on how to initialize your PS4-

1. Ensure your PS4 is off, and press and hold down the power button on the console until you hear two beeps; release the button after the second beep. 
2. Now, connect your PS controller to the console and press the PS button on the controller. 
3. Here, select Initialise PS4 and wait for the console to complete the process.

Once done, you will have to change the settings as per your preference. Initializing PS4 only deletes the user’s data and settings and not the system software. In case, you want to factory reset your console or the issue is not solved by initializing, then select Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) option instead of Initialize PS4 from the safe mode. 

8. Contact Sony Support

Still, facing the same error on your PS4? If you have tried all the methods mentioned in this article but you are stuck with the same issue then probably your console has some internal fault and it needs to be repaired. 

For this, you can contact the official PlayStation customer support and get in touch with them regarding the issue. You can either take your PlayStation to your nearest Sony service center and ask them to diagnose your device for the issue. It would be better if you also take the disc causing the issue with you. 

Bottom Line

Stuck with the PS4 Unrecognized Disc error? The above guide should help you fix this error and let you play your favorite game. We suggest you contact PlayStation Customer Support if the issue is not solved even after you have tried the above steps.