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PS4 Disc Read Errors: Here’s How to Fix Them

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We’ve all been there: It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon, you’ve finally got some time to sit down and get some quality gaming in, and just as you’re about to dive into your favorite game, your PlayStation suddenly decides to throw a disc read error at you. Talk about a mood killer, right? Well, fear not, my fellow gamers, because today, I’m going to walk you through some of the most common disc read errors on a PS4, what causes them, and most importantly, how to fix them.

Dirty or Damaged Discs

More often than not, disc read errors on a PS4 can be traced back to a simple issue: a dirty or damaged disc. I remember this one time I was eagerly trying to play “The Last of Us Part II” when my PS4 kept giving me a disc read error. I was so frustrated until I realized that my little brother had left his sticky fingerprints all over the disc!

To fix a dirty disc, simply give it a gentle wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth, making sure to clean from the center of the disc outwards. If you find any stubborn smudges, use a bit of rubbing alcohol on the cloth, but be sure to let the disc dry completely before popping it back into your PS4.

For scratched discs, it’s a bit trickier. Small scratches can sometimes be buffed out using toothpaste (yes, really!) or even a banana peel (I’m not kidding). However, deep scratches might be beyond repair, and you’ll need to either replace the game disc or consider going digital.

Disc Read errors due to dust and dirt

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the disc itself but with your PS4’s disc drive. It’s possible for the drive’s laser lens to become dirty or misaligned, making it difficult for the console to read the disc properly.

My buddy once had an issue where his PS4 wouldn’t read any discs at all. Turns out, his console was sitting in a dusty corner, and the buildup of dust was causing the disc drive’s lens to malfunction. A can of compressed air did the trick, and his PS4 was back up and running in no time. Check out my article here about how and how often to clean your PS4.

If cleaning the lens doesn’t work, it’s possible that the disc drive itself is faulty. In this case, it might be time to contact PlayStation Support or consider replacing the console if it’s out of warranty.

Software Glitches

Like any piece of technology, the PS4 isn’t immune to software glitches. Sometimes, a disc read error is simply the result of a temporary hiccup in the system. I’ve experienced this issue myself, and a quick restart of the console was all it took to get things working again.

To restart your PS4, press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps, then wait for the console to power down completely. After about 30 seconds, press the power button again to turn it back on. With any luck, your disc read error will be a thing of the past.

Corrupted Data on your console

If your PS4 is still giving you grief, it might be due to corrupted data on your console. This can sometimes happen if you’ve recently installed an update or if your PS4 has suffered a sudden power loss. In cases like these, you may need to rebuild your console’s database.

Before you panic, let me assure you that rebuilding your database is easier than it sounds. I had to do this once after a power outage, and it really wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Power off your PS4 completely by pressing and holding the power button until you hear two beeps.
  2. Wait for the console to shut down, then disconnect the power cable from the back of the PS4.
  3. After about a minute, reconnect the power cable and press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps again. This will start your PS4 in Safe Mode.
  4. Connect your DualShock 4 controller using a USB cable and press the PS button.
  5. In the Safe Mode menu, select “Rebuild Database” and confirm your choice.

Keep in mind that rebuilding your database can take some time, depending on how much data is stored on your console. However, once it’s done, your PS4 should be running smoothly again, and those pesky disc read errors should be a thing of the past.

Old PS4 Firmware

Sometimes, a simple firmware update can resolve disc read errors on your PS4. Firmware updates not only bring new features and improvements to your console but can also fix bugs that might be causing disc read issues.

To check for a firmware update:

  1. Make sure your PS4 is connected to the internet.
  2. Go to the “Settings” menu.
  3. Select “System Software Update” and follow the on-screen instructions to install any available updates.

If an update is available, install it, and see if that resolves the disc read error. If it doesn’t, you might have to explore other options, such as contacting PlayStation Support or seeking help from a professional technician.

While the reasons I mentioned earlier are some of the most common causes of disc read errors on a PS4, there are other factors that could contribute to this issue. Here are a few more possibilities:

Incompatible Disc Format

Though it might seem like a no-brainer, it’s worth mentioning that the PS4 only supports specific disc formats. Make sure you’re using a compatible game disc, which should be a Blu-ray disc specifically designed for the PS4. Inserting a DVD, CD, or a game disc intended for another console may result in a disc read error.

Region Lock

The PS4 is generally region-free when it comes to game discs. However, there are rare cases where a game disc might be region-locked, meaning it’s only intended to work with consoles from a specific region. If you’ve imported a game from another country or purchased a second-hand console, it’s possible that you may encounter a disc read error due to region restrictions. Always double-check the region compatibility of your game discs and console to avoid this issue.

Overheating

Overheating can cause a variety of issues with your PS4, including disc read errors. If your console is running hot, it may struggle to read discs properly. Make sure your PS4 is well-ventilated, with plenty of space around it for air circulation. Avoid placing it in an enclosed cabinet or near heat sources. If your PS4 continues to overheat, consider investing in a cooling stand or fan to help keep temperatures in check. I’ve written multiple articles about how hot a PS4 can get and what to do to resolve it.

Defective Game Disc

In some cases, the problem might lie with the game disc itself. Manufacturing defects or damage that occurred during shipping can result in a disc that simply won’t work, no matter how many troubleshooting steps you try. If you suspect this might be the issue, try exchanging the game disc for a new copy or contact the game publisher for assistance.

Hardware Failure

In rare cases, disc read errors might be due to an internal hardware failure within your PS4. The console’s Blu-ray drive or associated components might be malfunctioning, which could prevent it from reading discs correctly. If you’ve exhausted all other troubleshooting options and the problem persists, it might be time to contact PlayStation Support, seek help from a professional technician, or consider replacing the console if it’s out of warranty.

While these additional factors are less common, it’s important to consider all possible causes of disc read errors on your PS4. Remember to be patient and methodical when troubleshooting, and you’ll be back to gaming in no time!

Conclusion

As you can see, disc read errors on a PS4 can be caused by various issues, ranging from simple fixes like cleaning a dirty disc to more complex solutions like rebuilding your console’s database. The key is to stay patient, work through the possible causes one by one, and remember that every gamer has experienced these issues at some point.

So, the next time your PS4 decides to throw a disc read error your way, take a deep breath, channel your inner tech guru, and show that console who’s boss. And if all else fails, remember that there’s always the option of going digital, so you’ll never have to worry about disc read errors ever again. Happy gaming!

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