If your PS4 is spiting the Unrecognized disc error, this post may help you. Sometimes this issue affects only a particular game. This usually indicates your disc is scratched or damaged.
However, if the console fails to recognize all of your discs, this means this is a general issue. In the worst-case scenario, you need to replace your device.
As you can see, there are two possible culprits: either the disc or the console.
But before you conclude you need a new PS4, follow the instructions listed below to fix Unrecognized Disc errors on your PlayStation console.
How to Fix Unrecognized Disc on PS4
Restart your console and check your disc
Let’s start with a couple of basic troubleshooting steps: eject the disc, turn off your PS4, disconnect all the cables and wait for a few minutes. Of course, if you already did that, go to the next solution.
Check your disc for marks and scratches and wipe it with a cloth. Plug the cables back in, boot up the console and check if the error persists.
If your console still won’t take the disc, go to the next solution.
Rebuild the database
As PlayStation suggests, this quick troubleshooting method can help you fix a wide array of issues. It basically rearranges your files, deletes the damaged ones, and replaces corrupted files with new ones — all without deleting any user or game data.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Turn off your PS4 console
- Connect your controller via the USB cable
- Hold the power button until you hear two beeps
- Release the power button
- Press the PS button on the controller
- Access Safe Mode
- Select Rebuild Database
- The message The database will be rebuilt, it might take a few hours to rebuild the database will appear → hit OK
Wait until your Database has been rebuilt. Keep in mind that this could take a while, depending on the amount of stored data
The sign-in screen will appear once the Database has been rebuilt.
Enter Rest Mode
There are also players who confirmed that putting the console into Rest Mode fixed this error.
The odd thing is, after rebooting several times, it worked just fine after putting it in rest mode and then turning it on.
So, go to Power Options and select the first option Enter Rest Mode. This will put your console into a low-power mode, similar to the Sleep mode on a PC.
Keep in mind that the power cord should always remain connected while the console is in Rest Mode.
As a quick reminder, while in Rest Mode, your PS4 can still charge the controller and download updates.
If your console won’t download updates in Rest Mode, enable Automatic Downloads, and download a free item to force the device to check for the latest updates.
Turn your PS4 sideways and upside down
Other users suggest that turning your console sideways or upside down can also fix this problem. If the issue persists, change the position of your console and see if this works for you as well.
If there are any loose parts in it moving around, this quick workaround should fix it.
Clean your disc drive
Make sure there are no specks of dust in your console’s disc drive. This may explain why you’re getting the Unrecognized Disc error.
Blow some air in your drive to clean any dust particles that may have found their way there.
Take your console apart or have a pro do it for you
⇒ Disclaimer &Warning!
This solution may void your warranty, so proceed carefully.
If this error is caused by hardware components that are no longer working properly or are no longer in place, you may need to take your console apart.
If you’re not comfortable doing this, ask for a pro’s help.
If your PS4 is still under warranty, the best thing to do is take it to Sony and have their specialists fix the problem for you.
There you go, I hope these solutions helped you get rid of the Unrecognized Disc error on PS4.
If you’ve got additional tips and suggestions on how to fix this problem, let us know in the comments below.
References:
- How to troubleshoot PS4 console disc issues | PlayStation Support