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How To Fix Xbox Series X Not Reading Disc

The guide discusses ways to fix Xbox Series X not reading disc by clearing the console cache, cleaning the disc, and running in offline mode.

Expert Verified By

The Xbox Series X not reading disc issue has been there since the console’s launch. Dust and debris accumulation, disc drive malfunction, disc scratches, or corrupt cache are reasons this trouble may occur. Start by inspecting the disc for scratches or dirt since it is mostly the case.

Key Takeaways
  • Common causes of this issue include dust, disc drive malfunctions, scratches, dirt, software glitches, improper handling, and insufficient storage.
  • Troubleshooting involves cleaning the disc, testing with other discs, checking for compatibility, and more.
  • If the console is under warranty, register your device at Microsoft Services and check if it is eligible for service or replacement.

Method Difficulty Rating

Remove Sleep Mode
Rated: 2/10

Perform Cleaning
Rated: 7/10

Run In Offline Mode
Rated: 2/10


Xbox Series X Not Reading Disc
Xbox Series X Not Reading Disc Error Message (Image By Tech4Gamers)

You will see the following message on the screen:

Error Message: Eject the disc, then try again. Make sure you’re using an Xbox One game, a music CD, or a movie on Blu-ray or DVD.

Tip: Use quick fixes like power cycling Xbox, updating Xbox, clearing cache, re-inserting the disc, checking the disc/disc drive for scratches or damage, ensuring proper disc placement, testing another game disc, and verifying disc compatibility with the console.

Disable Sleep Mode

Although using the Sleep mode in Xbox can get you a few more hours of battery time, it can also impact its performance in some cases. For instance, Xbox Support mentions that using the console in Sleep mode can affect its ability to read discs efficiently.

Therefore, I turned off this feature in Xbox Settings and restarted the system. Doing so effectively eliminated the disc reading trouble.

  1. Launch Side Menu: Come to the Homescreen > Hit the Xbox button on the controller.
  2. Get To Settings: Navigate to Profile And System in the upper tab > Settings.
  3. View Power Options: Highlight General on the left > Sleep Mode & Startup.
    Sleep & Startup
    Select Sleep Mode & Startup (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  4. Disable Sleep: Turn off the Sleep option.
    Turn Off Sleep
    Get Out Of Sleep Mode (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Clean The Disc And Drive

Scratches and disc damage are the biggest reasons the Xbox may fail to read it. Proper cleaning and maintenance of your game discs and disc drive is critical to uninterrupted performance and preventing disc reading issues.

Disc

I use the following technique to take care of my Xbox game discs, but read each step carefully to avoid messing up:

  1. Microfiber Cloth: Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe the disc’s surface. Avoid circular motions and use straight lines. Start wiping from the center and move outwards.
    Cleaning Xbox Disc with Microfiber Cloth
    Cleaning Xbox Disc With Microfiber Cloth (Image By YouTube – TheHelpfulChannel)
  2. Remove Stubborn Stains: For tougher stains or stubborn dirt, dampen the microfiber cloth with a small amount of clean, lukewarm water. Wipe the disc gently and evenly, then dry it with a separate dry microfiber cloth. Avoid using any chemicals or rough products since they can harm the disc.
  3. Inspect For Residue: After cleaning, inspect the disc under good lighting to ensure no residue is left. Residues could interfere with the disc’s readability.
    Inspecting Xbox Disc after cleaning [TheHelpfulChannel]
    Inspecting Xbox Disc After Cleaning (Image By YouTube – TheHelpfulChannel)

Disc Drive

For cleaning disc drives, refer to our detailed guide on cleaning Xbox, which discusses the method in great depth.

WARNING: Make sure to be extremely careful during the cleaning process, as one wrong move can end up doing a lot of harm.

Run In Offline Mode

By switching your Xbox Series X to offline mode, you prevent it from attempting to download updates or sync data during gameplay. This can be particularly useful if a poor or intermittent internet connection is causing issues with disc reading or other aspects of gaming performance.

  1. Move To Network Settings: Launch Settings > General > Network Settings.
    Network Settings
    Go To Network Settings (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  2. Enable Offline Mode: Pick Go Offline.
    Go Offline
    Go Offline In Xbox (Image By Tech4Gamers)

After switching to offline mode, try using a disc in your console to see if the disc reading problem persists. If the issue is resolved offline, it might indicate that your previous online connectivity was causing conflicts.


Final Words

When researching, it was clear that Xbox Series X not reading disc is a recurring problem faced by multiple other users on X.

An Xbox update could have messed up the system, as users in this Reddit thread also suspected. Unfortunately, there is no way to undo Xbox updates, so I suggest you proceed with resetting the console if it is not reading any discs. If it’s a particular game disc, check if it works on another console.

Finally, you can install the game using the Microsoft Store on Xbox Series X  using a stable internet speed and play it digitally.

Note: Check your Xbox Series X warranty status. If the problem is hardware-related and your console is still under warranty, Microsoft will repair or replace it at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Fix A Scratched Game Disc?

You can attempt to fix a scratched game disc. There are various methods, like using toothpaste, banana peels, or commercial repair kits.

Can I Play Digital Games While Troubleshooting Disc Issues?

You can continue playing digital games on your Xbox Series X while troubleshooting disc reading issues. Digital games are saved on the console’s hard drive, so disc drive issues do not affect them.

Does Xbox Series X Have A Warranty For Disc Drive Issues?

Xbox Series X typically has a warranty covering disc drive issues, which is considered part of the hardware.


Troubleshoot Other Xbox Problems:

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