Why is my PS4 not reading discs and making noise?

Why is my PS4 not reading discs and making noise?
I’ve been experiencing a frustrating issue with my PS4 not reading discs and making noise. Whenever I insert a disc, the console seems to struggle to recognize it, and I can hear strange noises coming from the disc drive. It almost sounds like the disc is getting stuck or the drive is having trouble spinning properly. This problem prevents me from playing any of my physical games, and it’s becoming increasingly annoying. The noise, coupled with the console’s inability to read the discs, has me worried that there might be something seriously wrong with my PS4. I haven’t noticed any other issues with the console, but this specific problem is starting to interfere with my gaming experience.
6 Answers

Having encountered this problem myself, I found that a full power cycle of the PS4 often helps. Here’s a step-by-step guide I used:
- Turn off the PS4 and unplug all cables.
- Press and hold the power button for at least 30 seconds to ensure the console is fully powered down.
- Plug in all cables and power on the PS4.
- Hold the eject button for about 10 seconds until you hear three beeps, which resets the disc mechanism.
This method effectively reset the disc drive, resolving the noise and reading issue in my case.

The problem could also be more technical, involving the internal hardware of the PS4, specifically the disc drive. Here’s how I approached the issue:
- Diagnose the Problem: Before jumping to conclusions, ensure the software is up-to-date and perform a system restore.
- Research and Prepare: Watch tutorials online to understand the drive replacement process and gather the right tools.
- Purchase the Correct Parts: Get a compatible replacement drive for your PS4 model.
- Replace the Drive:
- Open the PS4 carefully and remove the faulty disc drive.
- Install the new drive securely, ensuring all connections are tight.
- Test the Console: After reassembling, check the performance with various discs.
Changing the faulty drive successfully restored my console’s ability to read discs without making odd noises.

In many instances, keeping the PS4’s system software updated can often rectify the disc reading and noise issues. Here’s what I did:
- Ensure your PS4 is connected to the internet.
- Navigate through Settings > System Software Update.
- Download and install any available updates.
- Restart the console.
Post update, my console’s noise was gone, and it started reading discs perfectly.

Sometimes, the issue of the PS4 not reading discs and making noise can be as simple as a dirty disc. Make sure to inspect the disc for any smudges, grime, or dust. Cleaning the disc using a soft microfiber cloth, wiping from the center outward, could solve the issue if the problem lies with disc cleanliness.

An unconventional yet sometimes effective solution is changing the physical orientation of the PS4. By switching my PS4 from a horizontal to a vertical position, I noticed that the console managed to read discs more efficiently and the strange noises ceased. This change might help by slightly altering the internal mechanics.