So, your Xbox One X is not reading discs? Don’t worry. This is a common problem that you can fix with a few troubleshooting solutions discussed in this article.
But, first, let’s look at why the console is not reading discs.
Reasons Xbox One disc drive is not reading discs
- Dirty or damaged disc: Accumulation of dust and dirt on your disc prevents the disc reader from reading its data. Also, scratches and cracks on the disc make it unreadable.
- Inserting the disc wrongly: Only one side of the disc is readable, so when you insert it wrongly, the disc reader won’t be able to access the game data.
- Incompatible disc: The disc could be encoded to play in a specific region. The disc would be unreadable if the region is not the same as your console’s.
- Dirty or damaged disc drive: if your Xbox One disc drive makes noise but won’t read discs, there’s too much dirt in the disc drive, or the reader is defective.
- Software error: Outdated software, bugs, and glitches also cause the Xbox One X not to read discs. In some instances, users experience the problem after a software update.
- Power mode settings: If your console tells you to insert a disc when there’s already a disc in the disc drive, it could be a problem with the power mode settings.
READ: Why your PS5 is not connecting to the internet and how to fix
Solutions to Xbox One X not reading discs
Here are all the fixes for Xbox One X, not reading discs. We’ve listed the simple ones first so that you can solve the problem fast and proceed with your gaming.
1. Check the disc
The first item to troubleshoot is the disc, and you need to do the following:
- Reinsert: Eject the disc from the drive, inspect it, and then reinsert it properly. The artwork should face up while inserting (if the console is resting horizontally) or to the left (when the console is resting vertically). If it’s still unreadable, move to the next solution.
- Clean the disc: Eject the disc again and clean the underside using a clean microfiber cloth. Dampen the cloth with white vinegar, then wipe away all the dirt, dust, and stains. Start wiping from the center towards the edges. When you finish, wipe off with a clean, dry cloth and leave the disc to dry completely.
- Replace: If the disc has a scratch, crack, or isn’t compatible with the Xbox One X console, you’ll have to replace it.
To be sure the disc is(not) the problem, insert it into another console or insert another disc in your console. If the other disc reads in your console, your disc has a problem, but you’re dealing with a console problem if it also fails to read.
Likewise, if your disc doesn’t read in the other console, it’s a problem, but you need to troubleshoot your Xbox disc drive if it reads.
How to remove a disc stuck inside the Xbox Console
When your disc gets stuck inside the console, use the following guide to remove it safely:
- First, unplug the power cord and other connected cables.
- Get a large paper clip and uncoil it.
- Insert the pointed end of the paper clip into the eject hole. You’ll find the hole near the disc drive.
- Push the pin inside the hole, and the disc will pop out slightly. Use a lint-free cloth to hold the disc and pull it out completely.
2. Restart your console
Rebooting a device is one of the simplest, go-to solutions for many glitches. You need to try it when your Xbox One X is not reading discs.
Just press and hold the Xbox button on the console for at least 10 seconds. After the console shuts down, unplug the power cord, wait for a few minutes, and press the Xbox button again to power up the console.
During the boot-up process, ensure the disc is not inside the disc drive. Also, disconnect any external HDD and only plug it in after the reboot is complete. This fix works by refreshing your console, thus triggering it to read game discs.
3. Change the power mode
Enabling the instant-on power mode setting is another possible reason for the disc drive not recognizing your game discs. Follow the steps below to turn it off:
- Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
- Go to “Profile & System.”
- Select “Settings” then “General.”
- Select “Power Mode & Startup.”
- Pick “Power Mode.”
- Select “Energy-Saving” to enable it.
Once energy-saving is active, you should power cycle your console using the guide below:
- Press and hold the Xbox button for 10 seconds.
- After the console shuts down completely, press the Xbox button to turn it on.
Insert your disc and see if the console will detect and read it. If this troubleshooting solves the problem, you can switch to instant-on power mode.
4. Change the position of your console
Your console’s positioning may also affect its disc-reading ability.
Adjust the position and see if it solves the problem. For instance, if the console is set up vertically, place it horizontally on a flat, stable surface.
5. Check for damages and dirt
Damages, dirt, and foreign objects are why your Xbox one X is not reading discs. You need to inspect the hardware and identify damaged parts to point them out when seeking professional help. As for the dust, dirt, and debris, you can clean them out using a clean microfiber cloth.
Get compressed air as it helps to blow out the hard-to-reach dust.
6. Update the console
Update your Xbox system to fix bugs that might cause the Xbox not reading disc error.
But, before you carry out the software update, ensure the console has enough storage space, and the network status is good.
How to check status and storage on Xbox
- Open the Xbox status page and see if any network services are down. If there’s a downtime, you’ll have to wait until it’s fixed.
- Next, check the storage.
- Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
- Navigate to “Profile & System.”
- Open “Settings.”
- Tap on “System.”
- Select “Storage.”
If there’s enough storage, proceed to check for updates.
How to install Xbox updates
- Connect your Xbox to the internet.
- Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
- Select “Profile & Systems.”
- Go to “Settings.”
- Click on “System.”
- Click on “Updates.”
- Download and install any available updates, then restart the console.
7. Reset your console’s Operating System
The next solution to fix Xbox One not reading discs error is to reset your console’s operating system. Now, to achieve this without deleting your games and apps, follow the steps below:
- Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
- Go to “Settings” and select “All Settings.”
- Click on “System” on the left pane, followed by “Console Info & Updates.”
- Select “Reset Console.”
- Click on “Reset and keep my games & apps.”
The reset will erase all the corrupt data files and leave your games and apps.
8. Contact Xbox support
Lastly, reach out to Xbox support and tell them about your problem, including the different troubleshooting options you’ve tried. They’re more likely to get an accurate diagnosis and recommend the best way forward.
Your warranty would determine if you’re eligible for free repairs or even a new console replacement. You can check the status of your warranty from the Microsoft website.
Conclusion
Those are all the solutions for the “Xbox One x is not reading discs” error. Hopefully, they will help you to get back to gaming. Don’t forget to share the tips with others who might be dealing with the same problem.