PS4 Won't Eject Disc? How to Fix Stuck Disc Problems on PS4/PS5

Author - Donna Peng Donna Peng

Updated on

If your PS4 won't eject a disc, start with the on-screen eject command, then try a complete power cycle. If the disc remains stuck, you may need to use the manual eject screw. The correct procedure depends on your PS4 model, so check the model number before removing any panels or turning a screw.

A PS4 that beeps three times but leaves the disc inside may have a control or drive problem. Repeated beeping when the drive is empty, on the other hand, can point to unwanted activation of the eject control. These symptoms call for different troubleshooting steps.

This guide explains how to fix a PS4 disc that won't eject, how to remove a stuck disc manually, and what to check when a PS4 keeps ejecting discs by itself. It also covers PS5 manual ejection and what to do if the drive appears to have a mechanical fault.

PS4 manual disc eject screw and troubleshooting for a stuck disc
Identify your console model before attempting manual disc ejection.

Quick Reference: Manual Eject Screw Directions by PS4 Model

Try these fixes, stopping as soon as the disc comes out safely. Never force the disc out or apply excessive torque to the manual eject screw. The screw's position and turning direction vary by model.

PS4 Model / Series Manual Eject Screw Location Turning Direction Required Tool
PS4 Original (CUH-1000/1100) Under the left HDD bay cover Counterclockwise Phillips-head screwdriver
PS4 Original (CUH-1200) Under the right HDD bay cover Clockwise, approximately 28–30 turns Phillips-head screwdriver
PS4 Slim (CUH-2000) / PS4 Pro (CUH-7000) Bottom casing, through the designated access hole Counterclockwise Phillips-head screwdriver

How to Fix PS4 Disc Eject Problems: Start With These Methods

Before opening your console, rule out a temporary control problem or an issue with the eject button. These checks are appropriate when a PS4 won't eject a disc or responds unexpectedly to the eject command.

1. Eject the Disc Through the Console Menu

If the physical eject button does not respond, try the software command instead. This is a quick way to check whether the console can still operate the disc mechanism.

  1. Turn on the PS4 and open the home screen.
  2. Highlight the game or disc currently in the drive.
  3. Press the OPTIONS button on your DUALSHOCK 4 controller.
  4. Select Eject Disc if the option appears.

If the disc ejects through the menu but not through the physical button, the button or its associated control circuit may be faulty. If neither method works, move on to the power-cycle procedure.

2. Turn Off the PS4 and Disconnect the Power Cable

A complete power cycle can clear a temporary control or power-state problem. Shut down the console normally before disconnecting the power cable.

  1. Press and hold the PS button on your controller to open the quick menu.
  2. Select Power > Turn Off PS4.
  3. Wait until the power indicator stops flashing and the console is fully off.
  4. Unplug the power cable and leave the console disconnected for at least five minutes.
  5. Reconnect the cable, turn on the PS4, and try the eject command again.

If your PS4 keeps ejecting discs or beeps when the drive is empty, Sony recommends an additional procedure: turn off the console, unplug it, and hold its power button for about 30 seconds until you hear two beeps. Wait five minutes before reconnecting the power cable. See Sony's PS4 disc troubleshooting guide for the full instructions.

This procedure may help with unwanted ejection, but it will not necessarily release a disc held by a damaged or jammed mechanism. If the disc remains stuck, avoid repeatedly restarting the console.

3. Check the Eject Button and Console Position

A continuously triggered eject control can cause repeated beeping or unexpected ejection attempts. Owners of older PS4 models have also reported problems associated with the touch-sensitive eject control and the rubber foot beneath the console.

  1. Place the console on a stable, level surface with sufficient clearance around the disc slot.
  2. Check whether a shelf, wall, cable, or other object is pressing against the console or its controls.
  3. Turn off the console and gently clean the exterior around the eject control with a dry, soft cloth.
  4. Keep liquids and cleaning tools away from the disc slot.

Changing the console's position has reportedly helped some users with unwanted ejection, but this is not a reliable repair. Do not shake, strike, or repeatedly tilt the console while a disc is trapped. Removing rubber feet or modifying the casing should not be your first response.

If the PS4 continues beeping when no disc is inserted, the eject control or drive hardware may need inspection.

4. Update the PS4 System Software

Updating the system software is worth trying if the console is outdated or experiencing other system-related problems. It cannot repair a broken button, stripped screw, damaged gear, or failed optical drive.

  1. Open Settings on the PS4 home screen.
  2. Select System Software Update.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions if an update is available.
  4. Restart the console if prompted, then test the eject function.

If you cannot access the home screen, consult Sony's system software update guide for Safe Mode options.

Do not initialize the PS4 or reinstall its system software solely because a disc is stuck. Reinstallation can erase your data and is not a substitute for repairing a mechanical ejection problem.

How to Manually Eject a Stuck PS4 Disc

If the software eject command and power cycle have failed, manual ejection may release the disc. Sony provides separate instructions for different PS4 model series, and the access point and screw direction are not the same on every console.

Step 1. Find Your PS4 Model Number

Look for the model number beginning with CUH- on the console or its original packaging. You can also consult Sony's official PlayStation manuals page.

The procedure can differ between the original PS4, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro, including models within the same family. Do not identify the correct screw location based on appearance alone.

Step 2. Turn Off and Unplug the Console

Shut down the PS4 completely. Disconnect the power cable, HDMI cable, and other connected cables before moving the console or removing a cover. Place it on a clean, flat surface with enough room to work safely.

Step 3. Follow the Instructions for Your Exact Model

Open Sony's manual PS4 disc-ejection guide and select the model series that matches your console. Some models expose the manual eject screw through an existing access hole; others require a panel or hard-drive cover to be removed first.

Use the screwdriver specified in the official instructions. Turn the manual eject screw in the direction specified for your model, applying only the effort needed to operate the mechanism. Do not assume every PS4 screw turns in the same direction.

Step 4. Remove the Disc and Reassemble the Console

Once the disc becomes visible and can be removed without resistance, pull it out gently. Replace any panel or cover you removed, making sure it is correctly secured before reconnecting the cables and powering on the console.

What if the manual eject screw does not work? Stop if the screw feels stuck, spins freely without moving the disc, or requires excessive force. You may be using the wrong access point, following instructions for another model, or dealing with a damaged drive mechanism. Do not use pliers, drill the screw, or pull hard on the disc.

If the disc remains trapped after the correct procedure, contact PlayStation Support or a qualified console repair service.

More Advanced Fixes for a PS4 Disc That Won't Eject

If the basic checks have failed, the next step depends on what the console does. A partially ejected disc, repeated clicking, and a drive that does not respond at all can indicate different problems.

5. Check the Disc Slot and Inspect the Disc

If part of the disc is visible, do not pull it out while the mechanism is still moving. Turn off the console and disconnect the power before inspecting the exterior. Check for anything pressing against the slot or any visible damage to the disc.

If you have safely removed the disc, inspect it for fingerprints, dirt, and scratches. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the surface in straight lines from the center toward the outer edge. Avoid paper towels and abrasive cleaners.

Once the drive is operating normally, test another compatible game, Blu-ray, or DVD. If only one disc causes trouble, the disc itself may be damaged. If multiple compatible discs produce the same symptoms, the console may have a drive-related fault.

6. Check for an Optical Drive Problem

Repeated clicking or grinding, a disc that moves only partway, or a mechanism that never engages can point to an internal hardware problem. Possible causes include worn drive components, damaged gears, or connection problems.

Beeping alone does not identify which component has failed. Opening the optical drive can damage delicate connectors and internal parts, so avoid replacing components based only on a symptom or an online repair suggestion.

If the drive needs internal inspection, have a qualified technician check the eject mechanism and related hardware. The appropriate repair depends on the console model and the actual fault.

For official troubleshooting and repair options, visit PlayStation Hardware and Repairs Support.

How to Fix a PS4 That Keeps Ejecting Discs

A PS4 that ejects discs without being asked has a different symptom from one that cannot release a trapped disc. If the console beeps repeatedly, spits out discs during use, or attempts to eject a disc when the drive is empty, try the following checks.

1. Perform a Complete Power Cycle

Turn off the PS4 through the power menu, unplug it, and hold the console's power button for about 30 seconds until you hear two beeps. Leave it disconnected for five minutes, reconnect it, and turn it on.

2. Update the System Software

Open Settings > System Software Update and install an available update. If the console is already up to date, continue to the next check instead of repeatedly reinstalling the software.

3. Check the Manual Eject Screw

Sony notes that a loose manual eject screw may contribute to unwanted disc ejection. Find the screw for your exact PS4 model and follow the official manual-ejection instructions. Do not tighten an unidentified screw or turn the mechanism by guesswork.

4. Check the Disc and Test Another One

Inspect the disc for scratches or dirt and clean it with a suitable lint-free cloth. Test another compatible game or movie disc if the drive is functioning normally. If only one disc triggers the problem, that disc may be damaged. If the behavior occurs with several discs, the console may need repair.

5. Check Whether the Eject Control Is Being Triggered

If the PS4 beeps with no disc inside, or a disc keeps popping out during use, check that nothing is pressing against the eject control. Older models with touch-sensitive controls have been reported to develop unwanted ejection behavior around the button area.

Clean the exterior with the console powered off. Avoid cutting off rubber feet, placing improvised materials inside the casing, or disconnecting internal components as a first step.

If the console continues ejecting discs after these checks, consult Sony's official PS4 disc troubleshooting guide or arrange a hardware inspection.

What to Do If Your PS5 Won't Eject a Disc

If your PS5 won't eject a disc, first try the software eject command. Highlight the game on the home screen, press OPTIONS, and select Eject Disc if available. If the disc remains inside, turn off the console completely and disconnect its cables before attempting a physical inspection.

Use the PS5-Specific Manual Ejection Procedure

PS5 manual ejection is different from the PS4 procedure. For supported disc-drive models, Sony's instructions involve removing the appropriate cover and turning the manual eject screw clockwise until the disc is almost fully visible.

The exact access steps depend on your PS5 model. Before removing any cover, check Sony's official PS5 stuck-disc guide and follow the instructions for your console.

  1. Turn off the PS5 and disconnect its cables and accessories.
  2. Place the console on a stable surface and remove the cover only as directed.
  3. Use the specified screwdriver and turn the manual eject screw in the documented direction.
  4. Remove the disc only when it is released and can be taken out without force.
  5. Reinstall the cover before reconnecting the console.

Do not turn on or play games with the cover removed. If the screw does not release the disc, the drive makes repeated clicking noises, or the problem returns after manual ejection, stop and contact PlayStation Support or a qualified technician.

How to Prevent PS4 Disc-Ejection Problems

These habits can reduce unnecessary strain on the disc drive, although they cannot prevent every hardware failure.

  1. Keep the console on a stable surface with sufficient ventilation and clearance around the disc slot.
  2. Insert compatible discs carefully and avoid scratching their reading surfaces.
  3. Keep dust and debris away from the slot without spraying cleaning liquids directly into the drive.
  4. Use the normal software or physical eject controls instead of pulling on a disc while the mechanism is moving.
  5. Install system software updates when available.
  6. Investigate repeated beeping, clicking, or unexpected ejection instead of repeatedly cycling the eject button.

For further help, consult Sony's PS4 manual-ejection guide, the PS4 disc troubleshooting guide, or the PS5 manual-ejection guide.

How to Watch DVD Movies on PS4 Without Using the Disc Drive Every Time

If you mainly use your PS4 to watch DVD movies or TV series, converting a compatible DVD into a digital video file can provide another playback option. This does not repair a stuck disc or a faulty optical drive, so resolve any physical ejection problem first.

WinX DVD Ripper Platinum - Convert DVDs for Digital Playback

  • Load a supported DVD and choose an output profile suited to your intended playback device.
  • Convert DVD video into MP4 or another supported format, depending on the selected profile.
  • Adjust the available output settings to balance compatibility, file size, and conversion speed.
  • Check the output format and transfer method before playing the resulting file on a console.

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Follow these general steps to prepare a digital copy of a DVD you are authorized to convert.

Step 1. Open WinX DVD Ripper Platinum and click the Disc button to load a supported DVD. Confirm that your computer's optical drive can read the disc.

Step 2. Choose an output profile. Select a compatible format, such as MP4, and check the resolution, video codec, and other settings.

Selecting output settings when converting DVD video to a digital format

Step 3. Review the conversion options and start the process. Hardware acceleration may improve conversion speed on supported systems. When the file is ready, transfer it using a method supported by your console and test playback.

PS4 and PS5 media playback depends on the console, file format, codec, and transfer method. Converting a DVD does not turn PS4 or PS5 game discs into digital game copies, and it cannot release a disc trapped inside the console.

For questions about WinX DVD Ripper Platinum, contact the technical support team.

FAQs About PS4 Disc Ejection Problems

1. Why won't my PS4 eject a disc?

A PS4 may fail to eject a disc because of a temporary control issue, a faulty eject button, a problem with the manual eject mechanism, or a damaged optical drive. Try the software eject command and a complete power cycle first. If the disc remains stuck, identify your model and follow Sony's manual-ejection instructions.

2. How do I eject a PS4 disc without the eject button?

Highlight the game on the PS4 home screen, press OPTIONS on your controller, and select Eject Disc if available. If the software command fails, use Sony's manual-ejection instructions for your exact CUH model. The screw location and turning direction vary by model.

3. Why does my PS4 beep three times but not eject the disc?

Three beeps do not identify one specific fault. The eject control may not be responding correctly, or the drive may be unable to release the disc. Try the software eject command and a power cycle. If the disc remains trapped, follow the model-specific manual-ejection procedure instead of repeatedly pressing the button.

4. What should I do if the PS4 manual eject screw won't work?

Check that you are following the instructions for your exact CUH model. If the screw feels stuck, spins freely without moving the disc, or requires excessive force, stop. The access point may be incorrect, or the drive mechanism may be damaged. Contact a qualified repair service if the correct procedure does not work.

5. Why does my PS4 keep ejecting discs by itself?

Possible causes include unwanted activation of the eject control, a loose manual eject screw, a disc problem, or a hardware fault. Perform a complete power cycle, install available system updates, and check the control area. If multiple compatible discs trigger the same behavior, the console may need inspection.

6. Can standing a PS4 vertically fix a stuck disc?

Changing the console's orientation is not a reliable repair for a stuck disc. Keep the PS4 on a stable, properly ventilated surface and avoid shaking, hitting, or repeatedly tilting it. If the disc remains trapped, use the appropriate manual-ejection procedure.

7. Can I use PS4 manual eject instructions on a PS5?

No. The PS4 and PS5 use different manual-ejection procedures, and the screw access and turning direction can differ. Follow Sony's official instructions for your exact console model. Never assume that a procedure for one generation applies to the other.

8. Should I reinstall the PS4 system software to fix a stuck disc?

No. Reinstalling system software is not a standard fix for a mechanical disc-ejection problem and can erase console data. Start with the software eject command and power cycle. If manual ejection fails, have the drive inspected rather than reinstalling the system software.

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