3 Fixes for PS4 Unrecognized Disc Error

• PS4 Unrecognized Disc Mechanical vs Software Fixes
• Fix 1: Boot Safe Mode and Install System Software Update
• Fix 2: Boot Safe Mode and Rebuild PS4 Database
• Fix 3: Initialize PS4 Software

If you have a PlayStation 4 and it keeps giving an “Unrecognized Disc” error, there are several fixes that can be done.

This is a known error with the PS4 that many users report having at some point in the system’s life.

PS4 Unrecognized Disc Mechanical vs. Software Fixes
When a disc is unrecognized, two main things can cause the problem, mechanical and software.

You have likely already tried to clean the disc but be sure to test the PS4 with a know good disc to see if it works.

If a known good disc works, it is likely a software problem with the main fixes below.

If there is a lot of noise inside the case when it is trying to read the disc, it can also be the rollers that are known to cause problems.

When there is a mechanical problem, many users have had good success placing the unit on its side.

The main thing is to verify if it is a software problem or mechanical problem as these are two very different fixes.

3 Fixes for PS4 Unrecognized Disc Error

Fix #1: Boot Safe Mode and Install System Software Update
Doing a system update or reinstalling the system software is the main fix for a software problem.

Often there is an update to install which will clear out the error and get the unit working again.

To do a system update requires booting into safe mode.

How To Boot the PS4 into Safe Mode and Update

1. Power Down the PS4 and Hold the Power Button for 10-12 seconds until 2 beeps are heard.

   

2. Connect the PS4 Controller Wired Directly to the system

   

3. Once in Safe Mode Press the Play Station Button

   

4. Select option #3 Update System Software

   

5. Select Update Using Internet

   

6. Select and Install the latest version

   

7. The file will download and install

   

8. After the update restart and retest the disk

 
Fix #2: Boot Safe Mode and Rebuild PS4 Database
Rebuilding the PS4 database has been known to fix disc issues.

PlayStation states that it will take a few hours to rebuild but in my experience, it usually finishes in 10-15 minutes.

Of course, this may vary from user to user, so be sure to give it time.

How To Rebuild a PS4 Database

1. Power Down the PS4 and Hold the Power Button for 10-12 seconds until 2 beeps are heard.

   

2. Connect the PS4 Controller Wired Directly to the system

   

3. Once in Safe Mode Press the Play Station Button

   

4. Select option #5 Rebuild Database

   

5. Click OK

   

6. The PS4 will restart and show a line with an estimation until it is finished

   

 
Fix #3: Full Initialize PS4 Software
Initializing the PS4 software is another known fix for an unrecognized disc.

Before doing this be sure to back up any game saves as they will be deleted.

Go to Application Saved Data Management–> Saved Data in System Storage–> Upload Online Storage.

Any installed games will also be deleted if this is done.

How To Full Initialize PS4 Software

1. From the main menu go to Settings

   

2. Scroll down and select Initialization

   

3. Click Initialize PS4

   

4. Click Full

   

Summary
If you are getting an unrecognized disc error non your PlayStation 4 it can no doubt be very frustrating.

The first step is to see if it is mechanical or the software programmed into the unit.

If you find it is the software, boot into safe mode and do an update.

Next, boot into safe mode and rebuild the database as this has been known to solve the problem.

And last, do a full initialize of the PS4 software, which is also known to fix disc errors.

Have you had issues with the PlayStation 4, an unrecognized disc problem? Let us know your thoughts below.
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