How To Fix Xbox Series X Not Reading Disc

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Abdul Hadi

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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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.

Method Difficulty Rating

You will see the following message on the screen:

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.

   

4. Disable Sleep: Turn off the Sleep option.

   

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.

   

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.

   

Disc Drive

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

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.

   

2. Enable Offline Mode: Pick Go Offline.

   

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.

So your telling me after 6 days after my Xbox Series X Warranty Expires My Disc Trey Stops Reading Disc While Being off For Three Days Of Not Playing It Or Touching It 😑🤬😑

— GhettoBaby 💔 (@EpicGamingS23) January 14, 2022

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.

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Abdul Hadi

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com