Microsoft’s Xbox One offers an unmatched gaming experience. However, the gaming console, at times, may throw up problems. For instance, the device sometimes fails to read game discs and Blu-ray movies. Even after repeated attempts, the result remains unsatisfactory. It may require a call to Microsoft, but you can try these solutions and see if any of them work for you.
XBox One not reading disc
There can be multiple reasons for Xbox One failing to read a disc:
- Dirt, Hair or Debris – If there are pets in your living room, chances are its hair or dust can settle on the Blu-ray drive.
- Faulty Laser – This is the primary reason for most disc errors. When ascertained, it requires an urgent replacement.
- Failure of underlying components – if you are not aware, the disc drive on the Xbox One is run by an assembly of objects like gears, screws and different gears and rollers. Involuntary damage to any of these parts can stop the disc from running.
- Foreign Objects – coins, matchstick, sticky notes, etc.
Possible Solutions
Check if you’re having a problem with a single disc only, and if other discs are working fine. If yes, follow these steps,
Clean the disc with a soft, clean, damp cloth, carefully holding it by the edges without touching the top or bottom surface.
Try playing the disc
If your Xbox Home screen prompts you to insert a disc even when one is already inserted, it indicates the device fails to recognize the disc. There can be two possible reasons for this,
- One, the settings for Instant-On power mode has rendered the console unable to read discs.
- Second, the console’s disc drive needs servicing.
How to resolve these issues?
1: By using Instant-On power mode, change power modes and power cycle the console
Here’s how:
Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
Then, select ‘System’ from the listed options and navigate to ‘Settings’ section.
There, choose ‘Power & startup’ > Power mode & startup
Select Power mode, and hit ‘Energy saving’ button.
Now, perform a “hard power cycle” by holding down the Xbox button on the console for 10 seconds. Once the console has completely shut down, press the Xbox button again to restart it.
Try your disc again. Wait a few seconds to see if the console recognizes it. If the console can now read the disc, you can revert to Instant-On power mode.
Follow the steps above if the problem occurs again.
2: Request a repair
If the solution mentioned above fails to yield the desired result, ready your console for a repair. Go to the Online Service Center to request a repair.
Make sure the Blu-ray player app has been installed successfully
If you can play game discs but not CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray Discs, make sure that the Blu-ray player app has installed successfully. If not, set up and install the Blu-ray and DVD player app on Xbox One via Xbox Home. For this,
Press the Xbox button to open the guide, select Home, and then scroll right and select Store.
Next, select Search and type Blu-ray in the search bar, and press the Menu button on your controller. Later, select the Blu-ray Player app when seen.
When done, select Free or Install to download and install the Blu-ray Player app
Replace the game
If none of the previous solutions fixed the problem and you still can’t play the disc, try replacing the game. Microsoft allows you to exchange the disc within 90 days of purchase under the terms and conditions of the Microsoft Game Disc Exchange Program. However, before claiming any exchange, you need to ensure that the game is published by Microsoft or another company. In the latter case, you need to contact the company about its policy on disc exchanges, since the Microsoft Game Disc Exchange Program applies ONLY to games published by Microsoft and is subject to availability.
