How to fix a PS4 console that auto ejects discs: what to do when your PlayStation 4 won't take a disc

We live in a world where, in home-entertainment terms, digital downloads are on the up and sales of physical media are falling dramatically. And that includes, of course, videogames. But not every PS4 player is ready to make the jump to becoming a fully-digital content consumer. 

For a lot of people, physical discs are as much collectors’ items or shelf decorations as they are a means of actually playing games. And then there’s the fact that the PS4 doubles as an all-round home entertainment system, thanks to its ability to spin Blu-ray movies. 

Of course, this all depends on the smooth running of your console’s trusty disc drive. But what happens if it fails? Some PS4 users have reported issues with discs not ejecting or, on the flip side, discs ejecting without being prompted. 

So, if your PS4 is spitting out discs when it feels like it or refusing to hand them back at all, let’s take a look at how to fix it. These issues were more prevalent on early versions of the console, but some of these tricks might help.

How to fix a PS4 that auto ejects discs or won’t eject discs

There are a few potential solutions to this problem. First, try placing the console vertically. Users reporting these issues often had the console in a horizontal position. They reported that changing it to a vertical position helped the disc fit into the slot better and solved the problem.

You can also try manually ejecting the disc by powering down the PS4 completely, disconnecting the console from the electric supply and then sliding off the front panel.

It might also help to run your console through its power cycle. Switch off your console, unplug all cords, and hold the power button down for 30 seconds. Let it sit for at least two minutes before reattaching all cables and powering on your system.

READ MORE: How to fix a damaged HDMI port on PS4

What to do next if you still have problems

If the steps covered above don’t help, then you can use the Sony website to diagnose the problem and get some help through the manufacturer's official channels.

You can use Sony’s PlayStation Help & Support site to search a library of known issues and follow troubleshooting guides. If you do find a fault with the PS4 hardware itself, contact PlayStation customer support.

Performing any big hardware fixes yourself is not advised, especially if your machine is under warranty. Tampering with your console could void its warranty, and make it difficult to get it fixed if things go wrong. So make sure you talk to the experts before taking more drastic measures.

If you’re experiencing any other problems with your PS4, check out our guide to the most common PS4 issues and how to fix them.

READ MORE: How to fix a PS4 console with network problems