How to Eject a Disc from Your PS5: A Comprehensive Guide

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) is a powerful and sleek gaming console, offering immersive gameplay and stunning visuals. While the digital download era is in full swing, many gamers still prefer the tactile experience of physical game discs. Whether you’re switching games or just done with a play session, knowing how to properly eject a disc from your PS5 is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the methods available, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Understanding the PS5 Disc Drive

Before we delve into the ejection methods, let’s understand the PS5 disc drive. The PS5 comes in two models: the standard PlayStation 5 with a disc drive and the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, which lacks a disc drive entirely. This guide focuses on the standard PS5 model with a disc drive.

The PS5 uses a Blu-ray disc drive, capable of playing both standard Blu-ray discs, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, and PlayStation 5 game discs. The drive is designed for reliable performance, but like any mechanical component, it requires careful handling. Trying to forcefully remove a disc can damage the drive or the disc itself. Therefore, understanding the proper ejection procedures is vital.

Methods to Eject a Disc from Your PS5

There are several ways to eject a disc from your PlayStation 5. We will cover each method in detail:

Method 1: Using the Eject Button on the Console

The most straightforward method for ejecting a disc is by using the physical eject button on the console. This is the most commonly used and recommended approach.

Steps:

1. Locate the Eject Button: The eject button on the PS5 is a small, circular button located on the front of the console, near the disc slot. On the standard PS5, this button is physically present on the console’s exterior and usually it’s located below the power button.
2. Power On the PS5: Ensure that your PS5 is powered on. The eject button will only work when the console is active.
3. Press the Eject Button: Gently press the eject button once. You should hear a mechanical whirring sound as the disc drive activates and pushes the disc out slightly.
4. Remove the Disc: Once the disc is partially ejected, carefully pull it out of the disc slot. Avoid pulling forcefully or at an angle. It should slide out smoothly.

Important Note: If the console is in rest mode, pressing the eject button will typically wake it up and then eject the disc. Ensure the console is fully powered on and you’re not just in rest mode if you’re having issues.

Method 2: Using the PlayStation Controller

You can also eject a disc using your DualSense controller, offering a convenient way to manage your discs without physically touching the console.

Steps:

1. Power On the PS5 and Controller: Ensure that your PS5 is powered on and your DualSense controller is connected and functional.
2. Navigate to the Game: From the PS5 home screen, navigate to the game you wish to eject. The game disc icon will be present on the bottom row of the game icons. If the disc is for a movie, the movie icon will be displayed instead.
3. Press the Options Button: Highlight the game (or movie) icon using the directional pad or analog stick, and then press the “Options” button on your DualSense controller. The Options button is the small button with three horizontal lines located to the right of the touchpad.
4. Select Eject Disc: In the options menu that appears, scroll down until you see “Eject Disc”. Select this option by pressing the ‘X’ button on the controller.
5. Remove the Disc: The console will eject the disc slightly. Carefully pull the disc out of the slot.

Troubleshooting Tip: If you don’t see the “Eject Disc” option in the options menu, it might mean that the disc isn’t currently loaded into the console. Ensure that the disc is properly inserted and recognized by the system.

Method 3: Using the PS5 Media Remote (Optional)

If you have the official PS5 Media Remote, you can also use it to eject discs. This offers another level of convenience, especially for those who frequently switch between gaming and media playback.

Steps:

1. Power On the PS5 and Connect the Media Remote: Ensure your PS5 is powered on and that the Media Remote is connected and paired with the console.
2. Select the Game/Media: Using the Media Remote, navigate to the content you want to eject. Similar to the controller method, the game or movie icon will be displayed.
3. Press the Options Button: Press the “Options” button on the Media Remote, which is the button with three horizontal lines.
4. Select Eject Disc: Use the directional buttons on the remote to navigate to the “Eject Disc” option in the pop-up menu. Select this by pressing the center “OK” button on the remote.
5. Remove the Disc: The disc will be partially ejected, allowing you to pull it out smoothly.

Note: The Media Remote is an optional accessory and must be purchased separately. If you have the remote, this can be a convenient option for media playback and disk management.

Method 4: Manually Ejecting the Disc (Emergency Method)

In rare cases, you might encounter an issue where the standard ejection methods don’t work. This could be due to a software glitch, a power outage during eject, or a mechanical issue. In such situations, you can resort to a manual ejection method. This method involves using a paperclip or another suitable thin object to manually trigger the disc ejection mechanism.

Important Warning: Use this method only as a last resort when other methods fail. Incorrectly attempting this method could damage your PS5. Proceed with caution and follow these steps closely.

Steps:

1. Power Off the PS5: Before attempting manual ejection, ensure your PS5 is completely powered off and unplugged from the power source. This is crucial for your safety and to prevent damage to the console.
2. Locate the Manual Eject Hole: On the standard PS5 model, there’s a small manual eject hole located near the disc drive opening. It might be partially hidden under a small plastic cover or located on the side of the console near the back. You will need a good light source and good eye sight. Look closely. The hole is generally very small. Consult the PS5 manual or online guides specific to your PS5 model to confirm the location of this hole. On some models, it may be just above the disc drive opening.
3. Straighten a Paperclip: Take a standard paperclip and straighten one end. This will be used to insert into the manual eject hole. Ensure the paperclip is sturdy enough but not too thick that it won’t fit into the opening. A sim card ejection tool works well for this purpose if you happen to have one.
4. Insert the Paperclip: Gently insert the straightened end of the paperclip into the manual eject hole. You might feel a slight resistance. Push in slowly and gently, and you should feel a mechanical click. This is the drive release mechanism.
5. Remove the Disc: After the click is felt, the disc should pop out slightly from the disc drive. Carefully pull the disc out of the slot. It should slide out easily now.
6. Power On the Console: Plug your PS5 back in and power it on. After attempting this method make sure the disc drive is working correctly after use. If you are still experiencing issues contact support.

Troubleshooting Note: If the disc doesn’t eject immediately after inserting the paperclip, do not force it. Try wiggling the paperclip slightly or repeating the insertion process. If it still doesn’t work, it’s best to seek professional assistance rather than risk further damage.

Troubleshooting Disc Ejection Issues

Sometimes, you might encounter problems while trying to eject a disc. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

Issue 1: Disc Won’t Eject

Possible Causes:

• Software glitch
• Disc not fully loaded or recognized
• Mechanical issue with the drive

Solutions:

• Restart the Console: Power cycle your PS5. Fully shut it down, unplug it for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in and power it on. This can often resolve minor glitches.
• Try Different Ejection Methods: Try all the methods described above: eject button, controller, and Media Remote (if available).
• Check Disc Placement: Ensure the disc is properly inserted in the correct orientation (label side up). Remove the disc and reinsert it, making sure it’s fully seated in the drive.
• Clean the Disc: A dirty or scratched disc can sometimes cause ejection issues. Clean the disc carefully with a soft, lint-free cloth. Wipe from the center to the outer edge of the disc, avoiding circular motions.
• Use the Manual Eject Method: As a last resort, follow the manual ejection process carefully as described in Method 4.

Issue 2: Disc Drive Making Unusual Noises

Possible Causes:

• Mechanical malfunction
• Foreign object in the drive
• Damaged disc

Solutions:

• Inspect the Disc: Check the disc for any visible damage or foreign material. Try another game disc to see if the noise is specific to one disc or a hardware issue.
• Avoid Using Damaged Discs: If you suspect a disc is damaged, do not use it, as it may damage the disc drive or cause errors.
• Seek Professional Repair: If you suspect a mechanical issue with the drive, it is best to contact PlayStation Support or a certified repair service. Avoid trying to repair the disc drive yourself unless you have the necessary experience.

Issue 3: Eject Button Doesn’t Respond

Possible Causes:

• Software glitch
• Hardware issue with the button
• Console in Rest Mode

Solutions:

• Ensure Console is Powered On: Make sure the console is fully powered on and not in Rest Mode. The eject button will usually wake the PS5 if it is in rest mode, but in some cases it might not be working correctly. Press the power button first, then attempt to eject.
• Restart the Console: As mentioned previously, restarting the console can sometimes resolve software glitches.
• Try Controller Ejection: Use the controller to eject the disc to see if that works as expected.
• Seek Repair: If the problem persists, it could be a hardware issue and you may need professional repair.

Tips for Maintaining Your PS5 Disc Drive

To keep your PS5’s disc drive in good working order, here are some maintenance tips:

• Handle Discs Carefully: Always hold discs by the edges to avoid scratches or fingerprints on the surface. Keep your hands clean when handling discs.
• Store Discs Properly: Store your game discs in their cases when not in use to prevent dust or damage.
• Avoid Using Damaged Discs: Do not attempt to play cracked, scratched, or warped discs, as this can cause damage to the drive mechanism.
• Keep the Console in a Well-Ventilated Area: Ensure that your PS5 has enough ventilation to prevent overheating, which can affect the disc drive performance and potentially lead to problems. Keep it away from dusty areas as well.
• Regularly Clean the Console: Use a soft, dry cloth to regularly wipe the exterior of your PS5, and occasionally check for any accumulated dust near the disc drive.

Conclusion

Ejecting a disc from your PS5 is a simple process when you know the correct methods. Whether you prefer using the physical eject button, the controller, or the Media Remote, mastering these techniques will ensure a smooth gaming and media experience. Always handle your console and game discs with care to avoid any potential damage. Remember to consult official resources or seek professional help if you encounter persistent problems. By following this guide, you can maintain the longevity and functionality of your PS5’s disc drive and enjoy countless hours of gaming entertainment.