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My PlayStation 3 Will Not Read the Disc

If your Sony PlayStation 3 isn't reading the disc you just put in it, this could be due to a variety of things. The disc itself could be damaged, or the console's laser lens could be dirty. Likewise, you could be trying to play a type of media that isn't supported by Sony's home video game system. You'll never know unless you perform some basic troubleshooting.

Things You'll Need

Can of compressed air

Instructions

- 1
  Check your game disc for a PS3 or PS1 logo. If it does not feature one of these, it won't play in the PlayStation 3. The Sony PlayStation 3 is not compatible with games designed to run on the PlayStation 2, or any other home video game console, like the Wii or Xbox 360.
- 2
  Update your console firmware using the "System Update" feature in the main menu. Firmware updates improve the PS3's compatibility with various types of discs. For example, with the original firmware version the PS3 is not compatible with 3D Blu-ray discs. However, in October Sony released a firmware update making it possible to play them on PlayStation 3.
- 3
  Spray dust out of the disc tray and its opening using a can of compressed air. Just inside the opening of the console is the laser lens, which will have difficulty reading discs if it becomes covered in dust. Spray out the inside of your PS3 every so often to ensure that dust doesn't build up.

PlayStation 3