How to Insert Disc into PS5: The Simple Trick to Stop Putting It in Upside Down

It happens to everyone. You finally get that massive white tower home, unbox it with trembling hands, and then stare at the slot. If you've got the PS5 Standard Edition or the new PS5 Slim with the detachable drive, there is a strangely high chance you’re about to put that game in the wrong way.

Honestly? It's the design. Sony went for "futuristic art piece" over "obvious utility." Because the console is all curves and fins, figuring out how to insert disc into ps5 feels like a 50/50 gamble. If you get it wrong, nothing explodes, but you’ll get that annoying "Unrecognized Disc" error that makes you feel like you just failed a basic IQ test.

Let's fix that right now.

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The Golden Rule for PS5 Disc Orientation

Whether your console is standing tall or laying flat, there is one rule that never changes. The labeled side of the disc—the side with the flashy game art—must always face the center of the console. If your PS5 is standing vertically (the way Sony displays it in every single ad), the art on the disc should face the left side. That means the shiny, data-heavy side of the disc faces the outer edge of the console.

It feels counterintuitive. On almost every other piece of tech we've owned for the last thirty years, the "top" of the disc faces away from the bulk of the machine. Not here. On the PS5, the disc drive is tucked into the "belly" of the unit.

Why horizontal mode is even more confusing

If you have your PS5 laying down horizontally, the disc drive is at the bottom. In this position, you need to insert the disc with the label side facing up.

This is where the Slim model gets tricky. On the original "fat" PS5, the disc drive created a very obvious "bulge" at the bottom. On the Slim, the drive is a bit more integrated but still sits on the lower half. If you flip the console over (which is surprisingly easy to do if you aren't looking at the logo), you’ll be trying to shove a disc into a slot that’s upside down.

Always look for the Power and Eject buttons. On the original model, they are two tiny, vertical pills. On the Slim, the Eject button is actually on the disc drive module itself. If you can't find the Eject button, you're likely looking at the back of the machine or have it flipped.

Dealing with the PS5 Slim’s Detachable Drive

The PS5 Slim changed the game because the drive is modular. You can actually buy a Digital Edition Slim and add a disc drive later. If you’ve just installed a new drive yourself, the process for how to insert disc into ps5 remains the same, but the physical clicking of the drive can be nerve-wracking.

Make sure the drive is fully seated. If the console doesn't recognize that a drive is even attached, it won't take the disc at all. You'll know it's working because the console will prompt a one-time internet registration for the drive.

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Once that’s done, the same rule applies: Art faces the interior "sandwich" part of the console.

What if the disc gets stuck?

Don't panic. It's rare, but it happens. Sony actually built a manual eject screw into both the original and the Slim.

1. Power down the console completely. Unplug everything.
2. Remove the base/stand.
3. On the original PS5, you have to pop off the bottom cover (the one without the PlayStation logo).
4. Look for a circular black film covering a screw.
5. Use a long #1 Phillips screwdriver to turn it clockwise. The disc will slowly slide out like a ghost.

On the Slim, the process is similar but involves removing the specific bottom-right cover panel. No need to force it. Just a few turns of the screw and you've saved your copy of Elden Ring.

Common Mistakes and "Unrecognized Disc" Errors

Sometimes you put the disc in perfectly, and the PS5 still acts like you've handed it a piece of toast.

First, check for fingerprints. The PS5 UHD Blu-ray drive is incredibly sensitive. A single oily smudge from a thumb can derail the laser. Use a microfiber cloth—not your shirt—and wipe from the center of the disc straight out to the edge. Never wipe in circles; that's an old myth that actually causes more scratches.

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The "Rest Mode" Glitch

There’s a well-documented bug where the PS5 occasionally fails to read a disc if the console was woken up from Rest Mode. If you know the disc is in the right way and it’s clean, try a full restart. Not a "suspend," but a "Turn Off PS5" and a cold boot.

Beyond the Basics: 4K Blu-rays and Regional Locking

While we are talking about how to insert disc into ps5, we should talk about what happens after the disc is in.

The PS5 is a beastly 4K Blu-ray player. However, unlike the games—which are region-free—movies are often region-locked. If you imported a cool boutique horror flick from the UK and you’re in the US, your PS5 will likely spit it back out or show an error code.

Also, remember that the PS5 does not support CDs. I know, it’s 2026 and nobody uses CDs, but if you’re trying to play your old 90s grunge collection, the PS5 will just ignore it. It supports DVDs, Blu-rays, and Ultra HD Blu-rays.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Success

If you're still staring at the console, follow this exact sequence:

1. Locate the PS Logo on the outer shell.
2. If the console is vertical, the logo should be at the top-left.
3. Hold your disc with the artwork facing left (toward the center of the machine).
4. Slide it in gently. The motor should take over after about half an inch.
5. Watch the top right of your screen. A small disc icon will appear and start spinning.

If you hear a loud, grinding-ish noise for about 5 seconds, don't worry. That’s just the drive spinning up to read the initial data. It’s famously loud on the early 1000-series models.

Actionable Next Steps for New Owners

• Check your stand: Make sure you actually used the screw (for vertical) or the clips (for horizontal). A wobbly PS5 can cause the disc drive to vibrate excessively, which leads to read errors.
• Update the firmware: Always check for a system update immediately after inserting a new drive or a new game. Sony frequently patches the disc-reading software to improve compatibility with newer triple-A titles.
• Clear the cache: If you've been putting discs in the wrong way repeatedly, the "Unrecognized Disc" error can sometimes get stuck in the system's temporary memory. Turn off the console, wait 30 seconds, and then turn it back on to refresh the drive's detection logic.

The design of the PlayStation 5 is striking, but it definitely sacrificed "obviousness" for "aesthetics." Just remember: Art always faces the center. Do that, and you'll never have to see that "Unrecognized" message again.