How to Force Eject a Disc Stuck in Your Xbox 360

Last Updated: April 14, 2022

So your $300+ game system is blinking red lights and you have to send the console in for repairs; but the console won't eject the rental you need to return tonight. What do you do? It's not too different from a regular PC, so try these steps to get your disk out.

Steps

1
Remove the faceplate from the console. With the console laying flat, use a flat-head screwdriver to pop in the tab inward on the right side of the console.
2
Straighten out a length of paper clip as best you can.

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3
Place the long end of the paper clip in the hole on the very left.
- Note: It's more of a "semi" hole and there is one directly to the right of it.
4
Using a flashlight, place the end of the paper clip in the teeth on the right side of the gears and push. The tray should slide open a little, and from there you can open and close the tray with your hand.
5
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I play a disc if it's saying "open tray"?

Community Answer

You can't. You have to wait until the Xbox is opened, and then either close the Xbox immediately or change the game and then close the Xbox.
Question

Can I play a game when a disc is stuck in my Xbox 360?

Community Answer

Yes. You can't play the disc game, but you can play the games you've downloaded.
Question

How can I fix the 4 rings of death?

Community Answer

Four red rings means that there is a problem with the AV cable or port. Try changing cables or cleaning the port.

Warnings

Keep it unplugged while you're doing this! Electricity can travel up paper clips!

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Make sure the console is laying down so the disc doesn't accidentally fall back inside the console.

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Make sure not to open the console, or cause visible damage, in case you need to send the console back for repairs.

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Be careful not to strip the gears or hit any other parts inside the console with the paper clip.

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There are three holes that look like they can fit a paper clip in them, be careful to only use the correct one.

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