How to eject an Xbox Series X disc

Xbox Series X
(Image credit: Future)

Knowing how to eject an Xbox Series X disc is basic but important button pressing if you've got an extensive library of physical disc games and movies. You'd be forgiven for not knowing how to eject a disc from your console too as it's not immediately obvious. The Xbox Series X is a pretty large, monolithic console with a clearly visible disc drive on one side but only a few small, unassuming buttons. Thankfully, getting a disc out of your console just requires you to press the button near the disc slot, so now that you've found one of the Xbox Series X deals, here's exactly how to eject an Xbox Series X disc.

How to eject a Xbox Series X disc

Xbox Series X UI

(Image credit: Future / Xbox)

If you're looking at the console head-on when it is in a vertical orientation (which is recommended, to better help with cooling and ventilation), draw your eyes to the little black button just above the disc drive. Pressing this button just the once is how to eject a Xbox Series X disc, so give it a little click (and a second or two) and you should see your disc returned safely. 

If you want to avoid touching your console and pressing buttons, there's an alternate method you can use. From the main Xbox Series X dashboard or in My Games and Apps, you can hover over the tile for your disc-based media and press the "X" button on your controller. This will eject an Xbox Series X disc, but you'll still need to get up off your couch to retrieve it – it'll feed back into the drive automatically after a few seconds. 

And that's it! Couldn't be easier, once you know how. Microsoft's new console has a wide-range of support for backwards compatible titles, so you may want to know what discs work in an Xbox Series X before you go trying to jam any old thing in its drive. If you're wondering what the other buttons on the front of the console do, you're likely looking at the pairing button. Not only does it conceal an IR blaster for universal remotes for Xbox, you'll want to use that button to use your existing peripherals. The Xbox Series X controller and accessory compatibility is far-reaching, and if you're struggling with anything it might be worth checking our guidance on how to pair an Xbox Series X controller.

How to install Xbox Series X games | How to transfer games to Xbox Series X external transfer | Xbox Share button | Xbox Series X standby mode | Xbox Quick Resume | How to set up the Xbox mobile app | How to hard reset an Xbox Series X 

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Josh West
Editor-in-Chief, 12DOVE

Josh West is the Editor-in-Chief of 12DOVE. He has over 15 years experience in online and print journalism, and holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Feature Writing. Prior to starting his current position, Josh has served as GR+'s Features Editor and Deputy Editor of games™ magazine, and has freelanced for numerous publications including 3D Artist, Edge magazine, iCreate, Metal Hammer, Play, Retro Gamer, and SFX. Additionally, he has appeared on the BBC and ITV to provide expert comment, written for Scholastic books, edited a book for Hachette, and worked as the Assistant Producer of the Future Games Show. In his spare time, Josh likes to play bass guitar and video games. Years ago, he was in a few movies and TV shows that you've definitely seen but will never be able to spot him in.