For PS5 disc consoles, the disc goes in with the label/printed side facing the main body of the console (toward the black center section and power button), and the shiny data side facing away.

Correct disc orientation

  • When the PS5 is vertical (disc drive on the left):
    • Insert the disc with the picture/label side facing right, toward the black middle and power/eject buttons.
  • When the PS5 is horizontal (disc drive on the bottom):
    • Insert the disc with the picture/label side facing up.

If the PS5 does not recognize the game or movie, safely eject and flip the disc to the opposite side, then try again.

Quick safety tips

  • Do not force the disc; the console should pull it in gently once it is inserted partway.
  • Make sure the disc is clean and not badly scratched to avoid read errors and noise from the drive.
  • Only PS5 consoles with a disc drive (standard or slim disc version, or digital with the official clip-on drive) can accept discs at all.

If in doubt, always orient the disc so the printed side faces the side of the console where the buttons and USB ports are.

Meta description:
Wondering which way discs go in PS5? Learn the correct PS5 disc orientation for vertical and horizontal setups, plus quick tips to avoid read errors and drive damage.

Bottom note:
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.