Fix: Xbox 360 Open Tray Error

The Open Tray error on Xbox 360 is definitely one of the most troublesome errors you can encounter on your console as its cause is usually related to hardware, rather than software issues, meaning you sometimes really need to have someone to look at it or you need to perform some maintenance carefully.

There are quite a few solutions to this problem and you never know which one might be suitable for your situation. If the Xbox 360 is not able to read discs, you are not able to install any new games or to even play a game if it requires the disc to be inserted. Follow the solutions presented below to get rid of the Open Tray error once and for all.

Solution 1: Dismantle Your Xbox and Leave it Like That For a While

Even though this solution seems like something that wouldn’t work for a majority of cases, the solution has helped some people get rid of the error. There are several reasons for why this method may produce outstanding results and it’s definitely something you should try at the beginning, before starting any advanced methods.

1. Press and hold the power button at the front of the Xbox 360 console until it shuts down completely.
2. Unplug the power brick from the back of the Xbox. Press and hold the power button on the Xbox several times to make sure there is no remaining power in the console itself.
3. After you have made sure of that, disconnect everything from the console including the controllers and all additional hardware you may have connected to it.

4. Plug in the power brick and wait for the light located on the power brick to change its color from white to orange.
5. Turn the Xbox back on as you would do normally and check to see if the Open Tray error code keeps on appearing on it.

Solution 2: Turning Certain Parts to Their Proper Place

It seems that there is a certain square part located in your Xbox 360 that gets moved out of place during certain activities. Plenty of users confirmed that getting these parts back to their place managed to fix their issue entirely but know that you will need to be extra careful since you will need to open your Xbox 360 entirely to get access to them.

Disconnect your Xbox 360 from all input and output devices. Your console should be completely free of any wires or attachments, including external storage you may own, HDMI cables, charging cable and the controllers.

1. If there is a disk in the console, make sure you eject it and place it somewhere else before proceeding.
2. Pry off the faceplace by inserting your finger into the USB port section, which is located to the right of the power button, and pulling the faceplate toward you. You can be relatively firm while doing this—the Xbox 360 doesn’t have fragile parts behind the faceplate like later models do.
   
3. Release the end grilles by poking a large, bent paperclip through the holes in the top row of ventilation spaces on the Xbox 360’s casing, prying up each time. This will unhook the clips holding the grille.
4. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the space where the grille connects with the console case, then work the screwdriver around, prying up as you go.
5. If you have a hard drive on your Xbox 360, first remove it before removing the end grills by simply pulling them away from the Xbox 360’ case.
   
6. Unclip the front of the case which is held by four clips on the front side of your console by simply pulling its top towards yourself.
7. Unclip the back of the Xbox’s case and place your hand inside the space on the right where the grille used to be and apply pressure to the connected halves of the casing while inserting the flathead screwdriver into the slots on the back.
8. Remove the bottom of the case by simply pulling it off. You should be able to look at the metal part. Take out the screws holding the top with a Torx screwdriver.
   
9. Take out the screws holding the top of the case in place. Use your Torx screwdriver for this; if you see a screw that won’t fit your screwdriver, don’t try to unscrew it—it isn’t necessary for disassembly. There are six total screws in the metal part of the case that you’ll need to remove.
10. Remove the eject button located on the left side of the console’s front part. Gently ease your flathead screwdriver under the green ribbon on the left of the console’s front and pry.
11. Lift the top of the case off of the Xbox and check the disc tray. Make sure you located the two squares just like in the picture below:

Make sure you align them properly like in the picture if one of them has moved out of its position and check to see if the Xbox tray error code keeps appearing.

Solution 3: Be Violent

That actually helped certain people deal with this same issue and the reason for it is unknown. Sometimes simply being mildly violent with the console by closing and opening the tray repeatedly or by pushing the cartridge back on forth simply works and users have confirmed. A little “smack” on top of the Xbox 360 also worked to avoid the issue instead of solving it. This method is also easiest to try out before giving up.

Solution 4: Forcing the Disc Tray Inside

This solution was quite popular on YouTube and it helped quite a few users deal with this error. The explanation for this one is that the tray should actually not be forced in but it can be done without causing any damage. However, forcing the tray in launches a self check of some kind for the laser and it appears it actually repairs itself.

1. Press and hold the power button at the front of the Xbox 360 console until it shuts down completely.
2. Turn the Xbox on by clicking on the open disc tray and physically make the disc tray go back in with not too much force to knock the tray of its tracks but with enough force to close it manually.

3. Wait for a couple of seconds until the tray stops and the console to recalibrate itself before rebooting the Xbox and checking to see if the issue is really resolved.

Solution 5: Open Your Console and Clean the Laser

Opening the Xbox is sure to get your off your warranty but it may be the only solution for you to get rid of the error. These types of issues are usually caused by a faulty or dusty laser and you can hope for the best that simply giving it a thorough cleaning will help you solve the issue easily.

1. Follow the instructions on how to open your Xbox from the top of the article.
2. Use a q-tip and some rubbing alcohol to clean the laser which is located at the disc tray like displayed on the photo.

3. Also, make sure you use a mini vacuum cleaner to get rid of the dust inside and also use a couple of extra q-tips to get rid of the dirt.

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