Q&A for How to Fix a Scratched Xbox Game

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Question

Why did my Xbox scratch my disc?

Community Answer

If the console is tilted or bumped during play, this can cause the disc to be scratched. Ensure that boisterous siblings or curious pets cannot get near the console while it is in use or whenever there is a disc inside.

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Question

Can I fix any disc in the same fashion?

Community Answer

Yes. You can also try spraying Pam butter on the disc.

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Question

Can I fix white stains on my CD that are caused by the toothpaste?

Community Answer

Try running the disc underneath warm water and use a wet cloth to gently wipe at the stains.

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Question

What should I do if my scratched game disc won't work?

Community Answer

If none of these methods worked for you, you should probably think about getting a new one. Not all scratches are repairable.

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Question

How many times do you apply the toothpaste?

Community Answer

Just once; if you apply too much, it can damage the disc's surface.

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Question

Will this method work for a severely scratched CD?

Community Answer

It should work for most of them, but some scratches are just beyond repair.

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Question

Can I use blue toothpaste to clean a disc?

Community Answer

Plain white toothpaste is best.

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Question

Can I use a cherry Chapstick to fill the scratches?

Community Answer

Use a lip balm without any colors, flavors, or glitter, or else it will damage your game.

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Question

I used a whitening toothpaste on the Xbox disc, will it still work?

Community Answer

Unfortunately, no. It is supposed to be plain toothpaste. If it isn't, it risks damaging the disc further.

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Question

Can I use Colgate toothpaste to fix the scratch?

Community Answer

As long as it is not a whitening toothpaste, it should be fine. Try to use plain white toothpaste if possible.

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Question

Does the toothpaste or Chapstick need to be plain?

Community Answer

Yes. Vaseline works, too.

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Question

What should I do if my game freezes during loading?

Community Answer

Xbox One: Press the Xbox button on your controller (some games prevent you from exiting). Then press the menu button and close the game. If that does not work, press the power button.

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Question

Will any of these methods damage my Xbox if done incorrectly?

Community Answer

It depends on how incorrectly. For example, if you left the disk wet before inserting it, that may mess up the drive and you may need to replace it. Otherwise, no.

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Question

How can I fix my disk if it has an outer ring on it?

Community Answer

That “outer ring” might be a scratch. Consider using the methods we provided.

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Question

Will this article work for a Wii U disc?

Community Answer

Yes! The tips in this article will also work for a Wii U disc.

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Question

Can I use Crest toothpaste, or anything else?

Community Answer

As long is it is not whitening toothpaste and is just plain white, you should be fine.

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Question

Can I use Dollar General brand chapstick to fix a scratched Xbox game?

Community Answer

As long as it's plain lip balm, then yes.

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Question

What brands of toothpaste are safe to use for this?

Aasim

Top Answerer

Pretty much any brand will work, as long as it has minerals such as sodium fluoride.

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Question

What if my Xbox can't read the game?

Community Answer

Then you'll have to buy another copy of the game.

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Question

Can I use an extra whitening toothpaste or plain toothpaste to fix my scratched Xbox game?

Community Answer

Just use plain white toothpaste. I tried using whitening, colored toothpaste, even spearmint flavored toothpaste, none of them worked. Just try plain white.

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Question

Does it have to be plain lip balm or can it be flavored?

Community Answer

It has to be plain.

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Question

Is it okay if I rinsed the disc when the toothpaste was still smooth?

Community Answer

No. That can prevent the toothpaste from working. You want to wait a few minutes before rinsing.

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Question

Can I use Crest 3-D White?

Community Answer

No, it could damage the disk more if you use it.

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Question

I tried the lip balm, magic eraser, tooth paste and so many things, and nothing worked. Why didn't they work?

The_generals2014

Community Answer

Some scratches are just too deep to fix. It may just be best to get a new copy.

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Question

Can I use toothpaste with Fluoride?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as it's plain white toothpaste. If it's whitening, don't use it. If it's gel paste, don't use it.

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Question

Can I use any lip balm to fix my scratched Xbox game?

Community Answer

Any lip balm should work fine, but some games are scratched beyond repair.

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Question

Would it mess up my disc if use a glue stick to patch up the scratch after cleaning it?

Community Answer

Yes, because glue is tacky so it could either screw up your console or the disk could be beyond repair.

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Question

How hot does the light bulb have to be?

Community Answer

After waiting 5-10 minutes with a 60-watt light bulb, it should be hot enough to do it.

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Question

Can I use toothpaste on my game that won't read, or should I return it to Gamestop?

Community Answer

If you were sold a damaged game, it would be best to just return it and get a new one. If you damaged it yourself, you can try toothpaste or another method.

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Question

I've tried everything, but my game still doesn't work. Why is this?

Jake Killa

Community Answer

The disk is most likely beyond repair, or you made an error while following the directions.

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