How to Remove a CD That is Stuck in a CD Player

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Compact discs

Few things are as frustrating as a CD that refuses to eject from your CD player. Remain calm and follow some simple procedures, and you may be able to get through it all with the compact disc and the player intact.

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Step 1

Press the stop button and make sure the CD player is not still attempting to read the CD. If the compact disc won't eject, turn off the device and then turn it back on. Try to eject the CD. If that doesn't work, try holding the eject button as you turn the device on.

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Step 2

Spring the CD tray loose by inserting a straightened paper clip into the release of the mechanism. A tiny hole or channel for this purpose should be located alongside or below the tray. If you can't get the tray open, the CD may be jammed on the internal spindle. In that case, you may need to have a technician disassemble the unit.

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Step 3

Hold the unit upside down as you press "Eject" if the device is a portable slot loading CD player. If this doesn't work, the CD may need to be forcibly removed.

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Step 4

Try to release the CD with tweezers, a playing card, a plastic credit card or a homemade tool using cards and double-sided tape. This kind of desperate maneuver may damage the CD or the mechanism.

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