Last updated on 2025-07-17, by Patrick

Can DVD Player Play Blu-ray? What You Should Know & How to Fix

So you’ve got a new Blu-ray disc and slide it into your DVD player. But it did not play. Very frustrating, right? So, now you think a DVD Player plays Blu-ray? No, a regular DVD player does not support Blu-ray. But in this case, you are to be reminded that the Blu-ray players are capable of playing both Blu-ray and DVD, whereas the DVD players lack the technology required to read the high-density format of Blu-ray. What then is the solution? In this article, we shall be discussing why you cannot play a Blu-ray disc on a DVD player and what some of the solutions are to play your Blu-ray disc. Let’s clear things up.

Also Read: Play Blu-ray with VLC | Best ISO Files Players

Part 1: Why DVD Players Can’t Play Blu-ray Discs?

So you might have always believed that Blu-ray and DVDs are quite similar. However, take note, they both only appear the same, but in the real sense, they are constructed totally differently. Because of this variation, a normal DVD player cannot read a Blu-ray disc. And here, with a bit more detail, I am going to tell you the key reasons why the DVD players fail to play Blu-ray discs.

Different Laser Technology

DVDs are read by red lasers. Conversely, Blu-ray discs have blue-violet lasers. The blue-violet lasers operate at shorter wavelengths. This enables Blu-ray players to read much denser and smaller data tracks. And now we understand that DVD players lack the proper type of laser, and, as a result, they just physically cannot read the data in a Blu-ray disc.

Higher Storage and Video Quality

The second difference is Blu-ray discs’ storage capacity. Blu-ray discs store more data and support different formats like HD, Full HD and 4k. Also, there will be no need for hardware to decode Blu-ray video and audio formats.

Incompatible File Systems and Formats

The 3rd main difference is that Blu-ray discs have different file structures and encoding formats that DVD players don’t recognise. So even if you pop the disc in the tray of the DVD player, the player has no idea how to read or play the content inside.

So we can say it’s not only about the disc being incompatible; there is a whole science behind it. However, don’t think your Blu-ray disc is not going to work ever. There are different ways that you can use to enjoy your Blu-ray collection. We are going to share that in the next part of the article. Keep reading.

Part 2: What Will Happen If You Try a Blu-ray Disc in a DVD Player?

What happens when you pop in your Blu-ray disc into a regular DVD player? In most cases, nothing at all. Your DVD player might try for a second or two to read the disc; after that, you will just see the error message on your screen display.

In most cases, your DVD player may not even recognise the Blu-ray disc at first. As we just discussed, their whole anatomy is different, so your player doesn’t understand the format of your Blu-ray disc. So ultimately, you will see nothing on the screen.

So the good news is, even if you put your Blu-ray disc in your DVD player,it won’t be damaged. You can say that it’s a harmless mistake. There is no need to worry, your gear is safe, even if the disc won’t play.

Part 3: What’s the Solution?

So now what about the solution? If you want to watch Blu-ray discs, don’t worry, the solution is pretty straightforward. You just need the right player, and you are good to go. Regular DVD players just aren’t built for Blu-ray, so you’ve got two main solutions.

Option 1: Get a Blu-ray Player (Hardware)

Let’s talk about the traditional one first. It’s the way that you can use a standalone Blu-ray player. It’s a dedicated device designed to read Blu-ray discs. It works well. However, the main issue is that these players can be pricey, especially if you want one with 4K support or smart features. However, I will say if you are someone who watches a lot of physical media, then it might be worth the investment.

Option 2: Use a Free Blu-ray Player on Your Computer

If you are on a budget and do not want to buy dedicated hardware, then there is a simple solution. You can use Blu-ray playback software on your PC. It’s one of the best ways. There are many free Blu-ray Players, but not all work equally. One of our tested and most reliable free Blu-ray players is Leawo Blu-ray Player. Leawo Blu-ray Player is a powerful, all-in-one media playback tool that turns your computer into a full-featured Blu-ray machine. And it’s all for free. In addition, it plays 4K UHD Blu-ray discs, DVD, ISO files and HD video formats. So, whether you need to watch a commercially made movie or a self-made disc, Leawo can make all this happen and not even at a single penny cost.

Part 4: Why Leawo Blu-ray Player Is the Best Alternative?

Well, we simply suggested you use Leawo Blu-ray Player, but how does it become the most appropriate alternative that you can utilise? We have numerous arguments to provide. Among the 1st is that it is totally free. Therefore, in case you are seeking an option to enjoy your Blu-ray discs at no cost, then Leawo Blu-ray Player is definitely the most suitable option available. It is absolutely free, filled with features. Moreover, Leawo Blu-ray player does not have irritating restrictions or watermarks.

• Leawo Free Blu-ray Player

  – Deliver quality-lossless video images at 720p/1080p/1080i/4K in H.264/H.265, MP4, MKV, MOV, etc. formats.
  – Support various audio decoding technologies like Dolby, DTS, AAC, TrueHD, DTS-HD, etc.
  – Personalize settings like selecting subtitles and audio tracks freely.
  – Support fluent and smooth media decoding and playback.

  DownloadDownload

Compared to a conventional DVD player or a restricted media player, Leawo has been designed to support Blu-Ray playback, in full 4K UHD resolution, as well as commercial discs, folders, and ISO image files. There is no need to be concerned about region codes, compatibility with format, and complications of setting up; everything just works. Leawo Blu-ray player is able to play Blu-ray in the full 4K UHD. This involves ISO picture files, business discs and folders. Again, Leawo also provides quality playback with no hitch, all on your Windows PC. And what is best? . And the best part? You can also use it for DVDs, videos, and even music, all in one simple app.

Therefore, in case you are the type of person who needs an all-in-one player, which is more than a player, then Leawo Blu-ray Player ticks all the boxes. That is how you can play your Blu-ray discs, DVDs, videos, audio, or ISO files easily with Leawo Blu-ray Player:

Step 1: Load Your Media

First of all, open the Leawo Blu-ray Player, and next, you need to click on “Open File”. Here you can load a video, audio file, Blu-ray/DVD folder, or ISO. If you want to play a physical disc, insert it into your drive, and then select it under “Play Disc” on the home screen. In the case of IFO files, open the VIDEO_TS.IFO file within the DVD folder. Files that have been loaded will be present in the playlist, in which you can add or remove them as well as control playback modes such as Loop or Shuffle.

Step 2: Subtitle Settings (Optional)

To choose “subtitles”, you need to right-click on the screen. Here you can enable or disable subtitles. Also, you can load external subtitle files as well.

Step 3: Video Settings (Optional)

If you want to adjust video settings, right-click and click Videos. It will open up brightness, contrast and other settings of video. You can change according to your requirements.

Step 4: Audio Settings (Optional)

To adjust audio settings as well, right click and select Audio, and here you can adjust volume, sync audio, switch between audio tracks, or select your preferred output.

With these simple steps, you can play your Blu-rays easily for free with great control. So, give Leawo a try today and enjoy.

Conclusion

I hope you now understand why DVD players are unable to play Blu-ray discs because of hardware and format incompatibility. But there exist simple means to play your Blu-ray. As an example, you can purchase a standalone Blu-ray player or take a free program, such as Leawo Blu-ray Player. To enjoy high-quality playback, it is easy, cheap method and you will in complete control of your viewing pleasure.