There is provided a method and apparatus for reproducing data which allow a reduction in the time required for recovery from the occurrence of an error. In a method and apparatus for reproducing data wherein data read from a disc is demodulated and written in a memory and data read from the memory is decoded to reproduce the original data by employing an arrangement wherein data is recorded in the disc on a sector basis; sector information associated with the sectors of demodulated data is detected; and writing and reading operations on the memory means are controlled based on the detected information. Control over the memory and distribution of data is performed on the basis of units (sectors) for data access to a disc. Therefore, even if the synchronization of data at the distribution device and decoder is disturbed, the synchronization on a sector basis can be recovered.