Fix “HDCP unauthorized content disabled” error on Roku

Streaming videos through Roku is convenient, but when you start facing errors it’s a different story. There are times when users will see a purple screen with an error that reads “HDCP unauthorized Content disabled “. This error is very common and it shows that your device has lost its HDCP handshake.

What is HDCP?

HDCP means High- Bandwidth Digital Content Protection. It is a form of digital copy protection developed by Intel Corporation to prevent the making of a copy of video content and digital audio as it goes across connections. Also, it displays devices like high-definition TVs. In other words, it is the copy and content protection standard used by the TV and movies industry.

What causes HDCP unauthorized content-disabled errors on Roku?

There are various reasons why you are likely to face this error. Most times the protocol breaks down frequently hence the screen goes purple and you wouldn’t be able to view it properly.

Below are the reasons why HDCP unauthorized content disables error on Roku occur:

• You have an issue with your HDMI cable
• There’s an issue with your hardware whereby you can’t access protected content on your device.
• You are making use of non-compliant HDCP HDTV

How to fix HDCP unauthorized content disabled error

Of course, there’s a fix for the Roku HDCP error code. Below is how you can fix the Roku HDCP error code:

#1. Upgrade your TV

If your HDTV set is the old version, it’s likely not to be HDCP compliant. Hence, you won’t be able to view any content that is HDCP compliant. Likewise, you will experience this error when you connect an HDCP- compliant device to a non-compliant one.

The best way to resolve this issue is to have an HDCP- compliant device.

2. Restart your device

This is an easy method. Restart and set up your Roku device to fix the error. To do this, follow the steps below:

• Switch off the Roku device from its power source and leave it for about ten seconds
• Then, plug it back again
• Switch it back on using the remote
• Be patient for a few minutes
• Then, try to watch the content again

3. Check your hardware connection

When you are experiencing HDCP unauthorized content error on Netflix, your Netflix won’t be able to play any content. However, you can fix it. Below is the guide to do so.

• Make sure you have an HDMI cable
• Then, plug your Roku device into the HDTV
• Make sure you reverse both ends of your HDMI cable when connecting
• But if it did not work, consider using another port on HDTV or make use of a new HDMI cable
• Try to use the same cable on another TV
• If this works, then it means the HDMI port on your HDTV may be having issues. Contact the TV producers for help

4. Troubleshoot your HDMI cable

Sometimes this error may occur because your HDMI cable is not functioning well. Here is how to fix it:

• Disconnect the HDMI cable from your Roku and TV
• Also, switch off your Roku and TV from the power source for about 30 seconds
• Then, connect the cable back to your Roku and TV. Make sure you insert it firmly
• Plug in the power cable to your Roku and TV and switch them back on
• Then, try to play a video to see if it will work

5. Change the Display Type

At times, it could be that the display mode used by Roku is not supported by the TV. The TV may not be able to handle the ability of the mode hence you won’t be able to stream. But, you can change the display type to fix this.

• Go to settings on your Roku device
• Click on the Display Type
• Select the display type supported by the TV and press OK. You can check the maximum supported screen by checking the box that came with your TV or by searching for its specifications online.
• Try to stream again

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why does my Roku Stick say HDCP unauthorized content is disabled?

The “HDCP Unauthorized. Content Disabled” Error is seen while trying to stream on Roku and this is usually due to a fault with the connection between the device and the television. The fault is usually with the HDMI connection of the TV.

• Why does my Roku say that unauthorized content is disabled?

If you see a purple screen on your TV that says “HDCP Unauthorized. Content Disabled,” this is usually due to a loose HDMI connection or a problematic HDMI cable. To solve this problem, try the following steps: Disconnect the HDMI cable between the Roku and the TV.

 

• How do I fix HDCP on Roku?

1. Disconnect both ends of the HDMI cable.
2. Turn off or unplug the TV and the Roku.
3. Reconnect both ends of the HDMI cable.
4. Turn on or reconnect the TV and Roku to a power source.

• How do I get around the HDCP error?

1. Connect the HDCP device to the HDMI splitter.
2. Connect the HDMI splitter to the TV/VCR of your game system.
3. Restart the device, play or watch the content, and the HDCP error will disappear.

• How do I make my TV compatible with HDCP?

1. If you are using a streaming device (such as an Apple TV or Roku), unplug the device, wait a minute, then plug it back in.
2. Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable.
3. Replace the ends of the HDMI cable.
4. Connect another HDMI cable.
5. Try using a different HDMI connection on the TV.

• Should I disable HDCP?

Given that HDCP is designed to prevent the video from being recorded, if you are someone who plans to use a game capture device such as an Elgato, then HDCP is going to be a problem. You would need to disable HDCP to be able to use this kind of device and capture video.

• Can you disable HDCP on Roku?

Try this: Go to Settings -> System -> Advanced System Settings -> Advanced Display Settings -> Auto-adjust display refresh rate if it’s set to Enabled, set it to Disabled, Then go to HDR subsampling and set it to 4:2:0 That worked for me, your results may vary.

• Does Roku need HDCP?

To successfully stream 4K Ultra HD (4K) or High Dynamic Range (HDR) content, all devices connected via HDMI^® to your compatible Roku^® streaming player must support HDCP 2.2. This includes your TV, an audio/video receiver (AVR), and any other devices connected in between.