You sat down to watch a movie or a TV show on your Roku device and suddenly a strange HDCP error appears on your screen. You’re probably wondering what to do and you are in luck. Follow this easy-to-understand guide on how to fix the notorious HDCP alert screen.
We understand how annoying this can be and that’s why we are here today to help you fix this error in real-time so you can continue enjoying your entertainment time with your family.
But before we head to fixes, we want to determine why this error appears and its possible causes.
Table of Contents
What is Roku HDCP Error Detected Error Code
This HDCP error code is a standard error code that appears on your TV screen when the encryption protocol security is violated. This could either be a bug, update issue or even just a simple internet problem with Roku.
This can be a serious problem especially when you want to stream your movie or TV show on your Roku device and it doesn’t go according to plan.
What does HDCP mean?
HDCP is an abbreviation for “High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection”, a copy protection mechanism that is applied to every kind of digital video content which travels through a link in your home video streaming services.
HDCP uses an authentication mechanism based on public-key cryptography and generates a key with which the source content and the sink device must communicate.
When the output picture is scrambled, you get this error message on the screen of your TV device.
This feature is included in all the new devices including the smart streaming devices.
The devices and the cables used through the process of video streaming should be compliant with HDCP protocol to play the video content.
This error will come up when the device fails to determine if the TV and the cables and compliant with the HDCP protocol.
Fix Roku HDCP Error Detected
There are several fixes that you can do to resolve this issue.
The solutions detailed below are tested and proven to be enough to enable you to stream your movie or TV show once again.
These solutions are specific to the HDCP error code, but if you have other Roku issues, we recommend referring to the FAQ section and our other posts for answers.
Solution 1. Reset the Roku
Reset your Roku by unplugging it and then plugging it back in.
After that, check your TV settings.
Repeat the process if you encounter additional problems.
Ensure that the security settings on your Roku are enabled.
For example, if you have a Roku player and a TV, you should enable HDCP for both of them.
Solution 2. Try another HDMI cable
If the Roku is unable to distinguish between the TV and the device, then you need to get another HDMI cable.
We strongly recommend getting a different brand for help if your current HDMI cable is not working.
You also have to make sure that the HDMI cable is well seated.
Solution 3. Make sure that both the TV and the Roku are HDCP compliant
The main issue that causes this kind of issue is that your TV and your Roku are not compliant with HDCP protocol.
It is necessary that both the device and the cable are HDCP compliant.
If you are using a brand-new TV, then check with the manufacturer if this is the case.
If so, there should be information about this in your user manual or the remote control.
You can also check out other devices from your home network or use a different HDMI port on your TV to see if it works properly.
Solution 4. Restart the devices
When you see the error message of HDCP error, this can be your answer.
This is because, at that moment, the devices are not communicating with each other.
Restart both your Roku and the TV and try streaming once again to see if it works or not.
Solution 5. Set the Display Type to Auto Detect in the Roku Settings
This is a workable solution because it enables the device to negotiate with the TV automatically.
After that, it can detect if the TV and the Roku are HDCP compliant or not.
And when it is able to recognize this, it will be able to stream your video in HD.
FAQs
What is the Roku HDCP error?
Make sure that your TV is HDCP compliant.
If you are using a brand new television and it is not compliant, then you will have to contact the manufacturer for help.
You can also check out other devices from your home network or use a different HDMI port on your TV to see if it works properly.
Why does my Roku say HDCP unauthorized content is disabled?
There are many reasons why your Roku says HDCP unauthorized content is disabled.
One of these reasons is that the content, TV or the Roku device is not HDCP complaint.
It can also translate to the products that are connected to the device including HDMI.
How do I fix the Roku HDCP error?
There are many fixes to this error.
However, start with restarting the Roku device, and also check whether the HDMI is seated well.
You can implement all the other fixes explained in this article to help you through.
Conclusion
Have you ever encountered an HDCP error on your TV screen when trying to stream on your Roku device?
Did you figure out what are the possible fixes that you can do to fix this error code?
We hope our post is still helpful to bring some more information and allow you to resolve the HDCP error on your TV screen once again.
