Disney Plus Protected Content License Error Issue (Learn How to Fix!)

If you encounter a Disney Plus Protected Content License error, it is likely that the DHCP authentication is not working temporarily.

Users who have access to the VIP and Premium Plans complain about this error while opening any content.

If you can’t access a particular show or movie that is included in the plan you purchased, change your HDMI cable. You may be using an old HDMI cable, which lacks support for HDCP. If you are already using an HDCP-compliant cable, disconnect and reconnect it to fix the issue. 

The error is common among Roku users. If you are also experiencing the same issue with your Roku device, you can solve it on your own.

Simply perform a Network Connection Reset to restart your device automatically.

What Causes Disney Plus Protected Content License Error Issue

If your Disney Plus is up and running, but you are getting a Protected Content License error, the problem may be due to several reasons.

HDMI Compatibility

Old HDMI cables do not support HDCP, causing the error.

To solve the issue of your Disney Plus displaying the Protected Content License error, you need to change your old HDMI to a newer, HDCP-compliant cable.

Connectivity Issues

If you are using a Roku device, the most likely reason for this error is a connectivity issue.

In this case, you do not need to factory reset your device. Simply perform a Network Connection Reset to restart your device automatically.

Outdated Software

Another common cause of errors with Disney Plus is outdated software. Make sure that you are running the latest version of the app on your device.

You can also delete the app and download it from the official app store to get the latest version.

This error is fixable with simple troubleshooting steps, such as disconnecting and reconnecting your HDMI cable, using a different HDMI port on your TV, reconnecting your streaming device, restarting your devices, replacing your HDMI cable, and doing a factory reset of all devices.

How to Fix Disney Plus Protected Content License Error Issue

If you are getting the message Protected Content License error Disney Plus, you can do a number of things to fix the issue.

Solution #1: Disconnect and Reconnect Your HDMI Cable

If you see the error and you have a new HDMI cable, disconnect and reconnect it and see if it solves the issue.

Here’s how to disconnect and reconnect your HDMI cable:

1. Make sure your devices are turned ON.
2. While turned ON, unplug the power cords from the electrical outlet.
3. Disconnect the HDMI cables and wait for 60 seconds.
4. With the HDMI cables disconnected, plug the power cords back in.
5. Turn ON your TV, reconnectthe HDMI cables, and then turn ON your streaming device.

Note: This should fix the Protected Content License error on your Disney Plus.

If the problem persists, disconnect the HDMI cable from both products and connect your cable the other way around.

Solution #2: Use a Different HDMI Port on Your TV

HDMIs are usually either input or output. If the device receives the signal, it will have an HDMI input.

If it sends the signal, it will have an HDMI output. There are also HDMI ports that can both send and receive signals.

If the HDMI port on your TV is not working, use a different port. The connection on the back of your TV is designed in a way that HDMI cables will only fit one way around.

1. Locate another available HDMI port on your TV.
2. Get the right HDMI cable.
3. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to your device and the other end to the TV.
4. Switch to the HDMI source on your TV.

Note: Change your old HDMI cables to HDCP-compliant ones to make sure you fix the issue.

Solution #3: Reconnect Your Streaming Device to Your Wi-Fi

Try reconnecting your streaming device to your internet connection if the issue persists. Here’s how to reestablish a Wi-Fi connection with a Roku device.

1. Forget the Wi-FI connection of your Roku and power it OFF.
2. Power ON your device, select a language preference and click Next.
3. Choose the wireless option, then click Next.
4. Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password, then click Next.
5. Follow the setup instructions on your TV.

Note: If you are using Amazon Fire as a streaming device, after forgetting your network, select it again, click Connect, and enter your Wi-Fi password.

If you have an Apple TV, select Set Up Manually, select network, and enter your password.

Solution #4: Restart Your Streaming Device and TV

You can also try the old-fashioned but effective restart or, as others call it, power cycle. This is when you shut off your devices and turn them all again.

1. Turn OFF your streaming device and your TV.
2. After a good minute, turn them back ON again.

This power cycle resolves many issues, including the Protected Content License error. Launch Disney Plus again and see if the problem is still there.

Solution #5: Use an HDCP-Compliant HDMI Cable

With HDCP-compliant HDMI cables, you shouldn’t encounter issues that concern digital content protection.

The technology is intended to protect unauthorized duplication of HD video and audio as it travels across connections – from your streaming device to your TV.

How do you know you have an HDCP-compliant HDMI cable?

1. Visit hdmi.org.
2. Click the magnifying glass icon
3. Search for the brand of your cable.

You can also check the packaging of your cable or the cable itself for tags and stickers that say HDCP-Compliant.

Note: Generally, newer HDMI cables are HDCP-compliant. Older cables likely lack HDCP support, causing Protected Content License issues. 

Solution #6: Factory Reset Your TV and Streaming Device

If all else fails, it’s time for a factory reset. First, start with a smart TV. By navigating to Settings > Advanced System Settings > Factory Reset, you can do this.

Then, move on to your streaming device.

Roku

1. Press Home on your Roku remote, then scroll and select Settings.
2. Go to System > Advanced System Settings > Factory Reset.
3. If you have a Roku TV, perform a factory reset.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

Apple TV

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System > Reset, then select Reset and Update.

Note: Doing this restores your Apple TV to factory settings and deletes all settings and information.

Then, it will update your device to the latest tvOS version.

If you see the Protected Content License error, the most likely culprit is your HDMI cable. You may have an old model, which does not support HDCP. To check, look for stickers and tags that say HDCP compliant on the cable or its packaging. If this is the case, change your HDMI cables to HDCP-compliant ones.

Read Next: Disney Plus Unable to Connect Fire TV? (Fixed)

Last Thoughts

It’s important to understand the cause of your Disney Plus Protected Content License error in order to apply the best solution.

If the problem persists after you try the above methods, contact Disney Plus to get further assistance on the streaming issue.

Do you have another problem with your Disney Plus setup? Browse through our blog for more information, tips, and solutions.