Roku HDCP Error: This is probably the most common question we get from our customers. This error means that your computer is not compatible with what Roku is trying to do. We hope this post will answer your burning questions about the Roku HDCP Error message on your device.
When you receive this error message, try these things and then retry the Roku setup:
- Update all of your drivers.
- Update all of your BIOS settings, especially the resolution settings.
- Make sure you have a wired connection (if it’s wireless).
Table of Contents
So what is HDCP?
HDCP is a form of copy protection for digital audio and video content. It stands for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection. The use of HDCP is designed to prevent unauthorized copies from being made over HDMI connections, which are used on a large number of consumer electronics products, including your Roku device. Many newer versions of consumer electronics devices have the option to disable HDCP (e.g., you can disable it by turning off the “HDMI” option in your Roku player setup).
Check also: Roku TV Universal Remote Codes
What is HDCP?
HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is a specification for high-resolution digital video transmission developed by Intel, Microsoft, AMD/ATI, and Netflix. HDCP-protected content and devices connected to internet television as well as any device that streams content from an HDMI source such as a computer monitor or Blu-ray player. In short, it provides a secure connection between an audio receiver and a display or cinema projector displaying live TV signals via an HDMI cable.
How to fix Roku HDCP Error
-
Disable the Display Refresh Rate of the Roku Device
In case you see the HDCP error during setup, try disabling the Display Refresh Rate in your Roku device:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Open “Settings” on the Home Screen.
- Select “System” from the Settings list.
- Select “Display”.
- Select “Display Refresh Rate”.
Unselect the “Auto” checkbox (next to Display Refresh Rate). Select a value that matches your monitor’s refresh rate for optimum performance (e.g., 60Hz for most LCD/LED monitors). This setting is especially important when using an HDTV as a display since HDTVs don’t refresh at 60Hz by default.
-
Disable the “HDCP” option
In case you see an “HDCP” error during setup, try disabling the “HDCP” option in your Roku player setup.
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Open “Settings” on the Home Screen.
- Select “System” from the Settings list.
Select “HDCP”. Select a value that matches your monitor’s HDMI input (e.g., Auto for TV Out). This setting can be used to prevent channel content from displaying error messages or preventing Roku channel streaming to work properly when an HDCP-protected source is connected to your TV via HDMI.
-
Update the Roku to the latest firmware
In case you see an “HDCP” error during setup, try updating your Roku using the “Check for Updates” option in your Roku player setup. If updating your Roku does not resolve the issue, contact us for further troubleshooting.
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Open “Settings” on the Home Screen.
- Select “System” from the Settings list.
Select “Check for Updates”. If updating is required, a message will appear on-screen informing you that new software is available for update and will automatically launch a software update request process when a network connection returns to normal.
-
Restart the Roku Device and Your TV
In case you see the HDCP error during setup, try restarting your TV and your Roku device.
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Open “Settings” on the Home Screen.
- Select “System” from the Settings list.
Select “Restart”. Note that this will reset all of your preferences to default so any setting changes you made in “Settings” will be lost, along with any channels you had added to your device lineup. Also, make sure to unplug your Roku from power for 30 seconds before plugging it back in again to avoid damaging your Roku device due to power surges that occur when the electrical current is interrupted (called voltage spikes).
-
Update the Cable/DVR/Receiver to the latest firmware
In case you see an “HDCP” error during setup, try updating your Cable/DVR/Receiver using the “Check for Updates” option in your Roku player setup.
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Open “Settings” on the Home Screen.
- Select “System” from the Settings list.
Select “Check for Updates”. If updating is required, a message will appear on-screen informing you that new software is available for update and will automatically launch a software update request process when a network connection returns to normal.
-
Re-install your Roku device
In case you see the HDCP error during setup, unplug both your TV and your Roku device from power for 30 seconds and re-plug them back in again. This will restart your TV & Roku devices and reset all of your settings to default for a fresh start.
Press the Home button on your remote. Open “Settings” on the Home Screen. Select “System” from the Settings list. Select “Reinstall”. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully. If there is an option to re-download all channels before reinstallation, make sure you do that as well.
-
Update your TV to the latest firmware version
In case you see an “HDCP” error during setup, try updating your TV using the “Check for Updates” option in your Roku player setup. If updating your TV does not resolve the issue, contact us for further troubleshooting.
Press the Home button on your remote. Open “Settings” on the Home Screen. Select “System” from the Settings list. Select “Check for Updates”. If updating is required, a message will appear on-screen informing you that new software is available for update and will automatically launch a software update request process when a network connection returns to normal.
Final Verdict
You can see that there are multiple ways to fix an HDCP error. If you are having trouble connecting your Roku device to your TV, you may have to call us in case our techs are able to resolve the issue. We have also provided a quick guide on how to update the firmware of your Roku player without calling us if you want more information.
Virat Raj is a Digital Marketing Practitioner & International Keynote Speaker currently living a digital nomad lifestyle. During his more than 10 years-long expertise in digital marketing, Virat Raj has been a marketing consultant, trainer, speaker, and author of “Learn Everyday yourself: In Pursuit of Learning” which has sold over 10,000 copies, worldwide.