Protected Content License Error on Disney Plus & Roku

In today’s digital age, streaming services like Disney+ have become a popular choice for entertainment. However, encountering issues while trying to access your favorite movies or shows can be frustrating. One such common issue is the “Protected Content License Error” that users often face on Disney+ and Roku devices. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to help you resolve it.

Understanding the Protected Content License Error

The Protected Content License Error is an error message that occurs when attempting to play certain movies, TV shows, or other media on Disney+ via Roku devices. This error is typically encountered when the app believes that the media being played is DRM-protected, and there is an issue with your device or setup that prevents it from meeting the app’s requirements for playing DRM-protected content.

Common Causes of the Protected Content License Error

While the Protected Content License Error can have various causes, we have identified some common factors that contribute to this issue. These include:

Outdated Firmware of the Streaming Device: If the firmware of your streaming device, such as Roku, is corrupt or outdated, it can prevent the Disney+ app from fully executing its code, leading to the protected content license error.

Auto-Display Refresh Rate of the Streaming Device: Some streaming devices automatically adjust the refresh rate of the streaming content to match the native refresh rate of the display. However, this can trigger the app’s DRM-protection mechanism, flagging it as a recording attempt and resulting in the protected license error.

Corrupt Firmware of the Streaming Device or Router: Corrupt firmware on your streaming device or router can restrict certain operations of the Disney+ modules, leading to the protected content license error.

Interference from the Network Firewall: Network firewalls like PiHole can limit communication between Disney+, Roku devices, TVs, and servers. This can cause the app to fail in properly authenticating the status of the content, resulting in the protected content license error.

Solutions to Fix the Protected Content License Error

Now that we understand the causes of the protected content license error, let’s explore various solutions to resolve this issue. These solutions are designed to address the common causes discussed earlier and help you regain access to your favorite Disney+ content.

Solution 1: Perform a Cold Restart of the Device, TV, and Router

A temporary communication glitch between your device and Disney servers can cause the protected content license error. Performing a cold restart of the device, TV, and router may clear this error. Follow the steps below:

1. Launch the settings of your streaming device (e.g., Roku) and select “System.”
2. Open “Power” and select “System Restart.”
3. Upon restart, launch Disney+ and check if the error is resolved.
4. If the error persists, power off both the streaming device and the TV.
5. Unplug the Roku from the TV and disconnect the device and TV from the power source.
6. Power off the router and unplug its power cord.
7. Remove all network cables from the router and wait for 5 minutes.
8. Plug back the router’s power cable and connect the internet and Ethernet cables.
9. Power on the router and wait for the lights to stabilize.
10. Plug back the TV’s power cable and power it on.
11. Once the TV is properly powered on and connected to the internet, reconnect the streaming device to the TV.
12. Launch Disney+ and check if the protected content license error is cleared.
13. If the error persists, try using a different HDMI cable, preferably a DRM-compliant one, to connect the streaming device to the TV.
14. Alternatively, connect the streaming device to another TV port and check if the error is resolved.

Solution 2: Update the Firmware of the Streaming Device

Outdated firmware on your streaming device, such as Roku, can cause compatibility issues with the Disney+ app, leading to the protected content license error. Follow the steps below to update the firmware:

1. Launch the Roku’s settings and select “System.”
2. Open “System Update” and select “Check Now.”
3. If a firmware update is available for your Roku device, let it download and install.
4. Restart the Roku device and launch the Disney+ app to check if the protected content error is resolved.

Solution 3: Disable Auto Display Refresh Rate of the Streaming Device

Disabling the auto display refresh rate feature on your streaming device, such as Roku, can help resolve the protected content license error. Follow the steps below:

1. Launch the Roku device settings and open “Display Type.”
2. Select the “1080P” option and confirm the change.
3. Go to “System” in the Roku device settings and open “Advanced System Settings.”
4. Disable the “Auto-Adjust Display Refresh Rate” option.
5. Restart the device and launch Disney+ to check if it is working fine without the protected content error.

Solution 4: Perform a Network Reset of the Streaming Device

If the network-related modules of your streaming device are stuck in an error state, it can cause issues with content authentication and result in the protected content license error. Perform a network reset of the streaming device using the following steps:

1. Launch the Roku’s settings and open “System.”
2. Select “Advanced System Settings” and click on “Network Connection Reset.”
3. Confirm the network connection reset and wait for the device to automatically reboot.
4. Reconnect the device to your network and launch Disney+ to check if the license error is resolved.

Solution 5: Disable Hardware Acceleration of the Browser or Device

Hardware acceleration can enhance performance but may not be compatible with the Disney+ app or website, leading to the protected content license error. Disable hardware acceleration using the steps below:

1. Launch the Chrome browser and open its menu.
2. Select “Settings” and expand the “Advanced” section.
3. Go to the “System” tab and disable the “Use Hardware Acceleration When Available” option.
4. Relaunch Chrome and check if the protected content error is resolved.
5. If the issue persists, try opening the Disney+ website in another browser like Firefox to see if the error is cleared.

Solution 6: Disable IPv6 Protocol of the TV

If your TV is using the IPv6 protocol, but the network or router fails to properly pass the IPv6 data packets, it can cause the protected content license error. Disable the IPv6 protocol of your TV using the following steps:

1. Launch the Samsung TV settings and go to the “General” tab.
2. Open “Network” and then select “Expert Settings.”
3. Disable the IPv6 protocol and restart the TV.
4. Launch Disney+ and check if the protected content license error is resolved.

Solution 7: Reinstall the Disney+ App

Corrupt installation files can cause the protected content license error on the Disney+ app. Reinstalling the app can help resolve this issue. Follow the steps below to reinstall the Disney+ app on an Android device:

1. Launch the settings of your Android device and open “Application Manager” or “Apps.”
2. Select Disney+ from the list of installed apps and tap on “Force Stop.”
3. Go to the app’s storage settings and clear the cache and data.
4. Uninstall the Disney+ app from your device.
5. Restart your device and reinstall the Disney+ app from the Google Play Store.
6. Launch Disney+ and check if the protected content license error is resolved.

Solution 8: Perform a Factory Reset of the Streaming Device

If the firmware of your streaming device is corrupt to a level that it is affecting the execution of Disney+ modules, performing a factory reset may help resolve the protected content license error. Follow the steps below to perform a factory reset of a Roku device:

1. Open the settings of your Roku device and select “System.”
2. Open “Advanced System Settings” and click on “Factory Reset.”
3. Confirm the reset and reconfigure or repair the Roku device with your TV.
4. Install the Disney+ app and launch it to check if the protected content license error is resolved.
5. If the error persists, try resetting the TV to its factory defaults as well.

Solution 9: Disable the Network Firewall

If a network firewall like PiHole is limiting communication between Disney+, Roku devices, TVs, and servers, it can cause the protected content license error. Temporarily disable the network firewall using the steps below:

1. Open the Command Prompt on your Windows PC as an administrator.
2. Execute the command “pihole” to access the PiHole interface.
3. In the PiHole interface, run the command “pihole disable” to disable the network firewall temporarily.
4. Launch the Disney+ app on the problematic device (e.g., Roku) and check if the protected content license error is resolved.
5. If the error persists, consider exempting Disney or Roku web addresses in the firewall settings.

Solution 10: Use the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Band of the Router

Using the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band instead of the 5 GHz band can help resolve the protected content license error. Some devices may have difficulty communicating over the 5 GHz band, leading to issues with accessing DRM-protected content. Follow the steps below to switch to the 2.4 GHz band:

1. Open a web browser and access the web portal of your router.
2. Go to the router’s settings and navigate to the wireless section.
3. In the general tab, disable the 5 GHz band and enable the 2.4 GHz option.
4. Save the changes and restart the router.
5. Launch the Disney+ (or any other affected) app and check if it is working fine without the protected content error.

Solution 11: Edit the DNS Settings of the TV

If your TV’s DNS settings are causing issues with translating Disney+ or Roku-related web addresses, it can result in the protected content license error. Edit the DNS settings of your TV using the steps below:

1. Launch the Samsung TV settings and go to the “Network” tab.
2. Open “Network Status” and click on “IP Settings.”
3. Select “DNS Server” and choose the option to enter the DNS values manually.
4. Enter the Google DNS value (e.g., 8.8.8.8) or any other public DNS of your choice.
5. Save the changes and restart the Samsung TV.
6. Launch the Disney+ app and check if the protected license error is cleared.

Solution 12: Reset the Router to the Factory Defaults

Corrupt firmware on your router can cause issues with passing web traffic between your device and Disney+ servers, resulting in the protected content license error. Resetting the router to its factory defaults can help resolve this issue. Follow the steps below:

1. Locate the physical reset button on your router (usually on the bottom or back).
2. Press and hold the reset button for 30 seconds using a pointy object like a paperclip.
3. Release the reset button and wait for the router to fully power up.
4. Reconfigure or set up the router as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
5. Connect your device or TV to the network and launch Disney+ to check if the protected content license error is resolved.

Solution 13: Disable Geo-Restrictions

In some cases, the protected content license error may occur due to content restrictions based on your geographical location. To bypass these restrictions, you can try using a reputable VPN service that allows you to change your virtual location. By connecting to a server in a different region, you may be able to access the content without encountering the license error.

Solution 14: Contact Roku Customer Support

If none of the above solutions resolve the protected content license error, it is recommended to reach out to Roku’s customer support for further assistance. Provide them with detailed information about the issue, including the steps you have already taken to troubleshoot the error. Roku’s support team will be able to provide additional guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Conclusion

Encountering the protected content license error on Disney+ and Roku devices can be frustrating, but with the right solutions, you can overcome this issue and enjoy your favorite content without interruptions. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this guide, you can troubleshoot and resolve the protected content license error, ensuring a seamless streaming experience. Remember to keep your streaming devices and firmware updated regularly to prevent future issues. If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the customer support of the respective platforms for personalized assistance. Happy streaming!