Protected license error means that the app in use like Disney+ “thinks” the media being played is DRM-protected media and anything in your setup (a faulty cable, router misconfiguration, etc.) is not following the app’s requirement of playing the DRM-protected media. There can be many causes for protected license error but we found the following to be the main factors in many cases:
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 as certain app modules cannot authenticate the DRM license of the content being played. Here, performing a cold restart of the device and router may clear the protected content license error.
Update the Firmware of the Streaming Device to the Latest Build
If the firmware of the streaming device like Roku is outdated, then that may cause Disney+ protected content license error as the device’s incompatibility with the app may not let certain modules of the Disney+ app to load. In this context, updating the firmware of the streaming device to the latest build may fix the protected content license error.
Disable Auto Display Refresh Rate of the Streaming Device
Display refresh rate plays a vital role in the smooth operation of the display’s graphics. You may encounter the protected content license error if the streaming device attempts to auto adjust the refresh rate of the contents (movie, shows, etc.) to match the native refresh rate of the display as it may be flagged as a recording attempt of the DRM-protected content by the app’s anti-piracy mechanism. In this case, disabling the Auto Display Refresh Rate of the streaming device (like Roku) may clear the problem.
Perform a Network Reset of the Streaming Device
If the network-related modules of the streaming device are stuck in an error state and are failing to properly parse the response from the Disney servers, then that may result in the Disney+ license error at hand. In this context, performing a network reset of the streaming device (like Roku) may clear the issue.
Disable Hardware Acceleration of the Browser or Device
Hardware acceleration of a browser or device greatly enhances the browser or device performance and makes the execution of heavy tasks (video rendering, etc.) quick & easy. But if the hardware acceleration of the browser or device is not compatible with the Disney+ app or website, then that may break the execution of essential Disney+ (website or app) modules, causing the protected content license error. In such a case, disabling the hardware acceleration of the browser or device may clear the license error. For elucidation, we will discuss the process of disabling the hardware acceleration of the Chrome browser.
Disable IPv6 Protocol of the TV
If the TV is routing its traffic through the IPv6 protocol but the network or router fails to properly pass the IPv6 data packets between the TV and Disney servers, then that may cause a content license error. Here, disabling the IPv6 protocol of the TV may clear the error at hand. For illustration, we will discuss the process of disabling IPv6 for a Samsung TV.
Reinstall the Disney+ App
You may encounter the protected content license error on Disney+ if the installation of its app is corrupt as the app’s essential modules may fail to execute properly. In this context, reinstalling the Disney+ app may clear the content license error. For illustration, we will discuss the process of reinstalling the Android version of the Disney+ app.
Perform a Factory Reset of the Streaming Device
If the firmware of the streaming device is corrupt to a level that it is not allowing the proper execution of the Disney+ modules, then that may result in a protected content issue under discussion. In this scenario, performing a factory reset of the streaming device may clear the license error. For elucidation, we will discuss the process of resetting a Roku device to its factory defaults. Make sure to note down the essential info like Disney+ username and password, etc.
Disable the Network Firewall
If the network’s firewall (like PiHole) is limiting the Disney+ traffic in a way that the device or system fails to verify the authenticity of the content being played, then that may result in the protected content license error. Here, disabling the network firewall may clear the error. Many routers have a built-in firewall, whereas, some users have installed a 3rd party firewall. For illustration, we will discuss the process of disabling the PiHole network firewall on a Windows PC. Warning: Advance with uttermost care as you may imperil your device, data, or network as disabling the network firewall can be risky at times.
Use the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Band of the Router
The 5 GHz band is a fast band but covers a small area but the 2.4 GHz band covers a larger area but is comparatively slow. If the issue is occurring on a 5 GHz band, then weak Wi-Fi signals to a distant device may break the Disney+ app or website’s operation as the essential data packets do not reach the app in time. Moreover, many devices with cheap Wi-Fi cards may also fail to communicate over the 5 GHz channel. In this scenario, disabling the 5 GHz band of the router may clear the license error.
Edit the DNS Settings of the TV
If the ISP’s DNS is failing to translate the Disney+ or Roku-related web addresses in a timely fashion, then that may leave the app’s authentication modules in an error state, leading to the protected content license error. Here, editing the DNS settings of the TV may clear the license error.
Reset the Router to the Factory Defaults
If the firmware of the router is corrupt, then it may cause a protected content license error as the router is not able to properly pass the web traffic between your device and Disney+ servers and due to this, the app may fail to parse the damaged/corrupt data packets. In this scenario, resetting the router to the factory defaults may clear the license error. Before moving on, make sure to note down the details required to re-setup the router after reverting it to the factory defaults.
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