If you’re experiencing the Roku HDCP Error 020, don’t worry! We look at the possible reasons and solutions in this blog post.
Roku is one of the most popular streaming devices thanks to its simple interface, a wide variety of apps, and ability to stream content smoothly. However, like any other device, you can often come across some Roku errors. One of the most common is HDCP Error 020, which stands for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection. This error can be frustrating as it prevents you from enjoying your favorite content.
If you’ve come across the issue, there is no need to worry. In this guide, we’ll take you through the probable causes of the issue and show you several troubleshooting methods.
What Is HDCP?
HDCP is a type of copyright protection used to prevent illegal copying of digital data when it’s being transmitted via an interface such as HDMI or a display port. The technology works by establishing an encrypted connection between the source device and the display device, ensuring unauthorized devices can’t intercept it.
When two devices are connected, say a streaming device and a TV, a handshake takes place between the devices to confirm that the other is HDCP compliant and then establish a secure connection. Data can then be transmitted.
What Causes Roku HDCP Error Code 020?
Error code 20 usually appears when HDCP-encrypted content is played on a device that is not HDCP-compliant or does not support HDCP. This can be the TV or the HDMI.
Why Do I Keep Getting the Roku HDCP Error?
HDCP errors are quite common, and a myriad of issues can cause them:
- Incompatible HDMI cable: The HDMI cable you are using may be the cause of error code 20. This can happen if the cable is faulty, is not HDCP compatible, or is not capable of transmitting HD content. All these can disrupt the HDCP handshake, causing the Roku error 020.
- HDMI connection issues: The issue may result from a loose or faulty HDMI connection between your Roku device and the TV. If there’s an interruption or instability in the connection, HDCP signals can be interrupted, leading to the error.
- Outdated firmware: Outdated firmware can also cause compatibility issues with the HDCP protocol.
- TV settings and compatibility: Although not a common issue today, some older or less common TV may need adjustment in the settings to ensure proper HDCP communication.
- Problems with HDMI switch or AV receiver: Extra devices connected to your TV, such as HDMI switches or an AV receiver, can cause the issue if they are faulty or not compliant.
- Hardware-related issues: In rare cases, hardware issues with either the Roku device or the TV can contribute to HDCP Error Code 020. These issues may include defective HDMI ports, faulty HDCP chips, or other hardware malfunctions.
Your setup will most likely determine the cause of the HDCP error Roku, but we’ll take you through a series of troubleshooting steps that should help you fix it.
What Happens If Roku HDCP Error Occurs?
When the HDCP error occurs, it interrupts your streaming. You will most likely see an error message or notification. However, in most cases that are not severe, you may notice the loss of video or audio signal on your device. Sometimes, you may experience flickering or intermittent video and audio output.
How To Fix Roku HDCP Error 020?🤔
There are several things you can do to fix error code 020 and continue watching movies and series on Roku.
👉 Re-Plug the HDMI Cable
The issue you are facing is most likely the result of a faulty or misconfigured HDMI cable. The best starting point for solving Roku error code 020 is checking for a faulty connection. To do so, unplug your HDMI cable on both sides. Check whether it has any physical issues, and then reconnect it. Ensure that it is securely inserted on both the TV and the Roku devices, then check to see if the Roku HDCP error has been resolved. If not, you can explore the other solutions listed below.
👉 Power Cycle Roku and the TV
Restarting your Roku device and the TV can help refresh their cache and temporary settings, eliminating any errors that might be causing issues. You can start by powering off your Roku device using the remote or the power button if your Roku remote is not working. When it’s completely turned off, do the same to your TV. After that, unplug both devices from power completely. You can then wait for about 15 seconds for any excess power to dissipate. You can then plug in the devices and boot them up to see if the HDCP error 020 has been resolved.
👉 Disable Display Refresh Rate
Some TVs come with specific requirements in terms of the supported refresh rates for HDCP-protected content. And when a mismatch between the TV and Roku occurs, you can get the Roku error 020. To check if that is the case, you can try disabling the refresh rate on your Roku device.
To do that, go to “System” and open “Settings”. Open “Advanced system settings,” and then select “Advanced display settings.” Now, select “Auto-Adjust display refresh rate” and set it to “Disabled.” You can then go back and see if the Roku error HDCP has been resolved. However, note that after disabling the Auto-adjust display refresh rate, your Roku player will use a fixed display refresh rate of 60fps, which may cause some videos to appear choppy or blurry.
👉 Use a Different HDMI Cable
Since the connection between the Roku device and the TV is the issue in most cases, this should be among the first things you try if you have a different one. If you don’t, but you have tried the other solutions listed here, and they’ve not worked, you can then source for a new cable and see if it works.
👉 Bypass HDMI switch/splitter or AV receiver
If you are using an HDMI switch or an AV receiver, it may be the cause of your problems. To check if this is the cause, remove the connection you are using from the TV to the Roku device. You can then connect the two using a single HDMI cable and test to see if the error has disappeared. Preferably, use a different HDMI cable, not the one connecting to the switch or receiver.
👉 Check for firmware updates on all devices
Firmware updates are usually provided to solve issues and bugs, so you can check if you have an update. This is especially necessary if you’ve never updated your firmware since you bought the device. Check for updates for both your TV and the Roku device. Install them, if any.
🗣 Contact Roku support
If nothing seems to be working for you, you can always reach out to Roku support. Start with the troubleshooting options provided on the Roku website to see if you can identify and fix the issue. You can also check out the community section and other user forums to learn from people who have had the same experience. If these don’t resolve the HDCP error Roku is having, you can contact Roku support agents via support.roku.com/contactus.
Another Technique To Rectify ‘HDCP Error Detected’ Issue
If the above solutions didn’t work for you, there are a few more tricks you can try:
- Try a different HDMI port on your TV
- Disable CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) on your TV
- Try a different TV or display
- Disable any video or audio enhancements
- If you are using an external computer monitor, try using your TV.
After resolving the issues, you can now get back to streaming your favorite content. You can also set up VPN on Roku to unblock new titles and enhance your streaming experience.
Wrap Up
The Roku HDCP error can be quite frustrating as you can’t continue streaming unless you resolve it first. If you’ve encountered it, the guide above provides several troubleshooting methods that should help you solve it. You can let us know in the comment section below if the guide was helpful.
All the best!
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