If you are a Roku user, as so many around the world are, you may have had the unfortunate luck of running into a Roku HDCP Error detected (sometimes rendered as Error Code 020) while trying to use your Roku device.
This article explains how to troubleshoot and fix the Roku HDCP error detected when using your Roku player or when watching the Roku Channel on an external computer monitor.
See also: How to fix Xfinity Stream not working on Roku
What Is HDCP?
High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) is a protocol developed by Intel Corporation to prevent the unauthorized copying of digital audio & video content as it travels across connections, such as DisplayPort (DP), Digital Video Interface (DVI), and High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI).
Causes of HDCP Error Detected on Roku
The HDCP error on your Roku can occur when there is a connectivity or communication issue between the TV and the Roku device.
Sometimes it comes down to audio or video incompatibilities. If you have an HDMI soundbar that does not support HDCP, the streaming service you use from Roku might present an HDCP error.
Alternatively, if you are hooking up the Roku to a PC monitor, it may also error to signal an HDCP incompatibility.
Now that you know what the HDCP error is and what causes it, it should make it easier for you to pinpoint the problem and find the appropriate fix. Let’s get to it.
How to Fix HDCP Error Detected on Roku
If you see the “HDCP Error Detected” message on your Roku, here’s how to fix it:
- Unplug each end of the HDMI cable.
- Power off your TV, and unplug its power cord.
- Remove the power cord from your Roku player.
- Reconnect both ends of the HDMI cable.
- Reconnect the power cord to your TV
If the error HDCP keeps popping up after trying the above steps, follow these more in-depth troubleshooting steps to get rid of the HDCP Error 020 on your Roku.
1. Verify Your TV Supports HDCP
The most common problem is that the partner device doesn’t support HDCP. This can be true for TVs, speakers, soundbars, or a variety of other peripheral media.
If they are not HDCP compatible, the error will show. Check the manufacturer’s specs for any devices with the suspected issue in the manual.
If you are still not sure, contact customer support for the brand. It is possible that you need to take other methods to accommodate compatibility.
2. HDMI Cable Issues
The error may not be strictly due to being incompatible with another device, but it could be the connection itself.
As devices are linked with HDMI wires, if the wire is damaged or kinked severely, there might be damage causing the error.
In this case, you can replace the HDMI wire to see if the problem subsides. This is helpful to try even if there is no external damage presented.
If the wire seems fine, you can perform the following steps:
- Unplug the HDMI cable from both the TV and the Roku
- Shut off and unplug the TV
- Detach the Roku’s power cord
- Allow 3 to 5 minutes of idle time before plugging the HDMI cable back into both the TV and the Roku
- Connect both devices to their power supplies and allow them to fully process their start-up protocols.
If the issue continues, repeat the above steps, but this time power up the TV first, then the Roku device
3. Power Cycle the TV
Most electronic glitches are overcome with a power cycle. This is a simple method of repairing most problems of this nature.
You should try to power cycle the TV next by unplugging it from its power source for 10 to 15 minutes.
Most TVs have a power button on the unit, though sometimes it’s hidden on the underside or top.
If your TV has one, hold it down for 5 seconds before plugging the TV back in. Once the time passes, plug the TV back in and see if the error returns.
4. Power Cycle Roku
You can reboot the Roku by either unplugging it or navigating to Settings from the home menu and entering the System section.
Scroll down to the System restart option and select it with the middle button on the Roku remote. Check if the error still occurs.
5. Check On the Refresh Rate
Your Roku’s display rate may not match that of your TV, which would be a legitimate reason for presenting you with the HDCP error message.
This is especially pervasive in Roku devices that support 4K. The issue here is the refresh rate which can be disabled on the Roku.
You can check your Roku refresh rate setting by following these steps:
- Go to the Settings menu from the Home screen
- Find the System section
- Select Advanced System Settings
- Choose Advanced Display Settings from the subsequent pop-up
- Note the Auto-adjust display refresh rate setting and ensure it is off.
Try viewing the content again to see if the HDCP error code 020 is gone.
6. Factory Reset Roku
This is a drastic step that shouldn’t really be necessary.
However, if nothing changed about the setup and the connections in the system Roku is a part of, yet the message has started to occur, you might need to reset your Roku.
It is possible that a recent app update or firmware settings changed something, which resulted in the HDCP error detected. Reverting back to factory mode could bring the Roku back to normal form.
Wrap-Up: Roku HDCP Errors Detected
If none of the methods prove effective, you may need to contact Roku support.
They have a great support website where you can scour detailed documentation and forums about a host of issues. You can even live chat with agents who can direct you to the appropriate solutions.
If you have any feedback or questions, then please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.
