How To Detect And Resolve?

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:

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

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!