- TVs
- Smart TV
HDCP Error Detected
Roku HDCP Error Detected on Roku player: HDMI link issue
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Low
Quick answer
“HDCP Error Detected” or a purple screen means your Roku player cannot find HDCP protection on the HDMI link to the TV, receiver or soundbar. Unplug everything, reseat the HDMI cable firmly, then try another input, another cable or a direct connection.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Do not try to get around HDCP with splitters or adapters that strip it: the proper fix is a compatible HDMI chain or the Roku plugged straight into the TV.
- If an HDMI splitter shares the signal between several 4K devices, Roku says that splitter must also support HDCP 2.2.
Safe checks you can perform
- Restart the whole HDMI chain from scratch
- Try the Roku straight into the TV, another input and cable
- Check HDCP 2.2 and the display type for 4K or HDR
- If the error shows on a monitor with The Roku Channel
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Ask the TV, AVR or soundbar maker about HDCP inputs
- Do not attempt this professional task: Home cinema rewiring by an installer
- Do not attempt this professional task: Roku support case when nothing else works
What a technician must be able to justify
Technician visit
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Ask the TV, AVR or soundbar maker about HDCP inputs
What they doThe maker's support confirms which HDMI inputs on their device support HDCP or HDCP 2.2 and which one to use with the player.
They must show youthe manual or spec sheet listing the HDCP version of each input.
In writingthe model checked, the inputs that support HDCP 2.2 and the enquiry number.
Home cinema rewiring by an installer
What they doIf the AVR lacks HDCP 2.2, the installer connects the Roku directly to an HDCP 2.2 input on the TV and returns the sound to the AVR over ARC or S/PDIF.
They must show youa 4K or HDR title playing without the error and the sound coming through the AVR.
In writingwhich inputs and cables were connected and which cables were replaced.
Roku support case when nothing else works
What they doWith the player connected directly to an HDCP TV, a different cable and the error still there, Roku support reviews the case and the device warranty.
They must show youwhich tests rule out the cable, the input and the TV before blaming the player.
In writingthe case number, the Roku model and serial number and whether repair or replacement is approved.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
Restart the whole HDMI chain from scratch
- Who:
- you, with the Roku remote and the TV remote nearby.
- How:
- unplug the HDMI cable at both ends, switch off the TV, AVR or soundbar and pull its power cord; remove the power cord from the Roku player too. Reconnect the HDMI cable firmly on both sides, restore power to everything and switch on.
- Result that matters:
- the same title playing without the message or the purple screen.
- If the picture returns:
- the link was badly negotiated; note which devices sat between the Roku and the TV in case it recurs.
- If the error comes back:
- move on to the direct connection and a different cable.
- Evidence to keep:
- a photo of the message or purple screen and a note of the HDMI input in use.
Evidence: What to do if you see an “HDCP Error Detected” message or a purple screen
Try the Roku straight into the TV, another input and cable
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- if the player runs through an HDMI switch, an AVR or a soundbar, connect it directly to the TV. Change to another HDMI input and use another HDMI cable, ideally shorter than 6 feet, to rule out a defective cable.
- Result that matters:
- knowing whether the fault sits in the device in between, the input or the cable.
- If direct to the TV works:
- check the switch, AVR or soundbar documentation for HDCP support, since Roku notes that not all of them have it.
- If it also fails direct and with another cable:
- try another TV that supports HDCP if you can.
- Evidence to keep:
- a list of the combinations tried (input, cable, with or without the device in between) and each result.
Evidence: What to do if you see an “HDCP Error Detected” message or a purple screen · Why is HDCP 2.2 important to playing 4K Ultra HD or HDR content?
Check HDCP 2.2 and the display type for 4K or HDR
- Who:
- you, with the TV and AVR manuals.
- How:
- look next to the TV's HDMI inputs for an HDCP 2.2 label and plug the Roku into that input; use Premium High Speed HDMI cables on every link. Then try another option under Settings > Display type on the player.
- Result that matters:
- a stable picture, even if below 4K.
- If another display type works:
- that input or the AVR probably lacks HDCP 2.2; Roku suggests the player into the TV and audio back to the AVR over ARC or S/PDIF.
- If no input carries a label:
- check the manual or ask the maker, since Roku explains that each brand marks it differently.
- Evidence to keep:
- TV and AVR models, input used and the Display type setting that works.
Evidence: What to do if you see an “HDCP Error Detected” message or a purple screen · Why is HDCP 2.2 important to playing 4K Ultra HD or HDR content?
If the error shows on a monitor with The Roku Channel
- Who:
- you, at the computer.
- How:
- disconnect the HDMI cable from the external monitor and play the same title on the laptop screen. If it plays, reconnect the HDMI firmly; if the error returns, try another monitor input, another cable or connect the computer to a TV with HDCP.
- Result that matters:
- knowing whether the monitor or its cable lacks HDCP.
- If it plays on the laptop screen but not on the monitor:
- the monitor or cable is the link without HDCP.
- If it is the first time you use that monitor:
- confirm in its documentation that it supports HDCP.
- Evidence to keep:
- monitor model and cable used.
Evidence: What to do if you see an “HDCP Error Detected” message or a purple screen
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- TVs
- Brand
- Roku
- Product type
- Smart TV
Known code variants
- error de HDCP Roku
- HDCP Error Detected
- HDCP error Roku player
- pantalla morada Roku
- Roku HDCP error
- Roku HDCP Error Detected purple screen
- Roku pantalla morada HDCP
- Roku purple screen
- Se detectó un error de HDCP
What it means
Roku's article on the HDCP error explains that every device joined by HDMI must support HDCP, the copy protection standard used by the film and TV industry. When the player detects that the TV, audio/video receiver (AVR) or soundbar does not support it, it shows the message or a purple screen. Streaming 4K UHD or HDR needs HDCP 2.2 on every link. The guide covers Roku players and The Roku Channel on a computer monitor; other models and TVs may behave differently, and the message alone does not prove that the cable, TV or player is faulty.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Mediumeditorial warning
Do not try to get around HDCP with splitters or adapters that strip it: the proper fix is a compatible HDMI chain or the Roku plugged straight into the TV.
Evidence: What to do if you see an “HDCP Error Detected” message or a purple screen · Why is HDCP 2.2 important to playing 4K Ultra HD or HDR content?
- Loweditorial warning
If an HDMI splitter shares the signal between several 4K devices, Roku says that splitter must also support HDCP 2.2.
Evidence: Why is HDCP 2.2 important to playing 4K Ultra HD or HDR content?
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Badly negotiated HDMI link or loose plugCommon
Roku's first remedy is to free the cable at both ends and cut power to every device, which points to a poorly established link as the most common trigger.
Evidence: What to do if you see an “HDCP Error Detected” message or a purple screen
- HDMI switch, AVR or soundbar in between without HDCPPossible
Roku warns that not every HDMI switch supports HDCP and asks you to try the player plugged straight into the TV to rule out the device in the middle.
Evidence: What to do if you see an “HDCP Error Detected” message or a purple screen · Why is HDCP 2.2 important to playing 4K Ultra HD or HDR content?
- 4K or HDR title with one link lacking HDCP 2.2Possible
If a single device or cable in the chain lacks HDCP 2.2, Roku says the 4K or HDR title can only play at a lower resolution such as 720p or 1080p, or the error appears.
Evidence: Why is HDCP 2.2 important to playing 4K Ultra HD or HDR content?
- Faulty HDMI cable or display without HDCPLess common
Roku suggests a different short HDMI cable to rule out a defect and, when the error shows right after setup, confirming that the TV or AVR supports HDCP.
Evidence: What to do if you see an “HDCP Error Detected” message or a purple screen
Virtual technician
Does HDCP Error Detected still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
What to do if you see an “HDCP Error Detected” message or a purple screen
Roku · 2026 · official_doc
- 2
Qué hacer si ves un mensaje o una pantalla morada que indican “Se detectó un error de HDCP”
Roku · 2026 · official_doc
- 3
Why is HDCP 2.2 important to playing 4K Ultra HD or HDR content?
Roku · 2026 · official_doc
- 4
¿Por qué el HDCP 2.2 es importante para reproducir contenido en 4K o 4K HDR?
Roku · 2026 · official_doc
- 5
Where can I find the Roku limited warranty?
Roku · 2026 · official_doc
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