- TVs
- Smart TV
The HDCP Has Been Compromised
Samsung "The HDCP Has Been Compromised" on Smart TV: set-top box HDMI protection
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Low
Quick answer
The TV is rejecting the HDCP copy protection coming over HDMI, usually from a cable or satellite box. Unplug the box for 30 seconds, remove any connections other than HDMI and test another HDMI device such as a Blu-ray player.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Samsung says connecting the box with component cables only resolves it temporarily, until the provider fixes the issue.
Safe checks you can perform
- Soft reset of the box
- HDMI connection only
- Another HDMI device on the TV
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Set-top box provider
- Do not attempt this professional task: Samsung Support if it fails with any device
What a technician must be able to justify
A technician is coming
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.
Set-top box provider
What they doThe cable or satellite provider checks the box, its software and HDCP authorization.
They must show youthe box working over HDMI.
In writingthe fix or the box swap.
Samsung Support if it fails with any device
What they doIf several different HDMI devices show the message, Samsung checks the TV.
They must show youthe test with a known good device.
In writingthe diagnosis.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Checks and evidence, step by step
Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
- 1
Soft reset of the box
No special tools
Procedure
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- unplug the cable or satellite box for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Result that matters:
- whether the message disappears after the reset.
- If it disappears:
- the box had been updated and needed a restart.
- If it stays:
- remove the other connections.
- Evidence to keep:
- date and time of the message.
Evidence: Samsung TV or projector shows an error message
- 2
HDMI connection only
No special tools
Procedure
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- remove any connections on the box other than the HDMI connection to the TV.
- Result that matters:
- whether the message disappears with HDMI only.
- If it disappears:
- another connection was interfering.
- If it stays:
- test another HDMI device.
- Evidence to keep:
- photos of the connections before and after.
Evidence: Samsung TV or projector shows an error message
- 3
Another HDMI device on the TV
No special tools
Procedure
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- connect any other device via HDMI, such as a Blu-ray player, to check if the error appears again.
- Result that matters:
- whether the message appears with that device.
- If it does not:
- the set-top box is the issue; contact its provider.
- If it does:
- contact Samsung Support.
- Evidence to keep:
- the test device model and result.
Evidence: Samsung TV or projector shows an error message
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- TVs
- Brand
- Samsung
- Product type
- Smart TV
Known code variants
- El HDCP se ha visto comprometido
- HDCP comprometido
- HDCP has been compromised
- Samsung HDCP error
What it means
Samsung links "The HDCP Has Been Compromised" to the cable or satellite box connected over HDMI. HDCP is the copy protection on the HDMI link. Samsung gives a soft reset of the box (unplug it for 30 seconds), which resolves it if the box was updated, and removing connections other than HDMI. If another HDMI device such as a Blu-ray player does not show it, the set-top box is the issue and its provider must fix it. The message does not indicate a TV fault.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Lowsource verified
Samsung says connecting the box with component cables only resolves it temporarily, until the provider fixes the issue.
Evidence: Samsung TV or projector shows an error message
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Box updated without a restartCommon
The message goes away after unplugging the box for 30 seconds; Samsung ties this to a box update.
Evidence: Samsung TV or projector shows an error message
- Extra connections on the boxPossible
The message goes away when only the HDMI connection is left.
Evidence: Samsung TV or projector shows an error message
- Set-top box faultPossible
Another HDMI device does not show the message on the same TV; the box is the source.
Evidence: Samsung TV or projector shows an error message
Virtual technician
Does The HDCP Has Been Compromised 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
Samsung TV or projector shows an error message
Samsung · 2026 · official_doc
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