Disney Plus Error Code 39 means Disney Plus has detected a problem with your display connection — specifically, it’s a HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) error. Error 39 appears when Disney Plus can’t verify that your display setup is authorized to play the content. Here’s how to fix it.
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What Is Disney Plus Error Code 39?
Error Code 39 is a content protection error. Disney Plus checks that all display connections in your chain support HDCP (a digital copy protection protocol). If any link in the chain — cable, receiver, HDMI splitter, display — doesn’t support or pass HDCP correctly, playback is blocked with Error Code 39.
What Causes Disney Plus Error Code 39?
- HDMI splitter or switch that doesn’t support HDCP
- AV receiver or soundbar not passing HDCP correctly
- HDMI cable that’s too old or damaged
- Display (TV/monitor) that doesn’t fully support HDCP
- Screen recording or capture software detected
- Connecting to an external monitor from a laptop
How to Fix Disney Plus Error Code 39
Fix 1: Remove Any HDMI Splitters or Switches
HDMI splitters (devices that split one HDMI signal to multiple displays) are the most common cause of Error Code 39. Many cheap splitters don’t fully support HDCP, which triggers the error. Remove any splitters between your streaming device and TV, connect directly with a single HDMI cable, and test Disney Plus. If the error disappears, the splitter was the problem.
Fix 2: Replace the HDMI Cable
Older HDMI cables (1.4 or lower) may not reliably pass HDCP signals for 4K content. Replace with an HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 cable. Also try a different HDMI port on your TV — sometimes one port has a HDCP issue that others don’t.
Fix 3: Check Your AV Receiver or Soundbar
If you route your streaming device through an AV receiver or soundbar before reaching the TV, the receiver must support HDCP pass-through. Check your receiver’s specifications for “HDCP 2.2” support. If it doesn’t support it, connect the streaming device directly to the TV for video and use optical audio to the receiver instead.
Fix 4: Restart All Devices in the Chain
HDCP handshakes (the authentication between devices) can fail and get stuck. Restart everything in order:
- Turn off your TV completely (unplug from power)
- Turn off your streaming device (Firestick, Apple TV, Roku, etc.)
- Wait 60 seconds
- Plug the TV back in and turn it on
- Turn on the streaming device and try Disney Plus again
Fix 5: Close Screen Recording or Capture Software
If you’re using Disney Plus on a computer (or a streaming device connected to a monitor), any active screen recording software triggers Error Code 39. Disney Plus detects capture software and blocks playback. Close OBS, Bandicam, Xbox Game Bar recording, or any screen capture tool and reload Disney Plus.
Fix 6: Use a Different HDMI Port
Not all HDMI ports on a TV support the same HDCP version. On many TVs, only certain ports support HDCP 2.2 (required for 4K content). Check your TV’s manual to identify which ports are HDCP 2.2 compliant — usually labeled “HDCP 2.2” or “4K” — and connect your streaming device to one of those ports.
Fix 7: Disconnect External Monitors (Computer)
If watching Disney Plus on a laptop connected to an external monitor, the monitor may not be HDCP compliant. Try disconnecting the external monitor and watching on just the laptop screen. If it works, the external monitor or its connection doesn’t meet HDCP requirements.
Fix 8: Update Device Firmware and Disney Plus App
Make sure your streaming device’s firmware and the Disney Plus app are both up to date. Older firmware sometimes has HDCP handshake bugs that are fixed in updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Error Code 39 mean my TV is too old?
Not necessarily — most TVs from 2013 onwards support HDCP. The error more commonly comes from something in the connection chain (splitter, cable, receiver) rather than the TV itself. Start by removing any splitters and testing with a direct HDMI connection.
Why does Error Code 39 only happen with Disney Plus and not Netflix?
Disney Plus enforces HDCP more strictly than some other services, particularly for 4K content. A setup that works for Netflix may still trigger Error Code 39 on Disney Plus if any component isn’t fully HDCP 2.2 compliant.
Is Error Code 39 the same as Error Code 83?
No — Error Code 83 is a device compatibility error (device not supported or browser issue), while Error Code 39 is specifically an HDCP/display protection error. They require different fixes.
