How to Fix Hulu HDCP Error [Easy Fixes in May 2024]

March 3, 2023 — 4 min read — 2,119 Views — Last Updated: January 30, 2024

Summary

Are you getting a Hulu HDCP error that just won’t go away? Don’t worry, it won’t take too long to resolve, and you should be done soon if you follow our guide.

Table of Contents

If you’re getting HDCP errors when streaming Hulu, first of all, you should make sure your HDMI cable is connected, because that’s the main reason. If your HDMI cable is securely connected and you’ve already tried hacks that don’t work, you must try out some of our recommended tips.

But before we get into that, we should start from the beginning about what HDCP error is and why it pops up the very moment you reach the climax of a movie or TV show.

Understanding HDCP Technolgy

HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is an error that is designed by INTEL to protect content piracy, almost similar to DRM (Digital Rights Management). This HDCP technology uses a key, that transmits smooth communication and authorizes the digital signal to be encrypted.

This technology is important for content creators and distributors to avoid unauthorized and sneaky access. Built into many devices like Satellite TV receivers, Roku, Chromecast, Blu-ray players, cable boxes, and Amazon Fire TV, HDCP often ends up causing trouble while streaming movies and shows for paying customers.

What is Hulu HDCP Error?

HDCP stands for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection, and it refers to a protected content problem. This happens when the video source is out of date or there is a communication breakdown between the devices. These errors are related to anti-piracy technology embedded within the Hulu app.

If you’ve been using an HDMI cable to connect two of your devices, there may be an issue with the cable, as the communication is no longer there. Re-attach it and it should be good.

It’s not good? Welp, there are other ways to remove this issue, let’s get into that.

How to Fix Hulu HDCP error?

Here is how to fix the Hulu HDCP error:

Make sure you’re using an HDMI cable.
Unplug the HDMI cable from your TV and your streaming device.
Turn off the power source of your TV.
Bypass any receivers or sound systems in use by connecting your device directly to your TV using the HDMI cable.
Try a new HDMI cable and try connecting to a different HDMI port on your TV.
Turn on your TV and see if the HDCP issue is rectified or not.

If the error is resolved, that’s great! If you’re still stuck, try these solutions:

Swap your HDMI cable ports

Change the ends of your HDMI cable by plugging each end into opposite ports. Since HDMI Cables are bi-directional, which means you can connect either end to an HDMI output or input, without disrupting anything. Make sure the cables are fitted to the ports.

Check if the HDMI port is working fine

Your device’s HDMI port could be faulty, check to see if it’s working by connecting the cord to another device. If the cable is fine, that means the port is faulty. If the cable doesn’t work on another device, time to get a new one.

Remove the HDCP Switcher

Try removing the switcher or AVR (audio/video receiver) to turn off HDCP, because it may have caught on.

Does Hulu require HDCP?

Hulu uses limitations on streaming quality to 720p (high-definition) at most, unless a user device meets the HDCP requirement, in which case, they are supposed to use an HDMI cable to connect the two devices.

How Do I Disable HDCP on Hulu?

To disable HDCP, simply physically pull the HDMI cord from the dock and reconnect it. Make sure you unplug the cable from the dock, not the end of your capture device. If you unplug the capture device end, your primary device (like a laptop) will not recognize anything changes and will not revert to the default, no-HDCP mode.

How Do I Know if HDCP is Enabled?

Many devices are HDCP-compliant and will display a message or logo in the product description. Additionally, you can confirm the specification list of the product to see if the device supports HDCP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I suddenly getting an HDCP error?

HDCP errors happen when there is a problem with the physical connection or communication between your two devices or if a device is HDCP-supported and you’re not using an HDMI cable. It’s often as simple as reconnecting the HDMI cable: Unplug the HDMI cable from both ends.

What does HDCP mean on Hulu?

HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Copy Protection) is a content protection technology, and it is used on HDMI connections for digital devices such as Blu-rayTM players, cable boxes, and Roku streaming devices. It is also utilized while watching Hollywood content on a computer-connected external monitor.

Is HDCP necessary?

HDCP’s aim is to secure digitally copied material as it goes from a device to your TV, often via an HDMI, DVI, or DisplayPort connection. To stream material from services such as Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Video, Virgin, or Blu-Ray discs, HDCP is necessary.

Do all HDMI ports support HDCP?

Models released in 2019 or later: On all HDMI input ports, all 4K / 8K TVs support the HDCP 2.2 and HDCP 2.3 protocols.

How do I know if my TV has HDCP?

You can also check to see whether your TV supports HDCP 2.2 from your TV manufacturer. Check the “Mobile High-Definition Link” (MHL), “HDCP 2.2”, “UHD”, “4K”, or “HDMI 2.0” ports on your TV–they typically support HDCP 2.2.

What happens when HDCP fails?

If any device in the chain is not HDCP compliant, the video stream will fail. For example, if you have an older HDTV set that is not HDCP compliant then you cannot watch any HDCP-supported content on it.

Is there a way to bypass Hulu HDCP Error?

Yes, the Hulu HDCP error should go away once you check the cord and the dock, lest they have an issue. If you are using a switcher or AVR, consider removing it and directly plug the HDMI cord.

Final Verdict

Hulu is an amazing streaming platform but like other streaming platforms, it also has some minor errors that are due to technical issues like Hulu error code 503, error code 400, and Hulu HDCP error is one of them.

However, we have compiled all the queries that you might have regarding what is Hulu HDCP error and how to fix a Hulu HDCP error, feel free to ask whatever comes to your mind.

Happy binging!

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Morris Lueilwitz

Lueilwitz Morris finds his comfort in writing about suspense, thrillers, and science fiction shows and movies because it gives him the opportunity to explore his imagination through writing. He has a lot of different interests, like sports, gym, and hiking, but one of his biggest passions is writing.

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