How to Fix Roku Ultra HDCP Error? (Quick Fix Guide)

If the Roku Ultra HDCP error is still haunting your movie nights like an unwanted ghost, don’t panic—it is quite common. 

The guide we have prepared will walk you through conducting a power cycle, addressing HDMI problems, and identifying video-related errors leading to the HDCP error on your Roku.

So, keep reading to resolve the error in less than 5 minutes!

How to Fix the Roku Ultra HDCP Error in 9 Easy Steps?

Note: If you can interact with the Roku Ultra, activate a “Soft” reset by going to Settings → System → Power → System Restart.

1. Connect the Roku Ultra Over an HDMI

The HDCP error could be occurring because you are not using an HDMI connection between your Roku Ultra and TV, which is critical for activating the HDCP.

A high-quality HDMI cable can efficiently transmit the signal from your player and resolve the HDCP problem permanently. 

After connecting via HDMI, re-select the correct input on your TV and test if the HDCP error is still there.

If you are already using an HDMI with your Roku Ultra, then we recommend connecting the player to an alternative input on your TV or switching the sides of the cable.

If the HDCP error is not persistent and only occurs at times, perform an HDMI “handshake” to resolve underlying issues with the video transmission. 

2. Power Reset the TV & Roku Ultra Player

A power reset can often resolve underlying issues with the Roku Ultra by addressing temporary functionality issues with the graphical interface and the HDMI security protocol.

The procedure involves “draining” the electrical supply of the Roku Ultra and TV by disconnecting the power.

2.1 How to Power Reset the Connected TV:

• Unplug your TV power adapter from the electrical outlet.
• Wait ~60 seconds to ensure the system fully discharges.
• Reconnect the TV back into the electrical outlet and test.

2.2 How to Power Reset the Roku Ultra Player:

• Unplug the Roku’s HDMI and power adapter cables.
• Wait ~60 seconds until the power is drained entirely.
• Reconnect the power and HDMI of the Roku Ultra.

Now, reselect the correct HDMI input on your TV and check if the Roku Ultra broadcast is restored, without encountering the HDCP error. 

3. Use an Alternative High-Speed HDMI

Perhaps, the fault is with the HDMI cable connecting the Roku Ultra player and your TV.

In most cases, the HDCP error indicates a low-quality signal transmission reaching the TV, which was issued by the digital interface of your Roku Ultra, and replacing the cable resolves the problem.

So, disconnect the current cable and install a brand-new, replacement high-speed HDMI cable to determine if the HDCP error is still there.

Try reversing the ends of the cable and test on each available HDMI input on the TV to check if the error persists. 

4. Deactivate the Roku Ultra Sleep Timer

One of the reasons why the Roku keeps getting HDCP errors is that the player is designed to automatically “fall asleep” after 20 minutes of no use.

The so-called “Sleep Timer” feature found in the settings can manage the period needed for Roku to fall asleep or disable it.

Here’s how to deactivate the Sleep Timer on your Roku Ultra:

• Press the Home button on the Roku remote.
• Navigate to the Settings and select System.
• Next, choose Power from the menu options.
• Access the  Auto power savings tab below.
• Uncheck “After 20 minutes of no interaction.”
• Finally, check if the error persists after saving.

Now, the Roku Ultra will no longer fall “asleep” on its own after 20 minutes of no activity.

You can always re-enable the feature or assign a custom sleep period through the “Sleep Timer” tab in the settings.

5. Bypass Non-Compliant External Devices

Another cause for the error is interference from an HDMI switch or AVR interfering with the HDMI (HDCP) protocol of your Roku Ultra.

Connecting the Roku Ultra directly to the TV can address the problem by eliminating potential video transmission issues along the line.

So, disconnect the Roku Ultra from the HDMI switch, AVR, or any third-party device with a separate interface you have connected, and plug it directly into the TV.

Select the corresponding input on your TV to test and check if the HDCP error is still there. 

6. Input a Cache Reset Command on the Roku

Even if you are unable to interact with the Roku Ultra currently, you can input a cache reset combination using the remote control to address ongoing HDCP issues.

Clearing the cache erases all channel data, improves loading speed, and resolves functionality issues.

• On the remote, press Home (5 times), Up (once), Rewind (2 times), and Fast Forward (2 times). 

Wait until the Roku powers off or starts cycling through the settings, which indicates that the command has been successfully recognized.

After clearing, confirm the device operates properly by selecting your Roku from the TV’s input menu.

7. Test the Roku Ultra on a Different TV/Display

The HDCP error appearing on your Roku Ultra might be due to compatibility issues with the current TV or monitor, which disrupts the so-called “HDMI Handshake” between the devices.

Testing on a different HDMI-compatible display allows you to identify the problem efficiently.

Disconnect the Roku Ultra from the current TV, connect it to a different TV or monitor using the same high-speed HDMI cable, and select the corresponding HDMI input.

Wait for several seconds and determine if the HDCP error is occurring with the new TV or monitor as well.

8. Deregister the Roku Ultra Manually

A deregistration of the Roku Ultra device profile might help with underlying functionality errors affecting the HDCP and HDMI handshake.

All you need is access to a laptop or a computer and your Roku sign-in credentials to delete the device profile.

Follow these steps to deregister the Roku Ultra:

• Go to my.roku.com and sign in to your Roku user account.
• Locate your streaming devices under the My devices tab.
• Click on your Roku Ultra to open the Device details page.
• Choose Remove device from account and press “Yes.”
• Restart your Roku Ultra, then re-link it following the steps.

Note: You won’t be able to access channels or the homepage until the Roku Ultra is fully re-synchronized with your account.

9. Use the Built-In Roku Ultra “Reset” Button

If the Roku Ultra HDCP error is still there, then your last resort is to perform a factory reset using the built-in “Reset” button. 

Every streaming player using the Roku OS has a factory reset function, but in case you are unable to access the settings (as in your case), you can use the peripheral button on the side.

• To factory reset the Roku Ultra, hold the “Reset” button for 10–15 seconds.

Now, wait until the player erases all system settings, and if the issue is still there, consider getting in touch with Roku customer support.