HDCP error on PlayStation or Xbox

Are you seeing an HDCP display error when you try to use the NOW app on your PS4, PS5, Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S? In most cases, the problem can be solved by trying the simple steps below. Keep checking if your problem is resolved after each step. If it is, you won’t need to go any further.

Step 1: Reconnect your cables

Your TV has in-built High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) – a bit of software that protects you from pirated content. If your PlayStation or Xbox isn’t communicating properly with your TV’s HDCP, it won’t show a picture. You can reset the connection by unplugging both your television and your console from their wall sockets. Then pull out the HDMI cable and reconnect.

Step 2: Try a different HDMI port

If your TV has more than one HDMI port, try connecting to a different one. This is another way of resetting the connection and may resolve the problem.

Step 3: Switch HDMI cables

If you're using an old HDMI cable with a new TV, or a new cable with an old TV, they may not be fully compliant. You might be able to fix the display error by connecting with a different HDMI lead.

Step 4: See if you can stream through another TV

Sometimes the HDCP software between a particular TV and console isn’t compatible and some form of piracy is detected, even if it’s not happening – which means you get no picture. So your final option is to try connecting your Xbox or PlayStation to a different TV, if you have one. With a bit of luck, you’ll find they’re HDCP-compatible.