The short version
- 01Confirm the full M7701-1003 code and the browser used for playback.
- 02In Chrome, allow Sites can play protected content under protected-content settings.
- 03Check Netflix's current browser and operating-system requirements.
- 04Open chrome://components and check Widevine Content Decryption Module for an update.
- 05Restart Chrome after a component update and retry the same title.
- 06Use Netflix's remaining Chrome reinstall steps only after the earlier checks fail.
Raw message
M7701-1003 Pardon the interruption
Likely causes
- Chrome is configured to block protected-content playback.
- The browser or operating system does not meet Netflix's requirements.
- Chrome's content-protection component needs an update.
Start with permission to play protected content
Netflix describes M7701-1003 as a browser setting or update problem. For Google Chrome, open chrome://settings/content/protectedContent and enable Sites can play protected content. Retest before moving to the next step.
The error text may point straight to Widevine, but the help article checks this permission first. Our recommendation is to record its original setting and the playback result; a changed switch with an unchanged error is useful evidence.
Check the browser and its Widevine component
Compare your browser and operating system with Netflix's current requirements. The instructions here apply to Chrome; another browser needs its own documented support path. A browser sharing Chromium code is not by itself proof of Netflix compatibility.
In Chrome, open chrome://components, find Widevine Content Decryption Module and choose Check for update. Netflix says to restart Chrome after Component updated. It describes Component not updated as already current; if the option is absent, it directs users to get the latest Chrome from Google.
Keep the final repair specific to the browser
Netflix lists uninstalling and reinstalling Chrome after those checks. Before that step, our recommendation is to confirm that needed bookmarks and local browser data can be recovered, and to follow Google's official instructions.
Test the same title after each change. If a supported alternative browser plays successfully, report the difference along with the original browser version and code. That comparison narrows the investigation; it does not prove an account problem or justify resetting a working home network.
Sources and review notes
Checked on . Based on Netflix's M7701-1003 and browser documentation, checked October 1, 2026. The repeatable playback test and preparation before reinstalling are editorial guidance. Glitchary is independent of Netflix.