The short version
- 01Record the complete HDCP message, display type and devices in the HDMI path.
- 02Reconnect both HDMI ends with the Roku and connected equipment powered down.
- 03Compare another HDMI input or cable while keeping the same title for the test.
- 04Connect the Roku directly to a compatible TV input to test the receiver or soundbar route.
- 05Compare a lower display type and verify HDCP 2.2 on each input used for 4K or HDR.
- 06For The Roku Channel on a computer, compare the built-in screen with the external display.
Start here
Does HD work while 4K or HDR fails?
For an HDCP message or purple screen, compare a direct Roku-to-TV connection with the receiver or soundbar route. If only 4K or HDR fails, verify HDCP 2.2 on every device and the exact HDMI ports in use. A lower display type is a useful comparison. If all playback fails, reconnect HDMI with the equipment powered down.
Applies to: Roku streaming players connected by HDMI, plus The Roku Channel on a computer with an external HDMI display. This is not a Wi-Fi or update-error guide.
Follow the failing HDMI path
HDCP is the content-protection check across an HDMI connection. Our diagnostic recommendation is to record the complete message, selected display type and devices in the chain before moving cables. This guide follows Roku's HDCP message documentation; a different bare error number needs its own verified meaning.
HDCP message on ordinary playback
Does reconnecting with the devices powered down help?
Reconnect the HDMI pathDirect connection works; receiver route fails
Which link changes between the two tests?
Isolate the extra deviceOnly 4K or HDR fails
Does every device and selected input support HDCP 2.2?
Check 4K compatibilityThe Roku Channel fails on an external monitor
Does the laptop's own screen play the same content?
Compare computer displays1. Reconnect with the equipment powered down
Roku's sequence is to unplug both ends of HDMI, turn off and unplug the TV and any receiver or soundbar, and disconnect Roku power. Reattach HDMI firmly, restore power to the equipment and retry playback once startup completes.
If the message remains, compare another HDMI input or a different cable. Our recommendation is to repeat the same title after each change and record the result. Changing several links together may restore playback without revealing which link failed.
2. Compare the receiver route with a direct connection
For 4K, Roku's setup requirements include HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 throughout the chain. Confirm the Roku, TV input and any intermediate equipment against their manuals. A Streaming Stick plugs directly into HDMI; other players use a cable.
Connect the Roku directly to a compatible TV input for a comparison. If that works, investigate the removed receiver, soundbar or switch and its connections. Our interpretation is that the bypass narrows the failing path; it does not prove that the intermediate device itself needs replacement.
3. HD works: check the specific 4K inputs
Roku requires HDCP 2.2 for 4K and HDR. Some TVs offer it on only certain inputs; verify the selected ports on the TV and receiver. If the equipment cannot provide it, Roku offers 720p or 1080p playback instead.
Use Home > Settings > Display type to compare a lower supported mode. If a new mode produces no visible picture, Roku says the player returns to the previous setting after 20 seconds. Confirm a mode only when you can see the picture.
Our recommendation is to keep the working lower mode while checking the equipment's exact capabilities. Lower-resolution success is useful evidence, not a guarantee that changing one cable will make unsupported hardware handle 4K.
4. Computer: compare the built-in display
For The Roku Channel on an external HDMI monitor, Roku recommends disconnecting that monitor and testing the computer's own screen if available. If playback returns, reconnect securely or compare a different HDMI input, cable or HDCP-compatible display.
Our support record would include which screen works, the monitor model, connection path and complete error message. For a TV-connected Roku, include the display-type and direct-connection results instead. Those are different playback setups and should be reported separately.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the Roku menu work but a movie shows an HDCP error?
HDCP concerns protected playback over the HDMI connection. A visible menu alone does not establish that the chain meets the content-protection requirements.
Does every HDMI input on a 4K TV support HDCP 2.2?
No. Roku says some TVs support it on only certain inputs. Check the specific input in the equipment's documentation.
Can I keep watching in HD if 4K is unsupported?
Roku documents 720p or 1080p as alternatives when the chain lacks HDCP 2.2. Choose an available supported mode under Settings > Display type.
Sources and review notes
Checked on . Based on Roku's HDCP message, HDCP 2.2, display-type and 4K setup articles, checked October 1, 2026. Repeatable comparisons and support-record advice are editorial. The scope is the documented HDCP message, not an inferred definition for every numeric code. Glitchary is independent of Roku.