How to Fix Disney+ Error Code 39 on PC, AppleTV, and Consoles

When you get Disney+ Error Code 39, it means you can’t watch something because of DRM (Digital Rights Management) issues. This usually happens because there’s a problem with your HDMI connection, especially if you’re using a console or another device.

While there are other causes for this error, such as wrong account settings, bad temporary files, or using capture devices, HDMI problems are the main cause, especially when using gaming consoles.

This error often happens when Disney+ finds a device it doesn’t support, like an unsupported projector or a faulty HDMI cable.

Also, geo-restrictions or using a VPN can trigger this error if you’re trying to stream content in a restricted region.

Now that we know the causes and information about this problem, let’s move to solutions.

1. Restart the Device

Restarting the affected device can often resolve Error Code 39 on Disney+ by clearing temporary files and performing a clean restart of the app.

  • Apple TV: Go to Settings > System and then choose Restart to reboot your Apple TV.
    Restarting Apple TV
  • Android TV: Use the Home button on your remote to navigate to Settings. From there, select About and choose Restart under the Power menu to restart your Android TV.
    Restarting Android TV
  • Android (Mobile Devices): Hold down the power button until the Power menu appears. Select Restart and wait for the device to reboot.
    Restarting an Android Device
  • iOS (iPhone/iPad): Press and hold either the volume button or the side button until you see the power-off slider. Drag the slider to turn off your device, then power it back on by pressing the side button again after it shuts down.
    Restarting an iOS Device
  • Windows (PC): Click the Start button, then click the power icon. Select Restart from the options to reboot your Windows computer.
    Restarting a Windows Computer

2. Reinstall the Disney+ App

Reinstalling the app removes corrupted data, ensures you’re on the latest version, and resets settings, which can resolve conflicts or glitches causing Error Code 39. This process also clears the cache, which gives the app a fresh start to work with.

2.1 Reinstall Disney+ on Apple TV

  1. On the Home screen, highlight the Disney+ app and press and hold the Touch surface until the app icon starts shaking.
  2. Press the Play/Pause button, select “Delete,” and confirm the deletion.
    Deleting the Disney+ App from Apple TV
  3. Go to the App Store, search for “Disney+,” and download the app again.
  4. After installation, restart your Apple TV and see if the issue is fixed.

2.2 Reinstall Disney+ on Android TV

  1. From the Home menu, open the Google Play Store.
    Google Play Store
  2. In the left-hand menu, select “My Apps,” find “Disney+,” and select it.
  3. Click “Uninstall” to remove the app.
    Uninstalling the Disney+ App
  4. Restart your Android TV, then reinstall Disney+ from the Play Store.

2.3 Reinstall Disney+ on Android

  1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
    Opening the Google Play Store App
  2. Go to “My Apps & Games,” then navigate to the “Library” tab.
    Selecting My Apps & Games Option
  3. Find “Disney+,” click “Uninstall,” and wait for the app to be removed.
  4. Reinstall Disney+ from the Play Store and verify if the issue is resolved.

2.4 Reinstall Disney+ on iOS

  1. Find the Disney+ app on your home screen, press and hold until the icon starts to jiggle.
  2. Tap the “X” button to uninstall the app.
    Uninstalling Disney+ on iOS
  3. Exit the deletion mode by pressing the Home button, then go to the App Store and reinstall Disney+.

3. Reset Apple TV / Android TV to Factory Settings

Performing a factory reset on Apple TV or Android TV can fix Disney+ Error Code 39 by removing any hidden issues with settings or data. Over time, saved data or wrong settings might mess up the HDMI handshake or DRM protocols needed for streaming. A factory reset erases all stored data and system settings, giving the device a fresh start to make secure connections and work correctly.

3.1 Reset Apple TV to Factory Settings

  1. Navigate to Settings on your Apple TV.
    Accessing Settings Menu
  2. Select System and access the Reset menu.
    Accessing System Menu
  3. Confirm the reset by selecting Reset and Update to restore factory settings and install the latest firmware updates.
    Resetting and Updating
  4. Once complete, reinstall Disney+ and see if the error is fixed.

3.2 Reset Android TV to Factory Settings

  1. Go to Settings from the Home menu.
    Accessing Settings Menu
  2. Enter Device Settings and go to Storage & Reset.
    Accessing Storage & Reset Menu
  3. Select Factory Data Reset and confirm by selecting Erase Everything.
    Accessing Factory Data Reset Menu
  4. After the reset, reinstall the Disney+ app to see if the error is resolved.

4. Power-Cycling Your Console

Power-cycling your console clears memory, resets processes, and refreshes hardware connections, especially HDMI. Unplug the console for about a minute before restarting. This can fix temporary system glitches, restore secure DRM connections, and resolve playback issues causing Disney+ Error Code 39. It’s a quick and effective way to reset the system and reconnect to Disney’s servers, ensuring proper content streaming.

4.1 PS4:

  1. Make sure your PS4 is fully powered on and not in sleep mode.
  2. Hold the power button on the console until it turns off completely. Release it after the fan has stopped.
    PS4 Power Button
  3. Unplug the power cord from the outlet and wait 30 seconds for the power capacitors to drain.
  4. Reconnect and switch on your PS4, then open the Disney+ app to check for the error.

4.2 Xbox One:

  1. Press and hold the Xbox power button until the LED flashes intermittently.
    Hard Reset
  2. Once the Xbox shuts down, disconnect the power cord and wait one minute to fully drain the capacitors.
  3. Reconnect the power cord, turn on your Xbox One, and reopen the Disney+ app to check if the error is fixed.

5. Remove the In-Game Capture Device

If you’re using an in-game capture device (e.g., Elgato) on Xbox One or PlayStation 4 to record gameplay, DRM protections from Disney+ might cause Error Code 39. To resolve this, disconnect the capture device and restart your console, then attempt to access Disney+ once more.

Example of a Gameplay Recording Device

6. Remove the Projector Connection

When using a projector, Disney+ may detect it as a DRM violation, causing Error Code 39. This happens because projectors often use HDMI to VGA or other converters that Disney+ sees as potential recording devices. Disconnect the projector and connect your streaming device directly to a TV with a standard HDMI cable to ensure a secure, DRM-compliant connection, which can prevent or fix the error.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.