Your device cannot play protected content

My Apple TV Model A1625 32 GB will display " Your device cannot play protected content". Only my wife and I use this. There are no restrictions in settings. How do I fix this?

Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)

Posted on Nov 28, 2025 10:11 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 30, 2025 6:54 AM

It is likely not about the Apple TV box itself, but about the connections, and what they connect to.

What devices are in the HDMI chain of this setup?

- Some monitors and projectors may not be HDCP compliant. Most modern TVs should be, though.

- Some HDMI splitters, switches, audio extractors and other in-between devices may not be HDCP compliant.

- Some HDMI cable adaptors may not be HDCP compliant.


Does it happen for all streaming apps? If not, in what app or apps do you get this notification?

Is it content-dependent? Does it happen for one movie or show, but perhaps not for a different one, within the same app?

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 30, 2025 6:54 AM in response to Jlagman

It is likely not about the Apple TV box itself, but about the connections, and what they connect to.

What devices are in the HDMI chain of this setup?

- Some monitors and projectors may not be HDCP compliant. Most modern TVs should be, though.

- Some HDMI splitters, switches, audio extractors and other in-between devices may not be HDCP compliant.

- Some HDMI cable adaptors may not be HDCP compliant.


Does it happen for all streaming apps? If not, in what app or apps do you get this notification?

Is it content-dependent? Does it happen for one movie or show, but perhaps not for a different one, within the same app?

Your device cannot play protected content

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