Disney Plus not working: error codes, buffering, crashing - Fix!

Disney Plus offers a smooth streaming experience to users. However, unexpected errors occur when watching a movie or series.

Some errors are straightforward, whereby you get a message explaining to you what has gone wrong.

Others are complex and come with specific code numbers. You can fix the Disney Plus error if you know the cause of the problem or the meaning of the code number. But if the error is unfamiliar to you, troubleshooting it becomes challenging.

Disney Plus has many error codes that occur on different devices. While some are general and can happen anytime on any streaming hardware, others are specific to a device like Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, or even Smart TVs.

That means different errors require different methods of fixing them.

Common Disney Plus error codes and their solutions

Sometimes getting an error message on Disney Plus does not mean the problem is on your end. It could indicate that the service is experiencing some issues, and you may have to wait until it fixes them.

These are the most common error codes you may encounter while streaming on Disney Plus and how you can fix them.

Disney Plus protected content error

Sometimes Disney+ might be up and running, but you keep getting an error with the message Protected Content License. The problem occurs mostly on Roku and it can have several fixes.

The best fix for this error is to change your HDMI cable. Newer HDTVs and HMDI or DVI cables are HDCP-compliant. If you are using an old HDMI cable, it lacks support for HDCP, thus causing the error.

So, you are getting the message because it is likely that HDCP authentication failed temporarily.

Disney Plus error in processing payment

Payment processing errors on Disney Plus are a result of various factors, such as an invalid security code. You can troubleshoot this problem in several ways to find a solution.

Ensure that you are not using an invalid postal or ZIP code.
Use a credit or debit card issued by a financial institution or bank based in the USA.
Check that the expiration date on your card matches the one you are submitting.
Check that you are not using a government-issued card.
Ensure your card does not have an invalid security code. The code should match the one you are submitting.
Fill in all the required fields when making the payment.
If you are paying via PayPal, ensure you have used the correct credentials to log in to your account and that you have updated the associated payment information.

Another solution is to try using a different form of payment, such as third-party in-app purchases or an Android app.

Error code 12 – the app doesn’t open

Error Code 12 is an internal error on Disney+. When you encounter it while opening the app, the service fails to start.

In most cases, you can fix it by trying to open the application again. But if that does not work, call the tech support team on 888-905-7888.

Error code 14 –your e-mail address or password is invalid

The error code 14 occurs when you provide an invalid email address or password. You can troubleshoot it by:

Re-enter your email address and password.
Go back to your email inbox and click on the activation link sent to you by Disney+ after subscription. It could be you have not activated your account, and the service cannot find your email in its system.
Reset your Disney+ password by going to the desktop site and click LOGIN, enter your email address, click CONTINUE, select FORGOT PASSWORD, and check your email for a 6-digit code. Follow the prompts from henceforth.

Note that error code 14 usually appears when logging in from a Smart TV or mobile app.

If you have the correct details and you are getting it, go to the desktop site, log in to your account, and then log out of all devices. You will find this option by clicking on ACCOUNT after signing in.

Error code 24 –issue with your internet connection

Error code 24 is a login or connection issue. The account information you have provided could be incorrect, or your internet speed is low. It can also be an internal error on Disney’s side.

To fix it:

Ensure you have provided the correct login details.
Check whether you have activated your account after signup. You can do this by going into your email inbox and clicking the activation link sent by Disney+.
Check your internet connection and upgrade to a higher speed.

If it is an internal issue, wait until the streaming service fixes it.

Error code 39 –issue with program licensing

The error code 39 means the rights for the TV show or movie you are trying to watch are not available. It can also occur if you are using an unsupported device or your internet connection is poor.

Fix it by:

Checking whether you are using a supported device.
Streaming on a different device or web browser.
Use a different HDMI port, change the HDMI cable, or reverse the ends of the HDMI cable.

If the error is from Disney+, wait until the service fixes it. In the meantime, refresh the video to see whether it helps.

Error code 42 –issue with your internet service

If Disney Plus keeps showing an error with code 42, the service is having trouble connecting you to its servers. The error is usually accompanied by the message:

We’re sorry; we’re having trouble connecting you to the service. Please check to see that you are still connected to the Internet and try again (Error Code 42).

Do the following:

Check your internet connection.
Restart your server to establish a new connection.
Power-cycle your router and modem.
Clear cache, cookies, or data from your device, app, or browser.

Consider contacting your ISP to find out whether they have an issue. Also, check with Disney+ to determine if they have a system-wide problem with their servers.

Error code 43 –Disney Plus cannot play the movie you requested

When you see error code 43, it means the service cannot play the video you have requested.

The reason behind it could be a connectivity issue, or the video you had previously added to your watchlist is no longer available because Disney+ has removed it from its platform.

But if you want to watch the movie or TV show, consider doing the following:

Restart the Disney+ app.
Load the video again.
Uninstall and reinstall the application.
Try opening the video from a web browser.
Power-cycle your device and try again.

Other steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem include ensuring you have enough speed (at least 3.0Mbps for HD videos) to stream and clear app data and cache.

Error code 73 –Service is not available in your region

When you encounter error code 73 on Disney+, it means you are accessing the service from an unrecognized region. Disney Plus is only available in specific areas.

Depending on your location, you may be unable to stream your favorite moves or TV shows. But if you are getting this error code, do the following to fix it:

Disable any VPN or proxy servers that you are using to connect to Disney+.
Turn on location services on your mobile device.
Check whether Disney+ is available in your area.
Restart your router by power-cycling it and start anew.

Another option is to try to access Disney+ on a different connection. Also, check with your ISP because they could be reporting an incorrect location.

Error code 83 – Disney has encountered an unknown error

When you are streaming, and you get error code 83, it means Disney+ has encountered an unknown error.

Three factors can explain why this is happening, including connection problems, account issues, or unsupported devices.

In other cases, you may encounter Error code 90 while watching a video. To fix either issue:

Ensure you are using a compatible device, platform, or operating system.
Check your internet speed by doing a speed test. A stable connection should be at least 3.0Mbps for HD videos.
Restart your device and try again.
Uninstall and reinstall the Disney+ application.
Close the browser and reopen.
Update your device software or operating system.

Sometimes the problem is not on your end. Therefore, contact Disney+ for further assistance.

Error code 1016 –the app won’t open on your Samsung or LG smart TV

Error code 1016 is not apparent when you first encounter it. Disney+ could be having a problem, or the issue could be on your end.

In most cases, the problem occurs on specific Smart TVs, including Samsung and LG. Most people have found out that updating the device’s firmware is the best way of fixing it.

Error code 1026 –issues with the app on Samsung TVs

The error code 1026 tends to be device-specific, but it can also be from Disney+. Samsung TV users are the most affected. When it occurs, you are either unable to log in to your account or watch a movie.

To fix it:

Clear cache and data from your Smart TV.
Reboot your TV by unplugging it from the power source.
Uninstall and reinstall the Disney+ app.
Log out and then log in to your account.
Check software updates for your Smart TV.

You may also have to contact Disney+ or your device manufacturer to fix the error.

Error code 1028 – dictionary_service_init_failure

The error code 1028 can either be a device issue (mostly on Smart TVs) or an internal problem with the streaming service. Some troubleshooting steps to take include:

Reset your Smart TV.
Uninstall and reinstall the app.
Update your device firmware.

If the above does not help, contact your device manufacturer or Disney+.

Final thoughts

Whenever you have a problem with Disney Plus not working, first check whether the issue has an error code. If it has, you should perform a search for a solution to your problem on the Disney+ Help Center.

You can also do some simple troubleshooting steps, such as power-cycling your device, uninstalling and reinstalling the app, checking your internet connection, and ensuring you have provided the correct login credentials.

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