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Solved: HDCP Error After Updating Apple TV 4K to TVOS 18.4.1

I recently updated my Apple TV 4K to tvOS 18.4.1. After this, I received HDCP errors when trying to view content from steaming services (e.g., Disney , Amazon Prime, Crave).

These post outlines how I solved this problem.

Background and Context

I am using a TCL 55R635-CA, to which I have connected the Apple TV 4K and a Sonos Arc (with an attached Sonos Sub Mini).

When I updated my Apple TV 4K to tvOS 18.4.1, I received a prompt on my TCL 55R635-CA that I had to rename the Sonos Arc that is plugged into the TCL’s eARC HDMI port. I didn’t think anything of it and selected a new icon, but otherwise made no changes to the configuration of the TCL audio settings. I had never received this kind of prompt, before, when updated the Apple TV 4K.

YouTube content played without any errors. However, when I tried to steam content over Disney , Amazon Prime, or Crave I received HDCP errors. The error messages indicated that I might be trying to copy protected content (I was not doing this). Solutions proposed were to reseat HDMI cables to ensure a good connection, test different HDMI inputs to confirm they all worked, or replace the HDMI cable in case it had become damaged.

Failed Solutions

  1. I tried to reseat HDMI cables. This did not resolve the error messages I was receiving.
  2. I rebooted the Apple TV. This did not resolve the error messages I was receiving.
  3. I reset the Apple TV back to factory settings, and reinstalled streaming services. This did not resolve the error messages I was receiving.
  4. I pulled the plug — to fully depower — the Apple TV. This did not resolve the error messages I was receiving.
  5. I pressed the power button on the TCL remote, to turn off the television, and turned off the Apple TV. This did not resolve the error messages I was receiving.

Solution to Apple TV 4K HDCP Errors

My Apple TV 4K and Sonos Arc are plugged into a TCL 55R635-CA. When you turn off the television using the remote you do not actually turn off the television and, instead, just put the television into standby mode.

To resolve my HDCP errors when using my Apple TV 4K, I pulled the power plug for the television. I left the TCL 55R635-CA fully depowered for approximately 3 minutes. I then plugged the TV back in and turned it on.

Once the television turned back on, and switched over to the Apple TV 4K input, the errors had been resolved. The problem, the whole time, was with the TCL television and fully depowering the television resolve the HDCP errors.