Roku Error Code 027 — HDCP Authentication Failed

What Does This Error Mean?

Roku error 027 means an HDCP authentication error has occurred. HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is a copy protection system that runs invisibly through the HDMI cable between your Roku and TV. Streaming services require this protection to be active before they'll play content. When the Roku and TV can't agree on HDCP, content is blocked and error 027 appears. The good news: it's almost always fixed by unplugging and replugging the HDMI cable.

Affected Models

Roku Express
Roku Express 4K
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Roku Ultra
Roku TV
Roku Streambar

Common Causes

HDMI cable is loose or making poor contact at either the Roku or TV end
HDMI cable is damaged or too long — very long HDMI cables can weaken the HDCP signal
TV's HDMI port has a firmware or compatibility issue with HDCP 2.2 (required for 4K content)
HDMI hub, splitter, or switcher between the Roku and TV is not HDCP-compliant
Roku device needs a restart to renegotiate the HDCP handshake with the TV

How to Fix It

Unplug the HDMI cable from both the Roku and the TV. Wait 10 seconds. Plug it back into the TV first, then into the Roku. Power the Roku back on. This forces a fresh HDCP handshake between the devices.

This simple step resolves about 70% of error 027 cases. HDCP negotiation can fail after power events or if the TV was switched to a different input and back.
Try a different HDMI port on your TV. HDMI ports on TVs are not always identical — some ports support HDCP 2.2 (required for 4K) and others only support HDCP 1.4. Check your TV's manual for which port is the HDCP 2.2 port (usually labeled 'HDMI 1 ARC/eARC' or just 'HDMI 1').

If you're watching 4K content on a non-HDCP 2.2 port, error 027 will appear. Moving to the correct port fixes it permanently.
Replace the HDMI cable. Use a high-speed HDMI cable (HDMI 2.0 or higher) of 6 feet or shorter. Cheap cables and very long cables (over 15 feet) can fail to maintain a stable HDCP connection. A quality replacement cable from a brand like Amazon Basics or AmazonBasics costs under $10.

If you're using an HDMI extension cable, remove it and connect directly. Extensions add length and connections that weaken HDCP signals.
Remove any HDMI splitters, switchers, or audio extractors between the Roku and TV. These devices must be HDCP-compliant to pass the protection signal through. Even one non-compliant device in the chain breaks HDCP and causes error 027.

Connecting the Roku directly to the TV (bypassing all intermediate devices) is the quickest way to confirm an accessory is the cause.
Check if a TV firmware update is available. Smart TVs occasionally have HDCP compatibility bugs fixed in firmware updates. Go to your TV's settings menu and look for a System or Software Update option. Download and install any available updates, then restart both the TV and Roku.

Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL TVs all receive periodic firmware updates that can fix HDCP compatibility issues.

When to Call a Professional

Error 027 never requires a technician — it's a connection compatibility issue. If a new HDMI cable and HDCP-compliant accessories don't resolve it, contact Roku support. A TV firmware update or specific HDMI port on your TV may be the final fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does error 027 only happen with certain streaming apps?

Not all streaming content has the same HDCP requirements. Standard definition content typically only requires HDCP 1.4. HD and 4K content from Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and others requires HDCP 2.2. If your HDMI connection can only negotiate HDCP 1.4, you'll see error 027 only when trying to play HD or 4K content.

My old Roku worked fine. Why does the new one show 027?

Newer Roku models support HDCP 2.2 for 4K content, which requires a compliant TV port, cable, and any accessories. Older Roku models only did HDCP 1.4, which had fewer requirements. A new Roku on an older TV or through an older HDMI cable may encounter HDCP 2.2 handshake failures that never occurred with the old device.

Does error 027 mean my content is being pirated?

No — HDCP is about preventing unauthorized copying, but error 027 has nothing to do with piracy on your end. It's a technical incompatibility between devices. You're a legitimate paying customer trying to watch content you're entitled to. The HDCP system is sometimes overly aggressive in blocking content even for legitimate users.