HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is a copy protection system developed by Intel that encrypts video and audio signals over HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI — and blocks your screen when the connected devices can’t agree on that encryption.
- Both your source and display are HDCP-compliant
- Devices support the same or compatible HDCP version
- The cable connection stays stable throughout playback
- Your display or cable lacks HDCP support
- Devices run incompatible HDCP versions
- The authentication handshake fails or is interrupted
- You’re using a non-compliant capture card or splitter
How HDCP Works
Every time you play protected content — a Netflix stream, a Blu-ray, or a console game — your source device and your display perform a “handshake.” They exchange encryption keys to confirm both sides are licensed to handle the content. If that check passes, video flows. If it fails, you get a black screen or an HDCP error message.
HDCP runs three processes continuously: authentication (are both devices licensed?), encryption (scrambling the signal in transit), and key revocation (blocking devices that have been compromised). The verification doesn’t just happen at the start — it repeats throughout playback, which is why a loose cable can suddenly kill a stream mid-movie.
For more detail on how video signals travel over modern connectors, see our guide on whether USB-C supports video output.
Why Your Screen Goes Blank
The most common cause is a version mismatch. HDCP has gone through several versions — 1.4 and 2.2 being the most widely encountered. 4K HDR content from streaming services typically requires HDCP 2.2, while older displays only support HDCP 1.4. Even if both devices are compliant, a version gap will cause the handshake to fail.
Other common culprits include:
- A cheap or damaged HDMI cable that doesn’t reliably carry the authentication signal
- An AV receiver or HDMI switch in the chain that isn’t HDCP 2.2 compliant
- A capture card or screen recorder that isn’t licensed — HDCP intentionally blocks these to prevent copying
- A TV or monitor that has lost its HDCP handshake after a firmware update or input switch
| Setup | Works? | Need | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streaming box → HDCP 2.2 TV | Yes | HDCP 2.2 cable | Standard 4K setup |
| Streaming box → HDCP 1.4 TV | No | HDCP 2.2 display | Version mismatch |
| Console → HDCP 2.2 receiver → TV | Yes | All devices HDCP 2.2 | Whole chain must comply |
| Source → non-compliant capture card | No | Licensed capture device | Intentionally blocked |
How to Fix an HDCP Error
Start with the simplest fix: unplug and re-plug the HDMI cable to force a fresh handshake. If that doesn’t work, power-cycle both devices. Check every device in your chain — a single non-compliant HDMI switch or splitter will break the whole link. If you’re using USB-C to HDMI, check our troubleshooting guide for why USB-C to HDMI stops working, as adapter compliance adds another layer to the handshake. For PS4 and PS5 users, disabling HDCP in the console settings allows capture cards to work, but streaming apps will refuse to play while it’s off. The HDMI Licensing Administrator publishes the official HDCP compliance specification if you need to verify a device’s certification.
Bottom line: HDCP blocks your screen when any device in the chain — source, cable, adapter, switch, or display — fails the encryption handshake. Check every link, confirm version compatibility (especially HDCP 2.2 for 4K content), and replace any non-compliant component to restore the picture.