Roku Error Code 270 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Roku error 270 is an HDCP error — it means the copy protection handshake between your Roku and your TV failed. HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is a security system built into HDMI. Every time your Roku starts playing protected content, it does a quick security check with your TV through the HDMI cable. If that check fails, error 270 appears and the video will not play. This is not a sign your Roku is broken — it is almost always a simple HDMI connection issue.

Affected Models

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

Common Causes

A loose or slightly unplugged HDMI cable that cannot maintain a reliable HDCP handshake signal
A faulty or low-quality HDMI cable that does not support the HDCP version required by your Roku model
An HDMI splitter, switch, or AV receiver in the chain that is not HDCP 2.2 compliant, breaking the handshake
The TV's HDMI port has a brief communication glitch that fails the handshake even when the cable is fine
4K HDR content requiring HDCP 2.2 while an older TV, cable, or splitter only supports HDCP 1.4

How to Fix It

Unplug the HDMI cable from both the Roku and the TV, wait 10 seconds, and plug it firmly back in to both ends. You should feel or hear a slight click as the connector seats fully. Then restart your Roku from Settings > System > System Restart.

A loose HDMI connection is the single most common cause of error 270. The fix is often this simple.
Try a different HDMI port on your TV. Most TVs have 2-4 HDMI inputs. Plug the Roku into a different one and change the TV input source to match. If error 270 disappears on the new port, the original port has an issue.

Also try updating your TV's input label — some TVs restrict HDCP 2.2 to specific HDMI ports (often labeled 'HDCP 2.2' or 'UHD' in the TV settings).
If you have any device between the Roku and the TV — such as an HDMI splitter, HDMI switch, soundbar, or AV receiver — try connecting the Roku directly to the TV, bypassing all intermediate devices. If the error disappears, one of those middle devices is not HDCP 2.2 compliant.

HDCP 2.2 is required for 4K content. Many older HDMI splitters and AV receivers only support HDCP 1.4 and will block 4K streams.
Try a different HDMI cable. Not all HDMI cables are built equally — cheaper cables sometimes cannot maintain the signal integrity needed for HDCP. Use a cable that is labeled 'High Speed HDMI' or 'Premium High Speed HDMI.' For 4K content you need at least a High Speed cable rated for 18Gbps bandwidth.

Cable length matters too. Very long HDMI cables (over 15 feet) can degrade the signal enough to fail HDCP. Use the shortest cable practical.
If error 270 only appears on 4K or HDR content but not on standard HD content, go to Roku Settings > Display Type and manually set the output to 1080p instead of 4K. This bypasses HDCP 2.2 requirements. Your content will play in HD quality instead of 4K, but at least it will play while you troubleshoot the HDCP 2.2 chain.

This is a useful workaround if you need to keep watching while waiting for a new cable or device to arrive.

When to Call a Professional

Error 270 is almost always solvable without professional help. If you have replaced the HDMI cable, tried different ports, and removed any splitters with no improvement, the HDMI port on your TV may be defective. TV HDMI port repair costs $150-$300 at a shop. For an older TV, buying a new TV may make more economic sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HDCP and why do I need it?

HDCP stands for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection. It is copy protection technology built into HDMI. Streaming services and Hollywood studios require it before they allow high-quality video to be sent over HDMI. Think of it like a handshake your TV and streaming device must complete before the movie is allowed to play. You cannot disable it — it is required to watch premium streaming content.

Does error 270 mean my Roku is broken?

Almost certainly not. Error 270 is about the connection between the Roku and the TV, not the Roku itself. The vast majority of error 270 cases are caused by the HDMI cable or a device in the HDMI chain. If your Roku works fine after re-seating the cable or trying a different port, it is in perfect working order.

Why does error 270 only happen with certain movies or shows?

Some content requires HDCP 2.2 (the newer, stricter version) while other content only requires HDCP 1.4. Typically 4K and HDR content requires HDCP 2.2. HD content can often be delivered with HDCP 1.4. So if your HDMI setup supports HDCP 1.4 but not 2.2, you will only get error 270 when trying to watch 4K or premium content — regular HD shows will play fine.