ESPN/Apple TV issue: playback could not be started/authorization failed - HELP!!

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Level 1

11 points

ESPN/Apple TV issue: playback could not be started/authorization failed - HELP!!

I like to use the ESPN app via AppleTV. However, every few days, I receive this message when I attempt to access content on ESPN:

Playback Could Not Be Started

Authorization failed. If you are receiving this in error, please log out from you provider and try again.

In the past I've done as instructed and logged out of my provider both within the ESPN settings on AppleTV. I've also logged out of my provider through my AppleTV settings. I've also tried uninstalling and reinstalling the ESPN app. I've tried restarting the AppleTV.

One or two of these solutions has worked in the past, but not anymore. It's so odd - if I were to use the ESPN app on AppleTV everyday, I don't think this would be an issue, but if I go a few days without using the ESPN app, then I have to jump through one or more hoops to gain access to my content.

Any ideas?

DirecTV is my provider. Xfinity is my internet provider.

Apple TV HD, tvOS 15

Posted on Aug 6, 2021 7:06 AM

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Answer 1

mario49

Community Specialist

Aug 7, 2021 8:53 AM in response to budpaul

Hi budpaul,

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!

We are happy to help with the issue you are having with being asked to log out and back in when you access your ESPN app. Does this happen with any other apps that are also being used by your service provider? Could you test other apps? Do you have another TV that you can test as well with the same ESPN app to see if the same thing happens?

You might want to update your Apple TV. Learn how to Update your Apple TV here.

Cheers!

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Answer 2

jeremy_v

Community Specialist

Aug 10, 2021 10:12 AM in response to budpaul

Hi budpaul,

Thank you for your follow up. Great to hear other apps are working as expected. It sounds like there is something going on with the ESPN app. You might want to check for available updates for the app. You might also want to check with ESPN to see if anyone else is experiencing anything similar. Learn How to contact an app developer here. And as mentioned previously, you might want to test the app on a different TV, or maybe test your Apple TV on a different TV using the ESPN app and see if the same thing happens.

Hope that helps!

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Answer 3

Sep 20, 2021 6:44 PM in response to budpaul

I have the same issue. Put my apple TV box to 3 different tvs. Used my fiber internet with ethernet and wifi.

Signed out of tv provider and eaon account. Uninstalled espn. Restarted the app. Reinstalled the espn app. Didn't sign into my account or tv provider and get the error playback could not be started. If I sign into my tv provider I get the no content avalible error.

This is not a hardware issue. My iPad does the same thing when signed into my account or tv provider or whether I'm signed out of it.

I can watch espn on my Samsung s21 perfectly fine.

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Answer 4

budpaul Author

Level 1

11 points

Aug 8, 2021 3:38 PM in response to mario49

No, ESPN is the only app that must consistently be “refreshed” if not in use every few days. Off the top of my head, I can say that netflix, Disney+, peacock, Amazon prime, and HBO max all function with no issue. Probably a few others that are fine as well. Just ESPN.

(My subscription is through Verizon as part of a bundle with Hulu and Disney+.)

AppleTV is automatically updated.

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ESPN/Apple TV issue: playback could not be started/authorization failed - HELP!!

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