Apple TV app issues

I'm having a couple issues with my Apple TV app on my MacBook Air. First I can't seem to download purchased movies anymore and second when I try to play downloaded movies I get an HDCP error. I have played these movies before so I don't understand why they won't play anymore. I've tried deauthorizing and reauthorizing my computer and even booted in safe mode with no help. I would appreciate any help to get this app working. Thanks

MacBook Air

Posted on Sep 17, 2022 9:49 AM

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7 replies

Sep 27, 2022 12:02 PM in response to Spiritbear59

Spiritbear59,


Is your Mac up to date running the latest macOS available for your model? Needing to install an update can cause your Mac and it's native apps to behave unexpectedly.


To update your Mac,


  1. Go to the Apple menu (  ) > System Preferences
  2. Select Software Updates
  3. Tap update


Check out more information here: Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support


Have a good one!


Sep 25, 2022 6:00 AM in response to Spiritbear59

Hi Spiritbear59,


Great troubleshooting so far. Next, try the following from If you can't watch or stream movies and TV shows in the Apple TV app - Apple Support which addresses this issue specifically.


"If the movie or TV show won't start playing

After each step, try to stream or download the movie or TV show again.

  1. Check the System Status page for service interruptions or check a third-party provider's website for any interruptions. If there are service interruptions, try to stream or watch the video later.
  2. If you're having trouble signing in with your Apple ID, you can reset your Apple ID password or learn how to get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication.
  3. If your cellular connection is poor, connect to Wi-Fi instead.*
  4. Try watching on a different device using the same Wi-Fi or cellular connection. If it doesn't work, contact your internet service provider to see if there's an issue with your network.
  5. If other people are using Apple TV+ or Apple TV channels, make sure it doesn't exceed the limits for streaming on multiple devices."


Authorizing the Mac was a good idea since as mentioned in Download and stream shows and movies from Apple TV+ and Apple TV channels - Apple Support, there are device limits. If the same continues, try these steps from Authorize or deauthorize your computer for iTunes Store purchases - Apple Support to see if there are devices that might need to be deauthorized as well.


"See how many computers are authorized

  1. Open the Apple Music app or Apple TV app.
  2. Choose Account > Account Settings.
  3. Sign in with your Apple ID and password. Forgot your Apple ID?
  4. At the top of your Account Information page, look next to Computer Authorizations to see how many computers are authorized."


Take care.

Sep 20, 2022 4:49 PM in response to Spiritbear59

Thanks for posting in the Apple Support Communities Spiritbear59,


You mentioned seeing an HDCP error when trying to play movies, and being unable to download movies. Are you encountering the same playback issues with both devices?


What happens when you try to download a movie? Are you seeing the same error, or encountering something else?


Regarding the HDCP message you're seeing, what exactly does the error or message say? Are you playing the movie directly on your MacBook Air's display, or do you have it connected to a monitor or TV?


To play HDCP content on an external display, HDCP playback requires an HDCP compatible display.


The following page provides additional information that may be helpful: Connect to HDMI from your Mac


Should you need further assistance, providing additional information and details can increase the chances of getting a specific, relevant, and helpful response from the community.


Cheers!

Sep 24, 2022 2:56 PM in response to mikeg28806

Hello, Thanks for the reply.


First I'm trying to download and play movies on my MacBook Air only. My problem has changed slightly, first I was getting an HDCP error when I tried to play movies I had already download and played, now I get a small spinning color wheel and then nothing. I can't download movies at all, I had been able to steam some movies, but it appears I can't do that now either. My MacBook is only about a year old. It is an M1 device. I've had issues with the apple TV app in the past, but without knowing what changed for awhile I was able to download and play movies. This issue restarted about 3 months ago. Thanks

Sep 27, 2022 11:52 AM in response to faith185

Hello, Thanks for your input. I may have found the issue. It appears I can't authorize my computer. I signed into my apple ID and verified I was logged in and then tried to Authorized my computer. Next I tried to changed something in the Apple TV app and got a message "Your Computer is not Authorized". I have tried to reauthorize and even deauthorize my computer several times with not luck. I even went into my Account settings and deauthorized all computers and tried again. I have rebooted several times in the middle of all this. I also changed my password for my apple ID. At this time I can log into my Apple ID with my computer and Iphone, but can't Authorize my computer. When I go through the authorization process it appears to take my password, at least I don't get anything telling me it failed. Not sure where to go from here? Thanks

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