Disney+ is one of the most popular video streaming services available, but it doesn't always work how it should. There's nothing more frustrating than being unable to use your Disney+ account because of common bugs and issues.
This guide will detail all the steps you can take to resolve any problems you're experiencing with streaming Disney+ across any of your devices.
1. General Tips to Fix Disney+ Issues
Most of the issues you'll face while trying to stream Disney+ come from the app itself, your device, or your internet connection.
As a result, here are some general tips to fix common Disney+ problems in minutes. Try each of them, in turn, to see if it fixes the problem.
- Restart your TV, streaming device, computer, or phone.
- Close and re-open the Disney+ app.
- Restart your router.
- Check for internet problems or improve your slow or unstable Wi-Fi connection.
- Update the Disney+ app.
- Uninstall and reinstall the Disney+ app.
- Check for updates to your TV or streaming device.
- Use Downdetector's Disney+ page to see if Disney+ is down.
If this didn't work, keep reading for specific tips and a list of common Disney+ error codes and what they mean.
2. "Unable to Connect" Error Message
A frequent Disney+ problem is seeing an "unable to connect" error. It means your device or browser failed to connect to the server.
This typically happens because Disney+ is overloaded with too many users trying to access it at once. Other times, it's because you opened the app too quickly before your device could establish an internet connection. This problem typically fixes itself within a few minutes. Close the app, wait a minute or two, and then try again.
3. The Disney+ App Keeps Crashing
Does your Disney+ app keep crashing? The first step is to restart the Disney+ app and the device you're watching on.
If the problem persists, check for updates for Disney+ or update your device. Finally, if you still have no luck, uninstall and reinstall the Disney+ app. If you still can't get the app to work after doing all of that, then your best bet is to head to the Disney+ Help Center or call tech support.
4. You See Error Code 39 and Error Code 83
Two of the most common Disney+ error codes are error code 39 and error code 83.
Error code 39 means that the video you are trying to watch cannot be viewed at this time. This could be a regional availability issue. Depending on where you live, some content may be unavailable or come and go depending on the time of year.
Also, error code 39 can often happen when you try to stream Disney+ with the Xbox app. As a first step, try rebooting your Xbox. It also helps to start the stream on another device and then "continue watching" on your Xbox.
Error code 83 is another common issue. This error happens when you're using mobile data to stream instead of Wi-Fi or when iPhone or Android users are connected to a hotspot. If possible, the best solution is to connect to Wi-Fi.
5. Other Common Disney+ Error Codes
You may see several other error codes, and most are related to streaming rights issues. This means the content you're trying to watch is no longer available, out of rotation, or unavailable where you live.
Some of those include error code 11, error code 15, error code 29, error code 35, error code 36, error code 41, and error code 44.
These errors can also sometimes happen due to internet problems. If you're confident that the content should be viewable in your region, restart the app and try again.
Error code 22 is a good thing, as that means the Disney+ parental controls are working and blocking age-restricted content. If you get sick of hearing the kids complain, you can turn it off in settings, but then they can access any show or movie.
Error code 31 tells you that the app has trouble verifying your location. This is because your device location settings are disabled, or you're trying to use a VPN to watch content. Sometimes this happens in a hotel or if you use public Wi-Fi. Most VPNs work, but some don't, so you'll want to try the best VPNs with a free trial period.
Error code 43 means you previously put a movie or show on your watchlist, but now it's no longer available to stream. You will either need to wait for it to return or remove it from your watchlist.
Error code 86 sounds awful: "We’re sorry; this account has been blocked." However, it could be anything from a payment issue, a password problem, or, potentially, the account got hacked or compromised. Reach out to Disney support to get it resolved.
6. Lagging and Buffering Videos
Lagging and buffering videos is not the way to enjoy yourself, so you'll likely want to get this fixed, particularly if you know that your internet is fine.
Firstly, if your video is lagging or buffering, you should take an internet speed test using Ookla's Speedtest web page or a suitable alternative.
Depending on the speed test results, you can deduce that it's a problem with Disney+, particularly if your connection is fine on other websites. In this case, you should try clearing your browser cache if you're on the web and try again. If the problem still persists, you'll want to contact Disney+ support.
7. Change or Reset Your Disney+ Password
At some point, you may need to change your Disney+ password. Here's how you do that.
- Open the Disney+ app or visit disneyplus.com.
- On the app, tap your profile icon on the bottom bar. On the web app, hover over your profile in the top right corner.
- Go to Account.
- Select Change Password.
- Enter your current password.
- Enter your new password.
- Once completed, select Save.
The process is the same for almost any device, whether the app, Apple TV, PS5, or more. You will receive an email confirming the change.
8. You Can’t Find the Profile Icon You Want
You've gone on Disney+ and tried to change your profile icon to your new favorite Disney character, but it's not there. You know it's on the app, but it isn't showing up anywhere.
When you encounter this, it usually means another profile on your account already uses that icon. Unfortunately, Disney+ only allows one profile to use an icon at a time, so you'll have to hash it out with whoever's using it. Of course, if you're the account holder, you can always play the power move and demand the other person switches profile icons for you.
9. Disney+ Is “Not Available in Your Region”
Disney+ is popular worldwide, but it isn't available in every region. At the time of writing, countries like Syria, Uganda, Bangladesh, and others are still waiting for the service to become available. So if you're in a country where the service is available in your region, the "not available in your region" error message can be annoying.
Usually, this Disney+ issue results from using a VPN, which is using a server in one of the countries where the service isn't available. If you encounter this issue, change your VPN server to a country where it is available, and it should go away. If it doesn't, or you don't use a VPN but are in a country where the service is available, you should contact Disney+ support.
10. Disney+ Shows a Blank Screen
A number of users online have reported encountering a black screen issue when they try to use Disney+. This can be infuriating, but usually, there is a good reason for it. Assuming you haven't got any internet issues, this is usually the result of a content filter, proxy accelerator, or pop-up blocker interfering.
Try to disable anything like that and try the service again. Double check it isn't your internet, and if the issue persists, you may want to contact support.
Is Your Disney+ Working Again?
These are the most common problems or error codes people experience on Disney+. If you still need help, browse the Disney+ Help Center, which contains helpful articles and ways to contact the support team.
Alternatively, if you still can't fix the problem and are sick of Disney+, it might be time to look for an alternative streaming service.