How to Fix Disney Plus 401 Error (Easy Steps)

If you’ve ever settled in for a relaxing evening of streaming only to be greeted with the dreaded Disney Plus 401 Error, you’re not alone. This error can be frustrating, especially when you’re ready to dive into your favorite Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, or Pixar content. But don’t worry — this guide will walk you through what causes the Disney Plus 401 error and, most importantly, how to fix it quickly and easily.

What is the Disney Plus 401 Error? 

The 401 Error on Disney Plus generally means “Unauthorized Access.”

It’s the streaming service’s way of telling you that your request (usually trying to access content or log in) could not be authenticated. In simpler terms, Disney Plus doesn’t recognize your login session or thinks you don’t have permission to view the content.

The error message might look like:

• “Error Code 401: Unauthorized”
• “401 – Access Denied”
• Or simply a blank screen with a 401 code.

🤔 Common Causes of Disney Plus 401 Error

Understanding why this error occurs can help fix it faster. The most common reasons include:

• ✅ Expired Login Session: Your session may have timed out or become invalid.
• ✅ Incorrect Login Credentials: Typos in your email or password can trigger the error.
• ✅ VPN or Proxy Issues: Using a VPN that Disney Plus blocks or detects may result in a 401 error.
• ✅ Outdated App Version: Older versions of the Disney Plus app may lack proper authentication protocols.
• ✅ Corrupted Cache or Cookies: Stored data might conflict with the latest server information.
• ✅ Network Problems: Poor or unstable internet connections can cause access issues.
• ✅ Account Issues: If your account has been flagged, suspended, or breached, Disney may block access.

How To Fix Disney Plus 401 Error (Easy Steps)

Now that you know the potential culprits, let’s move on to simple, effective solutions.

🔹 1️⃣ Refresh the Page or Restart the App

Sometimes, the easiest fix is the most effective. If you’re on a browser — press F5 or the refresh icon. On the app — close it completely and reopen it.

✅ Why it works: Refreshing resets the request and can re-establish authorization.

🔹 2️⃣ Log Out and Log Back In

A quick re-login can often clear the 401 error.

Steps:

1. Log out of your Disney Plus account on all devices.
2. Close the app/browser.
3. Open Disney Plus again.
4. Enter your email and password carefully and log back in.

✅ Why it works: This resets your session and ensures the server recognizes your credentials.

🔹 3️⃣ Check for App or Browser Updates 🔄

Make sure you are using the latest version of the Disney Plus app or your web browser.

Steps:

• Go to your device’s app store and check for Disney Plus updates.
• If streaming via browser, update Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge to the latest version.

✅ Why it works: Older versions may have outdated security certificates or bugs causing access denial.

🔹 4️⃣ Clear Cache and Cookies

Old or corrupted cache/cookies can prevent proper communication with Disney’s servers.

Steps (for browser users):

1. Open browser settings.
2. Find Privacy & Security.
3. Click Clear Browsing Data.
4. Select Cache and Cookies.
5. Restart the browser.

Steps (for app users):

• Go to your device’s Settings > Apps > Disney Plus > Storage > Clear Cache & Data.

✅ Why it works: Fresh cache ensures updated information exchange between your device and Disney servers.

🔹 5️⃣ Check Your Login Credentials 🔑

Double-check your email and password. Even a minor typo can trigger the 401 error.

If you’ve forgotten your password:

1. Click Forgot Password? on the login page.
2. Follow the steps to reset it.

✅ Why it works: Correct credentials are essential for authorization.

🔹 6️⃣ Disable VPN or Proxy (If Used)

Disney Plus actively blocks VPNs that it suspects of bypassing regional restrictions.

Steps:

1. Disconnect from your VPN or proxy.
2. Restart your device.
3. Try logging into Disney Plus again.

✅ Why it works: Removing VPNs/proxies restores direct access from your actual location, reducing the chance of a 401 error.

👉 Note: If you rely on a VPN for privacy or accessing another country’s Disney Plus library, make sure to use a premium VPN like ExpressVPN that bypasses Disney’s VPN blocks reliably.

🔹 7️⃣ Test Your Internet Connection 🌐

A weak or unstable internet connection might lead to authentication errors.

Steps:

1. Run a speed test (sites like speedtest.net).
2. Restart your router or modem.
3. If possible, switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet for a stable connection.

✅ Why it works: Stable, fast internet ensures uninterrupted communication with Disney Plus servers.

🔹 8️⃣ Reinstall the Disney Plus App

If none of the above steps work, a fresh app install may solve the problem.

Steps:

1. Uninstall the Disney Plus app from your device.
2. Restart the device.
3. Download and install the latest version of the app.

✅ Why it works: Reinstallation removes corrupted files and ensures a clean, updated app environment.

🔹 9️⃣ Check Disney Plus Server Status 🔎

Sometimes, the issue isn’t on your end.

Steps:

• Visit sites like downdetector.com or check Disney Plus’s official social media pages for outage updates.
• If servers are down, wait for Disney to resolve the issue.

✅ Why it works: If the problem is server-side, none of the local fixes will work until Disney restores service.

🔹 🔟 Contact Disney Plus Support

If you’ve tried all the above and still see the 401 error:

Steps:

1. Visit the Disney Plus Help Center.
2. Use the Chat option or call customer support.
3. Provide error details, your device, and troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried.

✅ Why it works: Direct support can pinpoint account-specific or device-specific problems.

Can a VPN Cause or Fix Disney Plus 401 Errors?

Yes, VPNs can sometimes cause the 401 error, especially if Disney blocks the IP address provided by the VPN.

However, a high-quality VPN like ExpressVPN can actually help if:

• You are traveling and want to access your home country’s Disney Plus library.
• You’re in a country where Disney Plus is not available.

Other Error Codes on Disney Plus

Apart from the Disney Plus 401 error, there are several other issues that people might come across. One should always have an idea what these codes stand for and why the issues might be occurring through the display of such codes.

Some of the codes which are commonly displayed on the platform of Disney Plus are mentioned below.

• Code 39 occurs due to your data being corrupted or due to support issues.
• Error code 73 arises due to Disney Plus being unavailable in your region. For such issues people can opt for the use of VPN networks.
• Error code 83 generally is displayed due to your device being incompatible or browser being out of date.
• Code 90 occurs when there is a connectivity or log in issue on the platform of Disney Plus.
• Code 93 is displayed when some suspicious activity occurs over your Disney Plus profile and the platform becomes skeptical about your use of the platform.

These are some of the codes that people have noticed being displayed on the platform of Disney Plus app which can be resolved easily with some of the steps which are mentioned above in the article.

FAQs

✅ Conclusion

The Disney Plus 401 Error can disrupt your streaming experience, but in most cases, it’s easy to fix. Whether it’s a simple cache clear, a login reset, or updating your app, following the step-by-step solutions above should have you back to watching your favorite shows and movies in no time.

And remember — if you often use VPNs for accessing Disney Plus while traveling, always opt for a trusted, premium VPN to minimize disruptions.