DRM: License request failed with HTTP status 401

[Bambi]

I get the same error after streaming DSTV NOW. The appearance of the error appears "randomly". I never used to have this issue. It started last week.

Stopping and starting the cast with a refresh on the page only sometimes helps, but then occurs 15min into the stream.

This has started in the last few weeks. And don't try provide an irrelevant answer of clearing my cache etc. That is not a solution nor does it resolve the issue REPEATEDLY occurring.

This occurs from two different browsers or an app on Android. Its not a browser issue so cache clearing won't help.

[Bambi]

in addition: why did you "google" CLOSE and not move the previous post: https://support.google.com/chromecast/thread/112827265/google-chromecast?hl=en&msgid=112827265

your words: "We've moved! Check out our community and ask a question at googlenestcommunity.com"

[Jeran]

Hey there Bambi,

I'm sorry about the slow response time, thank you for your patience! Let me ask you some questions about this error, so we can dig a little deeper:

• What model of Chromecast do you have?
• Is your Chromecast's firmware up-to-date?
• Is your Google Home app up-to-date?
• Is this issue only occurring with DStv or has does it occur with other apps/websites?

The odd thing is that the HTTP status 401 is a client-side error where you're unauthorized to access the content because you lack authentication credentials. If the issue is occurring across multiple applications, the issue may lie in the Chromecast or Wi-Fi network. However, if the issue is isolated to DStv, there may be an issue with how they are delivering the resources to the Chromecast.

As for your second question about the thread not being migrated, not every thread from the original community was migrated over if they weren't large/new enough.

I look forward to your response, If you had any other questions or concerns for me, please let me know!

Best regards,

Jeran

[Bambi]

Hi Jeran,

thanks for taking the time but no you can't close it off as the related link / post discloses all the details you require and more.

Since the changes at Google, the casting keeps failing as per my post and many others - still not resolved.

The related thread was closed because it had been migrated here: but still no resolution for either thread.

Product: ChromeCast gen 2 (latest build)

Function: casting from device or web browser (Chrome Version 93.0.4577.63 (Official Build) (x86_64)

• Model: Gen 2 and latest firmware (completed a factory reset and then update)
• Not interacting with Google Home
• DSTV is the main one that experiences this issue: however there are other faults we've picked up with ChromeCast and Spotify from desktops but not phone apps. (another app issue)

Problem: fails constantly during playback with a 401 error when there aren't any communication issues to be had.

[Jeran]

Hey there Bambi,

I checked with a higher tier of support and there is no known issue with an HTTP 401 error, as the reports we found have it relate to DSTV. It would be best to contact DSTV's support team, as the issue most likely lies on their end. If you have experienced this particular issue with other applications, please let me know. 

I'm sorry I couldn't be more help. If you had any other questions, please let me know.

Best regards,

Jeran

[Jeran]

Hey there,

Did you have any more questions or need any additional help? If not, I'll go ahead and lock up this thread in 24 hours.

Just checking up,

Jeran

[Jeran]

Hey there!

We haven't heard back from Bambi, and it's been a few days, so I'm locking the thread. As always, feel free to make a new thread if you have any more questions or concerns.

Have a good one!

Best regards,

Jeran