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My old devices could mirror protected content playing on the screen, while my new ones can't. Why?

Grace
Googler
Googler

Disclaimer: This thread was migrated from our previous version of the Google Nest Community.  You can continue to receive updates on your thread issue here or simply ask, browse or more in the new Google Nest Community. 

Original Poster: Dr. V. Sharma

I had Samsung Galaxy Note 5, Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) and Samsung Tab A 8.0 (2017). Whilemirroringscreen, even protected content, like Netflix could be played on Chromecast (Not with the cast option in Netflix app, just simple screen mirroring from Google Home app), like just opening Netflix on mobile/tab and whatever I played on mobile's/tab's screen was visible on my TV Screen (Chromecast).I did not have to use any special "cast" button from the app. Similarly, I used to mirror screen and take my lectures on the DS Classes app and the screen would have been perfectly clear, like on my device. It did not have any "cast" button hovering on the top corners or somewhere, it just worked. Now, I have newer devices - Micromax In Note 1 (It runs on Stock android), Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018), OnePlus 7T and Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, and I can't do the same with them. I can't mirror protected content, anymore, just bymirroringthe screen, and opening the app and playing video on mobile/tab. Now, a black screen appears on both Netflix and DS Classes app, sound works though. The only difference I could notice - newer devices have an in-built option ofcasting/mirroringscreen(Miracast, I believe, is what it's called?) but old ones don't. They still run on Android 7, same and Android 8 respectively while the newer devices run on Android 10, Android 11, same, same and same, again, respectively. Any idea as to what could be the reason behind it? I just need to take my lectures on a bigger screen, that's all. 

For those who are experiencing a déjà vu, yes, I have brought this problem before, too, but that was before I learnt the difference between
"mirroring" and "casting", and nobody actually understood my issue. Hope water's under the bridge. Apologies from my end. 


Thanks for your help in advance.
2 REPLIES 2

Jeran
Community Specialist
Community Specialist

Hey there Dr. V. Sharma,

 

I'm sorry that we weren't able to answer your question in the past, hopefully I am able to answer your question right now! Now, when it comes to screen mirroring, certain applications, such as Disney+ and Netflix, use a DRM API to detect if you're mirroring your screen and prevent the media from being displayed/played. It varies from app to app, but it is on the specific application developer's end. I also know it varies from different types of Android devices and versions, so it may work on one Android, but not another. Sadly, I don't have too many details since it isn't Google's software preventing the function. I also know that many of those apps that prevent the mirror do allow normal casting instead.

 

I hope that answers your question, and please let me know if you had anymore, I'm always happy to help!

 

Best regards,

Jeran

DrVSharma1
Community Member

Hi! Thanks for the help. Yeah, my old devices used to run on Android 7.1, 7.1 and 9, respectively, while all the new devices run on Android 11. If that's the reason, then that must be it. Thanks, again. However, I do need to ask something. If those apps don't work when mirroring screens, does it mean that they won't work with a USB-C to HDMI cable, either? Please do tell me if there is any info about it. Thanks.