How to Turn on DRM on Chrome (Enable Widevine & Fix Protected Content Playback)

This guide explains how to turn on DRM on Chrome so you can play protected content without errors. Many desktop or mobile users encounter black screens or playback failures when DRM is disabled or outdated. By enabling DRM, Chrome can properly handle protected streams. If you also record streaming content, understanding DRM helps explain why recordings may appear blank or restricted.

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What Is DRM in Chrome and How It Works

DRM (Digital Rights Management) in Chrome protects copyrighted media, allowing streaming services to control playback on authorized devices. Services like Netflix and Disney+ use DRM technologies (such as Widevine) to encrypt video and prevent unauthorized copying.

When DRM is enabled, Chrome verifies permission before playing protected content. If DRM is disabled or outdated, streams may fail or show black screens. It does not affect regular websites or screenshots of non-protected content.

Enabling DRM simply allows Chrome to meet streaming requirements so videos play correctly. Understanding this helps explain why recording DRM-protected videos and streams is restricted and why playback errors often relate to DRM settings.

Why DRM May Be Disabled in Chrome

DRM can be turned off or malfunction for several reasons. An outdated Chrome version or a missing Widevine component often prevents protected playback. Some enterprise policies or browser settings may disable protected content.

If DRM is disabled, streaming services cannot verify permissions, resulting in playback errors. Keeping Chrome up to date and allowing protected content usually resolves the issue.

How to Check If DRM (Widevine) Is Enabled in Chrome

To verify DRM support in Chrome, you can check the Widevine component and protected content settings:

Step 1. Open Chrome and type chrome://components in the address bar, then press Enter.

Step 2. Scroll down until you find Widevine Content Decryption Module. Click Check for update and wait for it to finish. If the update completes successfully, Widevine is enabled.

Step 3. Go to chrome://settings/content/protectedContent and make sure Sites can play protected content is turned on. This allows streaming services to use DRM for playback.

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How to Turn on DRM on Chrome Desktop

DRM settings on desktop ensure Chrome can play protected streams from services that require content protection. The steps are simple and do not affect normal browsing. Follow the instructions for your operating system.

Windows

To enable DRM on Chrome for Windows:

Step 1. Open Chrome and go to chrome://settings/content/protectedContent.

Step 2. Turn on Sites can play protected content under Default beahavior.

Step 3. Visit chrome://components, find Widevine Content Decryption Module, and click Check for update.

Step 4. Once updated, restart Chrome. This allows DRM-protected streams to play correctly.

Mac

On macOS, the process is similar:

Step 1. Open Chrome and navigate to chrome://settings/content/protectedContent.

Step 2. Enable Sites can play protected content.

Step 3. Open chrome://components, update the Widevine Content Decryption Module, and restart the browser. This ensures DRM functionality for streaming services.

Chromebook

Chromebooks usually support DRM by default, but settings can be checked:

Step 1. Go to chrome://settings/content/protectedContent and confirm that protected content playback is allowed.

Step 2. If streaming still fails, update Chrome and the device system software. Chromebooks rely on DRM to play licensed media properly.

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How to Enable DRM on Chrome Android

On Android, DRM support is usually enabled by default so streaming apps and websites can play protected content. If streams show errors or black screens, checking Chrome's protected content setting can help. The steps are quick and do not require advanced configuration.

To enable DRM on Chrome for Android:

Step 1. Open Chrome and tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.

Step 2. Go to Settings > Site settings.

Step 3. Tap Protected content.

Step 4. Make sure you select Allowed - Allow sites to play protected content (recommended).

Step 5. Restart Chrome and try streaming again.

If playback still fails, update Chrome from the Play Store and ensure your device's software is up to date. This allows Android Chrome to handle DRM-protected streams properly.

Can You Turn on DRM in Chrome on iPhone?

Chrome on iPhone cannot independently control DRM settings. iOS uses Apple's WebKit engine, and DRM support is managed by the system rather than the browser. Protected streams should play if the app or website supports DRM on iOS. There is no manual "DRM on/off" switch in Chrome for iPhone.

If playback fails, updating iOS or the streaming app often resolves compatibility issues.

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Why DRM Causes Black Screen When Recording in Chrome

DRM blocks screen capture on protected streams so recording tools show a black screen. This is not a bug—content providers use DRM to prevent unauthorized copying of licensed media. When you try to record Prime Video, Netflix, or similar services, Chrome hides the video layer, leaving only audio or a blank screen.

If you need to record content legally permitted, a dedicated recorder can help capture videos that are not subject to DRM restrictions. Tools like EaseUS RecExperts offer high-quality screen recording for non-protected content with simple controls. They do not bypass DRM but provide a reliable solution for general recording tasks. Understanding these limits helps you choose the right approach for screen capture while respecting content protection rules.

Chrome Protected Content Playback Settings FAQs

1. How to turn off DRM on Chrome？

You cannot fully disable DRM in Chrome because it is required for streaming services to play protected content.

However, you can control protected content playback settings. Go to chrome://settings/content/protectedContent and toggle Sites can play protected content off. This may prevent DRM streams from playing but does not affect regular browsing.

2. How to turn on DRM on Chrome incognito？

Incognito mode does not have separate settings for DRM. You cannot enable or change DRM specifically inside an incognito session. DRM settings are tied to your Chrome profile, so they must be configured in normal browsing mode under:chrome://settings/content/protectedContent

Once enabled in the profile, DRM works in both normal and incognito windows (if the site supports DRM playback).

3. How to turn on DRM on Chrome Mobile Samsung?

On Samsung devices using Chrome, DRM is usually enabled by default. If streaming fails, open Chrome and go to Settings → Site settings → Protected content. Enable Sites can play protected content and restart the browser. Updating Chrome and your device software can also resolve playback issues.

4. How to update Widevine in Chrome?

Widevine is the DRM component Chrome uses for protected streams. To update it, open Chrome and type chrome://components in the address bar. Find Widevine Content Decryption Module and click Check for update. After updating, restart Chrome so the new version takes effect.

5. Where is Chrome protected content playback settings?

Protected content settings are located in Chrome's privacy settings. Open Chrome and go to chrome://settings/content/protectedContent. Here you can allow or block sites from playing protected media. Enabling playback ensures streaming services can use DRM to deliver content correctly.