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How to fix Disney Plus Error Code 83 and related errors on your streaming device, phone, or computer

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  • Disney Plus Error Code 83 means the app thinks you're using an "incompatible" device.
  • Restarting both your device and Disney Plus can be an easy fix for the error code.
  • You should also check that your device is updated and that you're using the correct method to watch.

There are few things more frustrating than a confusing error code. Every company uses a different naming system for them, it's never clear what the error means, and they seem to pop up at the worst times.

On Disney Plus, one of the most common error codes is "Error Code 83." This one signals that Disney Plus thinks you're using an "incompatible" device — in other words, it thinks you're trying to watch on a device that can't actually run the app. 

This is probably meant to be an anti-piracy measure, but glitches mean that you can run into it even on the right devices. Luckily, assuming you are using a compatible device, there are a few quick ways to fix Error Code 83. Here's what you should do.

Check your internet connection

Like most streaming apps, you need a strong internet connection to watch Disney Plus smoothly. And unfortunately, a spotty internet connection can trick Disney Plus into thinking that there's an issue with your device, which will trigger Error Code 83.

If you're using a wireless internet connection, try to strengthen the signal by resetting your router, moving the router closer to your streaming device, turning off other internet-connected devices, or simply connecting to a new signal. 

If you're using a computer, game console, or compatible streaming device, you can also connect to an ethernet cable instead.

Restart Disney Plus and your device

You've heard the old adage: "Turn it off and back on again." This is still one of the best troubleshooting tips you can find.

First, shut down Disney Plus. Here's how: 

  • On a game console or streaming device, just close the app.
  • On a phone, swipe up from the very bottom of the screen to open the list of running apps, then swipe Disney Plus off the screen.
  • On a computer, exit your web browser.
Fully shut down the app, don't just exit it. Disney; William Antonelli/Insider

Then, open Disney Plus again and try watching something.

If that doesn't work, you should turn your device off and back on again.

Following that, if you're using your phone, game console, or streaming device, uninstall Disney Plus and re-download it.

Quick tip: Some users have claimed that switching to another Disney Plus account can help fix the problem too, so if you have another account, consider trying this.

Update your device and the app

Disney Plus has been around for a few years now and runs on all sorts of devices. If you haven't updated your device in a while, Disney Plus might not support it anymore.

You can update your device through the Settings menu. If the device you're using is so old that you can't install updates, you should consider buying a new one.

You'll also want to make sure that the Disney Plus app itself is updated. Here's how: 

  • On a game console or streaming device, highlight the Disney Plus app on your home screen and press the options button on your remote.
  • On a phone, head to the iPhone's App Store or the Android Play Store.
  • On a computer, there's no Disney Plus app, but you can update your web browser by clicking the three dots or lines in the top-right corner. You might need to open the browser's Settings menu, too.
Most devices should install these updates automatically, but it never hurts to check. Roku; William Antonelli/Insider

Make sure you're watching with the right method

Disney Plus supports a variety of different devices. But each of these devices has a specific way to watch Disney Plus.

For example, if you're using your iPhone or Android, make sure that you're using the official Disney Plus app. Trying to watch through a web browser won't work.

On a computer, third-party Disney Plus apps are unreliable. Instead, use a web browser to go straight to the Disney Plus website.

Quick tip: If you think your device might not be supported, you can check on Disney's help site.

Disney Plus related errors 

There are other error codes that can appear on Disney Plus that you might come across. Those include:

  • Error code 42: This is usually caused by an unstable or weak internet connection.
  • Error code 73: This is typically due to using a VPN while streaming. 
  • Error codes 91 and 92: These are often caused by repeated failed logins or payment updates. 
  • Error code 142: Another weak or slow internet error. 
Tech Reporter for Insider Reviews William Antonelli (he/she/they) is a writer, editor, and organizer based in New York City. As a founding member of the Reference team, he helped grow Tech Reference (now part of Insider Reviews) from humble beginnings into a juggernaut that attracts over 20 million visits a month. Outside of Insider, his writing has appeared in publications like Polygon, The Outline, Kotaku, and more. He's also a go-to source for tech analysis on channels like Newsy, Cheddar, and NewsNation. You can find him on Twitter @DubsRewatcher, or reach him by email at wantonelli@businessinsider.com. Read more Read less Devon Delfino is a Brooklyn-based freelance journalist specializing in personal finance, culture, politics, and identity. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue, Business Insider, and CNBC. Follow her on Twitter at @devondelfino. Read more Read less

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

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Martina Birk

Update: 2024-07-05