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DRM-protected streams do not play

A DRM-protected (encrypted) stream plays only when three things come together:

1. The provider gives the keys. The DRM type and the license key or license server address must come with the channel. How a playlist does it: see the M3U format (the #KODIPROP:inputstream.adaptive.* lines) and the OTC format. If the playlist has no keys, only your provider can add them.
2. The channel plays with Use hardware codecs. Only the hardware codecs can decrypt. The system codec, software VLC and external players get no license data. Switch the codec in the player menu, see Choosing a codec.
3. The device supports the DRM type.

“DRM protection is not supported by this device”

When the app shows, for example, Widevine: DRM protection is not supported by this device (or PlayReady: ..., ClearKey: ...), your device has no support for this DRM type in its firmware. Changing codecs or settings in the app does not help; only another device does.

• PlayReady is missing on nearly all Android devices.
• Widevine is missing on many cheap boxes and in emulators.

Other cases

• The channel starts but shows a black screen, or reports that none of the tracks are playable: the keys may be wrong or expired. Check them with your provider.
• Some channels of the same provider play and others do not: they may use different DRM types, or only some are encrypted.
• DRM-protected channels cannot be recorded: the app says This channel is protected (DRM) and cannot be recorded.