How to Fix Disney Plus Error Code 42 in 2024? [10 Solutions]

I can still remember that Friday night when I had finally decided to watch a movie on Disney+, only to be met with the dreaded Disney Plus Error Code 42. It was one of those moments where I felt completely lost and frustrated, as my weekend plans seemed headed for disaster. Thankfully, after some extensive research and trying out several methods, I managed to fix Disney Plus Error Code 42 and went on to enjoy a fantastic movie marathon.

In this blog post, we will walk down memory lane together as I discuss the possible reasons behind this error code and the solutions that helped me resolve it effectively. Whether you’ve faced this issue before or simply want to be prepared for the future, keep reading, and let me share my experience with you. Together, we shall overcome Error Code 42 in Disney Plus once and for all!

Also Read: How to Fix Disney Plus Error Code 21?

What Does Disney Plus Error Code 42 Mean?

In my experience, Disney Plus Error Code 42 typically indicates that there’s an issue with the connectivity between your device and the Disney+ streaming service. This error often rears its head when the app cannot maintain a stable connection with the servers, or it has trouble loading content due to poor network performance. It can occur on various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.

Sometimes, the issue might be temporary and could resolve itself after waiting for a few minutes. Other times, however, some action is required on your part to restore smooth streaming. The good news is that we have several solutions for fixing this problem – but first, let’s dive into what causes this dreaded error code to make an appearance in the first place.

How to Fix Disney Plus Error Code 42 in 2024?

1. Check for Disney+ Server Outages

Before jumping into other steps to fix Error Code 42, it’s important to rule out any server issues on the Disney+ end. There might be times when the streaming service’s servers are down or experiencing high traffic, which can lead to difficulty accessing content.

To check for possible outages or service disruptions, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit an outage detection website like Downdetector. This site provides real-time information about the performance and availability of various services, including Disney+.
2. Type in “Disney+” in the search bar and click on the corresponding result. You’ll be directed to a page with data regarding recent reports of issues with Disney+. This will give you a clear idea if there’s any ongoing outage or technical issue with the service.
3. Keep an eye on social media platforms such as Twitter or Facebook. Search for keywords like “Disney+ down” or “Disney+ not working” and see if others are facing similar issues. Oftentimes, users take to social media to report problems they encounter with various services, making it a valuable resource during troubleshooting.
4. If you notice significant complaints and reports regarding Disney+’s servers, then wait for a while before trying again. Server-related issues usually get resolved reasonably quickly by the service provider.

If there are no reported server outages and everything seems normal on their end, then it’s time to move forward with other possible solutions for troubleshooting Error Code 42 in your device environment.

2. Restart Your Device

Restarting your device can often resolve temporary communication glitches and refresh your connection with the Disney+ servers. Here’s how you can do it depending on the type of device you’re using:

For Smartphones and Tablets:

1. Android: Press and hold the power button, then tap on ‘Restart’ or ‘Power off’. Once the device is off, wait for 10 seconds and press the power button again to turn it back on.
2. iOS: Press and hold the side button (or side and volume buttons on some devices) until you see the slider appear on-screen, then slide it to turn off your iPhone or iPad. After about 10 seconds, press and hold the side button again to restart your device.

For Smart TVs and Streaming Devices:

1. Smart TVs: Unplug the TV from its power source, wait for about a minute, then plug it back in to restore power.
2. Streaming Devices (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, etc.): Unplug these devices from their power source for at least one minute before plugging them back in.

For Gaming Consoles:

1. PlayStation: Press and hold the ‘PS’ button, then select ‘Turn Off.’ Wait for a few seconds after shutdown before pressing the ‘PS’ button again to restart.
2. Xbox: Press and hold the ‘Xbox’ button on the console till it powers down completely. Wait around 30 seconds before pressing the button again to restart.

Once your device is up and running again, launch Disney+ to see if this simple fix resolves the error.

3. Update Your Disney+ App

One common contributor to Disney Plus Error Code 42 is an outdated version of the Disney+ app. App developers often release updates that fix bugs, and these updates are essential for maintaining smooth performance and avoiding errors. To ensure that you’re running the latest version, follow these steps:

For Android devices:

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Tap on the Menu (three horizontal lines in the top-left corner).
3. Select My Apps & Games.
4. Locate the Disney+ app in the list of installed apps.
5. If an update is available, tap on Update to download and install it.

For iOS devices:

1. Launch the App Store on your device.
2. Tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. Navigate to the Available Updates section.
4. Find the Disney+ app in this list.
5. If an update is present, tap on Update to download and install it.

Remember that updating your app not only helps resolve Error Code 42 but also provides several enhancements like improved stability and better user experience overall—so it’s always a good idea to keep your apps up-to-date.

Meanwhile, if you’re using a smart TV or gaming console to stream Disney+, ensure that you check for updates through their respective stores or settings menu as well.

By staying vigilant about updates, you’ll increase your chances of enjoying error-free streaming on Disney+.

4. Clear App Cache and Data (Android) or Reinstall the App (iOS)

Sometimes, cached data or cookies stored in the Disney+ app could be causing Error Code 42. By clearing the cache and data on Android devices or reinstalling the app on iOS devices, you can start afresh and potentially resolve the issue.

For Android devices

Follow these simple steps to clear the cache and data for Disney+ on Android:

1. Open the Settings menu on your device.
2. Tap on Apps & Notifications.
3. Scroll down and locate the Disney+ app, then tap on it.
4. Select Storage & Cache.
5. Tap on Clear Cache, followed by tapping on Clear Data.

Please note that clearing data will log you out of your account, so be sure to remember your login credentials before performing this action.

For iOS devices:

To reinstall Disney+ on an iOS device:

1. Locate the Disney+ app icon on your home screen.
2. Press and hold down on the icon until all apps start wiggling, revealing a minus (-) symbol or an ‘X’ next to each one.
3. Tap the minus sign (on newer iOS versions) or ‘X’ (on older ones) to delete/uninstall Disney+.
4. Open the App Store and search for Disney+ in it.
5. Install Disney+, then open it and log back in with your credentials.

5. Adjust The Device’s Time Settings

Incorrect time settings on your device may cause issues with Disney’s content delivery, leading to Error Code 42. To prevent this, make sure the time zone and date on your device are accurate. Here, I’ll guide you through how to adjust the time settings for Android, iOS, and smart TVs.

Android

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on System.
3. Under System, select Date & Time.
4. Disable Automatic date & time and Automatic time zone, if they are enabled.
5. Manually set the correct date, time, and timezone for your region.
6. Once completed, restart the Disney+ app and check if Error Code 42 is resolved.

iOS

1. Go to the Settings app on your iOS device.
2. Scroll down and tap on General.
3. Select Date & Time.
4. Toggle off the “Set Automatically” option.
5. Set the correct date and timezone manually for your region.
   6. Hit ‘Back’, then open the Disney+ app to see if Error Code 42 has been fixed.

Smart TVs

The process may vary depending on your TV’s brand or operating system but below are some general steps for adjusting your TV’s date &time settings:

1. Navigate to the Settings or Menu of your Smart TV (refer to your manual if needed).
2. Locate and select System, General, or Advanced Settings (depending on your TV model).
   3. Optionally, you may need to select a sub-menu like “Clock” or “Date/Time”
   4. Disable any option that says “Automatic” or “Internet Time”, if present
   5. Manually configure the date, time, and timezone according to where you live
   6. Once adjusted, restart your TV and check if the Disney Error Code 42 persists on the Disney+ app

By ensuring that your device’s time settings are accurate, you should be one step closer to rectifying Error Code 42 and enjoying seamless content on Disney+.

Also Read: How to Fix Disney Plus Error Code 92?

6. Verify Your Internet Connection and Speed

A stable and sufficiently fast internet connection is crucial for streaming content without any hiccups. Remember, sometimes the issue might not be with Disney+ itself but could instead be related to your internet setup. To ensure smooth streaming, follow these steps:

A. Check your Wi-Fi signal strength

Weak Wi-Fi signals can lead to poor streaming performance. Make sure you are in an area where the Wi-Fi signal is consistent and strong. You can verify this by checking the Wi-Fi signal strength indicator on your device.

B. Restart your router or modem

To refresh your internet connection, try unplugging your router or modem for at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in. Wait for a few minutes to allow the devices to properly reboot and establish a connection with your ISP.

C. Test with other devices

See if other devices connected to the same network are struggling with connectivity issues or slow speeds as well. This will help you identify if it’s an isolated problem or a widespread issue across multiple devices.

D. Run an internet speed test

Check whether you’re getting adequate internet speeds required for streaming by using websites like Speedtest or Fast.com on any of your connected devices. For optimal Disney+ performance, it is recommended that you have at least 5 Mbps for HD quality streams and 25 Mbps for Ultra HD/4K content.

E. Contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider)

If everything else seems fine but you consistently face connectivity problems, it’s time to get in touch with your ISP. They may be able to offer troubleshooting advice or even upgrade options that enhance performance.

Finally, remember that verifying the status of your internet connection and speed will enable you to better address potential issues related to Disney Error Code 42, allowing you to resume enjoying your favorite Disney+ content!

7. Update Your Device’s Software or Firmware

Keeping your device updated with the latest available software and firmware is essential to ensure that streaming services like Disney+ run smoothly. Updates often bring bug fixes, performance improvements, and better compatibility with apps such as Disney+.

So, if you are facing Error Code 42 in Disney+, updating your device’s software or firmware might just do the trick. Here are some steps you can follow depending on your device:

For Android devices:

1. Open the Settings menu on your Android device.
2. Scroll down to System.
3. Look for Software Updates or System updates.
4. Tap on it to check for available updates. If one is available, follow the prompts to download and install.

For iOS devices:

1. Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
2. Go to General.
3. Tap on Software Update.
4. If there’s an update available, tap on Download and Install.

For Smart TVs:

1. Open the TV’s settings or menu (refer to your TV manual).
2. Look for an option related to updates or system information.
3. Follow the prompts if any update is available.

For Gaming Consoles:

1. Boot up your console (PlayStation, Xbox, etc.)
2. Navigate to the system settings or options.
3. Go to the updates section and check for any updates available.

Please keep in mind that each manufacturer may have slightly different procedures for updating their devices; therefore, it’s always best to consult the user manual or visit their support website for specific instructions.

After updating your device’s software or firmware, give Disney+ another try and see if Error Code 42 has been resolved!

8. Use a Wired Ethernet Connection Instead of Wi-Fi (If Applicable)

Wi-Fi connections can sometimes be unstable, especially if there are multiple devices connected to the same network or if you are too far away from the wireless router, both of which can negatively impact your streaming experience.

If you’re dealing with Disney Plus Error Code 42 whilst using Wi-Fi, it’s worth considering switching to a wired Ethernet connection to ensure a more robust and stable internet connection. This approach tends to offer faster and more reliable connectivity, which might just be what you need to get rid of that pesky error code.

Steps to connect your device using an Ethernet cable:

1. Locate an Ethernet port on your device: Check if your streaming device or smart TV has an Ethernet port available for wired internet connections. You can typically find this port at the back or side of the device, labeled as “Ethernet” or “LAN.”
2. Obtain an Ethernet cable: Purchase an appropriate length Ethernet cable for connecting your device to the router/modem directly. It’s crucial to choose a cable that complies with the latest Category 5e or Category 6 specifications for optimal performance.
3. Turn off Wi-Fi on the device (if necessary): Before connecting via a wired connection, ensure that Wi-Fi is disabled on your streaming device.
4. Connect the cable: Insert one end of the Ethernet cable into your streaming device’s LAN port and the other end into one of the available LAN ports on your router/modem.
5. Power cycle both devices: Once connected, turn off both your streaming device and modem/router for about 30 seconds before turning them back on.
6. Check settings and test connection: After both devices have powered back up and successfully connected, navigate to your streaming device’s network settings menu option to verify that it detects and uses the wired connection. Then, perform a connection test to ensure proper functionality and proceed to open Disney+ to see if the error persists.

Following these steps should help alleviate any potential network congestion or interference from other devices on your Wi-Fi network, paving the way for a hassle-free Disney+ streaming experience.

9. Change DNS Settings On Your Device

Domain Name System (DNS) is a critical component in internet browsing, as it translates domain names into their corresponding IP addresses, facilitating access to web resources.

The default DNS servers assigned by your internet service provider (ISP) may not function optimally or could suffer from temporary issues that affect your connectivity to certain services, such as Disney+. Changing the DNS settings on your device to use alternate servers, like Google’s public DNS or OpenDNS, might help resolve Error Code 42.

Below are the steps to change the DNS settings on different devices:

For Windows:

1. Press Win + R keys to bring up the Run dialog box.
2. Type in ncpa.cpl and click ‘OK’ or hit Enter.
3. In the ‘Network Connections’ window, right-click on the active network adapter and choose ‘Properties’.
4. Scroll down and double-click on ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’.
5. Select ‘Use the following DNS server addresses, and then enter preferred and alternate ones – for Google Public DNS, use 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, respectively.
6. Click ‘OK’ to save changes.

For macOS:

1. Open up ‘System Preferences’ from the Apple menu.
2. Click on ‘Network’.
3. Select your active internet connection from the list, then click on ‘Advanced’.
4. Navigate to the ‘DNS’ tab.
5. Click on the ‘+’ button below the list of DNS servers, adding either Google Public DNS or other alternate addresses.
   6. Member FDIC.’ button to apply changes.

For Android:

1. Member FDIC.’ icon is located at the top-right-hand side of the screen.
   2. Member FDIC.’, stored hidden behind the gears icon located at the top-right-hand-side of the screen.

3. Choose ‘Private DNS’, and then pick ‘Configure Private DNS’.
4. Type in a hostname for the desired DNS server – for example, dns.google.
5. Click on ‘Save’ or hit ‘Enter’ on your device’s keyboard.

For iOS:

1. Open ‘Settings’ and tap on ‘Wi-Fi’.
2. Find the active Wi-Fi network, and tap the ⓘ icon next to it.
   3. Member FDIC.’ tab to enter custom DNS addresses.
   4. Member FDIC.’

10. Disable VPN or Proxy Services

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or Proxy service can interfere with your connection to Disney+ and result in error code 42. These services are typically used to mask your IP address, bypass regional restrictions, or improve security while browsing the internet.

However, they can sometimes hinder your streaming experience on platforms like Disney+. To resolve the error, you may need to disable any VPN or Proxy service that is active on your device.

Steps to Disable VPN (Android and iOS):

1. Android:
   1. Go to Settings on your Android device.
   2. Tap on Connections (this may vary depending on the device).
   3. Look for the VPN option and tap it.
   4. If an active VPN connection is detected, tap on it and select Disconnect or Disable.
2. iOS:
   1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
   2. Scroll down and tap on General.
   3. Locate the VPN option and tap it.
   4. If a VPN is currently connected, toggle off the switch next to “Status” to disconnect.

Steps to Disable Proxy (Windows):

1. Press Win + I keys simultaneously to open Windows Settings.
2. Click on Network & Internet.
3. Under the “Proxy” heading located at the bottom of the sidebar menu, click on it.
4. In this section, ensure both the “Automatically detect settings” and “Use a proxy server” options are turned off.

Steps to Disable Proxy (macOS):

1. Head over to macOS System Preferences by clicking on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
   2. Click on Network
   3. Choose “advanced.”
   4. Switch to the Proxies tab.
   5. Ensure all proxy protocols are unselected, then hit “OK” and “Apply.”

Also Read: How to Fix Hulu Error Code P-DEV322?

Conclusion

Crushing Disney Plus Error Code 42 may seem like a daunting task at first, but remember, you’re not alone in this battle! Armed with the solutions I’ve shared with you today, I have no doubt that you’ll be able to confidently tackle this issue head-on and get back to enjoying your favorite movies and shows in no time. As each situation is unique, it’s worth trying out various methods until you find the one that works best for your specific case.

Stay patient and persistent when dealing with error codes like Disney+ Error Code 42. The key is to remain calm, follow the steps mentioned above, and soon enough, you’ll be reunited with the magical world of Disney+. Keep this blog post handy for future reference – you never know when it might come in useful again. Onwards and upwards – here’s to streaming bliss!