Are you getting a “Media License” error when trying to download or play songs from the Apple Music catalog but don’t seem to understand why this is happening?
In this article, we’ll explore why you are encountering this error and suggest ways to resolve it.
Why Does Apple Music Keep Saying Media License Error?
- Restrictions on the device
- Inactive Apple Music subscription
- Technical issues in Apple Music on your Mac
- Outdated Windows/Mac software
- Outdated browser
- Unstable internet connection
- Glitches on the Widevine extension in Brave
- Outdated Apple Music app
How Do I Fix The Apple Music Media License Error?
Check Internet Connection
The first solution is to troubleshoot your internet connection.
- Unplug your router/modem from the power source.
- Now, wait 15-30 seconds for the device to refresh its network settings.
- Plug your router/modem back into the power source and reconnect your device.
Note: In case your internet connection is still unstable, contact your internet service provider (ISP) to resolve any issue at their end or switch to another Wi-Fi network.
Force Quit Apple Music
Next, force quit Apple Music on your iOS or Mac system and relaunch it.
On Mac:
- Press Option + Command + Esc simultaneously to launch the force quit windows.
- Select the Apple Music app.
- Click Force Quit.
- Now, relaunch the app after a few seconds.
On iOS:
- Swipe up from the bottom of the Home screen to launch App Switcher.
- Swipe right to find the Apple Music app.
- Now, swipe up to force quit the Apple Music app.
Note: If you are using Apple Music on your Android device, go to “Settings” and tap “Apps.” Select “Apple Music” from the list of apps and tap “Force Stop.”
Log Out and Into Apple Music
Try signing out and into the Apple Music app to refresh your personalized data and account session.
- Launch the Apple Music app on your Mac/Windows.
- Click “Account.”
- Click “Sign Out.”
- Afterward, sign in again using your Apple ID credentials.
Renew the Apple Music Subscription
If your Apple Music subscription is expired, it can also result in the Media_License or the 42812 error on Apple Music. To renew your Apple Subscription, do these steps:
- Open “Settings.”
- Tap your name.
- Tap “iTunes & App Store.”
- Next, select your “Apple ID.”
- Select the “View Apple ID” option and log in if required.
- Tap “Subscription.”
- Now, tap “Apple Music” and choose the plan you want to re-subscribe.
Update Apple Music App
Another solution is to update the Apple Music app on your iOS or Android device with these steps:
- Launch App Store/Google Play Store on your iOS/Android device.
- Search for “Apple Music” and tap it.
- Tap “Update.”
Disable and Re-enable the Widevine Extension on Brave Browser
If you use Apple Music on the Brave browser, disable and re-enable the Widewine extension to resolve any bugs.
- Open the Brave browser on your PC.
- Click “Customize and Control Brave” (the hamburger icon at the top right corner of the screen).
- Select “Settings.”
- Click “Extensions” in the left menu panel.
- Toggle the button next to “Widevine” to disable it.
- Now, enable the Widevine extension again.
Use Apple Music In Safe Mode
You can use Apple Music in safe mode on your Mac to fix the error.
- Power off your Mac.
- Hold down the “Power” button and wait until the Startup option appears.
- Choose your startup disk, and hold down the Shift key while clicking “Continue in Safe Mode.”
- Shut down your Mac again and boot in normal mode.
Note: If you are accessing Apple Music on a work PC, there might be some content restrictions on your system. To remove them, contact your System Administrator.
Update Chrome Browser
An outdated Chrome browser on your PC can also result in the Media_License error.
- Open Chrome on your PC.
- Click the “Ellipsis” icon (three dots) at the top right corner of the screen.
- Select “Help.”
- Click “About Google Chrome.”
- Click “Update Chrome.”
- Select “Relaunch.”
Update the Device Firmware
Updating the device firmware to the latest version can help install new patches to resolve any bugs or glitches causing the Apple Music error.
Upgrading the Mac System:
- Select “System Settings” from the Apple Menu.
- Click “General.”
- Choose “Software Update.”
- Select “Upgrade Now” or “Update Now,”
Updating Windows System:
- Click the “Start” icon.
- Click “Settings.”
- Select “Update & Security.”
- Now, click the “Check for Updates” option and install the latest version if available.
Note: You can update your iOS and Android device under the Settings menu.
Is Apple Music Having A Problem Today?
If none of the above solutions works, try checking the Apple Music server on the Apple System Status page or any third-party website.
To do this, launch a browser on your PC and access the Apple System Status page. If other users are experiencing the same error, wait for the Apple Music developers to fix the problem. You can also report the error on Apple Music Support in the meantime.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve discussed why Apple Music shows the licensing error on your device and provided step-by-step solutions to resolve this issue quickly.
We hope that the error is fixed now and that you can enjoy music from Apple on your device without facing further interruptions.
