Linux users can now stream shows and movies from the Disney+ streaming service after Disney lowering the level of their DRM requirements.

When Disney+ was first launched, Linux users who attempted to watch shows and movies were shown an error stating "Something went wrong. Please try again. If the problem persists, visit the Disney+ Help Center (Error Code 83)."

Error code 83

As explained by Hans de Goede, this error was being caused by the Disney+ service using the highest level of security for the Widevine Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology. As some Linux and Android devices did not support this higher DRM security level, they were unable to stream Disney+ shows in their browsers.

"Someone on tweakers.net has done some digging and this is a Widevine error: "the response is: {"errors":[{"code":"platform-verificatio n-failed","description":"Platform verification status incompatible with security level"}]}". Widevine has 3 security levels and many devices, including desktop Linux and many Android devices only support the lowest security setting (software encryption only). In this case e.g. Netflix will not offer full HD or 4k resolutions, but otherwise everything works fine, which is a balance between DRM and usability which I can accept. Disney+ OTOH seems to have the drm features kranked up to maximum draconian settings and simply will not work on a lot of android devices, nor on Chromebooks, nor on desktop Linux."

Yesterday, Twitter users discovered that Disney+ had suddenly started working on Linux browsers after the streaming service tweaked their DRM security levels.

BleepingComputer was able to independently test the Disney+ streaming service by watching The Mandalorian on Firefox in Ubuntu 18.04.

Streaming The Mandalorian on Firefox in Ubuntu

For all of you who have been wanting to dig into some missed Marvel and Start Wars movies, you now have plenty to watch for the weekend!

Make sure DRM is enabled in your browser

Even with Disney+ lowering the DRM requirements, users must first make sure DRM is enabled in the browser.

For example, Disney+ will not work with Firefox unless you enable the "Play DRM-controlled content" setting in the browser.

Enable the DRM setting in Firefox

If you are on Linux and Disney+ is still giving the Error code 83, make sure DRM is enabled in your browser. If not, you can switch to Firefox, which we have confirmed works.

H/T omg! ubuntu!