Apple FPSError-16: How to Fix It

Easy 10-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
FPSError-16
Brand
Apple
Product Type
operating_system
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
10-30 minutes
Apple FPSError-16 is a FairPlay DRM (Digital Rights Management) license error that prevents protected content — such as movies, TV shows, or music purchased or rented through Apple services — from playing on your device. This error typically occurs when the device cannot verify or retrieve the required license to decrypt and stream the protected content, often due to software glitches, account issues, or network problems. The good news is that this is almost always a software-level issue you can resolve yourself without any special tools or technical expertise.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code FPSError-16

  1. Restart the App You Are Using

  2. Restart Your Device

  3. Check Your Internet Connection

  4. Sign Out and Back Into Your Apple ID

    Make sure you know your Apple ID email and password before signing out. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, keep a trusted device or phone number nearby to receive the verification code.

  5. Update the App and Your Operating System

    Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery (at least 50%) or is plugged in before starting a software update.

  6. Check Apple's System Status Page

  7. Delete and Re-Download the Content

  8. Check Content Restrictions and Family Sharing Settings

  9. Reset Network Settings (iOS/iPadOS Only)

    Write down your Wi-Fi passwords before performing this step, as they will all be erased.

  10. Disable VPN or Proxy Services

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When to Call a Professional

Contact Apple Support directly if FPSError-16 persists after completing all steps above, especially if the error affects multiple apps and content types, if your Apple ID account shows unexpected charges or unauthorized access, or if a system update fails to install. You should also contact Apple Support if you suspect your device has a deeper software corruption issue that may require a device restore. Reach Apple Support at support.apple.com or via the Apple Support app. If the issue is limited to a specific third-party app rather than Apple's own apps, contact that app's developer support team, as they may need to update their FairPlay integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Apple FPSError-16?
FPSError-16 is caused by a failure in Apple's FairPlay Streaming DRM system when your device cannot obtain or validate a license to play protected content. Common triggers include a poor or interrupted internet connection, an Apple ID authentication issue, an outdated app or operating system, corrupted downloaded content, an active VPN blocking license servers, or a temporary outage on Apple's DRM servers.
Does FPSError-16 mean my content purchase is lost?
No. FPSError-16 is a playback license error and does not affect your purchases or rentals stored in your Apple account. Your bought or rented content remains associated with your Apple ID. Once you resolve the DRM license issue — typically by signing out and back in, restarting your device, or fixing your internet connection — your content will be fully accessible again.
Why do I get FPSError-16 only on one device but not others?
When the error appears on one device but not others, the issue is usually specific to that device — such as an outdated app version, corrupted local license cache, a device-level software bug, or a network configuration problem like a VPN or DNS setting. Start by updating the app and OS on the affected device, then try signing out and back into your Apple ID. Resetting network settings on that device often resolves it.
Can a VPN cause Apple FPSError-16?
Yes. VPNs are one of the most common causes of FPSError-16. Apple's FairPlay DRM license servers may reject requests that come from VPN IP addresses, especially if the VPN server is in a different country than your Apple ID region or if the VPN provider's IPs are flagged. Disabling your VPN before streaming Apple content typically resolves the error immediately.
How do I fix FPSError-16 on Apple TV?
On Apple TV, start by going to Settings > System > Restart to reboot the device. Then check Settings > Users and Accounts, sign out of your Apple ID, and sign back in. Make sure your Apple TV software is up to date under Settings > System > Software Updates. Also confirm your network connection is stable under Settings > Network, and ensure no VPN profile is active. If the error continues, try deleting and re-downloading the affected content.

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