If you see this error on every device connected to your home network, the most likely cause is an account permission issue. Other potential reasons you might see the “A problem occurred while playing this item” (error 139) include a network inconsistency, a timezone mismatch, or an account problem that can only be resolved by a Netflix support agent. Here’s a list of confirmed methods that other affected Apple users have successfully used to bypass the Error 139 (Nferr_Mc_Authfailure) when streaming content from Netflix:
1. Sign out from all devices
If you experience this issue on every Apple device that’s using this Netflix account, the first thing you need to do is sign out from all devices before logging back in and initiating streaming once again. Note: This method is even more likely to work if all devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi Network. To fix this particular instance of the 139 error, sign in with your Netflix account on a web browser and trigger an account-wide sign-out from all devices from the Account tab. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to do this: Note: If possible, follow the instructions below on a desktop device. If you are forced to use a mobile device, make sure you’re using desktop view.
2. Stream Netflix from Wi-Fi Hotspot (if applicable)
In case you only see this error on your macOS while connected to the home network, a quick workaround will be to create a Hotspot from your Apple device and connect your desktop to it. Note: This will be effective in situations where the problem is occurring due to network inconsistency. You can use this workaround even if your iPhone doesn’t have mobile data and is also connected to the same home network. Filtering the connection through a mobile device will bypass most ISP-side Level 3 nodes that might cause this problem. Here’s how to create a Wi-Fi Hotspot on your iOS device, then connect your macOS device to it:
3. Set the Timezone to Apple TV to Automatic (if applicable)
If you see this error occurring on an Apple TV but all your other Apple devices are capable of streaming Netflix without throwing the 139 error, check the currently assigned timezone in your Apple TV settings. Note: TvOS is very aggressive with DRM checks. If you previously overridden the timezone settings on your Apple TV, there’s a chance streaming is affected because you are in a physically different location than the one set under Apple TV Settings > General. In case this particular scenario is applicable, follow the steps below to modify the Date & Time settings of your Apple TV and enable automatic timezone. Here’s what you need to do:
4. Change DNS to Google equivalents
You can also expect o see the MC-AuthFailure error on every device that attempts to stream content from your Netflix account due to a DNS inconsistency. If your ISP (Internet Service Provider) is using a custom DNS range, there’s a chance Netflix has a rule against it so the connection will be interrupted. Fortunately, you can fix the issue easily by switching to a public DNS range (Google’s DNS has the best uptime record). Note: Before changing your DNS Settings make sure to save the present server addresses or settings on paper before switching to Google Public DNS. It is crucial that you maintain these numbers as a backup, just in case you ever need to revert to them. Now, depending if you need to change the DNS on your iOS or macOS, the procedure will be different. We’ve created two sub-guides to cover both scenarios.
4.1. Change to Google DNS on iPad and iPhone
Here’s how to change the DNS settings to the Google public range on an iPhone or an iPad:
4.2. Change to Google DNS on macOS
If you need to change the DNS range on a macOS, follow the instructions below:
5. Ask Netflix support to create a new account
Unfortunately, there’s one particular scenario where fixing the issue is beyond your control. It turns out that you might see the Netflix Error 139 (Nferr_Mc_Authfailure) error due to a bug in the account management system of Netflix. Users that have faced the same problem have managed to get it fixed by calling or opening a Live chat with a Netflix support agent and asking them to delete their account and migrate the billing to a new one. Note: Going this route is not exactly ideal since you will lose any preferences, saved TV shows & movies – you will basically be starting from scratch. However, some users that had to go through this reported that Netflix gifted them 1 free month to compensate for this inconvenience. Here’s a quick guide that will show you how to get in contact with the Netflix support team via Live Chat: Note: You can also call the toll-free number of your country, but opening a live chat is way faster.
