What is a DRM Reset | How to Reset DRM on a Smartphone

Posted by saadtariq July 28, 2023

What is a DRM Reset | How to Reset DRM on a Smartphone

Introduction

The digital era has brought along complex technologies that are essential but often remain unnoticed by most users. One such technology is Digital Rights Management (DRM), which is crucial for content protection and distribution. Sometimes, we need to reset this functionality on our smartphones, which we term a DRM Reset. This article will walk you through what DRM is, why we need to reset it, and how to perform a DRM reset on different smartphones.

Understanding DRM Licenses

DRM Licenses: What are they and Do I Need them?

DRM licenses are digital certificates associated with media files on your smartphone. They protect the rights of content creators and prevent unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of the media. You will need DRM licenses if you access content protected by DRM, such as eBooks, music, movies, or even certain apps.

Can I Delete DRM License?

While it’s technically possible to delete a DRM license, it’s generally not recommended. Deleting a DRM license may render you unable to access the associated content.

The Need for DRM Reset

Why do we Need to Reset DRM?

DRM licenses sometimes get corrupted or outdated, leading to issues like inability to access content, frequent app crashes, or disrupted playback. Resetting DRM helps resolve such matters by refreshing the DRM licenses.

What Happens when you Do DRM Reset?

A DRM Reset clears all existing DRM licenses from your device and allows new permits to be downloaded and applied when you next access DRM-protected content. The process might make some content inaccessible until new licenses are retrieved.

DRM Reset Process

How to Reset DRM?

Resetting DRM varies depending on the device in use. Here’s how to do it:

DRM Reset on an Android

  • Step 1: Go to Settings
  • Step 2: Navigate to Apps & Notifications
  • Step 3: Locate and tap on Google Play Store
  • Step 4: Tap on Storage and Cache
  • Step 5: Hit Clear Storage, then confirm

DRM Reset on an iPhone

Apple uses a different form of DRM called FairPlay. To reset it:

  • Step 1: Deauthorize your device from iTunes on a computer
  • Step 2: Reauthorize the device

DRM Reset on Kindle

  • Step 1: From the Home screen, tap on Menu
  • Step 2: Select Settings
  • Step 3: Tap on Menu again
  • Step 4: Choose Reset Device

DRM Reset VS Factory Reset

A DRM Reset only affects the DRM licenses on your device, leaving other data untouched. On the other hand, a Factory Reset erases all data and returns the device to its original manufacturer settings.

Conclusion

To sum it up, DRM is a fundamental part of digital content protection, and a DRM reset can help resolve issues related to DRM-protected content. Remember, resetting DRM should be done cautiously; the process varies across different devices. Always follow the proper steps for your device to avoid unintended consequences.

Pro Tip 1: Always back up any important data before performing a DRM reset. Pro Tip 2: If you face issues with DRM-protected content, consider resetting the DRM as your troubleshooting step. Pro Tip 3: In case of persistent problems post-DRM reset, consider contacting the content provider for support.

FAQs

What is DRM in mobile phones?

DRM, or Digital Rights Management, in mobile phones, is a system that protects digital media copyrights.

What is DRM reset Android?

A DRM reset on Android involves clearing the DRM licenses from your device to resolve issues with DRM-protected content.

How to enable DRM in Android?

DRM is usually enabled by default on Android devices. However, to reset or refresh it, you can clear the data for the Google Play Store app.

How do I turn on DRM on my Samsung phone?

DRM is typically active by default on Samsung phones. For DRM-related issues, precise data for the Google Play Store app to reset DRM.

What happens when you do a DRM reset?

A DRM reset clears all existing DRM licenses from your device, and new licenses are downloaded when you next access DRM-protected content.

What is DRM service on Android?

DRM service on Android is a system component that helps manage access to DRM-protected content.

Can I delete the DRM license?

Deleting DRM licenses is possible but not recommended, as it might make the associated content inaccessible.

What does a DRM reset do on Kindle?

A DRM reset on Kindle clears DRM licenses, potentially resolving any DRM-related issues.

Does DRM reset erase data?

A DRM reset doesn’t erase personal data but clears the DRM licenses. However, it might make DRM-protected content temporarily inaccessible.

Is DRM reset the same as Factory reset?

No, DRM reset only clears DRM licenses, while a Factory reset erases all data and returns the device to its original settings.