[Solved] How to Fix HandBrake libdvdcss not Working Issue

Although HandBrake shows off powerful capability to rip unprotected DVDs to MP4 or MKV, it lacks of native support of encrypted discs. libdvdcss, a free library available to access and read CSS protection, is the best assistant to help HandBrake digitize and rip protected DVDs. However, you may still encounter the trouble of "HandBrake libdvdcss not working" errors like Handbrake CSS authentication not available, libdvdcss.dll/libdvdcss.dylib fails to load or stops working, ARM/x86 architecture mismatch (Apple Silicon Macs). Why and how to fix this problem? Let's get answers now.

WinX DVD Ripper Platinum is a great helper when libdvdcss for Handbrake is not working. It will rip all DVDs with CSS, region code, RCE, UOPs, Sony ArccOS, Disney DRM and other protections without using libdvdcss or other third-party tools. All old and new DVDs are supported. You can easily rip a protected DVD into MP4, H.264, HEVC, MKV, AVI, WMV, MOV, FLV, 350+ formats and profiles. The ripping speed is about 5x faster than Handbrake with support for Intel, NVIDIA, AMD GPU acceleration.

Why is HandBrake libdvdcss not Working?

HandBrake removed internal DVD decryption since version 0.9.3 in 2018 and required libdvdcss to get rid of encryption. Although HandBrake had released several updates in the past years for performance improvement, it still has no interest in decryption for copyright reason. The main reasons for Handbrake libdvdcss problems include:

1. Outdated Libdvdcss. On the other hand, libdvdcss offers no more compiled libraries (libdvdcss2) for Windows 32 bit, Windows 64 bit from version 1.2.13 released in 2013 February. Recent years, distributors add more complex structural protections unrelated to CSS on new DVDs so that old complied libdvdcss will come no effect.

>> Free download libdvdcss/libdvdcss2.dll for Windows (10/8/7)

It cannot bypass modern copy protections beyond CSS (e.g., RCE, Disney DRM, structural protections), which is why libdvdcss sometimes fails even when installed correctly, with error libdvdread: encrypted dvd support unavailable.

2. Wrong libdvdcss version. Mac users encounter HandBrake libdvdcss not working issue more commonly. It is unable to install libdvdcss.dylib on macOS for a long time. If you haven't built and installed libdvdcss on Mac with success, you will fail to rip an encrypted DVD with HandBrake. What's more, the latest HandBrake is only available for 64 bit. HandBrake libdvdcss not working problem happens when here's 32bit libdvdcss installed.

Note: On Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4), HandBrake in Rosetta x86 mode may still attempt to load ARM libdvdcss from /opt/homebrew/lib instead of /usr/local/lib. Installing the correct architecture version and placing it in the proper path is critical.

3. Conflict programs. Sometimes, libdvdcss can go wrong with software you installed on your computer. The most famous one is VLC 2.0 which changes the code libraries it uses for decrypting. To fix Handbrake libdvdcss not working errors, you can update the software to the latest verion, or add the missing libdvdcss library manually. On macOS, giving HandBrake full disk access may be necessary.

4. Wrong path. After the libdvdcss is downloaded, you need to put it in the Handbrake installation folder, which is usually located at C:\Program Files\HandBrake. On Mac, the location of the libdvdcss on Mac is now placed in the folder /usr/local/lib instead of /usr/lib. In addition, you don't need to change the name of libdvdcss-2.dll. On Apple Silicon Macs, you may need to copy libdvdcss manually if HandBrake is running under Rosetta, and check architecture (arch command) to ensure it matches.

5. Random/inconsistent behavior. Users report libdvdcss sometimes works only on first boot or first HandBrake launch, then fails after reboot or restart. Causes include OS updates, sandboxing, or permission issues.

Fixes to HandBrake libdvdcss not Working Errors

VideoLan released the latest version 1.4.3 of libdvdcss but didn't give compiled libdvdcss. Luckily, some talented developer published compiled libdvdcss library for ready to use with HandBrake. Install the latest libdvdcss on Windows and Mac to check if Handbrake libdvdcss is working.

Make sure you're downloading libdvdcss correctly on your computer. Check the detailed steps to install libdvdcss for Handbrake here >>

Download and install libdvdcss-2.dll 1.4.3 on Windows:

1. Visit this page: https://github.com/allienx/libdvdcss-dll
2. Open 1.4.3 repository > 32-bit/64-bit (if you have updated/installed HandBrake) > lidvdcss-2.dll > Download.
3. Move the dll file into HandBrake installation folder.

Compile libdvdcss 1.4.3 for macOS:

1. Download libdvdcss source code from official page: http://download.videolan.org/pub/libdvdcss/1.4.3/
2. Run the following command line to build libdvdcss:
   brew install mingw-w64
   tar -xjf /path/to/libdvdcss.tar.bz2
   cd /path/to/libdvdcss
3. # 32-bit
   ./configure --host=i686-w64-mingw32
   # 64-bit
   ./configure –host=x86_64-mingw32
4. Make
   # /libs/libdvdcss-2.dll
   # Run 'make clean' before compiling again.

Source of the compiling instruction: https://github.com/allienx/libdvdcss-dll

Additional Fixes and Notes from Forum Research

1. Apple Silicon / M1/M2 Macs: HandBrake may load ARM libdvdcss even in Rosetta mode. Solution: rename HandBrake to HandBrake-x64.app, enable "Open using Rosetta", use Terminal-x64 to compile and install libdvdcss to /usr/local/lib.
2. Paths and Permissions:
   • Windows: Place libdvdcss-2.dll in HandBrake installation folder.
   • macOS: Place libdvdcss in /usr/local/lib. Grant HandBrake full disk access to avoid sandbox blocking.
3. Random / Intermittent Errors: On Windows, libdvdcss may work first boot but fail after reboot. Try reinstalling libdvdcss, check DLL permissions, and ensure no security software is blocking it.
4. Complex DVD Protections: libdvdcss only handles CSS. For discs with RCE, Disney DRM, or structural protections, use MakeMKV to extract to MKV before encoding with HandBrake.
5. Conflicting Programs: VLC or other software may change libraries. Update or reinstall such programs, or manually add libdvdcss to HandBrake folder.
6. Version Conflicts: Make sure the architecture of HandBrake and libdvdcss match (32-bit vs 64-bit), otherwise decoding will fail.

Ultimate Fix to Handbrake Libdvdsss not Working Problems

As a matter of fact, HandBrake can handle a part of encryptions with libdvdcss is well ready but involves in the trouble to decrypt and rip DVDs which are protected with new and special schemes, for example Disney DVDs, workout DVDs and more. If you want to permanently eliminate HandBrake libdvdcss not working issue, it is highly suggested to find a qualified HandBrake alternative.

WinX DVD Ripper Platinum is our recommendation. It boasts supporting virtually all DVDs with the ability to circumvent CSS, region code, RCE, UOPs, Sony ArccOS, Disney DRM and other methods. It also keeps updates to handle newly released DVD movies/TV shows.

It built in 350+ codecs allowing you to rip DVDs to MP4, H.264, HEVC, MKV, AVI, WMV, MOV, FLV, 3GP etc. The ready-made device profiles help you digitize DVDs for iPhone, iPad, Samsung, Huawei, Xbox One S, PS4 and other popular gadgets. It takes full advantage of hardware acceleration invoking GPUs (Intel, NVIDIA, AMD) to speed up transcoding and processing so that you can enjoy a superfast DVD ripping performance and get a resulting file with lossless quality.

FAQs: HandBrake libdvdcss Not Working