If the command times out or fails to return an IP address, your DNS is blocking the server.
If you’ve opened MakeMKV to rip a Blu-ray and encountered the error message you aren’t alone. This is a common hiccup that prevents the software from decrypting newer discs because it cannot fetch the necessary "Hashed Keys" (HK) from the central server.
: MakeMKV references a dynamic online database containing a massive list of these keys.
Navigate to > Preferences (or Preferences directly from the top toolbar). Click on the General tab.
To see if your computer can find the key server, open a command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) and run a DNS lookup:
: First, ensure you're using the latest version of MakeMKV. You can check for updates within the application.
This comprehensive troubleshooting guide explains what the HK database is, why your network is blocking it, and how to permanently fix the download failure. What is the MakeMKV Hash Key (HK) Database?
is the most effective way to bypass ISP-level geo-blocking. Users have reported success with services like Proton VPN to force the download. 2. Change DNS Settings Switching your system’s DNS to Google Public DNS
Fixing "MakeMKV Automatic HK Downloading is Disabled or Failed" (2026 Updated)
