The most popular streaming services like Netflix have revolutionized how we consume media by offering vast libraries of content at our fingertips. Among the premium features provided by Netflix is the ability to stream select content in 4K resolution, which promises a higher level of detail and a more immersive viewing experience. However, sometimes subscribers may encounter issues with streaming content in 4K.
Common Netflix problems include internet speed issues, Netflix account settings, and device compatibility. Rare issues may involve specific content limitations or hardware malfunctions. Here, we’ll guide you through some common troubleshooting steps to help you enjoy your favorite shows and movies in stunning 4K quality.
Check your account settings
Step 1: To watch 4K content on Netflix, you need a subscription to the Netflix Premium plan. Only the Premium plan offers 4K (Ultra HD) + HDR streaming. If you are on the Standard plan, you will need to upgrade to the Premium plan to stream in 4K.
The Netflix Standard with ads, Standard, and Premium plans all support Full HD (1080p) streaming. However, 4K UHD and HDR (High Dynamic Range) streaming is only available on the Premium plan. It's worth double-checking your plan to ensure you have access to 4K content.
There used to be a Netflix Basic plan, but it is no longer available to new subscribers. Not surprisingly, this plan doesn’t support 4K.
Step 2: If you’ve made sure that you have the right plan, next in the order of operations is to tweak Netflix’s streaming options so that they're set to display that resolution. Begin by opening your account, and under the Profile section, select your profile, find Playback settings, and click Change.
Here, you will see four different options: Auto, Low, Medium, and High. It’s probably obvious what those mean, but here’s a detailed look at how each setting affects your picture quality (and, potentially, your data cap).
Auto: This feature allows your streaming quality to adjust based on your current internet speeds and network connection, providing a more stable streaming experience and allowing playback at the highest quality permitted by your plan. However, this stability increases the likelihood of occasional drops in quality.
Low: Streaming at this level will consume approximately 0.3GB per hour. Opting for lower quality will result in the content being played at standard definition. This option is ideal for individuals with unreliable internet connections or those who have data restrictions.
Medium: Medium-quality streaming will consume about 0.7GB of data per hour, limiting you to standard definition.
High: When you stream in high quality with the Premium plan, you can access HD and 4K UHD streams. However, this may result in varying data usage. Depending on your network, you could use 3GB per hour for basic 720p streaming or up to 7GB per hour for 4K Ultra HD streaming.
Step 3: If you’re streaming on any option other than Auto or High, you won’t be getting HD or 4K UHD quality from Netflix (for Auto, you'll have to have the plan that supports it, though). Be aware that any change to these settings can take up to eight hours to take effect, so if you switch and don’t notice an immediate change in your picture quality, be patient. Again, higher streaming resolutions will burn through data, so be mindful of your usage if you have a data cap.
If you access your settings on a mobile device, you can also go into app settings and switch to Wi-Fi only mode or Set automatically, both of which can help you avoid going over your data limits when watching Netflix. If you’re trying to stream Netflix in 4K with a 5G connection, this also applies.
Step 4: Finally, note that not all Netflix content is in 4K or will automatically update to 4K. Instead, you can search Netflix with terms like "4K" and "UltraHD" to pinpoint options.
Hardware requirements
For a high-quality Netflix experience, the hardware you use is essential, especially for UHD (Ultra High Definition) content. To enjoy 4K resolution, you'll need a TV or monitor with at least a 60Hz refresh rate that is capable of displaying 4K. If you're streaming through a separate device, it's important to use compatible HDMI cables. If you're using a laptop, it needs to be 4K capable and powerful enough, and the web browser you're using should also support HD or 4K.
It's important to note that not all streaming devices support UHD or 4K streaming, and not all content is available in these qualities. While HD content should work fine, if you're looking for super high-quality content, you may face limitations depending on the device or content. Be sure to choose a Smart TV with the right hardware built-in to enjoy a seamless streaming experience.
Browser limits
Not all web browsers are equally capable of streaming content in high definition. While most popular browsers can stream Netflix in HD, the maximum resolution may vary. Here’s a breakdown of the maximum resolution supported by each browser on a computer:
Google Chrome: Up to 720p (although you can get 1080p using Chrome OS, like on a Chromebook)
Firefox: Up to 720p
Opera: Up to 720p
Safari: Up to 4K (requires a select 2018 Mac or later with an Apple T2 Security Chip and MacOS 11.0 Big Sur or later)
Microsoft Edge: Up to 4K resolution is supported, requiring an HDCP 2.2-compliant connection to a 4K display with at least Intel’s 7th-generation Core CPU and the latest version of Windows.
Internet speed requirements
You may think you're paying for fast internet, but that doesn't guarantee you actually have fast internet access. You can check your internet speed by following our Netflix speed test guide or by using a website like Speedtest.net. If your download speed is below 10Mbps and there are multiple devices using the internet in your home, you'll have trouble streaming Full HD content, and definitely won't be able to stream 4K UHD content from Netflix.
For 4K streaming, you'll need a fast and stable internet connection. Netflix recommends a minimum speed of 25 megabits per second for 4K streaming. If your speeds are below this threshold, consider upgrading your internet plan or troubleshooting your connection with your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
If your speed isn't up to par, there are several things you can do to improve it, from choosing the right internet plan to installing the right kind of router. Check out our list of the best wireless routers to ensure you're getting the fastest connection possible on your network.
Once your home's network is optimized, you can be confident that your internet connection is not the bottleneck. It's also worth considering whether the lines feeding your home are delivering the speeds they should be.
Is your ISP to blame?
If your internet service provider (ISP) hasn’t established an arrangement with Netflix, such as a paid fast-lane agreement or through Netflix’s Open Connect program, it could result in degraded Netflix picture quality for you, particularly if you reside in a densely populated area with numerous internet users. To assess how Netflix performs on your ISP, you can visit the Netflix ISP speed website.
If your ISP’s ranking is poor, there’s a chance that your ISP might be intentionally slowing down your Netflix streaming, although proving this can be challenging. One way to keep your online activities private from your ISP is by using a virtual private network (VPN). Our comprehensive VPN guide can provide valuable insights into this.
Some times are better than others
When you start playing a show or movie on Netflix, the stream may begin playing before it can reach its highest quality, so the picture might be a little fuzzy as it buffers for the full-resolution version. Once it's ready, the stream will be displayed clearly at full resolution.
If your internet speed slows down, the video resolution will drop until the full-resolution stream is buffered again. Netflix does this to keep the loading times short so you don't have to wait too long to watch your show. This smart adjustment makes Netflix feel fast, but during peak hours, it can make the video look low quality for the first few minutes.
Through experiments, we found that the time of day, particularly during typical peak hours for watching (usually after 6 p.m.), has the biggest influence on stream quality. Keep this in mind and adjust your expectations accordingly.
What else can I do?
If you're experiencing issues with streaming Netflix and you've confirmed that your home network is stable and your Internet Service Provider (ISP) offers good Netflix streaming speeds, call your ISP to report the problem. It's best to begin the call by letting them know all the troubleshooting steps you've already taken to avoid repeating the same steps. Hopefully, they will work to resolve the issue without blaming Netflix.
This problem is now less common than before, but some users are still affected by limitations imposed by their ISP, hindering their streaming experience. If this applies to you, your only option may be to cancel your subscription and inform Netflix that you won't pay for a subpar streaming service regardless of your location.
