Looking to stream Netflix in crisp, clear 4K? There’s a plethora of Ultra HD content to enjoy right now, including Stranger Things, Black Mirror, Ozark and more. However, you need to have the right equipment, account and internet if you want to get started.
For clarification, 4K and Ultra HD are basically the same thing. It’s currently the highest resolution your screen is likely to have, with four times as many pixels as HD (hence the ‘4’ in the name).
What do I need to watch 4K content on Netflix?
If you want to start hunting down all that juicy 4K content, here’s a summary of what you’ll need:
- A 4K 60Hz TV capable of streaming Netflix
- A streaming device that enables 4K content
- A high internet connection speed of 15 Mb/s or more
- A Netflix Premium plan that lets you stream in 4K
- Whether your streaming quality is set to automatic or high
Is my TV compatible with 4K content?
So what exactly are the technical requirements you will need? In addition to having a 4K TV, you will need to ensure that your TV has an HDCP 2.2 certified HDMI cable and port. You should be able to find this information in your user manual or on the manufacturer’s website. If you’re looking for a cheat sheet, then Netflix has very easily provided a comprehensive list of compatible devices on their website which they update regularly.
Note that this article only covers viewing content from televisions. If you’re looking to consume Ultra HD on your PC or laptop, check out our guide to streaming Netflix 4K on your computer. You can also see our top smart TV picks (including 4K) here.
What streaming device do I need?
If you’re watching from a 4K TV, it’s likely to be a smart TV, so you’ll be able to access Netflix directly from the home menu. However, if you prefer to watch Netflix through a streaming box or device – like an Amazon Fire Stick or your games console – you’ll need to make sure that device is capable of streaming in Ultra HD.
For example, the Xbox Series X is capable of streaming in 4K, but the Series S uses upscaling. Similarly, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max supports 4K, while the Amazon Fire Stick does not, and the same goes with Apple TV 4K and Apple TV. Nine times out of ten, “4K” will be in the product title or title description.
Again, you can find a full list of all compatible devices on Netflix’s website. If you’re looking to invest in a new streaming device, take a look at our top picks of media streaming boxes for your TV.
How can I check my internet connection?
Now that you have the TV, you need the internet speed to match. The recommended speed for smooth Ultra HD streaming from Netflix is 15MB/s, with higher numbers preferable. Anything less than that and you may experience lots of buffering issues.
For a stronger connection, you might consider an Ethernet connection instead of just relying on Wi-Fi, as 4K consumes a lot of data. This basically means that you will connect your streaming device directly to your router via an Ethernet cable.
If you are unsure of your broadband speed, we advise you to visit SpeedTest.Net and use the eponymous diagnostic program.
Do I have the right Netflix package?
Unfortunately, the Basic plan will only let you access 720p content, while the Standard plan only streams up to 1080p. To watch in 4K, you’ll need to upgrade to Netflix’s Premium plan, which is currently priced at £15.99/$19.99 per month. This plan will also give you access to a host of benefits, see all the details below:
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Is the quality of my broadcast correct?
Ultra HD requires the streaming quality to be set to high, which in most cases will appear to be automatic if you’re watching from a 4K TV with a strong internet connection.
You can double-check the quality of your stream by first going to the Account tab and then clicking “Playback Settings” in the “My Profile” section. The screen should look like this:
You should note that the quality you set your videos to will affect how much data you use. If for some reason you want to keep your data, you’ll need to downgrade. However, this will then mean that your content will not appear in 4K.
What shows and movies are available in 4K on Netflix?
Unfortunately, there’s no category for 4K content on Netflix yet, so the process is a bit more manual. Enter the search bar and type “4K” or “UltraHD” to see what’s available.
You’ll also be able to check if your favorite show or movie is in 4K on the title card, which appears above the description. Scroll to the top of this page to see an example of this highlighted in the article title image.
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