How to stream Netflix in 4K or Ultra HD

Streaming in High Definition(HD) is amazing but taking it a notch higher to Ultra HD is even better. Not all streaming services support UHD streaming but Netflix is not among that list of laggards.

You can actually stream 4K/UHD on Netflix as long as you have the right package. Of course, you also need to have sufficient internet bandwidth and a hardware device that can support Ultra HD streaming.

Requirements for streaming Netflix in 4K

A Netflix account with support for Ultra HD streaming
A streaming device with at least 4K Ultra HD display panel
Enough internet bandwidth
Toggle playback settings to Auto or High data usage

We will go over each requirement in detail.

1. Netflix Plan with 4K UHD Support

Netflix has different pricing plans depending on your location. But the option for streaming in Ultra HD is available on slightly expensive packages. For instance, in the US you will need to pay for the $15.99 package to stream in Ultra HD. Head over to your Netflix plan and see which plan your paying for under Account > Settings. Alternatively, go to Netflix.com/changeplan via a browser.

If you’re not paying for the Premium plan, its time to upgrade. The Basic plan tops at SD(480p) while the Standard plan doesn’t go beyond Full HD (1080p).

Required Internet Speed for streaming Netflix in 4K/UHD

In addition to the 4K Netflix plan, you’ll need enough internet bandwidth. Netflix recommends users to have at least 25 Megabits per second(Mbps) in order to stream titles in 4K. (Amazon recommends at least 15Mbps)

Netflix Streaming Internet Speed Recommendations

3.0 Megabits per second – SD quality
5.0 Megabits per second – HD quality
25 Megabits per second – Ultra HD quality

How to Check your Internet Connection Speed

If you’re not sure what internet speeds you’re paying for you can go to Netflix’s fast.com website and measure. Since these figures may fluctuate you may as well ask your ISP which speeds you’re paying for and ask for an upgrade if it cant support 4K Netflix streaming.

Devices with Netflix Ultra HD Streaming Support

Hardware is very important when it comes to Netflix high quality streaming.

For starters, you’ll need to have a TV or a monitor with a 60Hz display that is compatible with Ultra HD streaming from Netflix. While shopping for a TV ensure you get a TV with at least such specs. And if you’re using an external display the HDMI cable matters, too.

Watching Netflix 4K on Mac and Windows

If you enjoy streaming Netflix on your computer browser, you can also get 4K. Since not all browsers are the same, Netflix selectively supports 4K streaming.

To stream Netflix 4K on Windows, you’ll need the following:

The latest version of Windows 10 installed.
Microsoft Edge browser or Netflix app for Windows 10.
A 60Hz 4K capable display (with HDCP 2.2 connection if external display).
Intel’s 7th generation Core CPU (i3, i5, or i7 models in the 7xxx or 7Yxx series) or latest or NVIDIA GPU with these specs

To stream Netflix 4K on a Mac, you’ll need:

macOS 11.0 Big Sur installed.
The latest version of Safari browser installed.
Select 2018 or newer Mac computer with an Apple T2 Security chip
A 60Hz 4K capable display (with HDCP 2.2 connection if external display).

Browser Netflix Streaming Quality Support

In case you wish to stream Netflix in HD any browser can get the job done. However, you’ll need to use select browsers if you wish to go beyond that. Here are the common browsers on the market and the streaming quality they support on Netflix.

Microsoft Edge – Up to 4K but must have an HDCP 2.2-compliant connection, latest Windows 10 version and Intel Core i7 or latest CPUs.
Firefox – Up to 720p
Opera – Up to 720p
Google Chrome – Up to 720p

Change Netflix Streaming Quality to 4K

After checking all the boxes above, and Netflix still won’t stream in 4K there’s one more thing that needs to be done. And you’ll have to set that by yourself. You may already know that Netflix has four data usage options to choose; Low, Medium, High and Auto.

Low – consumes 0.3 GB per hour
Medium(SD) – consumes 0.7 GB per hour
High – Either 1080p or 4K UHD (up to 3 GB per hour per device for HD, and 7 GB per hour per device for Ultra HD)
Auto – adjusts streaming quality depending on the internet connection speed

How to Adjust Netflix Streaming Quality

Step 1. Login to your Netflix via a browser

Step 2. Once logged in, hover over the top right menu and select Account

Step 2. Select a Profile name under Profile & Parental Controls.

Step 3. Click Playback Settings

Step 4. Under Data Usage Per Screen select High

Step 5. Click Save

These playback setting changes will take sometime before going into effect (around 8 hours, according to Netflix).

With all that saved and done, it’s time to find some 4K titles on Netflix.

How to find 4K/UHD movies and TV Shows on Netflix

Presumably, you have all the requirements for streaming Netflix in 4K. Finding 4K/UHD titles on Netflix is even easier. If you’re browsing Netflix on your device, look for titles with an Ultra HD logo in their description.

Alternatively, you can search for the terms “4K” or “UltraHD” to find titles available in Ultra HD.