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.

Note: Even if you find a title available in 4K, it may not apply to the entire season for TV Shows.
Read Other Netflix Guides:
- How to keep your Netflix Account Secure
- How to stop people from using your Netflix account
- How To Speed Up or Slow Down Netflix Playback Speed
- How to Share Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Spotify and Other Media Subscriptions Without Revealing Passwords
- Netflix Price, how much Does Netflix Cost? – All the Pricing Plans
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