How to Fix Netflix When You Can’t Watch 4K Content

There’s no better way to enjoy your favorite Netflix shows than streaming them in 4K. Especially if you’re watching on a bigger screen. But if Netflix has suddenly decided to stream in poor picture quality, it might ruin movie night.

Netflix’s inability to play content in 4K might be caused by a hardware or software issue, so it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. In this case, you should go through each of the solutions listed below.

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1. Make Sure You Have the Right Netflix Plan

At the time of writing, there are four available Netflix plans that you can subscribe to. However, only the Premium plan, which currently costs $19.99/month, will allow you to play content in 4K. To check your current plan, go to theNetflix website, and click your profile icon in the top right. SelectAccount, and then check thePlan Detailssection.

If you aren’t subscribed to the Premium plan, you’re able to upgrade by clicking theChange Planlink.

woman watching Netflix

2. Check Your Device Specifications

There’s a chance that your computer, TV, or stream box isn’t 4K compliant. Even if your device came with a 4K sticker, there are more requirements it needs to meet so it can play Netflix in 4K.

The easiest way to find out if your device is 4K compliant is to visit the manufacturer’s website and take a look at the specifications.

Check Netflix plan

3. Check Your Internet Speed

If you have the right plan and your device supports 4K streaming, it’s time to take a look at your internet speed.According to Netflix, you should have a minimum download speed of 15 Mbps to watch 4K content.

you could test your internet speed by going to websites likeSpeedtestto see if your connection is fast enough. If you’re still missing a few Mbps, there are a fewtricks to improve your internet speed.

Smart TV screen showing a list of apps

4. Use the Netflix App

If you want to enjoy the best picture quality Netflix has to offer, the best way is to use the Netflix app. You need Windows 10 or 11 with the latest updates installed to enjoy Netflix in Ultra HD.

If you have a Manc, or you’re on someone else’s computer, and they don’t have the app, you can watch 4K content online by choosingthe best browser to watch Netflix.

Telstra Internet Speed Test in Action

5. Change Your Netflix Playback Settings

If you’re still not getting 4K content on Netflix, it’s time to take a look at the playback settings. Netflix is set to give you the best combination of data usage and picture quality. While this may be beneficial if you’re on a limited data plan, it might stop Netflix from playing content in 4k.

Here’s how you could change Netflix playback settings.

Keep in mind this will significantly impact your data usage.According to Netflix, watching content in Ultra High Definition might use up to 7GB per hour. So make sure you keep a close eye on your data usage to avoid going over the limit.

6. Update Your Graphics Drivers

If Netflix has suddenly stopped playing 4K content on your computer, there’s a chance your graphics drivers aren’t working properly. Maybe something went wrong during the last update installation, or the drivers got corrupted.

Try toupdate your graphics driversto the latest version available and check if you can now watch content in 4K.

Get 4K Content on Netflix Back

If you haven’t updated your hardware in a while, there’s a high chance you may’t play 4K content. So, before paying more for Netflix Premium, check if your hardware meets the required criteria.

Besides enjoying your favorite shows in 4K, there are a few Netflix tools to help you make the most out of your subscription.

Netflix is a phenomenal streaming service packed with cool features and content. However, these tools can help make Netflix even better.

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