How to get the best video quality

First, every Netflix TV show and movie has a details page with the title's description, maturity rating, and more. The page also has video quality labels showing the quality a title will play at on the device you're using.

On most TVs, Netflix will always show a resolution label, and if high definition is an option, it'll also show a label for the high-definition system the title will use to play on the TV.

On some TVs and other devices, you'll see only one video quality label even if more than one applies. If the title and device support high dynamic range, the label will show that one. For example, if a title plays in 4K and also supports Dolby Vision on a device, only the Dolby Vision label will show.

So look for 4K and HD labels to check resolution, and Dolby Vision and HDR labels to check high dynamic range. In step 5 below are titles to use to check each.

Check which plan you have and make sure it supports the quality you'd like.

Netflix adapts to the speed of your internet connection to make sure you can keep watching. It may stream at a lower quality on slow or unstable internet connections.

Follow the steps below to check your device's internet speed.

To get the best quality available for your plan, all the devices you're using have to support it. If you’re on the Premium plan and trying to watch on a TV with a streaming stick and an audio receiver, then all three devices have to support 4K to watch in 4K or HDR to watch in HDR.

• You should also check that all devices are running the latest software or firmware and that their video resolution settings are equal to or greater than the quality you're aiming for.

• Your video cables and the ports they're plugged into must also support your plan's quality. For the Premium plan, you need to use Premium High Speed HDMI or Ultra High Speed HDMI cables. (Not sure what type of cable you have? It's often printed on the cable or the cable ends.)

• For 4K or HDR, make sure that devices and cables are plugged into an HDMI port that supports HDCP 2.2 or later (usually the HDMI 1 port).

• If a device or cable in your setup doesn't meet all requirements for a particular quality, Netflix will play at the highest quality available for that device, port, or cable.

TVs and TV streaming devices

HDR can be turned on or off in the Netflix app on HDR-capable devices:

Most (but not all) Netflix titles are available in HD or 4K. Search for "HD" or "4K" to see lists of titles.

• Reminder: The details page of a title shows the video and audio quality of the title as it’ll play on your device. A movie may be available in 4K, but if your device is only 1080p the details will show HD rather than 4K and the title will play at 1080p.  

• Titles to test with:

  • Resolution: These titles will show the 4K label if they can play at that resolution on your device: Black Island, 1922, After Maria, Birders

  • High dynamic range: These titles will show the Dolby Vision or HDR label if high dynamic range is available on your device: Our Planet, Lost in Space, The Sea Beast

While there aren’t settings you can choose for resolution, there are some account settings that affect video quality. The default settings should be fine but you can double-check them to make sure they haven't been set to a lower quality. Go to Playback Settings in a web browser for the profile you want to watch with and make sure Data usage per screen is set for the target quality:

• 4K: High or Auto

• 1080P HD: High or Auto

• 720p HD: Medium, High, or Auto