Want to stream Netflix in crisp and clear 4K? There is now a wealth of Ultra HD content to enjoy including Blue Planet II, Roma, Stranger Things, Black Mirror and much more. However, you need to have the right gear, account and internet if you want to get started!
To be clear, 4K and Ultra HD are basically the same thing. It’s currently the highest resolution your screen is likely to have, with four times the pixels of HD (hence the “4” in the name). It’s the kind of resolution you’ll see in most mainstream cinemas today.
Contents
- 1 What do I need to watch 4K content on Netflix?
- 2 Is my TV compatible with 4K content?
- 3 Which streaming device do I need?
- 4 How can I check my internet connection?
- 5 Do I have the right Netflix subscription?
- 6 Is my streaming quality set correctly?
- 7 What series and movies are available in 4K on Netflix?
What do I need to watch 4K content on Netflix?
Before you start looking for all that juicy 4K content, you need to make sure you have the following four things:
- A 60Hz 4K TV capable of streaming Netflix
- A streaming device that enables 4K content
- A strong internet connection speed of 25 Mb/s or higher
- A Netflix plan that lets you stream 4K
- That your streaming quality is set to Automatic or High
Is my TV compatible with 4K content?
So what exactly are the technical requirements you need? Aside from obviously having a 4K TV, you need to make sure your TV has an HDMI cable and HDMI port that is HDCP 2.2 certified. You should be able to find this information in your owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website. If you’re looking for a cheat sheet, Netflix has a very handy full list of compatible devices on their website, which they update regularly.
Note: This article only covers watching TV content. If you want to enjoy Ultra HD on your PC or laptop, check out our guide to streaming 4K Netflix on your computer. You’ll also find our top picks for smart TVs (including 4K) here.
Which streaming device do I need?
If you’re watching TV from a 4K TV, chances are it’s a smart TV, so you can 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 gaming console – you’ll need to make sure that device can stream Ultra HD.
For example, the PlayStation 4 Pro can stream 4K, but the Standard and Slim versions cannot. Similarly, the Amazon Fire Stick is 4K while the Amazon Fire Stick is not, and the same goes for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV. Nine times out of ten, “4K” is in the title of the product or in the description of the headline.
Again, you can find a full list of all compatible devices on the Netflix website. If you’re looking to invest in a new streaming device, take a look at our top picks for media streaming boxes for your TV.
How can I check my internet connection?
Now that you’ve got the TV, you need the internet speed to match. The recommended speed for smooth Ultra HD streaming from Netflix is 25 Mb/s, with a higher number being preferable. Anything below that can cause a lot of buffering issues. For a stronger connection, consider an Ethernet connection rather than just relying on WiFi, as 4K uses a lot of data. This basically means connecting your streaming device directly to your router using an Ethernet cable.
If you are unsure of the speed of your broadband, we recommend that you visit SpeedTest.Net and use the diagnostic tool of the same name.
Do I have the right Netflix subscription?
Unfortunately, the Basic plan only gives you access to Standard Definition (SD) content. To watch in 4K you’ll need to upgrade to Netflix’s premium plan, which currently costs £13.99/$19.99 per month. This plan also gives you access to a whole host of benefits, see full details below:
Is my streaming quality set correctly?
Ultra HD requires the streaming quality to be set to high, which will show up as automatic in most cases when watching from a 4K TV with a strong internet connection. You can double-check your streaming quality by first going to the “Account” tab and then clicking “Playback Settings” in the “My Profile” section. The screen should look like this:
Note that the quality you set your videos to will affect the amount of data you use. If for some reason you want to save your data, you need to switch to a lower setting. However, this means that your content will not appear in 4K.
What series and movies are available in 4K on Netflix?
Annoyingly, Netflix doesn’t yet have a category for 4K content, so the process is a bit more manual. Go into the search bar and type in either “4K” or “UltraHD” to see what’s available. You can also check if your favorite show or movie is in 4K on the title card that appears above the description. Scroll to the top of this page to see an example of this highlighted in the article cover photo.
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