Nobody wants watch pixel videos. And less if you pay to see them. However, this is something that sometimes happens with Netflix. In this case, moreover, there is more reason to demand perfection, because in order to get the maximum video quality (4K) you have to hire most valuable account.
In this situation, there are two options: let go and trust that everything will work as expected on its own, or, as we will explain in this video, make certain changes and checks to make sure you always get the best video quality possible on Netflix.
Of course, in order to watch Netflix in High Definition (HD) and/or Ultra HD 4K, you will need compatible TV with these resolutions. Or, otherwise, a smartphone or PC.
Second, you Internet connection should be enough. Netflix recommends at least 15 Mbps for Ultra HD 4K content, 5 Mbps for FHD (1080p) and 3 Mbps for 720p.
It is also worth remembering that an account is required to view HD content. Netflix Standard (intermediate mode). And to watch UHD 4K content, you’ll need an account instead. NetflixPremium (mask). This last option also opens the door for HDR content like Dolby Atmos audio, though you’ll obviously need compatible hardware to use those two options.
How to make Netflix always play the best picture quality
We have already verified that we have a device that can play Netflix in HD and/or UHD 4K. We also know that our internet connection has sufficient bandwidth. Now we only have to ask Netflix to contribute.
Default, Netflix automatically adapts video quality at available speed or bandwidth. The same is happening with YouTube and other video platforms. Continuous playback often takes precedence over video quality.
The problem is that sometimes we can temporarily pause playback to make it easier to download content in the highest possible quality. Or the system simply does not work as expected, and despite the possibility streaming at higher quality, it “locks” at lower resolution.
Fortunately, this has a solution. To do this, we will have to go to Netflix in its official app for smartphones and / or tablets or in its web version. If you make a change on one device, it will affect the others as the change will be tied to yours. user account.
Through the Internet, we enter Netflix, go to our profile, enter Bill and go down to your profile, presented by our avatar. Click on the dropdown on the right and we will see several options. We are interested in what is written there Playback settings. Press Change.
In a new window we will see the option Screen Data Usage. By default we see that this is auto. That is: the video quality will adapt to the available bandwidth. Or to the resolution that the screen supports. Or, in the case of mobile devices, to available data. If we want the best video quality available for every video in the Netflix catalog, we must check the box High and finally click on Save.
Be careful with mobile data
When it comes to watching Netflix on your TV, computer, or game console, you don’t need to keep reading. However, things change if you want to watch Netflix in the best quality on your smartphone or tablet. This is where another element enters the equation: Mobile data accessible. That is, the higher the quality of the video, the more data you will consume. So if you stream Netflix to your smartphone using 4G or 5G and choose the highest quality, your data will suffer. If you don’t have a plan unlimited mobile data.
To get an idea, Netflix gives us some useful data for reference:
- With basic video and audio quality (Bass), consumes 0.3 GB per hour.
- In standard quality, SD resolution consumption is 0.7 GB per hour.
- Consumption increases to 3 GB every hour for HD video.
- If Ultra HD 4K resolution is selected, the figure increases to 7 GB per hour of video.
A possible solution to not run out of this mobile data is to preload content. Not the entire Netflix catalog supports this option, but it will be very useful if you are traveling or in a place without Wi-Fi coverage and/or want to watch a series or movie with the highest video quality that Netflix has to offer. When you go to a series or movie, in the catalog you will see loading icon on the description page.
To then play this content offline, you will need to enter the app and press downloads or my downloads. Please note that downloads are device-specific, but you can view them from any account. Once you have viewed this content, you can delete it by clicking on Edit > Delete.
