Is it possible to watch Netflix in 4K over 5G?

Alex Brown 

Now that 5G home internet coverage is rapidly expanding throughout the United States, it's time to discuss possible 5G use cases that will make the technology valid for ordinary customers. So we're looking at 5G home internet technology and addressing one of the essentials.

Can Netflix be streamed in 4K over 5G?

The answer to that question is, in principle, yes. In reality, we're probably still a long way off. 5G is faster than 4G in certain parts of the United States, providing quicker download rates and a more stable connection. However, for now, it's doubtful that you'll be able to watch Netflix in 4K via 5G home internet. However, this does not rule out the possibility of doing so in the future.

Quality restrictions on streaming

5G isn't yet strong enough to support 4K streaming isn't the only stumbling block. On specific plans, several major 5G home internet compress and restrict streaming video quality, making it difficult to receive anything higher than 1080p on your mobile device at the moment. So, if 4K streaming is something you truly want, make sure you know what your phone plan's limitations are before jumping on the 5G home internet bandwagon.

Another thing to consider is if Netflix is indeed delivering up 4K material to your devices.

How to determine whether Netflix is available in 4K

Did you realize that not all Netflix subscription plans provide the same streaming quality level? If you believe you aren't receiving Netflix in 4K, the first step is to contact Netflix and double-check your subscription. You'll be stranded in an HD-less wasteland if you're on the most basic package. Most people have the most common plan, which allows for HD streaming at 1080p but not 4K.

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So, if you want Netflix's 4K Ultra HD, the first step is to sign up for the Premium plan, which is the only one that provides that degree of quality.

Make sure your settings are correct.

If you have the premium plan and can still watch Netflix in 4K. The next step is to check your playback settings to see what your data usages are set at. Here's a rundown of what each of them means:

Low: Streaming at this quality will use around 0.3GB per hour. The material will forced to play in standard definition when you stream in poor quality. This is the best alternative for individuals with slow connections or who are streaming with data constraints.

Medium: Streaming at medium quality will take around 0.7GB of data per hour. You'll still stuck in standard definition at this point.

High: Depending on your network, you might use up to 7GB per hour for 4K Ultra HD streaming or 3GB per hour for ordinary 720p streaming.

Auto: As the name suggests, this will allow your streaming quality to vary by your current internet speeds and network connection to deliver the most steady streaming experience possible.