Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallTo download Netflix titles in the best available offline quality, open My Netflix → profile name → App Settings → Download Video Quality (or Video Quality) and select High or Higher. On compatible devices and titles, Netflix says this setting can provide up to 1080p HD; it uses more storage and takes longer than Standard. Netflix’s download-quality guidance notes that not every device or title supports HD.
Change the Netflix download-quality setting
- Open the Netflix app on a supported phone or tablet.
- Tap My Netflix in the lower-right corner.
- Tap the profile name at the top of the screen. Depending on the app version, the profile selector or menu may instead appear near the upper-right.
- Tap App Settings.
- Tap Download Video Quality or Video Quality.
- Select High or Higher.
The label and layout can vary by device, app version, and language. If you do not see the setting, check device compatibility below. Netflix documents both labels and the setting path.
What Standard and High/Higher mean
| Setting | Download quality | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | SD | Downloads faster and uses less storage. |
| High/Higher | Up to 1080p HD, when the device and title support it | Downloads take longer and use more storage. |
High is not a promise that every saved show or movie will be 1080p. Netflix says some devices do not support HD, and some titles are not available in HD. The download setting does not offer a separate 4K option. Netflix does not publish one universal file-size estimate for HD downloads; storage use varies.
Redownload titles saved in Standard
Changing the preference is a setting for downloads, not an instruction to upgrade files already on the device. As a practical consequence, delete a title saved in Standard and download it again after selecting High/Higher if you want a new copy at the higher available quality.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Check whether a title can play in HD
Open the title’s details page and look for its quality information. Netflix says the quality shown reflects what the title can play at on the device in use. If the title is available only in SD on that device, changing the download preference cannot make it HD. Netflix explains title quality labels and playback settings.
A missing Download button is a different issue from an SD-only download: not every title is licensed for offline viewing. Availability can depend on rights and region, among other localized factors. Netflix lists reasons downloads may not be available.
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
Device compatibility by platform
Android phones and tablets
HD depends on device compatibility, current software, and Netflix certification. Netflix uses Widevine DRM; its guidance says Widevine L1 is required for HD playback, while L3 is limited to SD. L1 is a requirement, not a guarantee that every title will play in HD.
- In Netflix, tap My Netflix.
- Tap the menu in the upper-right, then App Settings.
- Scroll to Diagnostics and tap Playback Specification.
- Check the Widevine entry: L1 supports the DRM level required for HD; L3 means playback is limited to SD.
Netflix notes that a modified Android operating system can cause a capable device to report L3. Keep both Netflix and Android current when troubleshooting. See Netflix’s Android HD requirements.
Rank #3
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
iPhone and iPad
Netflix downloads are supported on compatible iOS devices. Netflix says iPhone X and later support Full HD playback; iPad capability depends on the specific model. Keep iOS and the Netflix app updated, and check the title’s quality label on that device. Netflix lists iPhone and iPad download and resolution details.
Fire tablets
Fire tablets are among Netflix’s supported download devices, but some Fire devices do not support HD and may not offer a changeable HD download setting. Netflix’s supported-device guidance and its download-quality instructions describe these limitations.
Rank #4
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Chromebooks and Windows
Chromebooks with the Google Play Store can download Netflix titles. Netflix currently says downloads are unavailable on Windows devices, so a Windows user will not be able to enable HD downloads in the Windows app. Use a supported Android, iPhone, iPad, Fire tablet, or compatible Chromebook instead. Supported download devices; Windows download availability.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Fix a missing HD option or an SD-looking download
- Update the app and operating system. Netflix recommends current software for downloads and HD playback.
- Check the menu label. Look for either Download Video Quality or Video Quality under App Settings.
- Check device support. Some Android and Fire devices cannot use HD download quality. On Android, inspect Widevine under App Settings → Diagnostics → Playback Specification.
- Check the title’s quality label. The title may not be available in HD on that device, even when High/Higher is selected.
- Replace an older download. Delete a copy downloaded before changing the setting, then download it again.
- Check available storage and retry. High/Higher uses more storage; if the download fails, make room and try again.
- Distinguish download limits from quality limits. If there is no Download button, the title may not be available offline in your region.
If the setting remains unavailable after updates and compatibility checks, the device may not support HD downloads. Netflix’s download troubleshooting guidance covers supported devices and download issues.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- Streaming made easy: Roku Express lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the Internet—right to your TV. It’s perfect for new users, secondary TVs and easy gifting—but powerful enough for seasoned pros
- Quick and easy setup: Just plug it into your TV with the included High Speed HDMI Cable and connect to the internet to get started
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Compact and power-packed, you’ll stream your favorites with ease; from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV and PlayStation Vue, enjoy the most talked about TV across free and paid channels
- Low cost, no extra fees: For under $30, Roku Express streaming device includes a High Speed HDMI Cable—and there’s no monthly equipment fee; with access to free TV on hundreds of channels, there’s plenty to stream without spending extra
- Simple remote: Incredibly easy to use, this remote features shortcut buttons to popular streaming channels
Download quality is not streaming quality
Download Video Quality controls files saved for offline viewing. It does not set the quality of a stream watched over the internet. Netflix’s profile-level streaming preference is under Account → Profiles → select a profile → Playback settings; Netflix lists High or Auto as suitable preferences for 1080p streaming, subject to device, title, plan, connection, and platform support. Netflix’s playback-quality guidance.
Cellular Data Usage is another separate control: it manages mobile-data behavior, not the resolution of a saved download. Netflix’s options include Automatic, Wi-Fi Only, Save Data, and Maximum Data for streaming. Netflix describes Save Data as approximately six hours per GB and Maximum Data as potentially using 1 GB per 20 minutes or more; these are streaming-use estimates, not download-size or resolution guarantees. Netflix recommends Wi-Fi for downloads to avoid mobile-data charges or caps. Mobile-data settings; Download guidance.
Internet speed affects how long a download takes, not the resolution that the title or device supports. Netflix’s streaming recommendations are 3 Mbps or higher for 720p, 5 Mbps or higher for 1080p, and 15 Mbps or higher for 4K; these streaming figures do not guarantee download quality. Netflix’s recommended internet speeds.
Does your Netflix plan determine HD download quality?
Netflix’s download-quality guidance describes High/Higher as up to 1080p and identifies device and title support as limits; it does not establish a separate plan requirement for HD downloads. Do not assume a streaming plan’s Ultra HD/4K eligibility determines whether a title can be downloaded in HD. Streaming-plan quality rules concern streaming and are separate from this download setting. Netflix’s best-quality streaming guidance.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
