Watch HD, 4K UHD and HDR videos

You can choose the video quality for some movies and TV shows that you buy on Google. Most movies and TV shows are available in high definition (HD). HD video displays with a higher resolution than standard-definition (SD) video, so images appear sharper and more clear.

Fix issues with video quality

If a movie or TV show plays with a lower video quality than you expected:

1. Check the video quality that you purchased. You can only watch up to the quality that you purchased and the highest quality that your device supports. To find out what video quality you purchased, check the receipt in your email. 
2. Check your Internet speed. You need an Internet speed of at least 2 Mbps to play a video in HD or 4K.
3. Check device compatibility and other requirements. To play a video in higher quality, you need to use a compatible device. Your device may need to meet other requirements, depending on the video’s quality.

If your device meets all the requirements and your video still doesn’t play in the right quality, contact us for help.

When videos play in HD

Your ability to play videos in HD depends on licensing agreements and compatibility with your device. Your video plays in SD if:

• The title isn't available in HD.
• You don't have sufficient bandwidth to stream in HD.
• Your device's display doesn't meet the minimum requirements.

Device compatibility and other requirements

To play a video in a higher quality, you need to use a compatible device and may need to meet other requirements, depending on the video’s quality.

HD playback is supported on:

• Most Android phones and tablets
• iOS devices that run iOS 7 and up
• Chromecast devices used with an HD TV
• Android TV devices
• Other smart TVs with a screen resolution above 720p
• Safari web browsers when played with YouTube

To watch 4K Ultra-High Definition (UHD) videos, you need a:

• Compatible device:
  • 4K Android TV models, like Sony Bravia or Nvidia Shield
  • Chromecast Ultra connected to a 4K TV
  • Chromecast with Google TV
• Download speed of at least 15 Mbps

When you make a purchase, you will see an icon for either HDR , DV or HDR10+ .

HDR playback is only available with 4K UHD videos on compatible devices:

• Sony 4K Bravia Android TV made in 2016 or later
• Chromecast Ultra when connected to a compatible TV
• Chromecast with Google TV

HDR playback works automatically if your TV supports the various HDR formats. For specific HDR playback instructions, check your TV manufacturer’s support site.