5 Ways to Fix Netflix Streaming in Low Quality on Android and iPhone

Common Fixes

• Check internet speed – I recommend at least 5Mbps to stream Netflix in high definition (HD) and a minimum of 25Mbps for Ultra HD and 4K video quality. Measure your internet speed online.
• Disable data saver – Open the Android settings, select Network & internet, and disable the Data Saver toggle. On iPhone, head to Settings > Wi-Fi or Mobile Service > select network > disable Low Data Mode.
• Force quit and reopen Netflix – Swipe up from the screen bottom to switch apps and slide up the Netflix card to force close it. Re-open Netflix.
• Sign out and re-authenticate account – Open your Netflix profile, tap the hamburger menu at the top right corner, and select Sign Out. Log in with your account credentials again.
• Update the Netflix app – Open the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, search Netflix, and tap Update.

Fix 1: Check Your Subscription Plan

Your Netflix subscription governs the video quality you receive. Check your subscription status to verify your plan supports high-quality video streaming. If it doesn’t, upgrade your existing plan.

Fix 2: Check Video Playback Settings

If Netflix is streaming in low quality on your device despite purchasing an HD-ready plan, check and switch your video playback settings.

Step 1: Open your Netflix profile from the bottom right, tap the hamburger menu at the top right corner, and select App Settings.

Step 2: Ensure Video Playback is not set to Save Data.

Step 3: Further, tap Video Quality and set it to Higher.

Fix 3: Verify Device Compatibility for Picture Quality

The Netflix app automatically checks your device for HD compatibility upon launch, displaying an HD label next to the video titles for high-quality streaming. If absent, your device may not support HD streaming or requires a software update to enable it.

Fix 4: Clear Netflix App Cache

Corrupt cache files are a common underlying culprit behind Netflix streaming content in low quality. Clear the app cache manually to fix it.

On Android: Long-tap the Netflix icon to open App info > select Storage and cache > tap Clear cache.

On iPhone: Long-tap the Netflix app and select Remove App. Select Delete App to confirm your action. Reinstall Netflix from the App Store.

Note: Deleting the Netflix app removes all your downloaded in-app content.

Fix 5: Turn off Battery Saver or Low Power Mode

The Battery Saver or Low Power mode prolongs your device battery by restricting the internet speed, resulting in low-quality Netflix streaming. Disable the mode to restore normalcy.

On Android: Swipe down the notification panel from the top and tap the Battery Saver toggle to disable it.

On iPhone: Open the iOS Control Center by swiping the screen from the top right and tap the Low Power Mode toggle to turn it off.