How to Get 4K on YouTube TV: Unlock Stunning Quality

Updated May 6, 2025

YouTube TV lets you stream your favorite shows, movies, sports, and live TV. But watching in standard HD can sometimes feel limiting, especially if you have a 4K-ready device. Upgrading to 4K transforms your viewing experience by offering clearer, sharper, and more vibrant video quality. This guide walks you through the exact methods to quickly enable 4K streaming on YouTube TV, ensuring you get the absolute best out of your subscription.

Check YouTube TV 4K Availability

Before upgrading your subscription, first confirm if YouTube TV’s 4K streaming is available in your region. Not every location currently offers 4K content, so this quick check saves you from potential disappointment.

Begin by logging into your YouTube TV account from a web browser or the official app. Navigate to your account settings and select Membership. Look carefully for the 4K Plus add-on option. If available, you can enable 4K content; if not, it is likely unavailable in your area.

Also, consider checking directly via your streaming device. Open the YouTube TV app, then go to the Settings menu. Locate the "Streaming Quality or Subscription Details" section. Here, you'll see clearly if your subscription tier can be upgraded to 4K.

If 4K isn't supported in your region yet, checking periodically is a good idea—YouTube frequently expands its coverage to new locations.

Upgrade Your YouTube TV Subscription

Once you've confirmed 4K availability, upgrading your subscription to enjoy ultra-high-definition content is straightforward. YouTube TV offers this enhancement through the 4K Plus add-on. Follow these simple steps to enable it:

Log in to your account:

Visit the YouTube TV website or open your app. Make sure you're signed in with the account you wish to upgrade.

Access Membership Settings:

Click your profile icon (top-right corner) and select Settings. Then navigate to the Membership tab.

Choose the 4K Plus Add-on:

Under membership settings, scroll to find the 4K Plus option. Click on it to view the pricing details and additional benefits like offline viewing and unlimited simultaneous streams at home.

Confirm and Purchase:

After reviewing, click Add or Upgrade. You’ll then need to confirm your billing details. Once confirmed, your subscription immediately upgrades to support 4K streaming.

Cost and Benefits:

YouTube TV typically offers the 4K Plus add-on at an additional monthly fee, usually around $9.99.

This upgrade not only unlocks select live channels, sports, and on-demand content in stunning 4K resolution but also allows unlimited simultaneous streams on your home network, as well as the ability to download shows and movies for offline viewing.

Your account is now upgraded and ready. All that's left is ensuring your streaming device is properly configured to take advantage of this enhanced viewing experience.

NOTE: We suggest visiting the official YouTube tv website to know the latest pricing.

Verify Device Compatibility

Upgrading your subscription alone isn’t enough—your device must also support 4K streaming. If it doesn’t, YouTube TV will default to lower resolutions, even if you have the 4K Plus add-on.

Supported Devices for 4K Streaming:

To stream in 4K, you need a compatible device. Here’s a quick list of devices that support 4K playback on YouTube TV:

Smart TVs: Most newer models from Samsung, LG, Sony (Android TV), and Vizio.
Streaming Devices: Chromecast with Google TV (4K), Apple TV 4K, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, Roku Ultra, and NVIDIA Shield.
Gaming Consoles: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Mobile Devices: Select high-end Android phones and iPads with 4K-capable displays (only for downloaded content).
Web Browsers: Limited 4K support on Chrome and Safari; resolution may be capped depending on display and OS.

How to Check:

Visit your device’s specifications page or manual and confirm that 4K output is supported.
Make sure your streaming apps are fully updated.
If using external devices (like a streaming stick or console), connect via HDMI 2.0 or higher to a 4K-compatible TV.
Verify that your TV’s display settings are set to allow 4K or UHD output.

If you're unsure whether your setup supports 4K, try playing known 4K content. If the option isn’t available, it’s likely a compatibility issue that may require an upgrade to your hardware.

Ensure Adequate Internet Speed

Streaming in 4K demands more than just the right device—it requires a strong and stable internet connection. Without it, your stream may buffer, downgrade to HD, or fail to load altogether.

Minimum Speed Requirements:

To stream 4K content smoothly on YouTube TV, you should have an internet speed of at least 25 Mbps per device. If multiple people in your household are streaming or gaming simultaneously, your overall speed should be higher, closer to 50 Mbps or more.

How to Test and Improve Speed:

Run a Speed Test: Use tools like Speedtest.net or Google’s built-in speed test (search “speed test”) to check your current connection.
Use a Wired Connection: Ethernet is often more stable than Wi-Fi, especially for 4K streaming.
Position Your Router Properly: If you rely on Wi-Fi, ensure your router is placed centrally and away from walls or obstructions.
Limit Background Usage: Pause large downloads, cloud backups, or other devices that might be using bandwidth during your stream.

If your speed consistently falls short, contact your ISP to explore higher-speed plans. Streaming in 4K is only enjoyable when your internet can keep up.

Adjust YouTube TV Settings for 4K

After upgrading your subscription and confirming device and internet compatibility, the final step is adjusting your YouTube TV settings to ensure you're actually streaming in 4K.

How to Set Streaming Quality to 4K

Open YouTube TV on your device or web browser.
Select any video that supports 4K (look for sports or nature content—these often offer 4K resolution).
While the video plays, click the Settings icon (gear icon).
Navigate to Quality, and if 4K is available, you’ll see options like 2160p (4K).
Select 2160p (4K) to force playback in the highest available resolution.

Device-Specific Tips

On Apple TV and Chromecast with Google TV, you may need to access the device’s settings and ensure the resolution output is set to 4K or UHD.
If your TV supports HDR, you might also see HDR10 or Dolby Vision as part of the playback options. Enable HDR in your device or TV's settings for enhanced color and contrast.
Some Smart TVs automatically adjust to the best resolution. Still, it’s a good idea to double-check that “Best Available” is selected in your quality settings.

Finally, remember that not all content on YouTube TV is available in 4K. When 4K isn’t available, the video will play in the highest resolution it supports—often 720p or 1080p.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with everything set up, you may still encounter issues when trying to stream in 4K on YouTube TV. Here’s how to fix the most common ones:

1. Video Not Playing in 4K

Make sure the content you’re watching is actually available in 4K. Not all shows or channels support it.
Recheck your streaming quality settings—you may need to manually select 2160p.
Ensure that your TV and streaming device are both 4K-capable and properly connected via an HDMI 2.0 or higher cable.

2. Buffering or Lag

Run a speed test. If your internet speed isn’t consistently above 25 Mbps, consider reducing other network activities or switching to a wired connection.
Restart your router or modem.
Reboot your streaming device.

3. Subscription or Billing Errors

Visit the Settings > Membership section on YouTube TV to confirm that the 4K Plus add-on is active.
If you just upgraded, give it a few minutes to reflect.
For persistent billing or activation issues, contact YouTube TV support.

A quick refresh or reset often solves most playback issues. If the problem continues, trying the app on another device can help isolate the issue.

Conclusion

Adding 4K to YouTube TV doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you’ve confirmed availability, upgraded your subscription, checked device compatibility, and optimized your settings, you’re all set to enjoy sharper, more immersive streaming. Just ensure your internet can handle the load and troubleshoot any issues that arise. With everything in place, you’ll experience YouTube TV at its highest quality.

FAQs

Can I watch all channels in 4K on YouTube TV?

No. Only select live channels, sports events, and on-demand content that offer 4K resolution. Availability varies by program and network.

What if my internet is too slow for 4K?

YouTube TV will automatically lower the resolution to prevent buffering. You can still watch content, just not in 4K quality.

Do I need special equipment for 4K?

Yes. You’ll need a 4K-capable TV and a streaming device that supports 4K playback, along with an HDMI 2.0 or higher connection.

Is 4K Plus available for all YouTube TV plans?

It’s available for most standard plans, but some promotional or legacy plans may not support the add-on. Check your membership settings.

Ahsen Jawed

Hi, I am Ahsen, a tech admirer who keeps an eye on the latest innovations and upgrades in the world of microphones, cameras, and all other digital products which add joy and ease to our lives. As a content writer for over a decade, I adore describing inventions and new technologies in filmmaking and content creation. I aim to help readers make sound decisions by letting them explore popular brands through simple and understandable content backed by years of experience and knowledge.