Sony Support

Article ID : 00168049 / Last Modified : 09/05/2023Print

How to watch 4K videos on YouTube with an Android TV/Google TV

    You can play 4K videos on YouTube with a 4K-compatible Android TV/Google TV by following the steps below:

    1. Connect the TV to the Internet
    2. Search for 4K videos on YouTube
    3. Check if the video playing on YouTube is 4K, or change the image quality

    1. Connect the TV to the Internet

    Use either a wired or wireless connection, and make sure you have at least 40 Mbps speed. 

    We recommend a wired connection because 4K videos use high-capacity data. The videos may not play smoothly if the internet connection isn't fast enough.

    If you switch from an already established wireless connection to a wired connection, the wired connection between the wireless LAN router and the TV may not be enabled right away. In this case, press and hold the Power button on your TV to restart it.

    If you use a wired connection, ensure that Wired displays as the Connection method.
    How to check the network connection status.

    2. Search for 4K videos on YouTube

    1. On the remote control, press the HOME button.
    2. Select YouTube in the Apps category.
      • Videos can only be played in 4K resolution when playing from the YouTube app. If you play the videos from the Internet browser, they will not play in 4K.
    3. Search for keywords such as 4K video from the YouTube search field.

    Example of how to search for videos uploaded in 4K resolution

    3. Check if the movie playing on YouTube is 4K, or change the image quality

    1. During playback, press the Enter button on the remote control.
    2. Press the arrow buttons to select Setting, and then press the Enter button.
    3. Check the Quality icon on the screen.
      • If a white 4K icon is displayed, you're watching content in 4K resolution. When the white 4K icon is not displayed, you're watching content in other resolutions.
      • To change the image quality, select Quality, and then select 2160p, 4K.

    Final tips

    • The steps or menu items on YouTube are subject to change without notice.
    • Depending on the network's speed or use circumstances, videos may pause or start buffering during YouTube video playback at 4K resolution. You may also be unable to select 2160p, 4K due to the network environment. In these cases, set the Quality of YouTube to Auto or low resolution (to set it, refer to section 3 in this article).
    • For more information about watching 4K videos on YouTube, visit the YouTube Help page.