I reverse-engineered Netflix's 4K restrictions
created: Jan. 28, 2026, 11:45 p.m. | updated: Jan. 29, 2026, 12:21 a.m.
Netflix 4K EnablerA Chrome/Edge extension that forces Netflix to serve 4K Ultra HD content on devices and browsers that Netflix artificially restricts.
Edge has Widevine L1 hardware DRM support, which combined with this extension gives the most reliable 4K playback.
[Netflix 4K] Screen: 3840x2160, HDCP: 2.2, Profiles: 4K HEVC/VP9/AV1UsageBrowse Netflix normally - Find something to watch Click on a title - The extension will auto-refresh the page to ensure 4K Check stream quality - Press Ctrl+Shift+Alt+D while watching to show Netflix's hidden stats overlay: Resolution: 3840x2160Playing bitrate: 15000+ kbps Console logging - The extension logs resolution changes: [Netflix 4K] Video loaded: 3840x2160 [Netflix 4K] Current resolution: 3840x2160How It WorksNetflix negotiates DRM capabilities when a page loads.
You'll notice a quick refresh when clicking on a title - that's intentional and ensures 4K works.
4K Content to Test WithThese titles have 4K:Our Planet (nature doc - great for testing, obvious quality difference)(nature doc - great for testing, obvious quality difference) Stranger ThingsWednesdayThe CrownBreaking BadThe WitcherAny title with "Ultra HD 4K" badgeLimitationsHardware DRM (Widevine L1)Netflix requires Widevine L1 for 4K.
2 hours, 50 minutes ago: Hacker News