Streaming in 4K

From popular original series set in the Star Wars and Marvel universes to Pixar animated films and live-action blockbusters, Disney+ has a massive catalog of content available to stream in 4K. So, if you're looking to enjoy an immersive, extra sharp picture, here’s how to start streaming in UHD on Disney+:

• Disney+ Subscription
• 4K Compatible Setup
• Find 4K Content
• Troubleshooting
• Other Ways to Watch 4K Disney Content

Get a Disney+ Subscription

Disney+ is unique compared to other streaming services, like HBO Max and Netflix, in that even its lowest-tier subscription plan offers access to 4K-supported content. Disney+ streaming deals and streaming bundles with Hulu, ESPN, and HBO Max also offer UHD movies and TV shows on Disney+. However, that doesn’t mean 4K content will be available on the other streaming platforms. In fact, a separate, non-bundled Premium HBO Max plan is required to stream in 4K on HBO Max; all of HBO Max’s other plans limit content to Full HD.

Below are all the current Disney+ streaming plans; each offering full access to 4K streaming on Disney+:

Ensure Setup Is 4K Compatible

Disney+ might offer 4K content no matter the subscription plan, but if your setup isn’t 4K- ready, TV shows and movies will drop to the highest supported video quality, be it 720p or 1080p. Also, if you’re streaming Disney+ through a web browser, like Chrome or Safari, all streams will be capped at 720p or 1080p, no matter the display or device.

To ensure you can watch TV shows and movies in UHD, you need a reliable internet connection (25 Mbps or higher is ideal) and a 4K TV (or 4K monitor). If a TV offers smart capabilities and the Disney+ app, that may be all that’s needed to begin streaming in 4K. For those with displays lacking streaming support or seeking a different user experience, many top streaming devices, including some Fire TV Stick models and even the latest consoles, all support 4K.

Here’s a list of Disney+-supported external devices that allow for 4K streaming:

• PlayStation 5
• Xbox Series X (Disney+ With Ads limited to 1080p)
• Fire TV Sticks and Cube (4K models only)
• Roku Streaming Devices (4K models only)
• Apple TV (4K models only)
• Nvidia Shield TV
• Apple Vision Pro (also supports 3D)

While all of these devices can stream in 4K, not all HDR formats, like Dolby Vision, are available. Also, even if a device supports UHD, the HDMI cable connecting it to the TV must support a 4K bandwidth. Any top high-speed HDMI 2.1 cables make great options. Luckily, many of the external devices listed come with a proper HDMI cable in the box, so you won’t need to worry.

Find Supported 4K Content

Select Disney+ content streams in high-quality video formats, including 1080p and 4K resolutions along with HDR formats such as HDR10 and Dolby Vision. It’s easy to determine what video formats a TV show or movie is available to stream in. Just follow the steps listed below:

1. Select content you’d like to watch
2. Navigate to details
3. Look to the ‘Available in the following formats’ section to determine the video formats that are supported.

Disney+ will automatically display the highest quality video available based on the content and your system’s capabilities. Just be sure that in the ‘App Settings’ section, ‘Data Usage’ is set to ‘Automatic’.

Beyond UHD and Full HD, some Disney+ content supports IMAX Enhanced, with an expanded aspect ratio of 1.90:1 and enhanced sound via DTS:X. There is also select 3D support, but only when using the Apple Vision Pro.

Troubleshooting

If your subscription, hardware, and internet are properly connected and working, and you’re still having trouble streaming in 4K, below are several possible solutions to resolving the problem.

• Restart Disney+ app
• Update Disney+ app and streaming device to the most recent OS
• Clear your device's cache and datae
• Reinstall Disney+ app
• Power off and restart all components and the Disney+ app

Disney+ has a helpful guide on its website for those who still can’t stream 4K content.

Other Ways to Watch Disney+ TV Shows and Movies in 4K

While streaming TV shows and movies on Disney+ may be convenient, it’s not the only way to access Disney content in UHD. 4K Blu-rays are another way to watch. In fact, when comparing 4K streaming and 4K Blu-rays, the picture tends to look sharper and smoother with the physical media. That’s thanks to the higher bitrate and less compression when using Blu-ray players, since they don’t rely on an internet connection to transmit data. 4K Blu-rays also usually offer special features and other exclusives that can’t be found on streaming platforms.

If you’re looking to add to your UHD physical media collection, Disney has a sizable library of content to pick up. The number of 4K Blu-rays of Pixar and other animated Disney hits continues to grow. Movies and TV shows from popular IPs, like Marvel and Star Wars, have received the 4K Blu-ray treatment, too, and there are plenty of upcoming 4K Blu-ray releases. So, you don’t need to rely on a Disney+ subscription to enjoy Disney’s catalogue in 4K.

Up Next: Disney Plus Guide