How to Change YouTube Video Quality to HD or 4K (2026)

Want sharper YouTube videos? Back in 2008 YouTube streamed tiny 320×240 videos by default, and the trick was to add &fmt=6 or &fmt=18 to the URL to change YouTube video quality to “high resolution” 480×360. Those URL hacks stopped working long ago. Today YouTube streams up to 4K and 8K, and you choose quality from the player menu. Here’s how on every device in 2026.

Quick answer: On a computer, click the gear icon in the YouTube player, choose Quality and pick a resolution such as 1080p or 4K (2160p). In the app, tap the video, tap the gear icon, then Quality > Advanced. To set a default, go to Settings > Video quality preferences in the app and choose Higher picture quality for Wi-Fi and mobile networks.

How to change YouTube video quality

On a computer

1. Start the video and click the Settings gear icon in the player.
2. Click Quality.
3. Choose a resolution, such as 1080p, 1440p or 2160p (4K). “Auto” adjusts to your connection.

On Android or iPhone

1. Tap the video, then the gear icon.
2. Tap Quality, then Advanced to pick an exact resolution.
3. For a default, open your profile > Settings > Video quality preferences and choose Higher picture quality on Wi-Fi and mobile.

On a smart TV

Press the menu or settings button during playback and choose Quality. Most TVs pick the best quality automatically on a fast connection.

What do YouTube quality numbers mean?

• 480p: standard definition, low data use.
• 720p: HD, fine on phones.
• 1080p: Full HD, ideal for laptops and most screens.
• 1440p (2K) and 2160p (4K): sharp on large monitors and TVs.
• HDR: brighter, richer colours on compatible screens.
• 1080p Premium: a higher-bitrate option for YouTube Premium members on supported devices.

Why can’t I select higher quality?

• The uploader may not have uploaded in that resolution.
• Your internet connection may be too slow; YouTube limits options on weak connections.
• Data saver settings in the app or on your phone may cap quality.
• Small screens or older devices may not offer 4K.

How much data does YouTube use?

Higher resolutions use much more data: 4K can use several gigabytes per hour, while 480p uses a fraction of that. On mobile data, choose Data saver or Auto.

For faster streaming at home, check your internet connection speed. Uploading your own videos? See how to upload unlisted or private YouTube videos.

FAQ

How do I always watch YouTube in HD?

In the app, set Video quality preferences to Higher picture quality. On the web, choose a resolution in the player’s Quality menu.

Do the &fmt=18 URL tricks still work?

No. YouTube removed these parameters; use the player’s Quality menu instead.

Why does YouTube keep lowering the quality?

With Auto quality, YouTube reduces resolution when your connection slows to avoid buffering.