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To watch a YouTube video in 1080p, open the player’s Settings, choose Quality, then select 1080p if it is listed. On a phone or tablet, tap Advanced first to reveal manual resolution choices. You can only select 1080p when the video has a 1080p source and your device supports the available format.
How do I change YouTube quality to 1080p?
The controls vary slightly by device and app version, but the path is through the video player’s quality settings. YouTube may adjust the quality again if you leave it on Auto or playback conditions change. See YouTube Help’s instructions for changing video quality.
On a computer
- Start the video and move your pointer over the player.
- Select Settings (the gear icon), then select Quality.
- Select 1080p if it appears in the list.
On Android, iPhone, or iPad
- Start the video and tap the player to show its controls.
- Tap Settings, then Quality.
- Tap Advanced if shown, then choose 1080p if available.
The mobile quality menu may instead offer Auto, Higher picture quality, or Data saver. These are viewing preferences, not specific resolution selections: choose Advanced to pick a resolution manually when that option is available.
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On a TV
- Open the video player’s Settings.
- Choose Quality.
- Select 1080p if it is listed.
Set a default quality preference on mobile
If you would rather not choose a resolution for every video, set YouTube’s mobile quality preferences separately for cellular data and Wi-Fi:
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- Tap your profile picture.
- Go to Settings > Video quality preferences.
- Choose a preference for mobile networks and another for Wi-Fi.
Choosing Higher picture quality can use more data, take longer to start, or buffer more often. Data saver lowers picture quality and can start faster. These preferences do not guarantee that every video will play at 1080p; YouTube may not offer Advanced or a particular resolution for a given video or device.
Why is 1080p not showing on YouTube?
A 1080p option appears only when the source and playback setup support it. YouTube says quality can depend on the internet connection, player or screen size, original upload quality, and browser support for newer formats. Its guidance notes that some high-quality formats, including 1080p and 4K, may be unavailable on devices that do not support newer compression technology such as VP9. See YouTube Help’s explanation of video quality factors.
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- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- The video was not uploaded in 1080p. A standard-definition source cannot be turned into genuine HD by changing playback settings.
- The device or browser does not support the available format. Try a supported browser or another device, then check the Quality menu again.
- The video is still processing or has limited options. Advanced or a particular resolution is not offered for every video.
- The connection is unstable. Auto can lower playback quality to keep a video playing; manual selection may buffer if the connection cannot sustain it.
Check the Quality menu first, then verify that the video has a 1080p source. If it does, test playback on another supported device or browser. If the option appears but playback drops in quality or stalls, connection conditions may be limiting playback.
What does 1080p mean, and is it the same as 1080p Premium?
YouTube defines HD as 720 to 1080 vertical lines. For a standard 16:9 frame, 1080p is 1920 × 1080. That describes resolution: the number of pixels in the image. See YouTube Help’s HD and 4K guidance.
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1080p Premium is a separate enhanced-bitrate version of 1080p, available to YouTube Premium members for eligible videos. It does not mean a higher resolution than 1080p. YouTube says it is offered only for eligible videos uploaded in 1080p, and not for live streams, Shorts, or videos uploaded at resolutions above or below 1080p. Details are in YouTube Help’s explanation of Premium benefits.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Manual quality or Auto: which should you choose?
| Setting | What it does | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Manual 1080p | Lets you select 1080p when the video and device offer it; playback may buffer if the connection cannot sustain it. | Use when you want a specific resolution and playback is stable. |
| Auto | Adjusts quality according to viewing conditions, including connection speed, player or screen size, source quality, and browser format support. | Use when uninterrupted playback matters more than holding one resolution. |
| Higher picture quality (mobile) | Favors higher quality, uses more data, and may take longer to start or buffer more often. | Use when picture quality matters and data or buffering is less of a concern. |
| Data saver (mobile) | Lowers picture quality and can start faster. | Use when conserving mobile data or getting playback started quickly matters. |
The exact options depend on the video and device. If a manual 1080p choice is missing, no setting can override a source or compatibility limit.
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