A while ago I wrote an article entitled “Why Doesn’t your Android TV Box Play Full HD or 4K Videos in Netflix?” basically explaining that most TV boxes running Android could only play SD quality, because HD and higher quality requires both Widevine Level 1 DRM, and Netflix certification, and the second part is the most difficult since Netflix need to spend time testing a given product, and may not agree to do so for smaller manufacturers. The end result is that only a small subset of devices can play Netflix HD.
Samsung Tab S2 is one of the device with Widevine Level 1, but is not certified by Netflix, and by default can only play SD quality. But XDA Forum user chenxiaolong apparently found a workaround and as the photo above shows is now able to reach HD resolutions (e.g. 1920×1080) with Netflix using his tablet. After analyzing packets between the server and his two Samsung tablets, he noticed that he could set “enableWidevineL1” from the JSON response to true, and provided a method showing how to change the app without uploaded a modded apk. But others followed his instructions and released a modified Netflix HD apk. [Broken link: See mirror instead]
Although it might or might not breach Netflix TOS, please note that this has nothing to do with piracy at all, nor does it skip DRM, as it still requires both a Netflix HD subscription and a device supporting Widevine Level 1 DRM. Sadly that also means the trick will still not work on most cheap Android TV boxes that are limited to Level 3 security. It’s also quite possible Netflix eventually notices and changes the code to prevent this little hack. You can check Widevine DRM support with DRM Info app.
Thanks to Theguyuk for the tip.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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Interesting, Thanks 🙂
Good news. I’ll test it the apk
Question: How can I see the stream details? (resolution, bit rate etc…?)
@Hetz
Netflix has video samples to test bitrate and resolution that will show the text as shown in the tablet picture above.
Last year, when I tried with somebody else account I searched for “Example Short 23.976”. This may have changed since then.
@Hertz
The above example is not available on Netflix UK , Netflix choice, don’t know why.
Oddly Samsung’s galaxy tab 2 is listed here https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23939 Netflix is available in HD on the Android tablets below. Note: Devices must run the latest firmware for HD playback to work properly. Acer Predator 8 (GT-810) Acer Iconia Tab 10 (A3-A30) Amazon Fire HD 8″ 2016 (KFGIWI) Asus Zenpad S8 (P01MA, P01M) Asus Zenpad 10 (P023, P021, P01T) Asus ZenPad Z8 for Verizon (VZW_P008) Dell Venue 8 7840 (Requires Android 5.0+) Google Nexus 7 2013 Google Nexus 9 (requires Android 6.0) Google Pixel C Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro (YT3-X90F, YT3-X90L, YT3-X90X) Nvidia Shield Portable Nvidia Shield Tablet Nvidia Shield Tablet… Read more »
@Theguyuk
The hack was actually first posted in January, maybe Netflix added the tablet to the list later on.
And the Nvidia Tegra Note 7″ only has a 1280 x 800 resolution !
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)
Very true
I cannot install the apk on my Q10 Pro. If it is an old hack, probably that is why it does not work on mine.
@Mihai
Does Himedia Q10 Pro support Widewine L1 DRM?
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)
No, it does not have Widevine L1 DRM. I had Netflix installed from Play Store, I could not even install the apk.
Hi.
Im remodded that apk to force HD in non-certified device L3. Try it.
http://199.175.53.21/netflix-hd-remodded.apk
Hi, havu you some latest version of thist apk? It works on Xiaomi Redmi 4X
@Aie Massfiria
Not being rude just security concious, who are you?
How have you modified it?
@theguyuk
just a normal person
@Aie Massfiria
Being evasive too ?
@theguyuk
He has commented on CNX Software before, and linked to OpenELEC for K1 Plus on the same server @ http://www.cnx-software.com/2016/03/28/openelec-vitmos-os-for-videostrongvenz-k1-plus-android-dvb-receiver/#comment-532886
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)
If you still worry, you could download the apk on your PC first, and run it through https://apk-analyzer.net/ or other tools.
Edit: I’ve tried one report and it says it’s clean: https://apkscan.nviso.be/report/show/40d31d941f05e717ff67a51a869b1576
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)
Thank you
I was, am worried over security exploits or account harvesting.
Not turned on the PC in months. Am I right in thinking Widevine L3 is software and Widevine L1 has to be firmware enabled in hardware and have a non rooted device.
Curious how it breaks DRM Widevine L1 to force a Widevine L3 to play L1.
Maybe me, but don’t feel trust in posted app. I will adopt the surrogate goat, miners canary, security method myself.
@theguyuk
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)
Tq for coorperation. Yes, its clean…After i get the apk look into its. I think the apk is disable DRM Detection Level and only supported only Cert-Device L1 then im thinking how to force it to HD in level 3…Actually im re-modded the apk :-
1) To always return Detection Widevine L1 even the device is L3. Means no false (0)..always true (1)
2) To always detect Device is HD
I try on my android box and my xiaomi mi max 2, maximum resolutiom is 960 x 540. my devices all are widevine L3. I also try to modd apk using guide from https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=65001865&postcount=12, and my apk doesn’t show HD on preview title. why?
Another thing, how to enable 5.1 audio. where to edit in apk? i try open apk netflix version 5.10 and latest, the folder structur also change, and cannot find file /smali/com/netflix/mediaclient/service/webclient/model/leafs/DeviceConfigData.smali anymore. Hope you can help me.. or modd newest version of netflix, since old version HD not working anymore
new latest netflix modded apk by me normal app not leanback. This version is more clear. force to play on UltraHD http://199.175.53.21/netflixlatest.hdonly8.apk
Quote
@Aie Massfiria
Can be done same hack with Android TV leanback version APP? and/or force DD+ 5.1 audio?
leanback is hard if using noncertified device..but maybe can on Certified device. Will try.
@Aie Massfiria
Not work. netflix show UHD logo into info movie screen, but when playback video OMX decoding report 720×480.
What device that tested and netflix package?
@Aie Massfiria:
Netflix.hdonly8.apk does not work on Samsung galaxy tab A 10.1 2016 LTE. The resolution is not improved (480p).
Netflix.hd.remodded.apk does not work either. With this version it only plays sound and shows the message: “unable to reach netflix service. Please refer to the customer service.”
Not tested on any device with L1 level..Actually modded special for L3 coz L1 still can using original apk at Playstore and can get HD or UHD depending on device, hdcp level and TV.
Okay, I thought when this app can trick netflix to accept a L3 device, a L1 device should be easy as well… Bad luck for me
Seem to work 1080p on my widevine l3 s912
Does anybody have an APK for an L1 Device?
@MisterX
Try that one: minix.com.hk/downfile/Netflix_HD.apk (link broken). Use that one instead
@Damkier
it work at 1080p without mod apk?
Any updates for android tv boxes? Amlogic S912.
Dead link
@Bob Snelgrove
I found a mirror @ https://mega.nz/#!kVgDFARC!rA6ASZB-cR65_t-PlHHUwV-6VobbEBc-dEMniK563cI
You need Widevine Level 1 DRM for HD video to work with this. Among Amlogic S912 TV boxes only MINIX NEO U9-H has it (AFAIK).
Thanks, I have a Beelink GT-1 (S912). So I can’t run Widevine or use the HD Netflix apk then?
bob
@Bob Snelgrove
You can run that apk, but you’ll be limited to 480p. 720p is only possible if you have a box with Widevine L1.
The DRM is something done at the factory that can’t be updated by firmware update.
No 1080P then, even with the MINIX?
@Bob Snelgrove
That’s my understanding based on what I read on minix forums.
You need to have a Netflix certified device for 1080p/4K, even the hacked app discussed in this post is limited to 720p.
Thanks,
No need to get the MINIX then! So I guess the hacked Samsung at the beginning of this article is an exception then? (1080p)
@Bob Snelgrove
I forgot about the Samsung thing. Maybe better confirm on MINIX forums about the limitation. I don’t have Netflix myself, but right now my understanding is
1. Beelink GT1 works up to 480p (same as other cheaper Amlogic TV boxes)
2. MINIX NEO U9-H works up to 720p with hacked app
3. If you want Full HD, one the cheapest option is Xiaomi Mi Box US -> http://www.cnx-software.com/2017/02/12/xiaomi-mi-box-us-android-tv-tv-box-review/
I have a Beelink Mini MXIII – II and on DRM Info it says Widevine 1.
I´ve installed the netflix_HD.apk as said but the resolution seems to be 720p… so. it didnt change.
Is there any news about this trick?
@fred
Not a Neflix user, but I think that trick only enables 720p, instead of 480p. You can’t get 1080p or greater.
I’ve seen YOKA KB2 PRO specification, it’s written it supports Widevine level 3, do you think this box support Netflix HD FHD 4K? or only HD?
@Marco
Probably only 480p, not even HD (720p)
@fred
Why would the beelink mini support 720 and not the beelink Gt1?
@Bob Snelgrove
If he indeed has Widevine DRM Level 1, then that should explain it.
this is a compare DRM between xiaomi redmi pro where netflix run in hd and yoka kb2
https ://drive. google. com/open?id= 0BwF2bFS55u_MLUtNVHBKZTJaQ1U
do you think if I change build.prop of yoka can I see netflix hd?
Has anyone found a newer work around? The one posted above by cnxsoft no longer works. Using a galaxy tab a
maybe a dead thread but if anyone this working for the Android TV APK version of netflix. The UI is much better.
redwing
Which APK ??
bob
404. That’s an error.
The requested URL was not found on this server. That’s all we know.
Check the link in that comment: https://www.cnx-software.com/2016/11/28/how-to-play-netflix-hd-on-any-android-device-with-widevine-level-1-drm/#comment-540625
I’ve also updated the post to link to it instead.
I just came to thank you for the apk. I got a new mecool box and there’s this “fix” for it but weirdly, it’s not working like it’s supposed to. This saved my day. wtf! Thank you very much. Hopefully I hope theres an app that can go up to 4k not limited 1080p.
Could you do this with any more current version of Netflix?
I bought a Lenovo Tab M10 plus 2nd Gen that shows Widevine L1, but Netflix shows L3 so no HD!
I installed your APK and now it works like a charm thank you so muuuch !!!!!
Thanks for the feedback. I’m surprised the APK (not mine by the way) still works after so many years.
Do you know if it exists a recent APK with new features but still play HD content?