If you have a 3G network-compatible device or can only get a 3G connection for the time being or while you’re travelling, you might be wondering if you will be able to view your favourite Netflix shows.
In this article, we’ve discussed whether streaming your Netflix movies and shows on 3G is possible. Will it work or show a bad connection message?
Also read: How much data does Netflix use?
Netflix data limits
Steaming anything on Netflix uses a certain amount of data depending on the video quality. If you are in an area with a bad network or low network connection or a phone that supports only 3G data, you don’t have to worry.
Yes, you can stream Netflix on a 3G network on your mobile
Netflix data settings
- Automatic: Netflix sets your video quality according to your network’s strength, and you can watch for approximately four hours with 1 GB of data.
- WiFi only: This setting can only be used in the presence of a Wi-Fi connection.
- Save Data: You can watch for up to six hours with only 1 GB of data usage.
- Maximum Data: If you don’t have any data restrictions, you can switch to this setting, where you can stream high-quality videos with 1 GB of data being used every 20 minutes.
Streaming Netflix with the right video quality, you can manage your mobile data and stream with low internet connectivity or a 3G network. You can also download videos at a low quality to avoid high data usage and stream the videos offline.
Netflix’s internet speed limits
Netflix offers three types of video streaming qualities: Standard, High Definition, and Ultra High Definition. If you are streaming with a 3G network, your internet speed will be around 7-10Mbps at its peak and 3Mbps on average. You can keep your video quality low or medium and have a standard or a premium Netflix account.
You should have the following internet speeds to stream on Netflix:
- Standard Definition (SD): You will require around 1-3 Mbps to stream videos on 480p.
- High-definition (HD): You will require around 3-5 Mbps to stream videos on 720p.
- Full high definition (FHD): You will require around 10 Mbps to stream videos on 1080p.
- 4K/Ultra HD (UHD): You will require around 20 Mbps to stream videos on 4K.
Also read: What is the Download Limit for Netflix?
Check your network
You can now run a diagnostic check on your network as well as an internet speed test to test your internet connectivity:
- Open your Netflix account and click on your profile icon at the top right corner of your screen.
- Tap on App Settings.
- Scroll down, and under Diagnostics, you will find Check Network and Internet speed test.
These tests will check if your Netflix Android Server and internet connection are responsive, as well as the current speed of your internet. By running these diagnostics, you can check if you will be able to stream on your current 3G network.
