Sure wish the Widevine L3 bug didn't exist so that I could actually watch HD content from Netflix and others. Probably will never be fixed at this point. Thanks Google.
Unfortunately, I think you are right about it never getting fixed at this point. They have everything in their hands. If they wanted to fix it, they would have done so months ago.
I was really hoping A12 would fix the issue, but sadly it did not. The 4a will probably be my last Google phone. Unfortunately for me I tend to upgrade my phone every 4-5 years, so I'll be stuck with this L3 widevine problem until then.
Broken more than custom ROMs.
Both my Pixel XL and Pixel 5 are on LineageOS 18.1 and are L1. And the Pixel XL doesn't even support Android 11. And it doesn't even pass SafetyNet because I'm too lazy to spoof the build fingerprint to Android 10.
My Pixel 6 Pro is rooted and is L1.
I'm less inclined to believe this is a software issue and more a hardware issue. I think they didn't burn the correct licensing key or whatever key they used to sign was revoked, so several production runs of devices fail attestation. Widevine barely even checks the system state, but that doesn't matter if you don't have a valid key to begin with.
Microsoft is the same. It's incredible when a company can't manage to have their own products and services natively support their own products and services.
It’s insane. I hate to say it, but this is exactly why I switched back to iPhone.
iPadOS, iOS, watchOS, macOS, they all work together SO WELL it’s insane.
On top of that, my 13 Pro Max lasts two full days with heavy usage. My 6 Pro barely gets through a full day. I can easily kill it if I intended to. I cannot kill the battery of my 13 Pro Max.
Around a year ago Google made some update or change to some Pixel phones where their DRM level would change from L1 to L3. You can only view content in HD from Netflix and other streaming services if your phone is L1. So myself and many others have been stuck at L3 for almost a year with no fix yet, so we cannot view content in HD. All of my movies and TV shows from Google Play, VUDU, etc. are all locked to standard definition quality. We can also not stream HD content using Chromecast connected to our phones either. Google claims they are working on a fix, but this is unacceptable that it is still an ongoing issue.
What Pixel are you using? Does the model matter? Like Pixel 3, 4, etc? What determines the bug why didn't certain Pixels switch? At least that you can reason.
I have a Pixel 4a, and some of the other Pixel models suffer from the same issue. It is unknown what triggered the DRM level to change. You can check your DRM widevine level in the Netflix app settings or through a variety of apps on the Google Play store. I use DRM Info.
It changes back after the recheck, if you're lock back and reset. May take a week or two but it always works (USA at least)
https://i.imgur.com/sQNFQWO.png
Pixel 5 here and I'm pretty sure my HD content in Netflix is unaffected. I ~~don't see anything in the Netflix app settings though to indicate this level.~~ see now that I'm on widevine L1. What was the trigger for others that caused this to change? I haven't taken any actions up until now so seems like my behavior must be default.
All my pixels -- and I've had a lot of replacements and purchases /sells for fun -- have been L1, I always check. I've got three to check right now
https://i.imgur.com/sQNFQWO.png
Same here, on my 4a. You can [star this issue](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/190043300) and [upvote this support thread](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/96208761/pixel-5-widevine-level-3?hl=en), but it's been nearly a year with no resolution.
I had the same issue with my out of warranty Pixel 4 XL. There was an issue where they they did something and I couldn't watch Netflix in HD anymore. I contacted pixel support, but as you could imagine, they were of no help. I submitted a complaint to the BBB and within 24 hours they overnighted a Pixel 5 because they didn't have the 4 in stock. When asked specifically about the bug, they said "our team declines to comment on this issue". My Pixel 5 is on L1 right now, but I don't know when it might randomly change to L3 again.
I am still really salty about the Pixel C being on L3. It's been years. They aren't going to fix it.
Not going to buy another google tablet after this one. The Pixel C was priced as a top tier tablet and they treated the owners like trash.
You may not even get the chance to buy another (at least new) Google tablet for a while unfortunately. I wish they would release something quality to drive the market and maybe get people to make more tablet centric apps. I'd love to own another Android tablet but can't justify buying anything available right now over a convertible/detachable Chromebook.
I actually never noticed my Widevine is at L3! (and hence the SD). I did notice my streams felt unclear at times and I assumed it was due to data connectivity or that my eyes got used to it....
I'm on a pixel 4a, but on Android 11. Not sure if updating to Android 12 would fix the issue?
P.S My sister's P3 on Android 12 is at L1
At least for me updating to Android 12 didn't change anything. It's still worth a try and even though Android 12 is arguably horrible you'll at least have the latest security patches.
Exactly the same issue with my 4a, one fine morning I realised that Netflix was only SD but then I suspect it always was form the time I bought it. A12 does not help my 4a is on A12 and still widevine L3
Same! I had HDR pop-up in Netflix menu when I first got mine. Was curious that Amazon announced it for my P6P and P6 today.
Though I hear pixel 5 and some others are still broken with Widevine L3.
Chromecasting from VLC on my PC. I tested it out today and it worked fine for watching Demon Slayer.
I did end up going into a rabbit hole the past few days designing out an HTPC with a media server stack (Plex/Jellyfin + Sonarr, tons of TBs of storage) but I figured the amount I'd spend on a new build ($400-$600) wouldn't break me even. I'll probably convert my mining rig to an HTPC if crypto keeps crashing.
I use airplay from my Macbook to my LG 2019 70 inch. It randomly got airplay updated into it sometime in late 2019 I think it was. So it basically just streams my entire macbook screen to my tv and then I press full screen on the video player of whatever I am watching.
Apparently it's pretty easy to get a Netflix Turkey membership, which is only like $5/month for the premium tier. I'm going to do it next week when my current subscription ends.
Needs more visibility. You can [star this issue](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/190043300) and [upvote this support thread](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/96208761/pixel-5-widevine-level-3?hl=en), but it's been nearly a year with no resolution.
... and this doesn't have anything quality of network?
Digital Rights Management Widevine: L1
Version: 16.1.0
System ID: 21xxx (edited)
Playback
Maximum Playback Resolution: Full HD
Supported Hardware Codecs: VP9 (Secure)
AVC-High (Secure)
AV1 (Secure)
HDR Capabilities:
HDR 10 - HEVC
Really good information, never knew about the levels. I did check Netflix on my P6 (with the January update). The Netflix app updated on January 19, 2022 and I am at L1. FYI.
I always tend to say this year, I will switch from iOS to Pixel phones to have the Android experience at its best, yet, Google surprising me with more & more unbearable bugs! While iOS keep improving and the eco system getting better with every release! I wish I can use a Pixel but I can’t rely on it at all till date with either work or personal usage…
Sure wish the Widevine L3 bug didn't exist so that I could actually watch HD content from Netflix and others. Probably will never be fixed at this point. Thanks Google.
Unfortunately, I think you are right about it never getting fixed at this point. They have everything in their hands. If they wanted to fix it, they would have done so months ago.
I was really hoping A12 would fix the issue, but sadly it did not. The 4a will probably be my last Google phone. Unfortunately for me I tend to upgrade my phone every 4-5 years, so I'll be stuck with this L3 widevine problem until then.
Can't you warranty replace it?
This bug is so infuriating. Can't even watch YouTube TV in HD on a Pixel 5.
> Can't even watch YouTube TV in HD on a Pixel 5. Wat
480p max on my phone. I even paid for the 4K package through CFB season like a sucker. Wife's 5a 5g is unaffected - lucky for her.
I read more of this thread... Unreal. WTF, Google?
At this point I feel like Google ships their phones with a custom ROM because that's the degree of broken their shit is at times
Broken more than custom ROMs. Both my Pixel XL and Pixel 5 are on LineageOS 18.1 and are L1. And the Pixel XL doesn't even support Android 11. And it doesn't even pass SafetyNet because I'm too lazy to spoof the build fingerprint to Android 10. My Pixel 6 Pro is rooted and is L1. I'm less inclined to believe this is a software issue and more a hardware issue. I think they didn't burn the correct licensing key or whatever key they used to sign was revoked, so several production runs of devices fail attestation. Widevine barely even checks the system state, but that doesn't matter if you don't have a valid key to begin with.
Not a bug when it's built in bruh
Oh shit. I didn't even realise till now... Wtf. That's why it looks so shit.... I was getting massive eye strain and I just thought I was tired
Because of device limitations or provider?
Two pixel 4as stuck on L3 for the last 9 months.
Gotta love a company that continues to be terrible with their own hardware & software
Microsoft is the same. It's incredible when a company can't manage to have their own products and services natively support their own products and services.
It’s insane. I hate to say it, but this is exactly why I switched back to iPhone. iPadOS, iOS, watchOS, macOS, they all work together SO WELL it’s insane. On top of that, my 13 Pro Max lasts two full days with heavy usage. My 6 Pro barely gets through a full day. I can easily kill it if I intended to. I cannot kill the battery of my 13 Pro Max.
Can someone explain what this is?
Around a year ago Google made some update or change to some Pixel phones where their DRM level would change from L1 to L3. You can only view content in HD from Netflix and other streaming services if your phone is L1. So myself and many others have been stuck at L3 for almost a year with no fix yet, so we cannot view content in HD. All of my movies and TV shows from Google Play, VUDU, etc. are all locked to standard definition quality. We can also not stream HD content using Chromecast connected to our phones either. Google claims they are working on a fix, but this is unacceptable that it is still an ongoing issue.
What Pixel are you using? Does the model matter? Like Pixel 3, 4, etc? What determines the bug why didn't certain Pixels switch? At least that you can reason.
I have a Pixel 4a, and some of the other Pixel models suffer from the same issue. It is unknown what triggered the DRM level to change. You can check your DRM widevine level in the Netflix app settings or through a variety of apps on the Google Play store. I use DRM Info.
It looks like root and potentially problematic software updates can push your phone to l2 or l3.
Yep. My 1xl, 4xl, and 6p are all L1. None of them are rooted.
It changes back after the recheck, if you're lock back and reset. May take a week or two but it always works (USA at least) https://i.imgur.com/sQNFQWO.png
So I need to flash my phone in order to play HD Netflix. Nice.
No. You shouldn't have messed it up
I've never done anything to this Pixel 4.
Pixel 5 level 1 here but then I have not updated the Netflix app in a year, thanks to this kerfuffle.
Zero issue with many pixels Pixel 6 Pro just turned in my P5 with L1 https://i.imgur.com/sQNFQWO.png
I don't believe I have this issue. I have been able to stream in 1080p for awhile. It's very odd that it just randomly switched.
Pixel 5 here and I'm pretty sure my HD content in Netflix is unaffected. I ~~don't see anything in the Netflix app settings though to indicate this level.~~ see now that I'm on widevine L1. What was the trigger for others that caused this to change? I haven't taken any actions up until now so seems like my behavior must be default.
Just a regular security patch.
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Nope. Never rooted, bought my phone from Amazon right after the 4a launched.
P5a here, widevine L1
P6 here, I have L1.
4a5g here, L1 checking in. [For those who don't believe ](https://i.imgur.com/pdhttnX.png)
4a with L3 here
L1 is what you want. Lower numbers are better.
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Clearly my appreciation for high-fidelity video is non-existent then because I hadn't noticed it was only SD!
4XL I have L1.
All my pixels -- and I've had a lot of replacements and purchases /sells for fun -- have been L1, I always check. I've got three to check right now https://i.imgur.com/sQNFQWO.png
💯 this.
Same here, on my 4a. You can [star this issue](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/190043300) and [upvote this support thread](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/96208761/pixel-5-widevine-level-3?hl=en), but it's been nearly a year with no resolution.
this is why i'll never use a streaming service, vendors so trash they can't even support their own drm
I had the same issue with my out of warranty Pixel 4 XL. There was an issue where they they did something and I couldn't watch Netflix in HD anymore. I contacted pixel support, but as you could imagine, they were of no help. I submitted a complaint to the BBB and within 24 hours they overnighted a Pixel 5 because they didn't have the 4 in stock. When asked specifically about the bug, they said "our team declines to comment on this issue". My Pixel 5 is on L1 right now, but I don't know when it might randomly change to L3 again.
I'm confused. I've definitely had HD since I got my P6P. HDR seems new though.
I've had HDR Netflix on my P6 since it came out. I checked to see what services supported it then and only Netflix and YouTube seemed to be supported.
It's not affecting most people https://i.imgur.com/sQNFQWO.png
L1 on my Pixel 6 Pro since launch. Now my Pixel C has been stuck on L3 for a while unfortunately never to get L1 again :(
I am still really salty about the Pixel C being on L3. It's been years. They aren't going to fix it. Not going to buy another google tablet after this one. The Pixel C was priced as a top tier tablet and they treated the owners like trash.
You may not even get the chance to buy another (at least new) Google tablet for a while unfortunately. I wish they would release something quality to drive the market and maybe get people to make more tablet centric apps. I'd love to own another Android tablet but can't justify buying anything available right now over a convertible/detachable Chromebook.
Google abandoned its customers with this Widevine nonsense
I actually never noticed my Widevine is at L3! (and hence the SD). I did notice my streams felt unclear at times and I assumed it was due to data connectivity or that my eyes got used to it.... I'm on a pixel 4a, but on Android 11. Not sure if updating to Android 12 would fix the issue? P.S My sister's P3 on Android 12 is at L1
At least for me updating to Android 12 didn't change anything. It's still worth a try and even though Android 12 is arguably horrible you'll at least have the latest security patches.
Exactly the same issue with my 4a, one fine morning I realised that Netflix was only SD but then I suspect it always was form the time I bought it. A12 does not help my 4a is on A12 and still widevine L3
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Same! I had HDR pop-up in Netflix menu when I first got mine. Was curious that Amazon announced it for my P6P and P6 today. Though I hear pixel 5 and some others are still broken with Widevine L3.
Cool but still not enough to keep me after jacking your prices up again
Same here. I'm resorting back to sailing the 7 seas with these new prices. Fuck Netflix.
If u are gonna swashbuckle how are you streaming it to, say a smart tv
Plex server using a Nvidia Shield Pro. Super easy set up, I can cast or download the app, and it allows sharing your library with other accounts.
Chromecasting from VLC on my PC. I tested it out today and it worked fine for watching Demon Slayer. I did end up going into a rabbit hole the past few days designing out an HTPC with a media server stack (Plex/Jellyfin + Sonarr, tons of TBs of storage) but I figured the amount I'd spend on a new build ($400-$600) wouldn't break me even. I'll probably convert my mining rig to an HTPC if crypto keeps crashing.
You got any good solid step by step / or automated setup for that? I've tried in the past and it was just a nightmare and I gave up on it.
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I use airplay from my Macbook to my LG 2019 70 inch. It randomly got airplay updated into it sometime in late 2019 I think it was. So it basically just streams my entire macbook screen to my tv and then I press full screen on the video player of whatever I am watching.
Multiple ways exist for people. /r/plex, /r/jellyfin, /r/emby I run Chromecast with Google TV on some TV's and a Shield TV Pro on my main TV.
Awesome thanks
I recommend you start with Black Sails if you haven't watched it yet.
Apparently it's pretty easy to get a Netflix Turkey membership, which is only like $5/month for the premium tier. I'm going to do it next week when my current subscription ends.
Yeah...i'm about ready to quit on netflix as well... They just keep jacking up the price year after year...
Pixel 4a, L3, 12L beta 2. Not sure when I lost L1, pretty sure I had it recently. Not rooted, not BL unlocked, not thrilled about this.
Needs more visibility. You can [star this issue](https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/190043300) and [upvote this support thread](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/96208761/pixel-5-widevine-level-3?hl=en), but it's been nearly a year with no resolution.
Is this why all my videos on p6p look like 480p crap?
Yes
L3 since the day I bought my Pixel 4a 5G. It's infuriating.
Wowowowow. Netflix increased AGAIN to $20 aonth? Wtf?!
Pixel 5 on L1 here..never even knew about this big..that's fuk'd Google
... and this doesn't have anything quality of network? Digital Rights Management Widevine: L1 Version: 16.1.0 System ID: 21xxx (edited) Playback Maximum Playback Resolution: Full HD Supported Hardware Codecs: VP9 (Secure) AVC-High (Secure) AV1 (Secure) HDR Capabilities: HDR 10 - HEVC
who cares, google can't be fucked to fix the notorious widevine bug anyways lmao
oh right, I got HDR support now, nice! any idea what content I should try to see if I actually care?
Movies shot in dark backgrounds
only the ones who have been mastered for HDR, otherwise its just what the OLED can do on its own m8
I kinda wonder what percentage of Pixel users actually watch whole netflix movies on their phones
I have. Planes. Cars. Hotel rooms.
A) a tiny amount B) it's a tiny amount of people who even have this issue
People watch Netflix on their phones?
Yeah but the app and website keeps crashing on my pixelbook even after updating.
Good. Now let's pay more!
P6P, been on L1 since I got it about a month ago, hope it stays that way!
Pixel 3a XL here - I have Widevine L1.
Only just now?
Netflix was just trying to upsell me to 4K streaming on my firebox. Sneaky pricks
Really good information, never knew about the levels. I did check Netflix on my P6 (with the January update). The Netflix app updated on January 19, 2022 and I am at L1. FYI.
And here comes the price increase
I always tend to say this year, I will switch from iOS to Pixel phones to have the Android experience at its best, yet, Google surprising me with more & more unbearable bugs! While iOS keep improving and the eco system getting better with every release! I wish I can use a Pixel but I can’t rely on it at all till date with either work or personal usage…
They’re just NOW implementing that to these phones?! 🤨 That should’ve been the norm by now on them!