Wondering if your Android device can stream HD video from Netflix and Amazon Prime Video? Here's how to check for Widevine DRM support!
Many streaming services, such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, etc., use various types of digital rights management (DRM) to protect their content from being copied and redistributed. Most DRM doesn't actually prevent this behavior, but is mostly used to annoy those who pay for the content, but that's a discussion for another time. Widevine is a widely used DRM technology that is often found in Web and Android applications, but not all Android devices fully support Widevine DRM.
Widevine DRM is used by streaming services like Netflix, HBO, Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, Sling, DirectTV and more. There are three security levels in Widevine: L3, L2, and L1. Here's a breakdown of each:
- Widevine L3: This is the least supported option, where the DRM is entirely software-based. Only Widevine L3 devices do not have a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) running DRM encryption. In most cases, Widevine-protected content can only be played at 480p.
- Widevine L2: Devices that support L2 have a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE), but video processing occurs in software or in separate video hardware. In most cases, Widevine-protected content will be played at the maximum resolution of 540p.
- Widevine L1: This is the highest level of protection, where the media is fully decrypted and processed within the Trusted Execution Environment (TEE). Devices that support L3 can play Widevine-protected content at the highest possible resolution.
Most Google-certified Android devices support Widevine L1, sometimes in combination with other DRM methods. However, modified devices (such as rooted phones) or uncertified phones may only support L3 or L2. In some cases, corrupted software updates can cause Widevine DRM to revert to L2 or L3.
How to Check Widevine Support
Thankfully, you can easily check whether your Android phone or tablet can use Widevine DRM, including which levels it supports. All you have to do is download the DRM Info app from Play Store and open it.
Each supported DRM technology is shown as a card. The Widevine card should tell you whether DRM is supported, and if so, the level. Very simple.
If you see an L2 or L3 security level, your device may not support protected high-resolution media, and some apps may refuse to start streaming at all. Many applications also check the current SafetyNet status of the device to determine if media can be played.
Netflix, in particular, has its own set of checks to determine the type of content it will stream to you. In addition to supporting Widevine L1, your device will need to pass another round of certification checks to play Netflix's HD or HDR content. If you want to know what formats Netflix can stream to your device, you can check Netflix's list here. Alternatively, you can open the Netflix app, go to Settings, and scroll down to Playback Specifications to see the formats available. If you don't want to download the DRM Info app, this page will also tell you the Widevine DRM level on your device.
