How to Download YouTube Videos in 4K (2026 Guide)
Want to save YouTube videos in stunning 4K Ultra HD quality? This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to download YouTube videos in 4K for free: no software to install, no sign-up required. Works on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android.
Yes, you can download YouTube videos in 4K (2160p) for free. Paste the video link into a browser tool like YouTubePrint, click Fetch, and choose the 4K/2160p option, no software or sign-up needed. It works on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android, as long as the original video was uploaded in 4K.
Why Download YouTube Videos in 4K?
4K resolution (3840×2160 pixels) delivers four times the detail of Full HD. If you have a 4K TV, monitor or phone, downloading in 4K means you get the sharpest possible image for offline viewing. It's especially valuable for:
- Nature documentaries and travel videos
- Movie trailers and cinematic content
- Gaming videos and walkthroughs
- Educational content you want to rewatch offline
- Videos for use on 4K displays at events or presentations
Step-by-Step: How to Download YouTube Videos in 4K
Find your YouTube video
Open YouTube and go to the 4K video you want to download. You can check if a video is available in 4K by clicking the settings gear icon on the video player and looking for "2160p" or "4K" in the quality options.
Copy the video URL, or use the URL trick
Copy the URL from the address bar. For example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID
Faster method: Replace youtube.com with youtubeprint.com directly in the address bar, you'll land straight on the download page.
Paste the URL into YouTubePrint
Go to youtubeprint.com, paste the URL into the input box and click "Fetch Video". Within a few seconds, all available quality options will appear.
Select 4K and download
Click the "4K" format card (shown as 2160p). If the original video was uploaded in 4K, this option will be active. Click "Download 4K" and your browser's save dialog will appear. The file will be saved as an MP4.
4K files are large, a 10-minute video can be 2–4GB. Make sure you have enough disk space before downloading. For longer videos (1 hour+), expect files of 10GB or more at 4K quality.
What If 4K Isn't Available?
Not all YouTube videos are uploaded in 4K. If the 4K option is greyed out or marked "N/A", the original uploader didn't provide a 4K source. In that case, 1080p Full HD is the next best option and will still look excellent on most screens.
Can I Download YouTube Shorts in 4K?
Yes. YouTubePrint supports YouTube Shorts as well as standard videos. Paste the Shorts URL (e.g. youtube.com/shorts/VIDEO_ID) and the same download options will appear. Note that most Shorts are not available in 4K as they are typically shot on smartphones.
Does It Work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. YouTubePrint is fully mobile-optimised. Open your mobile browser (Safari, Chrome or Firefox), go to youtubeprint.com, paste the YouTube link and select 4K. The video will download directly to your phone's storage.
Is It Free to Download 4K YouTube Videos?
Yes. YouTubePrint is completely free with no limits on the number of downloads or maximum file size. There is no premium tier, no subscription and no watermarks on downloaded files.
Ready to download a YouTube video in 4K?
Paste your YouTube link below and select 4K quality, it takes less than 30 seconds.
Download 4K Video FreeFrequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to download a 4K YouTube video?
Download time depends on your internet connection and the video length. A 10-minute 4K video (~2GB) takes approximately 2–5 minutes on a standard broadband connection. The server-side processing adds 30–60 seconds before the download begins.
What devices support 4K playback?
Most modern devices support 4K: Windows 10/11 PCs, Macs (2015+), iPhone 6s and later, most Android phones from 2018+, 4K TVs and monitors. You'll need a media player like VLC (free) to play downloaded 4K MP4 files.
Is there a file size limit?
No. YouTubePrint has no file size limit. You can download feature-length 4K films, long-form documentaries or multi-hour lectures without any restriction.