How to stream 4K versions of downloaded movies from TV app on Mac?

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How to stream 4K versions of downloaded movies from TV app on Mac?

I've downloaded purchased movies from the TV app on my MacBook because I don't have wifi or cellular service where I live. However when I am able to connect on wifi I'd like to stream the 4k versions (if available) but the app only plays the downloaded 1080p version. Is there a way to stream the 4k version if I've already downloaded the 1080p version? A quick search suggests deleting the movie from my library then streaming it but that isn't ideal as I'd have to redownload it to watch offline in the future. Any suggestions much appreciated.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: How

MacBook Air 15″, macOS 26.1

Posted on Dec 8, 2025 12:31 AM

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Answer 1

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scardanelli Author

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Jan 5, 2026 7:22 AM in response to scardanelli

Answering my own question in case anyone in the future has the same need: I used ‘option’ + ‘TV’ and created a second library which had nothing downloaded. For some mysterious reason when I tried watching a movie through that library the first time only the sound played over a black screen but subsequent to that anomaly everything has streamed fine in 4K (when available). And when offline I just switch to the original library and still have everything downloaded there.

And my thanks to the sole response in this thread from that, presumably, boy band for the well-articulated non-sequitur expressing an arbitrary and ultimately futile plea against isolation in the lovely pastel tones of automated promotion.

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