# The one setting that matters

Jellyfin apps have a **video quality** setting. Please **leave it on Auto or the
maximum setting** — don't turn it down.

This sounds backwards, but here's why: the server sends you the original file
as-is, and your device plays it directly. That's what makes the picture great.
When an app *asks for a lower quality*, it forces the server to convert the video
on the fly — which this server deliberately doesn't do. Turning quality *down*
is the thing most likely to cause stuttering or errors.

Where to check it:

- **TV / phone apps:** Settings → Playback → set quality options to Auto or Maximum.
- **Web browser:** during playback, the gear icon → Quality → Auto.

If your internet connection genuinely can't keep up with a big 4K file, the fix
is picking the regular HD version when one exists (see the next page), not
lowering the quality slider.