Tidal HiFi Quality Not Supported: Common Issues, Solutions

Tidal is one of the most popular music streaming platforms, known for its high-fidelity audio quality. With services like Tidal HiFi, users can enjoy lossless, CD-quality audio. However, one issue that many users encounter is the “Tidal HiFi quality not supported” message, or they experience degraded audio quality.

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This can be frustrating for audiophiles who value high-quality sound. So here we’ll delve into the common causes of this issue, explore probable solutions, and suggest alternative services that offer high-quality music streaming.

Why Does Tidal HiFi Quality Not Support?

There are several potential reasons why you might see “Tidal HiFi quality not supported.” Some of the most common causes include:

1. Device Incompatibility

Not all devices support HiFi audio quality: Many devices, particularly older smartphones, computers, or basic Bluetooth speakers, cannot decode or support the high-fidelity audio streams that Tidal offers. This is particularly true if you’re trying to stream in MQA format, which requires specific hardware to fully decode.

2. Network Issues

Slow Internet Connection: HiFi and MQA quality audio requires a stable, fast internet connection. If your network speed is inadequate, Tidal may not be able to stream in high quality, and it may default to a lower-quality stream.
Wi-Fi vs. Cellular Data: Sometimes, using cellular data instead of Wi-Fi can lead to lower streaming quality due to bandwidth limitations.

3. Tidal Settings

Audio Quality Settings in Tidal App: Tidal allows users to select the quality of audio streamed. If the settings are configured to stream at lower quality (e.g., “Normal” or “High” instead of “HiFi”), you may not get the intended HiFi quality experience. This can happen due to app settings being adjusted unintentionally.

4. Outdated App or Firmware

Outdated Software: If the Tidal app, your device firmware, or Bluetooth device firmware are outdated, this can cause compatibility issues. Tidal frequently releases updates to optimize performance, fix bugs, and improve compatibility with new devices.

5. Subscription Plan Limitations

Subscription Tier: Tidal offers different subscription levels, including Tidal Free, Tidal Premium, and Tidal HiFi. If you’re subscribed to a non-HiFi plan, you won’t be able to access HiFi or MQA streams. Tidal HiFi is necessary to unlock lossless audio and the highest quality streams.

6. Streaming Device or DAC Limitations

Unsupported DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters): If you’re using an external DAC or headphones that don’t support HiFi audio, you might not experience the full benefit of Tidal’s HiFi or MQA quality. The same applies if your receiver or amplifier doesn’t support the necessary audio standards.

7. MQA Files and Decompression

MQA Decoding: MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) files require either a compatible DAC or a software solution for full decoding. Without an MQA-compatible device or the correct software settings, you may not experience the full benefit of Tidal’s HiFi catalog.

Probable Solutions to Fix Tidal HiFi Quality Not Supported

1. Check Your Subscription Plan

Upgrade to Tidal HiFi: If you’re not already subscribed to Tidal HiFi or Tidal HiFi Plus, you need to upgrade your subscription to unlock lossless audio quality. Tidal Premium only supports compressed audio streams, which will not give you the high-quality audio experience you’re looking for.

2. Verify Device Compatibility

Ensure Your Device Supports HiFi Audio: If you’re using a mobile phone, computer, or Bluetooth speaker, make sure the device is capable of supporting HiFi or MQA-quality audio. Devices like smartphones with high-end DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) and MQA-compatible audio equipment are ideal.
Use a Wired Connection for Best Quality: Streaming audio over Bluetooth often results in lower quality, even with HiFi subscriptions. Use a wired connection (e.g., USB, AUX, or optical) for the best sound.

3. Adjust Tidal’s Audio Quality Settings

Manually Set Audio Quality: Go to Tidal’s settings and ensure that audio quality is set to HiFi. Here’s how you can adjust this on mobile and desktop:
- Mobile (iOS & Android): Open Tidal app > Go to “Settings” > “Audio Quality” > Select “HiFi” or “Master” (for MQA content).
- Desktop: Open Tidal > Click on your profile icon > “Settings” > “Streaming” > Set “Streaming Quality” to “HiFi” or “Master.”

4. Check Your Internet Speed

Ensure Sufficient Bandwidth: Tidal HiFi requires a stable internet connection with at least 1 Mbps download speed for HiFi (lossless) audio and 2 Mbps for MQA tracks. Test your internet speed using tools like Speedtest.net, and consider upgrading your plan or using a wired Ethernet connection for better performance.

5. Update Software and Firmware

Keep Everything Updated: Ensure that your Tidal app, your operating system, your Bluetooth devices, and any external DACs are all up-to-date. Check app stores for the latest Tidal updates, and visit your device’s settings to check for firmware updates.

6. Use a Compatible DAC or Audio Hardware

Invest in HiFi Equipment: If you’re aiming to get the best sound quality, consider upgrading your DAC or audio equipment. For MQA support, you’ll need a device specifically compatible with MQA decoding, such as certain brands of DACs (e.g., iFi Audio, Astell&Kern, or Meridian).

7. Switch to a Different Streaming Quality

Adjust Audio Quality for Mobile Data: If you’re streaming on mobile data and facing issues with buffering or low quality, consider manually adjusting the audio quality to a lower setting to maintain stability. You can always adjust it back when on Wi-Fi.

Other High-Quality Streaming Alternatives to Tidal

If you continue to face issues with Tidal HiFi or want to explore alternatives, here are some other music streaming platforms that offer high-quality audio:

1. Qobuz:

Hi-Res Audio: Qobuz is widely regarded as one of the best alternatives to Tidal when it comes to high-resolution audio. It offers FLAC streaming up to 24-bit/192kHz, which is even higher than Tidal’s HiFi quality.
Multi-Device Support: It supports a variety of devices, including desktop, mobile, and high-end audio systems.

2. Amazon Music HD

Affordable HiFi: Amazon Music HD offers CD-quality (16-bit/44.1kHz) and high-resolution (up to 24-bit/192kHz) audio, often at a more affordable price compared to Tidal.
Device Integration: Seamless integration with Alexa-enabled devices and other Amazon platforms makes it a great choice for Amazon ecosystem users.

3. Apple Music

Lossless and Spatial Audio: Apple Music offers lossless audio up to 24-bit/192kHz and supports spatial audio with Dolby Atmos. The service’s integration across Apple devices is excellent, though the selection of Hi-Res tracks is smaller than Tidal’s.

Conclusion:

Experiencing the “Tidal HiFi quality not supported” message can be frustrating, but understanding the causes and implementing some simple troubleshooting steps can often resolve the issue. By ensuring your subscription is up to date, using compatible devices, and checking your network settings, you can enjoy Tidal’s full potential.

If Tidal still doesn’t meet your needs or if you’re looking for alternatives, several other high-quality streaming services like Qobuz, Amazon Music HD, and Apple Music offer competitive high-fidelity audio options.