Three coiled black HDMI cables with gold connectors on a wooden TV stand, with a TV and game console blurred in the background

HDMI cables

How to check that an HDMI cable is really certified

  • Updated Oct 23, 2026
  • 4 sources

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Quick answer

Look for the certification label on the box, scan it, and match what it shows. HDMI.org says certified Ultra High Speed and Ultra96 cables must carry a certification label on every package, the scan works with standard QR code apps, and it shows the brand name, model number and length. The cable name also has to be printed on the cable jacket.

Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables (48Gbps):

Cable Matters 48Gbps certified Belkin AV10175 Ultra High Speed

Three checks

Checking a certified HDMI cable (HDMI.org) 1. Find the label Certification label on the package › 2. Scan it Standard QR code app on your phone › 3. Match it Brand, model and length match the cable; name on the jacket
HDMI.org's label check: find it, scan it, match what it shows.
  1. Find the label. Ultra High Speed and Ultra96 cables must have the certification label on each package or unit of sale, HDMI.org says. Premium High Speed cables have their own Premium certification label.
  2. Scan it. HDMI.org says the labels can be scanned by standard QR code apps. Its label transition notice says newer labels use a QR code in place of the older data matrix code.
  3. Match it. The scan shows brand, model number and length. Check those against the cable in your hand, and check the jacket for the cable name.

Why it matters

HDMI.org warns that sellers may use marketing terms instead of official cable names, and that some cables are counterfeits. It says Ultra High Speed cables must pass testing at an HDMI Forum Authorized Testing Center, are tested for low EMI to reduce interference with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, and are bought from stores and marketplaces for ongoing audits.

Shopping online

HDMI.org's optional Verification Banners on maker and reseller sites can be clicked or scanned to show the same brand, model and length as the physical label.

How we work: every check here comes from HDMI.org's certification pages. We don't test cables ourselves. Sources are listed below.

Questions people ask

How do I know if my HDMI cable is certified?

HDMI.org says certified Ultra High Speed and Premium High Speed cables carry a certification label on the package that you can scan with a phone app.

What does the cable name on the jacket mean?

HDMI.org says certified Ultra High Speed cables have the cable name printed on the cable jacket, matching the package label.

What does the label scan show?

HDMI.org says scanning the label shows the brand name, model number and length. Check that they match the cable you bought. HDMI.org also warns that some cables are counterfeits.

Sources

Last checked Oct 23, 2026. Cable names and speeds come from HDMI.org. Console steps come from PlayStation and Xbox. Check your TV manual for which of its ports support 4K 120Hz.

  1. HDMI.org: Ultra96 and Ultra High Speed HDMI cables
  2. HDMI.org: Premium High Speed HDMI cable
  3. HDMI.org: Certification label transition (PDF)
  4. HDMI.org: HDMI cable types