Do I need a TV Licence to watch TV away from home? But it isn’t just live news or sport which needs a licence – it’s any programme which is part of a TV channel, broadcast or transmitted for everyone to watch at the same time. An example of this would be watching Sky News live. But you do need a TV Licence if you watch TV programmes live on YouTube. You don’t need a TV Licence to watch videos or clips on demand on YouTube. You don’t need a TV Licence if you only ever watch on demand programmes on any TV service apart from BBC iPlayer. You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch programmes live on any online TV service - such as ITV Hub, All 4, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV or Sky Go. Tell us if you think you don't need a TV Licence Do I need a TV Licence to watch online, including on YouTube? Pay for a TV Licence now or find out about ways to pay. Media streaming devices (such as Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku and Now TV) Tablets, mobile phones and other portable devicesĭigital boxes or PVRs (such as Sky, Virgin Media or BT TV) If you watch or record live TV programmes on any channel, or download or watch BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer, you need to be covered by a TV Licence. Don’t have a TV? You could still need a TV Licence for other devices. This applies to any device and provider you use.įind out more about watching on BBC iPlayer.

You also need to be covered to download or watch BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer – live, catch up or on demand. If you’re thinking of buying a new TV you may find our TV buying guide helpful. Find out more about watching online and on mobile devices.

This includes services like All 4, Sky Go, Virgin Media, Now TV, BT TV, Apple TV, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video and ITV Hub. To watch live programmes on Red Button servicesĮven if you already pay for cable, satellite or other TV servicesĪn online TV service is any streaming or smart TV service, website or app that lets you watch live TV over the internet. To watch or record programmes on +1, +2 and +24 channels If you record a programme and watch it later If you’re watching on TV or on an online TV service

If you’re watching live TV, you need to be covered by a TV Licence: It covers all programmes on any channel, including soaps, series, documentaries and even movies. It’s not just live events like sport, news and music. Live TV means any programme you watch or record as it’s being shown on TV or live on any online TV service. Find out about free, reduced fee and business licences below.Īnswers to your questions What is live TV and when do I need a licence for it?

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