What can you watch without a license?

You can watch a wide variety of content without a TV license, primarily on-demand shows, movies, and user-generated videos from platforms like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, Freevee, Tubi, and library apps like Hoopla, focusing on content that isn't a live broadcast of a TV channel or BBC iPlayer. A license is only needed for watching or recording live TV or BBC iPlayer.

What can I watch without a license?

You don't need a licence if you only ever watch on demand or catch up programmes on services other than BBC iPlayer. You also don't need a licence to watch DVDs or Blu-rays. You need a TV Licence to use BBC iPlayer*. On any device.

When can you watch TV without a licence?

You don't need a TV Licence if you never watch live on any channel, pay TV service or streaming service, or use BBC iPlayer*. This includes recording and downloading.

Do I need a TV Licence if I'm just watching Netflix?

Nor should you use BBC iPlayer. Instead, you might consider using on-demand services. Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or other on-demand platforms do not require a TV licence.

Can they tell if you're watching TV without a license?

There are a number of ways we can find out. At the heart of our operation is the TV Licensing database of approximately 31 million home and business addresses, telling us which of these have TV Licences. All of our visiting officers have access to this database and will check whether or not you have a licence.

What You Can Watch Without A TV Licence

Do TV Licensing detector vans exist?

There are no TV detector vans. It was originally a PR stunt to frighten people into thinking they could be detected and then pursued for not having a TV licence. There are still no TV detector vans.

What can I watch if I cancel my TV Licence?

If you don't have a TV Licence, you can legally watch: Catch up programmes on services other than BBC iPlayer, such as ITVX, All4 and My5. On demand films or TV shows that you watch, rent or buy online from providers like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sky, EE TV, Sky, Apple TV+, Disney+ or Now.

Do you need a TV Licence if you only watch Amazon Prime?

Do you need a TV Licence to watch Amazon Prime? If you're watching TV showing live on Amazon Prime, you need to be covered by a TV Licence. You don't need a TV Licence if you're only watching on demand programmes on Amazon Prime.

How do I tell them I don't need a TV Licence?

Please call a member of our team on 0300 131 1260*.

If you get inclusive minutes, calls to an 0300 number will be included free of charge. Please enter your 10-digit reference number, this will be on any letter or email we've sent you about your no licence needed declaration.

Can I avoid a TV license?

You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch TV channels live on any TV service or streaming service - such as ITVX, Channel 4, Amazon Prime Video, Now or Sky Go. You don't need a TV Licence if you only ever watch on demand programmes on any TV service apart from BBC iPlayer*.

Can you be detected watching TV?

They can not tell easily. Only way they in theory can do it is use of BBC iPlayer. All their rubbish about detector vans and devices is just lies. The only way they can legally prove the offence is by visiting your property and then you let them in or answer their questions or sign their forms.

What streaming services don't need a license?

If that's the case, you may want to use Pluto TV, Sling Free, Xumo, Peacock or the Roku Channel. If you only care about finding movies and TV shows on-demand, then try Freevee, Peacock, Crackle, Tubi or Vudu. Content selection is the other major thing that distinguishes the free streaming services from each other.

Who is exempt from needing a TV Licence?

People who are aged 75 or over and receive Pension Credit. People who are blind (severely sight impaired). People who live in qualifying residential care and are disabled or over 60 and retired.

Can I show a movie without a license?

Plain and simple, if you plan on displaying your movie in a public setting or to the public, then you need a public performance movie license. You need a movie license regardless of the size of your event, whether or not you charge for your event, or whether you are a commercial or nonprofit entity.

Should I cancel my TV Licence?

There are a few reasons why you might need to cancel your TV Licence: You don't watch or record live TV on any channel or device and you don't download or watch BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer any more. You are moving to an address that already has a TV Licence. You are moving into a care home.

Can I cancel my TV Licence if I only watch Netflix?

Yes, you can cancel your TV licence if you only watch on-demand content like Netflix and never watch live TV or BBC iPlayer, as you only need a license for watching live broadcasts on any channel/service or using BBC iPlayer. You must formally tell TV Licensing you don't need one by confirming you won't watch live TV or use iPlayer, then cancel any Direct Debit, but be prepared for them to ask questions during cancellation. 

How does a TV license know if you watch live TV?

We also have a fleet of detector vans that can detect the use of TV receiving equipment at specifically targeted addresses within minutes. Find out more about visits, prosecutions and fines. Find out more about what happens if you don't pay for a TV Licence (or have a free one)

What channels can I watch without a TV Licence?

You do not need a TV Licence to watch: streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus. on-demand TV through services like All 4 and Amazon Prime Video. videos on websites like YouTube.

How do I get out of paying my TV license?

You can cancel your licence if you no longer:

1. watch TV on all channels, like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, U&Dave and international channels.
2. watch TV on pay TV services, like Sky, Virgin Media and EE TV.
3. watch live TV on streaming services, like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.
4. use BBC iPlayer*

Can I watch Netflix without a license?

You don't need a licence to watch only on demand programmes through YouTube, Netflix etc. The letter calls out YouTube and Prime because there is live TV available on those services, which would require a licence. You only need a TV license if you watch live TV on any service.

Can you stop paying for a TV license?

When you have sold, disposed of or lost your television set(s) you are no longer required to have a TV licence. You must notify the SABC of your changed circumstances in writing on a pro forma affidavit which is available from your nearest SABC offices or by making the relevant statement at any Commissioner of Oaths.

Is there a hidden camera on my smart TV?

Look for lenses around your TV

Physical inspection is another way to look for a hidden camera on your TV. Move around the TV and carefully seek through each corner and edge to see a lens-like thing that could be a camera opening.

Is my television listening to me?

It all comes down to something called ACR or automatic content recognition. This technology is built right into many smart TVs and it's far more powerful than most people realize. ACR works by not only taking screenshots but also listening to the audio coming from your screen.