Do I Need a TV Licence?
Ask Un’s UK Checker
Answer a few questions with Un and get a clear UK TV Licence answer before you stream BBC iPlayer, live TV, ITVX, Netflix, YouTube or Prime Video.
Start here: let Un check your TV Licence situation
Choose what you want to watch and Un will tell you whether a TV Licence is likely needed, probably not needed, or worth checking first.
Un asks: What are you planning to watch?
This tool is a plain-English guide for UK viewers, not legal advice. The official TV Licensing site is the final source for unusual cases.
What Un’s answers mean, even without using the tool
Live TV on any channel, app, website or streaming device usually needs a TV Licence.
BBC iPlayer needs a TV Licence for live, catch-up, downloads, box sets and on-demand viewing.
On-demand viewing outside BBC iPlayer is normally licence-free, as long as it is not live TV.
If an app says live, channel, simulcast or now playing, treat it as live TV and check the rule first.
You do not automatically need a TV Licence just because you own a television, use a streaming stick or watch programmes online. The key questions are what you watch and how you watch it.
This guide explains the UK rules in plain English, including BBC iPlayer, live TV, ITVX, Channel 4, Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Prime Video, Freely, S4C on demand, catch-up TV and on-demand viewing.
Quick answer: when you do and do not need one
In the UK, you need a TV Licence to watch or record TV channels live on any service or device. You also need one to watch or download anything on BBC iPlayer. You usually do not need one if you only watch on-demand or catch-up content on services such as Netflix, Disney+, ITVX, Channel 4, 5, U, STV Player, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Plex, Rakuten TV or S4C on demand, as long as it is not live TV and not BBC iPlayer.
Important: This is a consumer guide, not legal advice. The rules can depend on exactly what you watch, so check the official TV Licensing guidance if your situation is unusual.
03 TV Licence Rules Compared
The easiest way to avoid confusion is to separate live TV, BBC iPlayer and ordinary on-demand streaming. The monthly cost of a streaming app does not decide whether you need a licence; the type of viewing does.
| What you watch | TV Licence needed? | Why | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any TV channel live | Yes | Live TV is covered on any service, channel or device. | BBC One live, ITV1 live, Channel 4 live, Sky live channels. |
| Recording live TV | Yes | Recording a programme as it is broadcast counts as live TV use. | Recording Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media or live app broadcasts. |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | iPlayer is treated differently: live, catch-up, downloads and on-demand all require a licence. | BBC drama box sets, Match of the Day, iPlayer downloads. |
| ITVX on demand | Usually no | On-demand viewing outside BBC iPlayer is normally licence-free. | Watching an ITV drama later rather than live. |
| Channel 4, 5, U or STV Player on demand | Usually no | Catch-up and on-demand programmes outside BBC iPlayer are normally licence-free. | On-demand episodes, box sets and catch-up programmes. |
| Netflix, Disney+ or Prime Video on demand | No | Ordinary on-demand subscription streaming is not live TV. | Films, series and box sets watched whenever you choose. |
| Live TV programmes on streaming services | Yes | Live TV rules can apply even on services people think of as streaming apps. | Live TV programmes or channels on YouTube, Amazon Prime Video or Netflix; normal creator livestreams on YouTube are different. |
| YouTube videos and user livestreams that are not live TV | No | TV Licensing says user content on YouTube, including livestreams, does not need a licence unless you are watching live TV. | Creator uploads, tutorials, reviews, vlogs and non-TV user livestreams. |
| DVDs, Blu-rays or downloaded films | No | These are not live broadcasts or BBC iPlayer. | Discs, owned downloads and home videos. |
04 When You Do Need a TV Licence
You need to be covered by a TV Licence if you watch or record TV channels live. This applies whether the channel is watched through an aerial, satellite, cable package, smart TV app, website, streaming stick, games console, phone, tablet or laptop.
Live means “as it is being shown”
If you are watching a programme at the same time as it is being broadcast, treat it as live TV. It does not stop being live just because the app is on your phone or the channel is online-only.
Watching TV channels live
This includes BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky, streaming channels and online-only live channels. The device does not matter; live TV is live TV.
Recording programmes as they are broadcast
If you record a live TV programme to watch later, you still need a TV Licence because the recording is made from a live broadcast.
BBC iPlayer
BBC iPlayer is the major exception to the normal on-demand rule. You need a TV Licence to watch or download anything on BBC iPlayer, including live TV, catch-up programmes, box sets and on-demand episodes.
Do not treat iPlayer like Netflix
With BBC iPlayer, the licence requirement applies even when you are not watching live.
05 When You Do Not Need a TV Licence
You normally do not need a TV Licence if you only watch on-demand or catch-up programmes on services other than BBC iPlayer. The word “only” matters: if you also watch live TV or use iPlayer, you move back into licence territory.
Usually licence-free viewing
On-demand viewing on services such as ITVX, Channel 4, 5, U, STV Player, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, YouTube, S4C on demand and similar platforms is normally licence-free as long as it is not live TV and not BBC iPlayer.
- ITVX catch-up: Watching an ITV programme after broadcast is normally licence-free. Watching ITV1 live through ITVX is not.
- Channel 4 on demand: Box sets and catch-up are normally licence-free. Channel 4 live streams require a licence.
- Netflix on demand: Films and series watched whenever you choose do not normally need a licence. Live programmes are different.
- YouTube videos: Normal uploads, clips on demand and user livestreams that are not live TV do not need a licence. Live TV programmes or channels on YouTube do.
- DVDs and downloads: Discs, owned downloads and home videos do not need a TV Licence.
06 Streaming Services Explained
Here is how the rules usually apply to the streaming services people ask about most. The safest shortcut is to look for live channels and BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer
You need a TV Licence for everything on BBC iPlayer: live TV, catch-up, downloads, box sets and on-demand programmes. This is true whether you use a TV, phone, tablet, laptop or streaming device.
Bottom line: If you use iPlayer, assume you need a TV Licence.
ITVX
You normally do not need a licence for ITVX on-demand programmes. You do need one if you watch ITV channels live through ITVX.
- ITV drama watched later
- On-demand box sets
- Catch-up programmes
- ITV1 live
- ITV2 live
- Any live channel stream
Channel 4, 5, U and STV Player
On-demand and catch-up programmes on these services are normally licence-free. Live channel streams are not. Be especially careful when an app mixes live channels and catch-up in the same interface.
Bottom line: On demand is usually fine without a licence; live channels require one.
Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video
You normally do not need a TV Licence for ordinary on-demand films and series. You do need one if you watch a TV programme live on a streaming platform, even if the service is better known for on-demand viewing.
Tip: Treat live TV programmes, live TV channels and live sport shown as TV differently from normal box sets.
YouTube
You do not need a TV Licence for ordinary uploaded YouTube videos, clips on demand or user-created livestreams that are not live TV. You do need one if you use YouTube to watch live TV programmes or live TV-style channels.
Bottom line: A recipe video, review, vlog or non-TV user livestream is not the same as a live TV channel.
Pluto TV, Plex and Rakuten TV Free
These free services can include on-demand films and shows as well as live-style channels. On-demand viewing is normally licence-free. Live TV channels can require a licence.
Tip: If the app has a live channel guide, treat that section with extra care.
07 Common Situations
Most confusion comes from mixed viewing habits. Use these examples to check where you fit.
You normally do not need a TV Licence, as long as you are not watching live programmes and do not use BBC iPlayer.
You normally do not need one for on-demand ITVX programmes. You need one if you watch ITV live.
You need a TV Licence. BBC iPlayer is covered even for occasional on-demand viewing.
You usually need a licence if it is a live TV programme or live TV service, even through a streaming app.
Owning a TV alone is not the test. What matters is whether you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer.
Normal YouTube videos and non-TV user livestreams do not need a licence. Live TV programmes or channels on YouTube are different.
The answer can depend on tenancy arrangements and where viewing happens, so check official shared-house guidance.
Students may need their own licence depending on where and how they watch. Device power and home licence coverage can matter.
08 Do I Need a TV Licence For Each Streaming Service?
This static table is here for quick answers and search-friendly long-tail questions. The important split is still the same: live TV and BBC iPlayer need a TV Licence; ordinary on-demand viewing outside BBC iPlayer normally does not.
| Service or situation | Licence needed? | Why | Best next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | BBC iPlayer needs a TV Licence for live, catch-up, downloads, box sets and on-demand programmes. | Stay covered before watching anything on iPlayer. |
| BBC One, BBC Two or BBC News live | Yes | These are live TV channels, and BBC iPlayer also has its own licence requirement. | Treat all live BBC viewing as licence territory. |
| ITVX on demand | Usually no | Normal catch-up and on-demand ITVX programmes are outside BBC iPlayer and are not live TV. | Avoid ITV live channels if staying licence-free. |
| ITVX live | Yes | Watching ITV channels live through ITVX counts as live TV. | Use on-demand instead if you do not have a licence. |
| Channel 4 on demand | Usually no | On-demand and catch-up programmes outside BBC iPlayer normally do not need a licence. | Check you are not in the live channel area. |
| Channel 4 live | Yes | Live channel streams require a licence, even through an app or website. | Wait for catch-up if you want licence-free viewing. |
| 5, U or STV Player on demand | Usually no | Catch-up and on-demand viewing outside BBC iPlayer is normally licence-free. | Use on-demand sections, not live streams. |
| Netflix on demand | Usually no | Ordinary Netflix films and series are on-demand streaming, not live TV. | Be careful only if a live TV-style broadcast is offered. |
| Disney+ on demand | Usually no | Normal Disney+ films and series are on demand. | Check any live-event wording separately. |
| Amazon Prime Video on demand | Usually no | On-demand Prime Video films and shows normally do not require a licence. | Live sport or live TV programmes are different. |
| Apple TV+ on demand | Usually no | Normal Apple TV+ viewing is on demand and outside BBC iPlayer. | Check any live channel or live event before watching. |
| YouTube videos, clips and user livestreams | Usually no | User content on YouTube does not normally need a licence, including livestreams, as long as it is not live TV. | Creator uploads, tutorials, reviews, vlogs and non-TV livestreams. |
| YouTube live TV streams | Yes, if it is live TV | If you are watching a TV programme or TV channel live on YouTube, you need a licence. | Check whether it is live TV rather than a normal user livestream. |
| Pluto TV, Plex or Rakuten TV Free on demand | Usually no | On-demand films and shows outside BBC iPlayer are normally licence-free. | Stay out of live channel sections if avoiding a licence. |
| Pluto TV, Plex or Rakuten live channels | Yes, if it is live TV | Live TV channels and live TV-style programme streams fall under the live TV rule. | If it is a channel showing programmes live, treat it as licence territory. |
| Freely live TV | Yes | Freely can deliver live TV over Wi-Fi, and live TV still needs a licence. | Use on-demand only if you are not covered. |
| Freely on demand | Usually no, except BBC iPlayer | On-demand outside BBC iPlayer is normally licence-free, but iPlayer remains covered. | Check which broadcaster app is providing the programme. |
| S4C on demand | No | TV Licensing specifically says a licence is not needed to watch S4C programmes on demand. | Check whether you are watching S4C on demand rather than live TV. |
| DVDs, Blu-rays, games and owned downloads | No for licence purposes | These are not live TV and are not BBC iPlayer. | Do not mix this up with live TV apps on the same device. |
Un’s table tip: If a service has both “Live” and “On Demand” tabs, do not judge by the app name. Judge by the viewing mode.
09 2026 TV Licence Cost, Cancellation and Refunds
For the 2026/27 period, a standard colour TV Licence costs £180 from 1 April 2026. A black and white licence costs £60.50. Some people may qualify for concessions, including blind or severely sight-impaired viewers and some over-75s receiving Pension Credit.
Do not cancel unless your viewing really fits
Cancelling can save money only if you stop watching live TV and stop using BBC iPlayer. If you still watch either, you should stay covered.
You may be able to declare “No Licence Needed”
If you genuinely only watch licence-free content, read the No Licence Needed declaration section below and check the official TV Licensing website for refund options for unused months.
- Audit your apps: Check whether you use BBC iPlayer, live channel tabs or live sports streams.
- Remove temptation: Move live TV apps out of your main row if you are trying to stay licence-free.
- Check shared-house rules: Separate tenancy agreements can change whether one licence covers everyone.
- Keep it simple: If you want to avoid a licence, avoid live TV entirely and avoid BBC iPlayer entirely.
10 No TV Licence Needed Declaration
If you do not watch or record live TV on any channel or service and do not use BBC iPlayer, TV Licensing lets you tell them that you do not need a licence. This is often called a No Licence Needed declaration.
You only watch on-demand services outside BBC iPlayer, such as Netflix, Disney+, ITVX on demand, Channel 4 catch-up, Prime Video on demand, S4C on demand, normal YouTube videos or non-TV user livestreams.
You watch live TV channels, live sport shown as a TV programme, live broadcaster streams, or anything on BBC iPlayer.
If your viewing habits change, update your position before watching live TV or BBC iPlayer again.
Use TV Licensing’s own No Licence Needed process rather than relying on third-party forms or advice.
Un’s simple declaration check
Before declaring, ask: “Do I watch live TV anywhere?” and “Do I use BBC iPlayer?” If both answers are no, you may be in No Licence Needed territory. If either answer is yes, stay covered. TV Licensing says it may confirm No Licence Needed declarations, so the declaration should match your real viewing habits.
11 How We Checked This Guide
We wrote this as a consumer streaming guide for UK viewers, then checked the rules against official TV Licensing and GOV.UK guidance. We focused on practical streaming scenarios rather than edge cases.
Live TV test
Does the viewing happen as a TV programme is being shown live?
BBC iPlayer test
Does the viewing involve BBC iPlayer in any form: live, catch-up, download or on demand?
Device test
Could the rule change because the viewer uses a phone, laptop, streaming stick or console? Usually, no.
Streaming-service test
Does the app mix on-demand content with live channels in the same interface?
Cost test
Is the current licence fee clearly stated for the 2026/27 period?
Official source test
Does the advice match TV Licensing and GOV.UK wording in substance?
12 Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a TV Licence if I only watch streaming services?
Not necessarily. You normally do not need a TV Licence for on-demand streaming outside BBC iPlayer. You do need one if you watch live TV on any streaming service or use BBC iPlayer.
Do I need a TV Licence for BBC iPlayer?
Yes. You need a TV Licence to watch or download anything on BBC iPlayer, including live TV, catch-up programmes, box sets and on-demand shows.
Do I need a TV Licence for Netflix?
You do not need one for ordinary on-demand Netflix viewing. You do need one if you watch a TV programme live on Netflix or another streaming platform.
Do I need a TV Licence for ITVX?
You normally do not need one for ITVX on-demand programmes. You do need one if you watch ITV channels live through ITVX.
Do I need a TV Licence for Channel 4 on demand?
You normally do not need one for Channel 4 on-demand or catch-up programmes. You do need one for Channel 4 live channel streams.
Do I need a TV Licence for YouTube livestreams?
Usually no for normal YouTube user content, including livestreams, videos and clips. Yes if you use YouTube to watch a live TV programme or TV channel, such as a broadcaster’s live news stream.
Do I need a TV Licence for S4C on demand?
No. TV Licensing specifically says a licence is not needed to watch S4C programmes on demand. Live TV is different.
Do I need a TV Licence just because I own a TV?
No. The licence requirement is based on what you watch or record, not just owning a TV. If you do not watch live TV or BBC iPlayer, you may not need one.
How much is a TV Licence in 2026?
From 1 April 2026, a standard colour TV Licence costs £180. A black and white licence costs £60.50.
About the author
Hasnaat Mahmood is the CEO and Lead Streaming Analyst at FindCheapStreaming. He researches streaming-service pricing, legal free viewing options and practical ways UK households can reduce entertainment costs.
View author profileOfficial Sources Used
This guide is based on official TV Licensing and GOV.UK guidance available at the time of writing. It deliberately separates ordinary user livestreams from live TV programmes and channels, because TV Licensing treats those differently.
- TV Licensing: Do I need a TV Licence?
- TV Licensing: BBC iPlayer and the TV Licence
- TV Licensing: On-demand services FAQ
- TV Licensing: Watching live TV online and on mobile
- TV Licensing: What can I watch without a TV Licence?
- TV Licensing: Telling us you do not need a TV Licence
- TV Licensing: Blind or severely sight-impaired concession
- TV Licensing: Over-75 Pension Credit licence
- GOV.UK: TV Licence