When it comes to Streaming IPTV we have had an email sent to us asking do you need a TV license to watch IPTV so this article will answer everything you need to know about this.
Do I Need A TV License To Watch IPTV
Yes, you should have a TV license when it comes to either watching live TV or recording television programs if programs are being shown on normal Live TV or through other media devices such as cable and satellite boxes.
Having a TV license does not just cover BBC but also other TV networks such as Sky and even Freeview.
If you happen to watch live TV using a device such as a PC if streaming services such as BBC iPlayer or ITV player you will still need a TV license regardless of if you don’t watch the live TV programmes through your cable/satellite or aerial.
See How To Watch IPTV Without The Need For A Set Top Box.
So anything that streams live TV you are supposed to have a TV license for this includes services such as:
- BBC iPlayer live
- Sky Go
- IPTV
- Youtube Live TV
- Amazon Prime
- Now TV
- Channel 4 Live TV Player
This is because they have the built-in capability of showing live TV if you choose and this can also stretch across different devices not just televisions if you can get a live channel on any of the below devices in your home you will need a TV license.
- PC
- Laptop
- iPhone
- Android smartphone
- Xbox
- PlayStation
- iPad
- Tablet
- DVR (digital video recorder)
- DVD/VHS recorder
When A TV License Is Not Needed For IPTV
There is no clear-cut way of saying what is live TV from the licensing body so if you plan to watch live tv shows once they have ended such as on a catch-up service such as BBC iPlayer OnDemand or ITV players past shown programs you would not necessarily need to have a TV license as there is no clear cut way they mention what live TV is.
See What Is The Best IPTV Player For An Xbox Series S And X Consoles.
Do I Need A TV License To Watch YouTube On My Smart TV
No, you do not need to have a TV license to watch YouTube on any device you own but if you choose to watch any type of live TV channel on Youtube that’s when you would need to have a TV license.
See How You Can Put IPTV On A Now TV Stick.
Conclusion
While the boundaries of TV licenses can be a bit blurry as to what is live TV and what is not it can be best if you are not using IPTV to have one and if you are only using IPTV then you may be just fine without a TV license when it comes to watching just IPTV and other media platforms such as YouTube.