IPTV and the TV licence
Last looked over: 14 October 2026 · BritCast TV team
A licence is required whenever you watch or record something as it goes out, on any channel and on any device, and to use BBC iPlayer at all. Whether the picture comes by aerial, dish or broadband makes no difference. The fee has been £180 a year since 1 April 2026.
- Live means live on every channel, not just the BBC.
- Non-BBC on-demand, watched after broadcast, is outside the rules.
- One licence covers every screen at one address.
The rule, plainly
Live television, any channel, any service, any screen: licence. BBC iPlayer, anything at all on it: licence.
Applied to IPTV
An IPTV app shows channels as they go out, so it counts exactly like a Freeview box in the corner. The fact that the channel arrives through the router changes nothing.
Without a licence you may still watch:
- Netflix, Disney+ and the on-demand side of Prime Video
- catch-up from ITVX, Channel 4 or 5 after the programme has aired
- DVDs, Blu-rays, old VHS tapes and games
One address, every screen
The licence belongs to the address. Every resident may use as many screens as they like, phones included when you are out, provided they are not plugged in somewhere that needs its own licence.
The fee
£180 a year for colour since 1 April 2026, payable in one go, quarterly by direct debit, or weekly and monthly through a payment plan. Over-75s receiving Pension Credit can apply for a free one.
Telling them you do not need one
If your home sticks to non-BBC on-demand, you can tell TV Licensing so with an online declaration. Expect the occasional check visit.