Many viewers are unaware that they might not require a TV licence, potentially saving a significant amount each year. As of April 1, 2026, a standard colour TV licence costs £180 annually, while a black-and-white licence is £60.50.
According to TV Licensing, a valid licence “covers you to watch all TV channels, live TV on pay services and streaming platforms, plus everything on BBC iPlayer, on any device.” But what about on-demand content?
The official guidelines make it clear: you need a TV licence to watch any live or on-demand programmes on BBC iPlayer. However, watching on-demand shows on other platforms such as Netflix, ITVX, or YouTube does not require a licence.
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Additionally, if you only download or watch on-demand or catch-up content from services other than BBC iPlayer, you do not need a TV licence. Watching S4C programmes on demand also does not require a licence.
Your TV licence typically covers all TV channels, pay TV services like Sky, and live TV on streaming platforms including Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Netflix. This protection applies across all devices, even those running solely on internal batteries. Generally, your home TV licence will cover you when using these devices away from home.
However, if you plug such a device into the mains at a different address to watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, you must have a separate TV licence for that location—unless you are viewing in a vehicle or vessel such as a train, car, or boat.
You do not need a TV licence if you never watch live TV on any channel, pay TV, streaming service, or use BBC iPlayer—regardless of device.
Be aware that watching, recording, or downloading TV programmes without a valid TV licence is illegal. Convictions can result in fines up to £1,000 in the UK (and up to £2,000 in Guernsey), plus legal costs and potential compensation ordered by the courts.