Netflix is a streaming service that provides viewers with instant access to a huge library of TV shows, movies, and original content.
The streaming giant is accessible in the UK and many other countries.
But, do I need to have a TV license in order to watch Netflix UK?
To answer that inquiry, we need to fathom what a TV license is and why it’s required.
Lucky for you, in this article, we’re going to break down that information and tell you everything you want to know about the TV license requirement.
Table of Contents
What is a TV License?
The TV license is a form of taxation that funds the BBC.
It was established in 1946 and is paid at an annual rate of £159.
The TV license fee gives you the right to watch any live TV or use BBC iPlayer.
If you watch any live television or use BBC iPlayer, you’re required to pay the £159 license fee each year.
This fee is expected to remain the same up until April 2024 when the government plans to increase the cost of the license fee.
The licensee must be over 18 years old, although in many cases it’s paid for by parents for their children to help them avoid fines if they accidentally watch television without being aware of the law.
That said, the way people watch television has changed tremendously.
Now people often use streaming services to relish online content and other on-demand programs.
This means fewer viewers are actually interested in the traditional TV channels leading to uncertainty of whether the license applies to streaming services as well.
Do I need a TV license to watch Netflix UK?
If you’re one of the over 2 million households that now uses a subscription to Netflix or any other on-demand streaming service, then you might be wondering if you need to pay for a license.
In that regard, the type of content on Netflix is usually not under the umbrella of a TV license.
The main difference here is that Netflix showcases on-demand content and not live television.
For that reason, you don’t require a TV license to watch Netflix UK.
To put that into context, you need a TV license for live TV that is shown on channels such as BBC1, ITV and Channel 4.
On the other hand, you don’t need a TV license to watch Netflix UK since it’s not live television.
When do I need a TV license?
As mentioned, you’re required to have a TV license if you watch any live TV.
The law requires that you have a license when your device is used to access live BBC programs.
But how can you tell if something is considered live television?
Well, Live TV is similar to a time shift.
It’s a live TV feed that you can watch at a certain time.
The term “live” only applies when there are a lot of people watching something live and action is taking place during the program.
Therefore, you must purchase a TV license if you’ll be watching live TV.
If you have plans of watching any live TV, then you must purchase a TV license.
This means that if you use BBC iPlayer, All 4 and other channels to watch any live programming or shows, you’ll need to pay the license fee.
Also, this applies to all types of devices including laptops, mobile phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
When in doubt just remember one thing – when viewing television content with a live feed, then you must purchase a TV license.
Do I need a TV license when I don’t have a TV set?
Yes, you do. Remember, TV isn’t the only way to watch live television.
In fact, many people watch television on a PC, mobile phone and tablet.
So you do require a TV license if you use any of these devices to watch live television.
This is because, if you’re watching live television on any of the devices above, you need a TV license.
It doesn’t matter how you’re accessing the live feed as it could be through a web browser, an app, or a smart TV.
This applies to both BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub regardless of whether you’re using a tablet or laptop.
What can I watch without a TV license?
If you only watch on-demand programs on your PC, tablet or mobile phone then you do not require a TV license.
You might be wondering why this is the case.
Well, on-demand content on streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime isn’t being broadcasted live.
You pick whatever you wish to stream.
Maybe you just want to watch a particular TV show or movie from the list available on the service.
In that case, you don’t need a TV license to watch on-demand content from Netflix and other streaming services.
Also, people who only watch catch-up programs on TV channels and services other than BBC iPlayer don’t have to pay for a TV license.
There are over 2 million households that sign up for a variety of these services and therefore don’t require a license.
Final Thoughts
One of the main concerns with getting a TV license isn’t whether or not it’s worth it, but whether it’s required.
To cut a long story short, you need a TV license when you want to watch live television or use BBC iPlayer.
However, if you just want to stream content on on-demand services such as Netflix UK and Amazon Prime, then you don’t need a TV license.
FAQs
Can I watch Live TV without a License?
In short, no. If you want to watch live TV, then you need to purchase a license.
Do I need a TV license if I only use BBC iPlayer?
Yes, BBC iPlayer is part of the TV license requirements.
If you use iPlayer to watch live television or catch-up programs, then you have to pay £159 per year for a TV license.
