Vision Tech

Home / LG, Sony, Sky, Virgin & other TVs

LG, Sony, Sky, Virgin & other TVsEasy2 min read

TV licence: do you need one?

In the UK, a TV licence is a legal requirement for some types of viewing. The rules come from TV Licensing, and you should check their website for the latest details and fee.

When you need one

According to TV Licensing, you need to be covered if you:

  • Watch or record live TV on any channel or service, including BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and streaming services showing live programmes.
  • Download or watch BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer, whether live, catch-up or on demand.

This applies on any device: a TV, laptop, tablet, phone, games console or streaming device.

When you may not need one

You do not need a licence if you only watch on-demand services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, or non-live YouTube videos, and never watch live TV or BBC iPlayer.

One licence per home

A single licence usually covers the whole household. Other rules apply to separate flats, lodgers and some shared homes, so check TV Licensing's guidance.

Away from home

If a device is running on its own battery, your home licence normally covers it elsewhere. Plugged-in devices at another address may need their own cover.

Free or reduced licences

Free licences exist for some over-75s who receive Pension Credit, and there are other schemes. Check the TV Licensing website to see if you qualify.

Scams

Scammers often send fake TV licence emails and texts. Genuine contact comes from TV Licensing, and you should not click links in messages that ask for payment details. Go to the official website yourself instead.

When to get more help

Get help if you are unsure whether you need a licence, or if you receive a letter, text or email you do not trust. Do not give out bank details to a message you did not expect.

Did this help? If you are still stuck, email Vision Tech and tell us what you can see on the screen. Menus and button names can differ slightly between versions and makes. If something does not match, stop and ask rather than guess.

Related guides

LG, Sony, Sky, Virgin & other TVsEasyLG TV: no sound from the TV speakersIf your LG TV shows a picture but stays silent, the cause is usually a setting rather than a broken speaker.LG, Sony, Sky, Virgin & other TVsEasyLG TV: black screen or no pictureA black screen on an LG TV can mean the TV is off, on the wrong input, or needs a restart.LG, Sony, Sky, Virgin & other TVsMediumLG TV: Wi-Fi will not connect or keeps droppingSmart features on an LG TV need a working internet connection.