Contrary to popular belief, watching or recording live TV on your Amazon FireStick means you have to pay the annual BBC TV Licence fee – or risk being fined up to £1,000
Amazon FireStick users could face a hefty fine for breaking the law – without even realising. Streaming devices like the FireStick and Roku have become a staple in many households over recent years. They’re a great way to flick between vlogs on YouTube to Christmas films on Netflix – and turn any old TV into a smart one.
Even if you pay for your FireStick and the subscription apps you have on it (opposed to buying an illegal jail-broken version) you could still be subject to a penalty if you don’t pay the BBC TV Licence fee. This is slated to increase by £5 in April 2025, rising to a whopping £174.50 per annum.
Contrary to popular belief, consuming telly via the stick doesn’t automatically mean you’re exempt from the annual payment. You need a TV Licence if you watch any live TV, even if it’s on a platform like Disney+. For example, watching an old vlog on YouTube doesn’t require any licence, but watching Sky News live would.
A good example of this is the recent boxing fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, which was broadcasted live on Netflix. If you watched this, you should have a TV Licence – or have technically broken the law. However, if you only watch on-demand shows and films on sites like Netflix and YouTube, you do not need a TV Licence. The only exception is BBC iPlayer, which always requires a TV Licence.
Want the latest money-saving news and top deals sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to our Money Newsletter
You can be fined up to £1,000 if you watch or record live TV without a TV Licence. However, many people are exempt from the annual payment, even if they do watch live TV.
If you’re over 75 and you get Pension Credit, or live with a partner that gets Pension Credit, you’re eligible for a free TV Licence. “You can apply when you’re 74 if you already get Pension Credit,” GOV UK states. “You’ll still need to pay for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday. After that you’ll be covered by your free licence.”
If you live in residential care or sheltered accommodation, and are retired and over 60 or disabled – you can get a TV Licence for just £7.50. Those who are registered blind or live with someone who is are also eligible for a 50 per cent discount. You can apply for a free or discounted licence here.
Do you have a story to share? Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk for a chance to be featured
