How to watch BBC Four live online
In the UK, BBC Four streams live on BBC iPlayer; you need a TV licence to watch iPlayer, live or on demand. On Freeview it is channel 9 (24 in Scotland). Outside the UK, iPlayer does not play.
BBC Four has a live page on BBC iPlayer, and the BBC says you need a licence to watch content on iPlayer, live or on demand.
On Freeview, BBC Four is channel 9 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and channel 24 in Scotland; BBC Four HD is on 106 (108 in Scotland).
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Run by
- BBC
- Type
- Entertainment
- Language
- English
- Watch live
- BBC iPlayer / Freeview 9
- Cost at home
- TV licence, £180 a year
- Abroad
- No: iPlayer works only in the UK
- Checked
- 13 November 2026
Can you watch BBC Four abroad?
The BBC says that, because of rights agreements, you need to be in the UK to stream programmes or watch BBC TV channels on iPlayer, and that iPlayer is restricted to UK residents.
A programme downloaded in the UK can be watched anywhere in the world. We found no official way to watch BBC Four live outside the UK.
No official way abroad
Watch BBC Four in the USA, Spain, Australia and more
BBC Four in the USA, Spain, Australia, Canada, France and Ireland
No. BBC Four does not stream live in the USA, Spain, Australia, Canada, France or Ireland: it is blocked outside the UK, and we found no official alternative.
UK TV abroad: the full guide, channel by channel
Apps for BBC Four: TV, phone and laptop
What is BBC Four?
BBC Four, launched on 2 March 2002, shows arts, documentaries, music, international film and drama, and current affairs. It broadcasts from 7pm to 4am, sharing its channel with CBeebies.
BBC Four: common questions
What channel is BBC Four on Freeview?
Channel 9 (24 in Scotland); BBC Four HD is on 106 (108 in Scotland).
Do I need a TV licence for BBC Four on iPlayer?
Yes. The BBC says you need a licence to watch content on iPlayer, live or on demand.
Can I watch BBC Four abroad?
Not live: iPlayer works only in the UK. Programmes downloaded in the UK can be watched anywhere.
Which app do I need to watch BBC Four live?
BBC iPlayer (UK only): web, phones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming sticks, games consoles. Freeview (UK): TV.
Can I watch BBC Four on a smart TV?
Yes. BBC iPlayer has an app for smart TVs and streaming sticks (UK only).
Can I watch BBC Four in the USA?
No. BBC Four does not stream live in the USA: it is blocked outside the UK, and we found no official alternative.
Where the facts come from
We check every fact on the broadcaster's own pages, or on two independent sources that agree.
- BBC iPlayer: BBC Four live
- BBC iPlayer help: do I need a TV Licence?
- BBC iPlayer help: can I use iPlayer outside the UK?
- BBC iPlayer help: I live outside the UK
- Freeview: channel listings
- GOV.UK: cost of the TV licence fee set for 2026/27
- GOV.UK: when you need a TV Licence
- Wikipedia: BBC Four
Last checked: 13 November 2026. Prices and rules change: the official pages always win.
