How to watch BBC News live online
In the UK, the BBC News channel streams live on BBC iPlayer, with a TV licence. Outside the UK, iPlayer is blocked, but the BBC runs an international version of BBC News that many TV providers carry.
The 24-hour channel streams live on BBC iPlayer, on the web and in the iPlayer app. In the UK you need a free BBC account and a TV licence, as for any live channel.
Many BBC News bulletins and clips are also on the BBC News website and app.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Run by
- The BBC, the UK's public broadcaster
- Type
- News
- Language
- English
- Watch live
- BBC iPlayer
- Cost at home
- TV licence, £180 a year
- Abroad
- Partly: an international channel
- Checked
- 2 November 2026
Can you watch BBC News abroad?
BBC iPlayer, and with it the UK feed of the BBC News channel, works only in the UK.
Outside the UK there is an international version of BBC News, made for viewers around the world. TV providers in many countries carry it in their packages: check your provider's channel list.
BBC News (international channel)
The BBC's 24-hour news channel for viewers outside the UK, carried by cable, satellite and IPTV providers.
Watch BBC News in Canada, Australia, the USA and more
BBC News in Canada, Australia, the USA, Spain, France and Germany
Partly. BBC News (international channel) (worldwide, through TV providers, cost: part of your TV package). The BBC's 24-hour news channel for viewers outside the UK, carried by cable, satellite and IPTV providers.
BBC iPlayer abroad: can you watch it outside the UK?
UK TV abroad: the full guide, channel by channel
Apps for BBC News: TV, phone and laptop
What is BBC News?
BBC News is the BBC's 24-hour news channel, with UK and world news, live coverage of big events and the main BBC bulletins.
In the UK it is part of the licence-funded BBC and shows no adverts.
BBC News: common questions
Can I watch BBC News live outside the UK?
Not on BBC iPlayer. Abroad, the international BBC News channel is carried by many TV providers.
Is BBC News free to watch online?
In the UK there is no extra charge on BBC iPlayer, but you need a TV licence to watch any channel live.
Do I need a TV licence to watch BBC News online?
Yes, in the UK. You need a TV licence to watch or record any channel live, on any device, and to use BBC iPlayer. It costs £180 a year from 1 April 2026.
Which app do I need to watch BBC News live?
BBC iPlayer (UK only): web, phones, tablets, smart TVs, consoles. BBC app (outside the UK, news articles and videos): phones and tablets.
Can I watch BBC News on a smart TV?
Yes. BBC iPlayer has an app for smart TVs (UK only).
Can I watch BBC News in the USA?
Partly. BBC News (international channel) (worldwide, through TV providers, cost: part of your TV package). The BBC's 24-hour news channel for viewers outside the UK, carried by cable, satellite and IPTV providers.
Where the facts come from
We check every fact on the broadcaster's own pages, or on two independent sources that agree.
- GOV.UK: when you need a TV Licence
- UK Parliament petitions: 637777, BBC iPlayer for licence payers abroad (rejected 10 May 2023)
- Wikipedia: BBC News (UK TV channel)
- Advanced Television: BBC.com and the BBC app go global (21 March 2024)
Last checked: 2 November 2026. Prices and rules change: the official pages always win.
