How to watch BBC One live online
In the UK, BBC One streams live on BBC iPlayer, the BBC's own website and app, with no adverts. You need a free BBC account and a TV licence. Outside the UK, iPlayer does not play.
The live channel is on BBC iPlayer, on the web and in the iPlayer app for phones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming sticks and games consoles. Sign in with a free BBC account.
The law asks for a TV licence to watch any channel live, on any device, and to use BBC iPlayer at all. It costs £180 a year from 1 April 2026.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Run by
- The BBC, the UK's public broadcaster
- Type
- General
- Language
- English
- Watch live
- BBC iPlayer
- Cost at home
- TV licence, £180 a year
- Abroad
- No: iPlayer works only in the UK
- Checked
- 2 November 2026
Can you watch BBC One abroad?
Outside the UK, BBC iPlayer shows a message that it works only in the UK, and the live channel does not play. That also applies to licence payers on holiday.
A petition asked Parliament to open iPlayer to licence payers abroad. The petitions site rejected it in May 2023: decisions about iPlayer in other countries are a matter for the BBC, not for the government or Parliament.
No official way abroad
The BBC does not stream BBC One outside the UK. For BBC news abroad, see the international BBC News channel.
Watch BBC One in the USA, Canada, Ireland and more
BBC One in the USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia, Spain and the UAE (Dubai)
No. BBC One does not stream live in the USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia, Spain or the UAE: it is blocked outside the UK, and we found no official alternative.
BBC iPlayer abroad: can you watch it outside the UK?
UK TV abroad: the full guide, channel by channel
Apps for BBC One: TV, phone and laptop
What is BBC One?
BBC One is the main channel of the BBC, the UK's public broadcaster. It carries the BBC's big dramas and entertainment shows, such as EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing, the main news bulletins and national events.
It shows no adverts in the UK, because the BBC is paid for by the TV licence.
BBC One: common questions
Is BBC One free to watch online?
There is no extra charge in the UK, but you need a TV licence (£180 a year) and a free BBC account.
Can I watch BBC One abroad?
Not on BBC iPlayer: it works only in the UK, also for licence payers on holiday.
Do I need a TV licence to watch BBC One 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 One live?
BBC iPlayer (UK only): web, phones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming sticks, games consoles.
Can I watch BBC One on a smart TV?
Yes. BBC iPlayer has an app for smart TVs and streaming sticks (UK only).
Can I watch BBC One in the USA?
No. BBC One 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.
- GOV.UK: cost of the TV licence fee set for 2026/27
- GOV.UK: when you need a TV Licence
- UK Parliament petitions: 637777, BBC iPlayer for licence payers abroad (rejected 10 May 2023)
Last checked: 2 November 2026. Prices and rules change: the official pages always win.
