How to watch Channel 5 live online
Channel 5 streams live and free on the 5 app, the channel's own app and website (it used to be called My5). It works only in the UK.
The 5 app carries the channel live and its shows on demand, free with adverts.
In the UK, watching live needs a TV licence.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Run by
- Skydance (formerly Paramount)
- Type
- General
- Language
- English
- Watch live
- 5 (app and website)
- Cost at home
- Free with adverts
- Abroad
- No: UK only
- Checked
- 2 November 2026
Can you watch Channel 5 abroad?
Opened from abroad, the site shows: "It looks like you are trying to access 5 app from outside the UK. 5 app is currently only accessible from within the UK."
No official way abroad
Channel 5 has no international version or international app.
Watch Channel 5 in Ireland, Australia, the USA and more
Channel 5 in Ireland, Australia, the USA, Spain, Canada and France
No. Channel 5 does not stream live in Ireland, Australia, the USA, Spain, Canada or France: it is blocked outside the UK, and we found no official alternative.
UK TV abroad: the full guide, channel by channel
Apps for Channel 5: TV, phone and laptop
What is Channel 5?
Channel 5 is a free UK channel paid for by adverts. It shows factual series, dramas, films and daytime shows.
Its streaming service, once called My5, is now simply called 5.
Channel 5: common questions
Is Channel 5 free to watch online?
Yes, on the 5 app with adverts, in the UK.
Can I watch Channel 5 abroad?
No. The 5 app says it is only accessible from within the UK.
Do I need a TV licence to watch Channel 5 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 Channel 5 live?
5 (UK only): web, phones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming sticks.
Can I watch Channel 5 on a smart TV?
Yes. 5 has an app for smart TVs and streaming sticks (UK only).
Can I watch Channel 5 on a Firestick?
Yes. Channel 5's help centre lists Amazon Fire TV among the devices for the 5 app. It works only in the UK.
Can I watch Channel 5 in the USA?
No. Channel 5 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.
- 5: geo-restriction page (seen from outside the UK)
- GOV.UK: when you need a TV Licence
- LBC: Paramount and Warner Bros wrap up mega deal to create Skydance
- 5 help centre: how can I access 5?
Last checked: 2 November 2026. Prices and rules change: the official pages always win.
