What Is NOW TV?
NOW TV, rebranded simply as "NOW", is a contract-free streaming service that offers live and on-demand access to TV channels and films. It is owned by Sky Group and provides flexible monthly memberships for sports, entertainment, cinema, and reality TV. Unlike traditional satellite or cable TV, NOW is entirely online and does not require a dish or long-term contract.
Where Is NOW TV Officially Available?
NOW is officially available in the United Kingdom and Ireland. A version of the service also operates in Italy and Germany (as "WOW"). Accessing NOW from outside these countries is not supported due to licensing agreements. The selection of channels and content may vary by region.
Why Access May Be Restricted
NOW restricts access based on your geographic location. This is mainly due to licensing agreements with content providers, which limit the rights to broadcast certain channels and shows to specific countries. If you try to watch from outside a supported country, you will typically see an error message or be blocked from streaming live TV.
Subscription Requirements
To watch live TV on NOW, you need an active membership. NOW offers several types of memberships (previously called "passes"):
- Entertainment Membership: Gives access to live Sky channels such as Sky Atlantic, Sky One, and more.
- Cinema Membership: Offers live Sky Cinema channels.
- Sports Membership: Provides access to all 11 Sky Sports channels live.
- Hayu Membership: For reality TV fans, with live and on-demand content.
Each membership is billed monthly and can be cancelled at any time. You can combine memberships to access more types of content.
Device Compatibility
NOW is compatible with a wide range of devices, including:
- Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.)
- Streaming sticks (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV)
- NOW Smart Box and NOW Smart Stick
- Games consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
- Mobile devices (iOS and Android phones/tablets)
- Laptops and desktops (via web browser)
Some older devices may not be supported. For the best experience, use the latest version of the NOW app on a modern device.
How to Watch Live TV on NOW: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Go to the official NOW website or download the NOW app on your device.
- Step 2: Create a NOW account. You’ll need to provide an email address and payment details.
- Step 3: Choose and purchase the membership(s) you want (Sports, Entertainment, Cinema, or Hayu).
- Step 4: Log in to your account on your chosen device.
- Step 5: Navigate to the ‘TV Guide’ or ‘Live’ section within the app or website.
- Step 6: Select the live channel you wish to watch. Streaming should begin immediately if your membership is active.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions
- Geo-blocked Error: If you see a message saying the service isn’t available in your region, you are likely outside the supported countries.
- Buffering or Poor Quality: Check your internet connection speed. NOW recommends at least 2.5 Mbps for standard definition and 5 Mbps for HD.
- Device Not Supported: Make sure your device is on NOW’s list of supported devices and that your app is up to date.
- Membership Not Recognised: Log out and log back in, or check your account status on the NOW website.
- App Crashes: Restart your device, reinstall the app, or clear the app cache if possible.
Legal and Licensing Considerations
NOW holds broadcasting rights for the UK and Ireland. Streaming live channels from outside these countries may breach licensing agreements. Using methods to bypass geo-restrictions can potentially violate NOW’s terms of service. Always check the legal implications in your country before attempting to access NOW from abroad.
Watching NOW TV Abroad
By default, NOW is not accessible outside the UK, Ireland, and its other supported regions. If you travel abroad, you may lose access to live channels and on-demand content. Some users look for workarounds to access their subscriptions while travelling, but these can be unreliable or against NOW’s terms.
For those who need to access their paid UK NOW membership while temporarily abroad, solutions like StreamLocator can help. StreamLocator uses Smart DNS and proxy technology to route streaming traffic through the correct region, making it possible to access live NOW channels as if you were at home. This can be especially useful for expats, frequent travellers, or sports fans wanting to keep up with live broadcasts from the UK. However, users should ensure they comply with the service's terms and local laws.
Watching for Free: Is It Possible?
NOW occasionally offers free trials for new customers, typically ranging from 7 days to 30 days, depending on the membership. During this trial, you can access all the live channels included in your selected membership at no cost. After the trial, you will be charged unless you cancel. There is currently no ongoing free tier for live TV on NOW.
Best Devices for Watching NOW TV
For the smoothest live streaming experience, consider the following devices:
- NOW Smart Stick or Smart Box: Designed specifically for NOW, with dedicated remote and easy setup.
- Modern Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs with the NOW app installed offer a seamless experience.
- Streaming Devices: Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV provide reliable performance and HD quality.
- Games Consoles: PlayStation and Xbox are also supported and great for multi-purpose use.
- Mobile Devices: For watching on the go, the NOW app for iOS and Android is user-friendly.
For users who want to access NOW on devices that don’t natively support VPNs or Smart DNS (such as certain smart TVs or streaming boxes), a solution like the StreamLocator Hub can make setup much easier, allowing live TV streaming on a wider range of hardware.
FAQs
- Can I watch live sports on NOW?
Yes, with an active Sports Membership, you can watch all Sky Sports channels live. - Is there a free way to watch live TV on NOW?
NOW sometimes offers a free trial for new users, but ongoing access to live channels requires a paid membership. - Can I use NOW TV outside the UK?
Officially, no. Live TV on NOW is only available in the UK, Ireland, and select European countries. Accessing from abroad may require additional solutions and may breach terms of service. - What devices can I use to watch live on NOW?
NOW supports smart TVs, streaming sticks, mobile devices, PCs, Macs, and games consoles. Check the official NOW website for the latest compatibility list. - Why am I getting a location error on NOW?
This usually means you are trying to access NOW from outside a supported country or your device's location settings are incorrect. - Does NOW offer HD or 4K streaming for live TV?
HD streaming is available with the NOW Boost add-on. 4K is not currently supported for live channels. - Can I record live TV on NOW?
No, NOW does not offer recording functionality. However, many shows are available on-demand after broadcast. - Can I share my NOW account?
You can watch on up to 1 device at a time (or 3 with NOW Boost). Sharing beyond your household may breach terms of service. - How can StreamLocator help me watch NOW abroad?
If you have a valid UK NOW membership, StreamLocator can route your streaming traffic through the UK, letting you access live NOW channels from abroad on a wide range of devices. - Is it legal to use Smart DNS or proxy services with NOW?
While not illegal in many countries, it may violate NOW’s terms of service. Always check local laws and the service’s terms before using such solutions.
