Can You Watch Sky Sports Plus on NOW TV

What Is Sky Sports Plus?

Sky Sports Plus is a recently launched addition to the Sky Sports network, offering viewers even more live sports coverage. It often features additional matches, alternative feeds, or expanded coverage not shown on the main Sky Sports channels. The service is designed to give fans access to more games and events, particularly during busy sporting schedules.

Sky Sports Plus is available through Sky’s own platforms and, crucially, via NOW TV (rebranded as NOW in the UK), making it accessible without a long-term satellite or cable contract.

Where Is Sky Sports Plus Officially Available?

Sky Sports Plus is officially available in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Access is tied to regional licensing agreements, so the service is geo-restricted to these territories. If you try to watch from outside these regions, you will likely encounter an error message or be unable to stream content.

NOW TV (NOW) mirrors this restriction: even with a valid subscription, content including Sky Sports Plus is only available to users in the UK or Ireland.

Why Is Access to Sky Sports Plus on NOW TV Restricted?

Access restrictions are due to broadcasting rights and licensing agreements. Sky Sports negotiates exclusive rights to show certain sports in specific regions. As a result, streaming platforms like NOW TV use geo-blocking technology to ensure only users in the UK or Ireland can access Sky Sports Plus content.

This means if you travel abroad, even temporarily, your access may be blocked or limited unless you use a region-unblocking solution.

Subscription Requirements for Sky Sports Plus on NOW TV

To watch Sky Sports Plus on NOW TV, you need an active NOW Sports Membership. This is a paid subscription that gives you access to all live Sky Sports channels, including Sky Sports Plus, via streaming.

• Daily, monthly, or flexible passes: Choose the pass that fits your needs.
• No long-term contract: Cancel or renew as you wish.
• One account, multiple devices: Stream on various supported devices with a single subscription (device limits apply).

There is no free tier or trial for live sports on NOW TV, including Sky Sports Plus. All access is paid.

Device Compatibility: How Can You Watch?

NOW TV is designed to be accessible on a wide range of devices, making it easy to watch Sky Sports Plus wherever you are (within the UK/Ireland):

• NOW TV Smart Stick and Box
• Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, and others)
• Streaming devices (Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV)
• Games consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
• Mobile devices (iOS, Android)
• Laptops and desktops (via web browser)
• Chromecast and AirPlay (for casting to TV)

Some devices may require the NOW app to be downloaded and installed. The full list of compatible devices is available on the official NOW website and may change over time.

Step-by-Step: How to Watch Sky Sports Plus on NOW TV

1. Sign Up: Go to the official NOW TV website and create an account if you don’t have one.
2. Purchase a Sports Membership: Choose the type of pass (day, month, etc.) that suits your needs and complete the payment process.
3. Download the NOW App: Install the NOW app on your chosen device (smart TV, streaming stick, mobile, etc.).
4. Log In: Open the app and log in with your NOW credentials.
5. Navigate to Sports: In the app, go to the Sports section and look for Sky Sports Plus among the available channels or events.
6. Start Watching: Select the live event or channel you want to watch and enjoy the stream.

Note: If you are outside the UK or Ireland, you will see a geo-blocking message. See below for solutions.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions

• Geo-blocked abroad: If you see a message saying content is not available in your region, you are likely outside the UK/Ireland. Consider solutions like StreamLocator to access your subscription while travelling.
• Device not supported: Make sure your device is on the official compatibility list and that your software/firmware is up to date.
• Streaming buffering or lag: Check your internet speed. If you’re using a VPN, it may slow your connection. StreamLocator’s Smart DNS technology is optimised for streaming and may help reduce buffering.
• Login problems: Reset your password via the NOW website if you can’t log in.
• App crashes or won’t load: Reinstall the NOW app, restart your device, and ensure you have the latest app version.

Legal and Licensing Considerations

Accessing Sky Sports Plus on NOW TV is governed by licensing agreements. Officially, you must be physically located in the UK or Ireland to stream content, as per NOW TV’s terms of service. Using region-unblocking tools may violate the terms of service, but is not illegal for personal use in most countries. Always check the latest legal guidance and consider the risks before using such solutions.

Watching Sky Sports Plus on NOW TV Abroad

If you have an active NOW Sports Membership but are travelling or living outside the UK/Ireland, you’ll find your access blocked due to geo-restrictions. This is a common frustration for expats, business travellers, and holidaymakers.

To watch Sky Sports Plus on NOW TV abroad, you need to make the service think you are in the UK or Ireland. While traditional VPNs are one option, they often suffer from slow speeds, detection by streaming platforms, and incompatibility with smart TVs or streaming devices.

StreamLocator offers a streamlined solution for sports fans in this situation. Using Smart DNS and hybrid proxy technology, StreamLocator automatically routes your streaming traffic through the correct region. This means you can watch Sky Sports Plus on NOW TV on devices that typically don’t support VPNs, such as smart TVs, streaming sticks, and consoles. Setup is quick, and you don’t need to switch servers manually or worry about buffering during live events.

For full details and to check device compatibility, visit the official StreamLocator website.

Can You Watch Sky Sports Plus on NOW TV for Free?

No, there is currently no legal way to watch Sky Sports Plus on NOW TV for free. All live Sky Sports content on NOW TV requires an active paid Sports Membership. Occasionally, NOW TV may offer promotional free trials, but these are rare for sports content and subject to change.

Be cautious of unofficial streams or websites claiming to offer free access, as these are likely illegal, unreliable, and may pose security risks.

Best Devices for Watching Sky Sports Plus on NOW TV

For the best streaming experience, use one of the following supported devices:

• NOW TV Smart Stick or Box: Designed specifically for NOW TV, these devices offer seamless compatibility and easy navigation.
• Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku: Excellent streaming performance and support for the NOW app.
• Smart TVs: Many modern smart TVs have the NOW app pre-installed or available for download.
• Games consoles: PlayStation and Xbox consoles support the NOW app.
• Mobile devices: Watch on the go via the official app for iOS and Android.
• Laptops/desktops: Stream directly in your browser for flexibility.

If you want to watch on a device that doesn’t support VPN apps, StreamLocator’s hardware hub or app can help you access geo-restricted content smoothly.

FAQs: Can You Watch Sky Sports Plus on NOW TV?

• Is Sky Sports Plus included in all NOW Sports Memberships?
  Yes, Sky Sports Plus is included with any active NOW Sports Membership in the UK and Ireland.
• Can I watch Sky Sports Plus on NOW TV outside the UK?
  Not officially. Access is geo-restricted, but region-unblocking solutions like StreamLocator may help you watch while abroad.
• Do I need a separate subscription for Sky Sports Plus?
  No, it is part of the standard NOW Sports Membership.
• Can I watch on multiple devices at the same time?
  NOW TV allows streaming on several devices, but there is a maximum number of simultaneous streams (usually 1-2, depending on your membership).
• Is there a free trial for Sky Sports Plus?
  Free trials for sports content are rare and subject to change. Check the NOW TV website for current offers.
• Which devices support Sky Sports Plus on NOW TV?
  Most smart TVs, streaming sticks, consoles, mobiles, and computers. Check the official NOW website for the latest list.
• Why am I seeing a location error?
  You are likely outside the UK/Ireland or your device’s region settings are incorrect. Using a solution like StreamLocator can help resolve this.
• Does StreamLocator slow down my streaming?
  StreamLocator is designed to optimise streaming speeds by only rerouting streaming traffic, helping to minimise buffering compared to traditional VPNs.
• Is it legal to use a Smart DNS service for NOW TV?
  Using Smart DNS is not illegal for personal use in most countries, but it may violate the streaming service’s terms of service. Always check local laws and service terms.
• Can I share my NOW TV account with others?
  NOW TV allows account sharing within a household, but limits apply to the number of devices and simultaneous streams.