IPTV on Smart TV UK 2027: Best Apps and How to Install Them

Quick answer: To watch legal IPTV on a smart TV in the UK, install the essential apps: BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, My5 (free) and Netflix, NOW, Prime Video, Disney+ and discovery+ (paid). Install them from your TV's own app store: the Samsung Apps store, LG Content Store, Google Play on Google TV / Android TV, or the Hisense VIDAA store. If an app is missing, a Fire TV Stick or Roku is the easiest fix.

Must-have UK apps

• BBC iPlayer: free (TV licence). All BBC channels live and on demand.

• ITVX: free with adverts. Live ITV, box sets and films.

• Channel 4: free. Channel 4, E4, More4, Film4 content.

• My5: free. Channel 5 shows and box sets.

• NOW: paid. Sky Atlantic, Sky Cinema and Sky Sports with no contract.

• Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV: paid on-demand services.

• discovery+: paid. The home of TNT Sports.

How to install apps by TV brand

Samsung (Tizen)

1. Press Home and go to Apps.

2. Select the search icon and type the app name.

3. Select Install, then Add to Home.

LG (webOS)

1. Press Home and open Apps (LG Content Store).

2. Search for the app and choose Install.

Sony, Philips, TCL (Google TV / Android TV)

1. Open the Apps tab or Google Play Store.

2. Search for the app, select Install.

3. You can also install from your phone using the Google TV app.

Hisense (VIDAA)

1. Open the App Store from the home screen.

2. Search, install and pin the app to your home row.

Panasonic, older TVs, or missing apps

Older models stop getting app updates. The cheapest fix is a streaming stick. Follow our IPTV on Firestick setup guide.

Tips for a better experience

• Update your TV software: Settings → Support / About → Software update

• Turn off motion smoothing for films ("filmmaker mode"), and leave it on for sport if you prefer

• Use a wired Ethernet connection for 4K football if your Wi-Fi is patchy

• Remove apps you don't use to free up memory on older TVs

FAQ

Why is an app missing on my Smart TV?

App makers stop supporting older TV models. Use a Fire TV Stick, Roku or Chromecast with Google TV instead.

Can I watch live TV through apps without an aerial?

Yes. iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and My5 all stream live channels. Freely-enabled TVs bring them together in one guide. See free IPTV UK.

Are "IPTV player" apps legal?

The player apps themselves are legal, but the playlists sold for them with Sky Sports and other paid channels are not. Only use official broadcaster apps.