Help with Channel 4
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We have tried to make as much of our content available for download as possible. Unfortunately, Channel 4 does not always have the same rights for all of our programmes. Some programmes aren’t available for download but all those that are will be clearly marked with the download symbol.
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The download service is available for iOS and Android supported devices only. If you are able to get the app on your iOS or Android device then you will be able to download content - provided you have enough space on your device, you are signed in and have access to WiFi.
In addition, iPhone and iPad now support downloading over 3G/4G.
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Channel 4 no longer has notifications on download expiry. When a download has expired, if you are online then you can tap the 'redownload' icon and it will download the item again for another 30 days if available.
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Channel 4 does not always have the same rights for all of our programmes. Some programmes aren’t available for download but all those that are will be clearly marked with the download symbol.
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Before you begin, please note Channel 4 streaming is a free service, and you will never be asked to make any payment to download the app or register/create an account.
To watch programming via Channel 4 streaming on your TV, you’ll need to have either:
- The Channel 4 app installed on a smart TV
- or a TV with a connected streaming device which has the Channel 4 app installed.
First off, you’ll need to open the Channel 4 app on your TV.
After accepting or declining cookies, you’ll be asked whether you want to browse, or to ‘Sign in/Register’ for an account. Select the ‘Sign in/Register’ button.
There are then three ways you can register for an account:
- Scan the QR code on your TV
- Visit c4.tv/code on another device
- Or sign in with your TV
Option 1: Scan the QR code on your TV
Open up the camera app on a mobile or tablet device, and point the device at the QR code shown on your TV.
Important: we recommend using your device’s dedicated camera app to read the QR code. There are some QR code readers which direct users to sites not affiliated with Channel 4, that can ask for payment details. We do not ask for any money to register for a Channel 4 account.
- Once the QR code is recognised, tap the link that appears on your screen.
- A new window will open up on Channel4.com, or within the Channel 4 app for Android or iOS if you have the app downloaded.
- If you’re already signed in to Channel 4 on the device, you’ll be automatically signed in on your TV. If you’re not signed in, we’ll ask you to enter your email address to sign in or register. Please follow the instructions to either sign in or register for an account.
- Once you’re signed in on your mobile or tablet device, then you're done! Your TV should refresh and show you are now signed in on your TV.
Option 2: Visit c4.tv/code
If you don’t want to use the QR code, you can visit c4.tv/code on a device and follow the instructions on screen. Important: please carefully type in this URL or click on the link above to ensure you are directed to the correct page on channel4.com.
- Visit c4.tv/code on a device connected to the internet.
- If you’re already signed in to Channel 4 on the device, we’ll ask you to enter the code shown on your TV.
- If you’re not signed in on the device, we’ll ask you to either sign in or register for an account. Once you have signed in or registered, you’ll be able to enter the code show on your TV.
- Once the code has been entered and submitted on your device, you're done! Your TV should refresh and show you are now signed in on your TV.
Option 3: Or sign in with your TV
Finally, you can also use your TV device's remote control. Select ‘Sign in with my TV’ to continue the registration process on the TV itself.
You can use the keyboard with your remote's directional keys to enter your email address, before choosing and entering a password.
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The minimum operating requirements for each platform are described below.
Accessing online at www.channel4.com
In order to watch you will need:- A laptop or desktop with a currently supported version of Microsoft Windows or Apple macOS.
- An internet connection
- And one of our recommended browsers:
- Google Chrome (latest version)
- Mozilla Firefox (latest version)
- Microsoft Edge (latest version)
- Safari (latest version)
You can access the mobile website and browse our catalogue of content on:
- Mobile and tablet devices with an internet connection
Please note: Internet Explorer 11 is no longer being supported. To continue watching we would strongly suggest that you update to one of the browsers above.iPhone and iPad apps:
- An internet connection
- iOS 12 and above
- content is only available with an internet connection unless you have downloaded our programmes to watch offline; you can browse and watch video using mobile data or Wi-Fi connectivity. To stream or download on mobile data, you'll need to turn off the 'Stream/Download only on Wi-Fi' toggles in your app settings
- Download our free app for iOS by visiting the iTunes app store from your deviceAndroid apps:
- An internet connection
- Android OS 7.0 and above (Fire OS 6 if using an Amazon tablet device). For security reasons, rooted devices are not supported.
- Content is only available with an internet connection unless you have downloaded our programmes to watch offline. You can browse and watch video using mobile data or Wi-Fi connectivity. To stream or download on mobile data, you'll need to turn off the 'Stream/Download only on Wi-Fi' toggles in your app settings.
- Download our free app for Android by visiting Google Play Store or Amazon AppstoreChromecast:
- Use your Android or iOS device, or the Chrome browser on your computer, to cast content directly to your TV.TVs, Consoles and Set Top Boxes:
Content is available on the following devices:
- PS4, PS5, XBoxOne, YouView, Roku, Samsung Tizen (mid-2015 models and above), Amazon Fire, FreeviewPlay, Freely, Now TV, Sky, Virgin Media, Apple TVAccessing Channel 4+
Channel 4+ is available across all devices and the same minimum requirements as accessing the Channel 4 app apply. To sign up log into your account and select account settings.If you are unsure what the latest browser versions are this information can be found online search for latest browser guide. (Please be aware, Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party sites.)
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It is not currently possible to watch a programme on the channel4.com mobile site. However, you will be given the option to open or download the app. If you already have the app installed, choosing this option will open the app and enable you to catch-up or stream a programme. If you choose to download the app, you will be redirected to the apple store.
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If you're using an IOS or Android device to access our streaming services, you can watch and download content using 3G/4G or Wi-Fi connectivity (please check in Settings in order to enable this function). Please note that your operator may charge you for 3G/4G data when you stream/download content on the App. If you are unsure how much 3G/4G data costs on your tariff, please contact your network operator.
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Yes, as long as the programme is still available on Channel 4, you can download it as many times as you like.
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Unfortunately, you can only watch on programming when you are connected to the internet as it is a streaming service. However, you can watch previously downloaded programmes offline.
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