Help with Channel 4
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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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Channel 4 is committed to providing a streaming service that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of ability, capability or technology.
At Channel 4, we routinely check experiences across our platforms against the latest WCAG guidelines. We work closely with the Digital Accessibility Centre (DAC) to review and audit screens. We also seek to improve usability through user feedback and research.
We respond positively to feedback regarding the accessibility of any of our services. We aim to conform to the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C's) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), to AA level, wherever possible.
For further information on the accessibility of the Channel 4 Streaming website please view our accessibility statements [https://www.channel4.com/4viewers/accessibility]
If you would like to comment about the accessibility of our streaming service please use the Contact Us Form or email accessibility@channel4.co.uk
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For channel4.com you can use the volume slider from the Channel 4 player. This will adjust the native TV/speaker volume using Google Chromecast.
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Here's how to start using Google Chromecast:
1. Plug in your Google Chromecast device into your HDTV and power up. Then visit Google Chromecast.com/setup
2. Connect to the same wi-fi network as your Google Chromecast
3. Once connected to the wi-fi network, you will see the Cast button appear in the bottom right of the player and the top right of the Chrome browser.
4. Click the cast button then click the name of the Google Chromecast where you wish to Cast.
5. Once you have selected your Google Chromecast, allow it to connect. Once connected the cast icon will display in connected state and you are able to Cast videos to your HDTV once you begin playback of a video. -
It is not currently possible to watch programmes with subtitles or audio description when casting media on Google Cast. You will need to disconnect from Google Cast and watch locally on your computer or mobile, if supported.
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It is no longer possible to control Chromecast devices using your Google Home. You can still use the Channel 4 app on IOS and Android or from channel4.com to cast and control your Chromecast.
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You can cast videos on your Google Cast Ready receiver from the Channel 4 app on Android and iOS phones and tablets (in addition to being available on Mac, Windows laptops and Chromebooks). Make sure you are connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Google Cast ready receiver, open the Channel 4 app and tap on the Chromecast icon to connect.
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If you have the Developer Tools or Downloads panels open then please close these. These cause issues with the display of fullscreen video on channel4.com.
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You can watch all the latest catch up, free box sets, plus a huge library of recent, classic and online shows including Shorts. It is not currently possible to cast the Watch Live service nor Clips and Extras. Channel 4 must acquire specific rights for some programmes in order to show these on a particular device, therefore some shows may not be available to cast on Google Chromecast.
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When casting content, the video playing on your HDTV is not the downloaded file for Google Chromecast, the video must be streamed and as such will require more bandwidth to play the content.
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