How to stop adverts on channel 4
The only official way to stop adverts on Channel 4 is to subscribe to Channel 4+, the paid tier that removes ads from on-demand content. It costs £3.99 per month (£48 per year) and comes with a free 7-day trial. If you watch live Channel 4 on a TV with a recorder, you can also skip ads by recording first and fast-forwarding through them.
What is Channel 4+ and how does it remove ads?
Channel 4+ is Channel 4's own subscription tier, available at channel4.com. Once you subscribe, the vast majority of on-demand programmes play without ad breaks. As Channel 4 puts it: "Channel 4+ allows you to watch TV shows without ads. Sign up for a free 7 day trial; after that it's just £3.99 a month and you can cancel at any time."
There is no contract, so you can cancel whenever you like. The subscription also includes access to hundreds of box sets and exclusives that are only available on Channel 4's streaming platform.
Does Channel 4+ remove all adverts?
Mostly, but not entirely. Channel 4 is upfront about this: "Due to some rights restrictions some content will not be subject to the enhanced Channel 4+ functionality, and may still contain ads, commercial messages and/or promotional trails for other programmes." Films with sponsor credits (such as Arnold Clarke film sponsorships) are a common example. So if you subscribe expecting a completely ad-free experience on every single title, you may occasionally be disappointed.
How to sign up for Channel 4+
You need a Channel 4 account first. If you do not already have one, create it free at www.channel4.com. Then:
- Go to the Channel 4+ sign-up page on the site or in the Channel 4 app.
- Choose the £3.99/month plan and start your 7-day free trial.
- Enter your payment details (you will not be charged until the trial ends).
- Cancel before day 7 if you decide it is not for you.
The subscription works across the Channel 4 app on smart TVs, phones, tablets, and the website.
Can you skip Channel 4 ads on live TV without paying?
Yes, with a workaround. If you record live Channel 4 broadcasts using a Freeview recorder or a YouView box, you can fast-forward through the ad breaks when you play back the recording. A second-hand YouView box with recording capabilities costs around £30 on Gumtree, with no ongoing subscription fee. It is a one-off cost and suits people who mainly watch live or recently broadcast television rather than on-demand content.
Is Channel 4+ worth £3.99 a month?
If you watch Channel 4 on-demand regularly, £3.99 is a low bar. The ad breaks on free Channel 4 streaming are frequent, typically every 15 to 20 minutes. Over a month of regular viewing, the time saved adds up. The 7-day free trial means you can test it properly before committing a penny. If you only dip into Channel 4 occasionally, the YouView recorder route at a one-time £30 cost is the more practical option.
Channel 4+ allows you to watch TV shows without ads. Sign up for a free 7 day trial; after that it's just £3.99 a month and you can cancel at any time.
Due to some rights restrictions some content will not be subject to the enhanced Channel 4+ functionality, and may still contain ads, commercial messages and/or promotional trails for other programmes.
Frequently asked questions
- how much does Channel 4+ cost per month
- Channel 4+ costs £3.99 per month, which works out to £48 per year. You can try it free for 7 days before the subscription starts, and cancel anytime with no contract.
- can I watch Channel 4 without ads for free
- No, the only official way to remove ads from Channel 4 is to pay for Channel 4+. However, you can get a free 7-day trial to test it out before committing to the £3.99 monthly fee.
- does Channel 4+ remove all adverts
- Channel 4+ removes ads from most on-demand content, but some programmes may still contain ads due to rights restrictions. Films with sponsor credits (like Arnold Clarke sponsorships) are common examples where ads may still appear.
- how do I skip ads on live Channel 4
- You can skip ads on live Channel 4 by recording the programme first and then fast-forwarding through the ad breaks. Alternatively, you can purchase a second-hand YouView box with recording capabilities from sites like Gumtree for around £30.
- can I cancel Channel 4+ anytime
- Yes, Channel 4+ has no contract and you can cancel at any time. Even after your free 7-day trial ends, you're free to stop your subscription whenever you want.
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Sources
- Channel 4+ ad free - General Chat - Monzo Community (community.monzo.com)
- Help - Frequently Asked Questions | Channel 4 (www.channel4.com)
- How to Watch Channel 4 without Ads? Block Ads on Channel 4 (keepstreams.com)
- Channel 4+ | Sign up for your ad-free experience (www.channel4.com)
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