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<h2>Understanding WiFi security protocol types</h2>
Strong <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/blog/how-to-protect-your-digital-privacy">digital security</a> helps keep everyone in your home protected from hackers online &mdash; but a good password manager isn&rsquo;t enough. It&rsquo;s crucial to ensure the WiFi connection itself is protecting you as well.&nbsp;
Your WiFi will have a security protocol in place to protect data encrypted as it travels over your connection, and you probably never think about it. But, if your router is using an outdated protocol, this leaves you open to attacks.&nbsp;
Our guide will explain what WiFi security protocols are, how to find out what type your network is using, and if you need to take action.

<h2>What are WiFi security protocols?</h2>
WiFi security protocols are security standards that use encryption technology to protect your sensitive data online. Essentially, the protocols will scramble your data so that it can&rsquo;t be interpreted in the event of an attack or unauthorised access. They will only reveal information when proper authentication is provided.

<h2>Types of security protocols</h2>
There are currently four WiFi security protocols which are used by WiFi routers and access points.&nbsp;
These security standards were first introduced in the 90s, and have gone through several phases to address new threats that come from changing technologies.&nbsp;
While the protocols are an important part of wireless security, many people don&rsquo;t know about them &mdash; and won&rsquo;t know if their WiFi is using the most up-to-date version or not.
<h3>Security protocol: WiFi Protected Access 3 (WPA3)</h3>
Introduced in: 2018 
Key fact: Currently being rolled out as the latest generation of protection.
Should you use it? Yes.
<h3>Security protocol: WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)</h3>
Introduced in: 2004 
Key fact: Widely available and commonly used on home networks.
Should you use it? Yes, if WPA3 is unavailable
<h3>Security protocol: WiFi Protected Access (WPA)</h3>
Introduced in: 2003 
Key fact: Brought in to temporarily correct WEP issues, though it is still sometimes used today.
Should you use it? No
<h3>Security protocol: Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)</h3>
Introduced in: 1999 
Key fact: Abandoned and not recommended for use.
Should you use it? No

<h2>WiFi security type FAQs</h2>
<h3>What is WPA3 protocol?</h3>
The most recent and secure protocol is WPA3 (WiFi Protected Access 3), introduced in 2018. WPA3 hasn&rsquo;t been widely rolled out yet, but is gradually being introduced to the market as the highest standard of wireless security.
Not only does WPA3 protect from external attacks, but it adds extra protection for personal errors, such as weak passwords.&nbsp;
<hr>
<h3>What is WPA2 protocol?</h3>
Before WPA3, WPA2 (WiFi Protected Access 2) was the leading protocol since its introduction in 2004. In fact, WPA2, is currently the most commonly used protocol.&nbsp;
For 20 years, WPA2 has been favoured because it typically uses AES, or the Advanced Encryption Standard. Adding reliable encryption was a game changer for home networks, which were previously left fairly unprotected from attacks under WPA.
<hr>
<h3>What is WPA protocol?</h3>
Unlike WPA2, WPA (WiFi Protected Access) doesn&rsquo;t have much to offer in terms of encryption, with only basic protection that could easily be broken by attacks.&nbsp;
WPA was introduced in 2003, and since it was very quickly surpassed by WPA2 in 2004, it&rsquo;ll be no surprise to hear that WPA was only meant to be a temporary solution to address vulnerabilities of its predecessor. Despite this, some home networks still use WPA today. WPA uses a weak encryption standard called TKIP, or the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol.
<hr>
<h3>What is WEP protocol?</h3>
The first ever security protocol was WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), established in 1999. At the time, WEP aimed to provide the same level of security that wired networks offered, but vulnerabilities in the protocol were very quickly identified.&nbsp;
Unfortunately, WEP is beyond saving, and cannot always be properly upgraded. It&rsquo;s very rare to find a system that relies on WEP &mdash; if you do come across one, upgrade or replace the system immediately!
<hr>
 
<h2>Why is secure WiFi necessary?</h2>
If your WiFi is unsecure, attackers can get in at the source of your connection and compromise your devices. It&rsquo;s like keeping your valuables in a locked box but leaving the key on top.
You should only connect to networks which use WPA2 or WPA3 for the best level of protection. If you do come across a system using WEP, maybe you&rsquo;ve time-travelled and it&rsquo;s 1999? Either way, connecting to networks with older security protocols leave you open to attacks and privacy breaches.
Security protocols are just one aspect of network security, check out more tips on <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/blog/how-to-set-up-a-secure-home-network" rel="follow">setting up a secure home network</a> to keep everyone in your home protected online.
 
<h2>How to check my WiFi security protocols?&nbsp;</h2>
Now that you know what WiFi security protocols are, how can you find out which is being used by your home network?&nbsp;
Checking this varies from device to device, and depends on your operating system. We&rsquo;ve outlined ways to check security on common devices and OS below.
<h3>Find WiFi security on Android</h3>
Checking your security type may differ depending on your particular Android device, but you&rsquo;ll likely find this information in the same settings area you use to find and connect to networks. Follow these steps:
<ol>
<li>
Open up the settings in &lsquo;Settings&rsquo;.
</li>
<li>
Depending on your device, either navigate to &lsquo;Connections&rsquo; or WiFi&rsquo;.
</li>
<li>
Find the network you&rsquo;re currently connected to. Click on the network name or the cog icon to view the settings.
</li>
<li>
Security type will be listed somewhere in this area.
</li>
</ol>
<h3>Find WiFi security on iOS</h3>
Unlike Android phones and tablets, it&rsquo;s not possible to check your WiFi security directly on an iPhone and other iOS devices.&nbsp;
However, Apple is pretty hot on user security. So if you do connect to a network with weak security, a message will pop up within the WiFi settings area.
<h3>Find WiFi security on macOS</h3>
Checking security protocols on Apple Macbooks and other macOS devices is much easier than on iOS, but will still vary depending on your specific device:
<ol>
<li>
While holding down the Option key, click on the WiFi icon in your toolbar.
</li>
<li>
This will open up details about your network, and your security type will be listed here.
</li>
</ol>
<h3>Find WiFi security on Windows 10</h3>
All Windows devices should be using Windows 10 now, and have the same process to finding your WiFi security type:
<ol>
<li>
Open up your WiFi settings by clicking the connection icon in the task bar, or through the settings area.
</li>
<li>
Find the network you&rsquo;re currently connected to, and click &lsquo;Properties&rsquo;.
</li>
<li>
There will be an item called &lsquo;Security Type&rsquo;, and this will include the protocol your network is using.
</li>
</ol>
 
<h2>Can I change my WiFi security type?</h2>
Home networks that use the older and less secure WPA or WEP protocols should be configured or replaced as soon as possible.&nbsp;
Try to <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/blog/weak-wifi-security-fixes">change your WiFi security protocol</a> to a more reliable type through your router management settings. If this isn&rsquo;t possible due to the outdated technology, it&rsquo;s time to get on the phone with your provider and demand a new router, or consider switching.
If your network is using WPA3 protocol, it doesn&rsquo;t get any better than that &mdash; so there's no need to take any further action. Many WiFi networks currently use WPA2, which is sometimes seen as WPA2 Personal or WPA2 (AES).&nbsp;
This type is suitable for now, though you can still check your configuration settings to see whether WPA3 is available with your current system.
 
<h2>The best security types for WiFi are WPA3 or WPA2</h2>
The ideal security type for your WiFi router is WPA3, though this isn&rsquo;t widely available as not all systems can support it yet. The next best type is WPA2, which is a valid option for now. As WPA2 has been around since 2004, you&rsquo;ll be unlikely to find any tech that can&rsquo;t support this.
If you find yourself on a weak security WiFi using WPA or WEP, this leaves you especially vulnerable to attacks. This can usually be resolved by upgrading your router &mdash; though if you&rsquo;re also having persistent connection issues, it might be time to consider <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/switching">switching</a> to a new provider entirely.
<a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/why-choose-community-fibre">Community Fibre</a> packages include high-quality <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/superior-wifi">WiFi 6 routers</a> to keep you safe and secure online. We don&rsquo;t use WiFi extenders, which sometimes have security vulnerabilities due to the encryption methods. Instead, our <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/premium-wifi">Premium WiFi</a> uses innovative <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/blog/what-is-mesh-wifi-and-how-does-it-work">mesh technology</a> for guaranteed strong connections around your home.
<a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/#postcode-search-modal" rel="follow">Check availability</a> in London, Surrey, and Sussex.

There are four WiFi security protocols available - WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3. Learn what type is best and how to check which your WiFi network has.

WiFi Security Types: What are They and How to Check Yours

We all try to protect ourselves when online, but did you know your WiFi network could be a vulnerability? Read our guide to find out how to protect your WiFi router from attacks.

WiFi security types explained

<h2>How to fix weak WiFi security</h2>
Are you seeing &ldquo;weak security&rdquo; WiFi warnings on your phone? Don&rsquo;t worry, it doesn&rsquo;t mean your WiFi is under immediate attack &mdash; there&rsquo;s no need to panic. But it is something you should address to better protect yourself online.
The message is a precaution to let you know that the WiFi connection you&rsquo;re using has security vulnerabilities. It&rsquo;s important to take action as soon as possible to prevent your personal information from being accessed without your permission.
Our guide will help you understand what causes this message to be triggered, and how to correct the issue to improve your <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/blog/how-to-protect-your-digital-privacy">digital security</a> in three simple steps.
 
<h2>What is weak security WiFi?</h2>
A WiFi connection is considered to have weak security if it is using an outdated <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/blog/wifi-security-protocols">security protocol</a>, such as WEP, WPA, or WPA2 with TKIP encryption. These protocols are security standards that keep your network protected against attacks and unauthorised access.
Encryption technology has unsurprisingly improved since the 90s, so there have been several new security types released over the years. There are currently four protocols, listed below from oldest to newest:
<ul>
<li>
WEP - Wired Equivalent Privacy
</li>
<li>
WPA - Wi-Fi Protected Access
</li>
<li>
WPA2 - Wi-Fi Protected Access 2&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
WPA3 - Wi-Fi Protected Access 3
</li>
</ul>
The warning about weak security WiFi will appear in the WiFi settings area on your device, and read something like:
&ldquo;WPA/WPA2 (TKIP) is not considered secure. If this is your Wi-Fi network, configure the router to use WPA2 (AES) or WPA3 security type.&rsquo;
This message is most often shown on iPhones and other Apple devices, though if you see this, you can assume other connected devices are also vulnerable. While it lets you know what the problem is, it doesn&rsquo;t tell you exactly how to fix it.
The good news is, that you only need to follow a few simple steps to fix this once to improve security across all devices.
 
<h2>How to fix weak security on WiFi</h2>
Correcting weak security WiFi requires you to change the security configuration of your router. These settings can be accessed and changed from any mobile device, laptop, or PC connected to the network.
It&rsquo;s worth noting that if you see this message while using a public WiFi network, you can&rsquo;t make changes to improve its security. Public WiFi networks are typically unsafe anyway, so avoid them if you can and consider using mobile data instead. Only configure changes on a network you own!
<h3>1. Access your router settings</h3>
Firstly, you&rsquo;ll need to log into your router management area.&nbsp;
Using any browser, enter your router address. You can find this address on your WiFi settings &mdash; it&rsquo;s sometimes found on a sticker on your router or on a little card that came with it, depending on your provider.
The router address will look like a series of numbers separated by a full stop. For example, the address for Community Fibre routers is 192.168.1.1. Once you&rsquo;ve found the address for your router and entered this into your browser, hit enter to go to the page.&nbsp;
It will then prompt you to log in. Find your unique details on your router and sign in to access your router management settings.
Are you a Community Fibre customer? If you&rsquo;re using a Technicolor WiFi 6 router, visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://help.communityfibre.co.uk/troubleshooting/wifi-and-broadband-troubleshooting/how-do-i-use-my-technicolor-wifi-6-router">Technicolor help page</a> for support on accessing your router settings. Customers using a Linksys WiFi 6 router can access this area through the app or by following the steps outlined in <a href="https://support.linksys.com/home/" rel="follow">Linksys support</a>.
<h3>2. Configure the security settings</h3>
Find the relevant security settings area within your router management.&nbsp;
The layout of your settings will vary depending on your router type and internet provider, but this should be straightforward to locate. It might be called something like &lsquo;Security&rsquo;, &lsquo;Encryption, or &lsquo;Configuration&rsquo;.
When you have found the correct area, find the current security protocol, which might be WEP or WPA. Select one of the newer security protocols, WPA2 or WPA 3, and save your changes.&nbsp;
Your provider might call these something a little different, or even mention on the page which is best to select, so be sure to check the option most appropriate for your router.
<h3>3. &lsquo;Forget&rsquo; network and reconnect&nbsp;</h3>
After updating and saving the security protocol, you can log out of the router management area. Next, disconnect your device from the network, choose &lsquo;forget&rsquo;, and then reconnect. This will trigger the proper settings, and stop the message from appearing on your device. Now, you&rsquo;re free to enjoy <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/blog/world-safer-internet-day">safer online experiences</a>.
 
<h2>Switching to a more secure network</h2>
Following the above steps should stop the message from appearing on your device,&nbsp; resolve your weak security issue, and leave you with a more <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/blog/how-to-set-up-a-secure-home-network" rel="follow">secure home network</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
However, if you experience other security vulnerabilities because of your network, it may be time to consider switching to a more reliable internet provider that uses updated technology.
London, Surrey and Sussex-based customers can benefit from <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/why-choose-community-fibre">Community Fibre&rsquo;s full fibre broadband </a>service. Our network uses the latest technology to provide a more reliable and secure connection, in addition to faster speeds and 99.9% uptime.&nbsp;
As part of our <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/premium-wifi">Premium WiFi</a>, we use high-quality <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/superior-wifi">WiFi 6 routers</a> and <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/blog/what-is-mesh-wifi-and-how-does-it-work">mesh technology</a> to offer full WiFi coverage around the whole home. Mesh technology is more secure than the WiFi extenders often given out by providers, so you can benefit from better security and a strong connection in every corner of your home.
<a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/#residential-packages">Explore our broadband packages</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/#postcode-search-modal" rel="follow">check your availability</a> in London, Surrey, and Sussex.

Weak security WiFi messages are a warning about network vulnerabilities. Learn how to configure your WiFi router security settings in three simple steps.

What is Weak Security Wifi and How to Fix it

Is your phone showing you a 'weak security WiFi' message? Our guide goes into what this warning means, and how to correct the issue for secure connections.

Weak security WiFi

<h2>Setting up a secure home network</h2>
Most of us take steps to protect our online accounts and devices from unwanted attacks, but did you know your home network could be vulnerable without proper precautions in place?&nbsp;
Poor wireless network security poses several risks, such as people using your WiFi without permission.
At Community Fibre, <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/blog/how-to-protect-your-digital-privacy">digital privacy</a> is important to us. We provide the fastest speeds in London and the most reliable broadband technology in the UK to reduce vulnerabilities.&nbsp;
 
<h2>9 steps to better home network security</h2>
Optimising your router is key to improving your network security, which is essential in the digital age where hackers are getting craftier.&nbsp;
Here are our top 9 tips for better wireless security:
<ol>
<li>
<a href="#router" rel="follow">Secure router placement</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#passwords" rel="follow">Strong router and WiFi passwords</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#encryption" rel="follow">WPA3/WPA2 encryption</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#firmware" rel="follow">Regular firmware updates</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#mac" rel="follow">MAC address filtering</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#wps" rel="follow">Disable WPS</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#firewall" rel="follow">Strong firewall settings</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#vpn" rel="follow">VPN for added security</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#monitoring" rel="follow">Monitoring and alerts</a>
</li>
</ol>
<h3 id="router">1. Secure router placement:</h3>
Choosing the right spot for your WiFi router ensures maximum signal coverage throughout your home. This can be limited by the location of your access point, but ideally your router should be placed in a central, elevated location.&nbsp;
Avoid placing your router near windows or exterior walls, as this could make it easier for people outside your home to detect and try to infiltrate your network.&nbsp;
If you look at the available WiFi networks on your device, you will likely only see networks owned by your immediate neighbours if they keep routers near adjoining walls.
<h3 id="passwords">2. Strong router and WiFi passwords:</h3>
Every WiFi router comes with two passwords by default:
<ul>
<li>
Router password - This is the password you can use to access the admin management of your router, where you can update your WiFi password as well as other settings.
</li>
<li>
WiFi password - This will be the password you input when connecting to the network.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
It&rsquo;s important to change both of these passwords as soon as possible, as these default passwords are easy to guess and hack.&nbsp;
Choose passwords that are strong, random, and hard to guess. If you struggle to remember passwords, write these down and keep them somewhere safe, but away from your computers and router.&nbsp;
You can also use a secure online password manager to store these details.
<h3 id="encryption">3. WPA3/WPA2 encryption:</h3>
Every WiFi router uses a security protocol to protect your data &mdash; though these standards vary. Older routers may be using outdated standards with known vulnerabilities, leaving your network open to attacks.&nbsp;
If you have an iPhone, you might see a <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/blog/weak-wifi-security-fixes">&lsquo;weak security WiFi&rsquo;</a> message, which is triggered when you connect to a network using one of these older encryption types.
But don't worry; you can change the security protocol on your router at home to level up your encryption.&nbsp;
The strongest security protocol is currently WPA3 (WiFi Protected Access 3), though this has not been widely rolled out yet. If WPA3 isn&rsquo;t available on your router, WPA2 (WiFi Protected Access 2) is widely available and should provide sufficient protection.
Learn how to check and update your WiFi <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/blog/wifi-security-protocols">security protocols</a>.
<h3 id="firmware">4. Regular firmware updates</h3>
Keeping your router firmware up to date ensures you are benefitting from the latest security patches and bug fixes.&nbsp;
The incremental improvements help protect you from newly identified threats as hackers evolve their techniques, as well as improve the overall performance of your router.
Your router should be downloading updates automatically. If it isn&rsquo;t you can manually update your firmware within your router management, or change the settings to enable automatic updates.&nbsp;
The exact path to firmware updates will depend on your specific router, but follow a general process:
<ol>
<li>
Type your router address into a browser and log in to your router management area. This information should be included somewhere on your router. Some routers have an app &mdash; like the Linksys router supplied with Community Fibre packages &mdash; which makes accessing this more straightforward.
</li>
<li>
Find an area called &lsquo;Software&rsquo;, &lsquo;Firmware&rsquo;, or &lsquo;Updates.
</li>
<li>
Select &lsquo;Update&rsquo;, and enable automatic updates if this option is available. This means you shouldn&rsquo;t have to think about manually installing firmware yourself.
</li>
</ol>
<h3 id="mac">5. MAC address filtering</h3>
Make access to your home network extra exclusive by using MAC address filtering to control the devices that can use your network. You can configure a list of devices that can request to connect to your network and block any devices not on your list.
As with most configurations, the specific way to do this will depend on your router. But for a Linksys router, you can locate the filter by logging into your router management area, and going to &lsquo;Wireless&rsquo;, and then finding &lsquo;Wireless MAC Filter&rsquo;.&nbsp;
Once in this area, you can add the addresses of all the devices you want to allow access.&nbsp;
<h3 id="wps">6. Disable WPS</h3>
Most WiFi routers have WPS (WiFi Protected Access) functionality, which is a small button that allows any device to connect easily when being pressed, or when a specific PIN is entered.&nbsp;
The benefit of WPS is a quick and easy connection, but is very vulnerable to attacks, which outweighs the convenience by far.&nbsp;
Log in to your router management settings to disable WPS. The configuration will be slightly different for each router, but it&rsquo;s likely found in an area called &lsquo;Wireless&rsquo; or Advanced&rsquo;.&nbsp;
Look for a specific tab called &lsquo;WPS&rsquo; or &lsquo;WiFi Protected Access&rsquo;. Select the option to &lsquo;Disable&rsquo; or turn off WPS and save your changes.
<h3 id="firewall">7. Strong firewall settings</h3>
Most routers come with a hardware-based, built-in firewall, but it may not be switched on. Your computer might have a software-based firewall to help protect you from attacks travelling through the network.&nbsp;
Hardware-based firewalls work similarly, preventing viruses from spreading from one device to another.
First, you need to check if your router has firewall capabilities. Look for a setting within your router management area called &lsquo;Firewall&rsquo;, or &lsquo;Security&rsquo;. If the settings indicate this is already on, no further action is required. If it looks like it&rsquo;s available but not switched on, select the option to change it.&nbsp;
Your router might need to restart after this to apply the changes.
<h3 id="vpn">8. VPN for added security</h3>
It&rsquo;s pretty common for people to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on their laptops, phones, and other devices to mask their data online and protect it from third-party attacks. But you can use a VPN on your router itself to protect the entire network. This is especially helpful for devices that don&rsquo;t have specific VPN capabilities.
You&rsquo;ll need to check if your router can support VPN capabilities. Simply search your router model online to find this out, or look within the router management area to see if it mentions VPNs.
If it does support VPN, shop around to find one that can be installed on your router. The VPN you choose should come with instructions on how to set it up for your specific model, but it is generally done within the router management area.&nbsp;
Doing this on a laptop or computer will make it a little easier to use this area. Once this is set up, your network will be reliably disguised for enhanced security.
<h3 id="monitoring">9. Monitoring and alerts</h3>
Continuous network monitoring is a helpful preventative measure you can easily set up. Monitoring tools keep an eye on how your network is performing and let you know if there are any threats you need to be aware of.
There are a lot of different tools available to help you monitor your router. Look for one that prioritises security rather than any enterprise-level metrics, as those are better for businesses.&nbsp;
Set up your tool to monitor your router traffic and detect any suspicious activity. As a bonus, having visibility of how your network is distributing traffic and handling demands helps you understand whether your current broadband <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/speed">speed</a> is fast enough.
 
<h2>Importance of secure broadband&nbsp;</h2>
These tips can help strengthen the digital security of your home network. For customers using our Linksys router, head over to our <a href="https://help.communityfibre.co.uk/troubleshooting/wifi-and-broadband-troubleshooting">WiFi help area</a> for support.&nbsp;
If your current broadband uses older copper cables to deliver the connection to your home, consider upgrading to <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/why-full-fibre-is-best">full fibre</a> to reduce vulnerabilities.&nbsp;
We value your security online, which is why we use full fibre broadband across our entire network.
 
<h2>Never compromise on network security</h2>
Creating a secure home network is essential in the digital environment we live in today. Hackers are getting more intelligent, and we all must take steps to safeguard our data and privacy.
Start by <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/switching#tv-switching">switching</a> to a reliable broadband provider who offers secure hardware and network protection with the latest technology. Community Fibre&rsquo;s network uses the UK&rsquo;s best broadband technology &mdash; delivering 100% full fibre in London.&nbsp;
Our broadband packages come with high-quality <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/superior-wifi">WiFi routers</a>, which provide better coverage and protection than vulnerable WiFi extenders, plus optional security features.
<a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/#postcode-search-modal">Check your postcode</a> to see availability in your area.&nbsp;

Weak wireless network security leaves you vulnerable. Learn how to optimise your WiFi router, devices, and take precautions against unwanted attacks.

Setting Up a Secure Home Network

Weak wireless network security leaves you vulnerable when online. Learn how to optimise your WiFi router, devices, and take precautions against unwanted attacks in our helpful guide.

How to set up a secure home network

Spotify is a platform that allows users to enjoy a range of audio content online, including music, podcasts, and audiobooks. It has a large library for all tastes and interests.
If you're a music enthusiast, a podcast lover, or enjoy immersing yourself in audiobooks, Spotify has a lot to offer &mdash; and it makes it easy to find new favourites and old classics.
Here we&rsquo;ll provide a beginner&rsquo;s guide on how to use Spotify. Not sure of the best platform for listening to music online or how to pick the best one? You can find out how to<a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/blog/listening-to-music-online"> use the internet to find music</a> in our guide.
 
<h2>What is Spotify?&nbsp;</h2>
Spotify is a music streaming platform. It&rsquo;s hugely popular in the UK, with <a href="https://www.statista.com/forecasts/1328625/spotify-digital-music-services-brand-profile-in-the-uk">57%</a> of UK streamers saying they enjoy Spotify. There are many features beyond music though.
It has incredible discovery and personalisation options, where it curates playlists and builds recommendations based on what you listen to, making it easy to find new songs.
Spotify is convenient as an app or in a browser and has a library of over <a href="https://newsroom.spotify.com/company-info/">100 million tracks</a>, alongside podcasts and audiobooks &mdash; so there&rsquo;s always something to explore.
You can use it for free, but there are ad-free subscriptions that offer extra features.
 
<h2>Getting started with Spotify</h2>
Spotify works very intuitively but this step-by-step guide will help you get started and enjoy everything the streaming service offers. We&rsquo;ll explore the basics, as well as the fun features.
<ol>
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Get the app</h3>
</li>
</ol>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/jYDJEbPkQqWRHL1V5nYS" alt="undefined" width="390" height="200">
You can use the web player, but for the best Spotify experience you&rsquo;ll need the app:
<ul>
<li>
On a computer or laptop: Go to the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/download">Spotify website</a> and click &ldquo;Get our free app&rdquo;, then follow the instructions to install it on your operating system.
</li>
</ul>
On a phone or mobile device: Go to your app store (like Google Play for Android, or the App Store for iOS), look for "Spotify," and tap "Install."

<h3>2. Create an account</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/ZaFJzAesSBud4QMGFiXO" alt="undefined" width="380" height="555">
Creating a Spotify account is easy and you&rsquo;ll need one regardless of the plan you choose to get:
<ul>
<li>
On an app or browser: Click "Sign Up" and fill in the form to create an account and choose a plan. You&rsquo;ll need to provide an email address and other information.
</li>
<li>
Using social media: If you&rsquo;ve already got a Facebook, Apple or Google account you can sign up using this for faster access.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>3. Listen to some music</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/l8LjtRruRNODU95NfAvF" alt="undefined" width="376" height="236">
There&rsquo;s a huge range of music on Spotify for all tastes, try some of the following:
<ul>
<li>
Use the search bar:&nbsp; Look for artists, songs, and playlists. You can browse genres and other curated offerings via the "Home" section.
</li>
<li>
Create a playlist: In your library click on "Create Playlist," name it, and add songs by clicking the three dots next to any track and then "Add to Playlist."
</li>
<li>
Like some songs: When listening to a song you like, tap/click the heart icon next to any song to add it to your "Liked Songs" playlist.
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h3>4. Listen to podcasts and audiobooks</h3>
Spotify also has a variety of podcasts and audiobooks, here&rsquo;s how to look for some:
<ul>
<li>
Podcasts: Use the search function or browse the "Podcasts" section on your home screen to find shows on various topics.
</li>
<li>
Audiobooks: Look for audiobooks via the search bar - note that Spotify Premium only offers 15 free listening hours per month for audiobooks.
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h3>5. Share your favourite audio with friends and family</h3>
Sharing is easy on Spotify, so you can share your favourites with whomever you want. To do so, just click or tap the three dots next to any song, album, or playlist, and select "Share". You can share via social media, messaging apps, or a direct link.
&nbsp;
<h3>6. Try out some fun features!</h3>
Once you&rsquo;ve got to grips with the basics, Spotify also gives you some fun features:
<ul>
<li>
"Discover Weekly", which is a custom playlist based on your listening habits.
</li>
<li>
Spotify songs as your alarm tones, available with compatible alarm clock apps.
</li>
<li>
Insights into your listening habits at the end of each year with their very cool<a href="https://www.spotify.com/wrapped/"> Spotify Wrapped</a> feature.
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h3>7. Use Spotify Premium</h3>
It feels similar, but Spotify Premium offers additional benefits over the free version:
<ul>
<li>
Enjoy ad-free listening, offline playback, and better sound quality.
</li>
<li>
Current plans vary, so check the Spotify website for the latest options.
</li>
</ul>
 
<h2>Using Spotify on the internet</h2>
To enjoy its full range of features, an internet connection is required. However, Spotify also offers some offline functionality. Here&rsquo;s what you need to know:

<h3>Using Spotify online</h3>
You can access all the features Spotify has to offer while online. Whether streaming songs, discovering new music through playlists, exploring podcasts, or creating your own playlists &ndash; it&rsquo;s simple and easy with the online experience.
<h3>Using Spotify offline</h3>
You can download songs, albums, and playlists while online and listen to them offline later &mdash; the same is true for podcast episodes. Just look for the three dots and click &ldquo;Download&rdquo;. Music is only downloadable for Spotify Premium users.
<h3>How much data does Spotify use?</h3>
Spotify uses low amounts of data, so data caps are not a concern. If your internet provider limits your data usage, it might be worth considering switching to a provider with better data allowances.&nbsp;
Remember that <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/blog/the-difference-between-broadband-and-wifi">broadband, bandwidth and data use are different</a>. Broadband is fast internet, bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transmitted at a given time, and data use is the amount required by your activities online.
Spotify&rsquo;s data usage depends on the audio quality setting. Here&rsquo;s a quick breakdown:
<div align="center">
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 42.5722%; height: 161.188px; border-width: 1px; border-spacing: 2px; background-color: #f4f4f4;"><colgroup><col style="width: 53.291%;"><col style="width: 46.7423%;"></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 62.9167px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
Normal quality
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
Approximately 96 kbps
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 35.3542px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
High quality
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
Approximately 160 kbps
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 62.9167px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
Very high quality
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
Approximately 320 kbps
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
You can adjust the settings by selecting your profile and then &ldquo;Settings and privacy&rdquo;, where you can view or change the &ldquo;Audio Quality&rdquo; settings. Tweak them to your liking.
 
<h2>Learn how to use more apps with Community Fibre</h2>
We&rsquo;re dedicated to helping people make the most out of the internet and ensuring no one is left across the digital divide. Here&rsquo;s how we&rsquo;re making a difference:
<ul>
<li>
Amazing value <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/#residential-packages">full fibre broadband packages</a>
</li>
<li>
Great <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/deals">deals</a> on our packages, with options for households and businesses
</li>
<li>
Top <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/digital-skills">resources</a>, like this one, designed to boost your digital skills
</li>
<li>
Addressing <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/blog/how-community-fibre-is-helping-to-bridge-the-digital-poverty-gap">digital poverty</a>, with affordable internet solutions and support
</li>
</ul>
Use our <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/#postcode-search-modal">postcode checker</a> to see if you can get London's fastest full fibre broadband.

Learn how to use the popular app, Spotify. Find out how Spotify works, its data usage, offline listening, and ways to get the most out of Spotify Premium.

How to Use Spotify: What it is & How it Works

Spotify is a popular way to listen to music, audiobooks, and podcasts in one convenient app. Learn how to get the most out of Spotify and elevate your online listening today.

Beginner’s guide to using Spotify

Listening to music on the internet means having almost every song at your fingertips. New hits, deep tracks, classic albums and more are all available to stream &mdash; so it&rsquo;s a great way to listen.
Whether you want to rediscover music, catch up on your favourite acts pre-festival, or find something new, it&rsquo;s easier and more convenient to listen online than to CDs or vinyl.
But what&rsquo;s the best way to listen to music on the internet? We&rsquo;ll cover how to listen to music online, bandwidth usage, and how to get the perfect listening experience.
 
<h2>What are the options for listening to music online?</h2>
As of 2024, <a href="https://mixmag.net/read/digital-streaming-makes-up-85-percent-music-consumption-uk-news">87.7%</a> of music consumption is done via digital streaming. Whether you&rsquo;re a casual listener or a staunch audiophile, there are many options to listen to your tunes online.
Here are a few popular options people use to listen to music on the internet, which include many free and premium memberships:
<ol>
<li>
Spotify
</li>
<li>
YouTube Music
</li>
<li>
Pandora
</li>
<li>
Deezer
</li>
<li>
Amazon Music
</li>
<li>
Tidal
</li>
<li>
Apple Music
</li>
<li>
SoundCloud
</li>
</ol>
It&rsquo;s a fairly long list of services. There are many other competing services to choose from too! So, when choosing a streaming service, it&rsquo;s best to consider the following factors:
<ul>
<li>
Price: Although many have free options, they are ad-supported. Free options are good for testing a platform but you might want to pay a monthly fee for ad-free listening.
</li>
<li>
Audio quality: Higher-quality streams use more bandwidth but offer a better experience, essential to get the best out of speakers and headphones.
</li>
<li>
Music library: The size and variety of a platform&rsquo;s music library are important to weigh up. Some have huge collections, which are great for discovering new music.
</li>
<li>
User interface: Intuitive interfaces that make it easy to find and play songs, create playlists or discover new music can contribute greatly to a platform&rsquo;s strength.
</li>
<li>
Music discoverability: Existing playlists, either created by other users or the platforms themselves, are the perfect way to take the hassle out of deciding what to listen to and saves you the time of making your own playlists.
</li>
</ul>
Each platform has its own features and it&rsquo;s worth trying a few to see what fits your taste. This way, you can make a better decision and find the best way to listen to music online.
 
<h2>Our favourite music streaming platforms</h2>
A few platforms stand out when it comes to listening to music online in the UK, which is due to their popularity and features. Here are a few highlights and why they&rsquo;re a hit: 
<ul>
<li>
Spotify has a big library with lots of personalisation options and a simple interface.
</li>
<li>
YouTube Music is both music and video, so it&rsquo;s great if you want visual content.
</li>
<li>
Amazon Music offers top value for money and is convenient for current Prime members.
</li>
<li>
Apple Music dovetails with Apple devices and has a high-quality audio experience.
</li>
<li>
SoundCloud is ideal for discovering emerging artists and listening to indie music.
</li>
</ul>
When choosing a streaming platform to listen to music on the internet, it&rsquo;s good to understand the subscription options and free tiers that are available too.
<ol>
<li>
Spotify, free ad-supported or an ad-free, better quality premium membership.
</li>
<li>
Apple Music, no free option but with flexible individual and family plans.
</li>
<li>
Amazon Music, free subscription with limited music and ads or several paid plans.
</li>
</ol>
These are the biggest platforms, which offer flexible options for various budgets. But there are some more details and platform-specific features and benefits to consider.
<h3>Spotify</h3>
You can get <a href="https://www.spotify.com/uk/">Spotify</a> on a web browser, desktop, or mobile, and even your favourite game consoles. See a breakdown of the costs and packages available in the UK below:&nbsp;
<div align="center">
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 42.5722%; height: 454.021px; border-width: 1px; border-spacing: 2px; background-color: #f4f4f4;"><colgroup> <col style="width: 38.1364%;"> <col style="width: 61.8968%;"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 62.9167px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
Free Plan
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Ad-supported</li>
<li>Lower sound quality</li>
<li>Streaming online only</li>
<li>No monthly fee</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 80.5208px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
Premium Individual Plan
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Ad-free</li>
<li>Higher streaming quality</li>
<li>Download and listen offline</li>
<li>&pound;11.99 monthly fee</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 62.9167px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
Premium Student Plan
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Ad-free</li>
<li>Higher streaming quality</li>
<li>Discounted for eligible students</li>
<li>&pound;5.99 monthly fee</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 62.9167px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
Premium Duo Plan
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Ad-free</li>
<li>Higher streaming quality</li>
<li>Two accounts, at same address</li>
<li>&pound;16.99 monthly fee</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 62.9167px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
Premium Family Plan
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Up to six accounts</li>
<li>Access to Spotify Kids</li>
<li>Parental controls for explicit lyrics</li>
<li>&pound;19.99 monthly fee</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
You can easily cancel all of these at any time and the Individual and Student plans are available free for 1 month, although you&rsquo;ll need to not have tried Spotify Premium before.
On the Individual, Duo and Family Plan, the plan manager (whoever signs up and pays for it) can also get 15 hours per month of audiobooks.
It&rsquo;s safe to say you won&rsquo;t get the most out of <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/blog/how-to-use-spotify-guide" rel="follow">listening on Spotify</a> without a paid plan. But what you do get with all Spotify Premium plans is:
<ul>
<li>
A huge library with millions of tracks, podcasts, and audiobooks
</li>
<li>
High-quality streaming up to 320 kbps
</li>
<li>
Offline listening, download to your device
</li>
<li>
Personalised playlists and Discover Weekly
</li>
<li>
Social features like shared playlists
</li>
</ul>

<h3>YouTube Music</h3>
Available through browsers, desktop apps, and mobile apps, <a href="https://music.youtube.com/">YouTube Music</a> is easily accessible and has over 100 million songs. Here are some highlights of their UK plans:
<div align="center">
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 42.5722%; height: 454.021px; border-width: 1px; border-spacing: 2px; background-color: #f4f4f4;"><colgroup> <col style="width: 38.1364%;"> <col style="width: 61.8968%;"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 62.9167px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
Free Plan
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Ad-supported</li>
<li>1-month free trial of Premium</li>
<li>Available in many countries</li>
<li>No monthly fee</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 80.5208px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
Individual Plan
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Ad-free listening</li>
<li>Download offline</li>
<li>Free-of-charge trial</li>
<li>&pound;10.99 monthly fee</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 62.9167px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
Family Plan
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Ad-free listening</li>
<li>Add up to 5 family members</li>
<li>Free-of-charge trial</li>
<li>&pound;16.99 monthly fee</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 62.9167px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
Student Plan
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Ad-free listening</li>
<li>For students only</li>
<li>Free-of-charge trial</li>
<li>&pound;5.49 monthly fee</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
Note that the free monthly trial is only for new members. You can cancel the membership easily and it&rsquo;s simple to rejoin at any time too.
If you&rsquo;re a fan of the classic music videos, there is a lot of potential for extra value to be had from YouTube Music as you can switch from audio to video in a single tap.
You can get a good experience in terms of audio quality on a free membership, but here are the key benefits of choosing YouTube Music with a paid plan:
<ul>
<li>
Millions of songs and videos available without ads.
</li>
<li>
Downloadable content for use on the go.
</li>
<li>
Background play, so you can keep listening while using other apps.
</li>
<li>
Audio-only mode, to listen to music without loading the video and save data.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Amazon Music</h3>
You can use <a href="https://music.amazon.co.uk/">Amazon Music</a> on browsers and devices like Amazon Alexa, but also game consoles, phones or smartwatches. See a breakdown of the Amazon Music plans below:
<div align="center">
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 42.5722%; height: 454.021px; border-width: 1px; border-spacing: 2px; background-color: #f4f4f4;"><colgroup> <col style="width: 38.1364%;"> <col style="width: 61.8968%;"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 62.9167px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
Amazon Music Free
</td>
<td style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>Ad-supported</li>
<li>Podcasts and radio station access</li>
<li>Lower audio quality&nbsp;</li>
<li>No monthly fee</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 80.5208px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
Amazon Music Prime
</td>
<td style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>Ad-free listening</li>
<li>Podcasts and radio station access</li>
<li>Lower sound quality&nbsp;</li>
<li>No extra monthly fee</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 62.9167px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
Amazon Music Unlimited (Prime Members)
</td>
<td style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>Ad-free listening</li>
<li>Free for 30 days</li>
<li>Lossless audio quality&nbsp;</li>
<li>&pound;9.99 monthly fee</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 62.9167px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
Amazon Music Unlimited (Non-Prime Members)
</td>
<td style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>Ad-free listening</li>
<li>Free for 30 days</li>
<li>Lossless audio quality&nbsp;</li>
<li>&pound;10.99 monthly fee</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
The good news for existing Prime Members is that you automatically get Amazon Music Prime, but it&rsquo;s of a lower audio quality and the library is limited.
The Amazon Unlimited subscriptions renew automatically each month and the 30-day free trial is only available to new subscribers.
Audio quality makes Amazon a good option to get the most out of your speakers or headphones. Here are some things you get with Amazon Music Unlimited:
<ul>
<li>
Huge library of tracks available on demand.
</li>
<li>
The largest selection of ad-free podcasts.
</li>
<li>
Offline listening and downloadable content.
</li>
<li>
Great quality, lossless audio on thousands of tracks &mdash; ideal for audiophiles.
</li>
</ul>

<h3>Apple Music</h3>
An <a href="https://www.apple.com/uk/apple-music/">Apple Music</a> membership is available on all Apple platforms and devices, along with others including Windows, Amazon Echo, and Sonos. The plan includes the following:
<div align="center">
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 42.5722%; height: 454.021px; border-width: 1px; border-spacing: 2px; background-color: #f4f4f4;"><colgroup> <col style="width: 38.1364%;"> <col style="width: 61.8968%;"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 62.9167px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
Apple Music Student Plan
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Ad-free listening</li>
<li>Over 100 million songs</li>
<li>Superb audio quality</li>
<li>&pound;5.99 monthly fee</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 80.5208px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
Apple Music Individual Plan
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Ad-free listening</li>
<li>Over 100 million songs</li>
<li>Superb audio quality</li>
<li>&pound;10.99 monthly fee</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 62.9167px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
Apple Music Family Plan
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Ad-free listening</li>
<li>Unlimited access, up to 6 people</li>
<li>Superb audio quality</li>
<li>&pound;10.99 monthly fee</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
There&rsquo;s no free option aside from the trials. You can get 1 month free as a new subscriber and the monthly fee kicks in after that. The Student Plan includes Apple TV+ too.
You might also get a free trial period of 3 months (although this varies) when you purchase an eligible Apple device, such as AirPods or an iPhone.
Apple Music goes all in on audio quality and selection, even though it&rsquo;s a bit pricey. Here are some highlights of the Apple Music experience that might be the clincher in buying:
<ul>
<li>
No ads ever, it&rsquo;s a completely ad-free experience.
</li>
<li>
Lots of free trials, including with Apple One subscription bundles and new devices.
</li>
<li>
Exclusive access to live gigs and other events.
</li>
<li>
Classical music, expertly created playlists, and more for niche music lovers.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>SoundCloud</h3>
<a href="https://checkout.soundcloud.com/go">SoundCloud</a> has a lot of free music, but there&rsquo;s a subscription-based service too. It&rsquo;s usable on a browser and many platform-specific apps. Plan details include the following:
<div align="center">
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 42.5722%; height: 218.021px; border-width: 1px; border-spacing: 2px; background-color: #f4f4f4;"><colgroup> <col style="width: 38.1364%;"> <col style="width: 61.8968%;"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 121.667px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
SoundCloud Go
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Ad-free listening</li>
<li>Offline access</li>
<li>Limited music catalogue</li>
<li>&pound;5.99 monthly fee</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 96.3542px;">
<td style="text-align: center;">
SoundCloud Go
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Ad-free listening</li>
<li>Full music catalogue access</li>
<li>Works with professional DJ apps</li>
<li>&pound;10.99 monthly fee</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
SoundCloud is great for music creators as well as those looking for emerging artists or music from new talent and mainstream releases.
Subscription fees go to support rising artists, so it&rsquo;s also a good option for people who are really involved in music and view it as part of their community.
Here are some reasons why a SoundCloud subscription might be the best option for listening to music online:
<ul>
<li>
High-quality audio on SoundCloud Go+.
</li>
<li>
Free 7-day or 30-day trials, so you can see what version is right for you.
</li>
<li>
50% discount on SoundCloud Go+ for students.
</li>
<li>
Helps support independent artists.
</li>
</ul>
 
<h2>How to enhance your listening experience online</h2>
You can easily optimise your internet connection for a better listening experience. If you&rsquo;re having connection-specific challenges, check out our tips to help <a href="https://help.communityfibre.co.uk/troubleshooting/wifi-and-broadband-troubleshooting/i-am-having-coverage-issues">solve coverage issues</a>.
High-quality headphones and speakers are essential for optimal audio, especially when you&rsquo;re listening to a music stream with a high bitrate.
<h3>Understanding bandwidth when listening to music online</h3>
Luckily, streaming music doesn&rsquo;t require much bandwidth &mdash; although if you&rsquo;re loading video content at the same time, such as with YouTube Music, you might need a bit more.
As long as you have about 10 Mbps you&rsquo;ll be able to stream comfortably, but it depends on the quality of the music. <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/#residential-packages">Community Fibre packages</a> offer a minimum of 150 Mbps, so selecting higher-quality audio won&rsquo;t be a problem for audiophiles who want the best sound possible.
<h3>How to listen to music online for free</h3>
Spotify, YouTube, Amazon and SoundCloud all offer free options for listening to music online. If you don&rsquo;t mind ads and lower-quality streams, they are perfectly acceptable.
Apple Music also offers several free trials and all platforms have free introductory periods for their premium offerings, which you can take advantage of for a limited time.
<h3>Always listen to music on the internet safely</h3>
You should only use legal streaming platforms with appropriate authorization from the music industry. Avoid downloading unknown music files as these may contain viruses.
 
<h2>Make the most of the internet with Community Fibre</h2>
Whatever streaming service you use to listen to music, podcasts, and other stuff online, you can get the most out of it in London by signing up for one of <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/#residential-packages">our full fibre packages</a>.&nbsp;
Check out <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/deals">our deals</a> too, which will give you a great way to stream music or video and browse at unbeatable speeds with outstanding value.
See our guides on <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/digital-skills">how to use the internet</a> effectively and read more about how we&rsquo;re trying to <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/blog/how-community-fibre-is-helping-to-bridge-the-digital-poverty-gap">close the digital divide</a>.&nbsp;
<a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/#postcode-search-modal">Check your postcode</a> and see if Community Fibre is available in your area today.
 
Please note: All pricing information correct at the time of publication, may be subject to change.

Learn the best way to listen to music online, how much bandwidth you need for a good listening experience when streaming and where to listen to free music.

The Best Way to Listen to Music Online in 2024

Listening to the your favourite music tracks, new and old, has never been easier. Streaming music online is easy, all you need is an internet connection and a website or app to listen on. Discover the best music streaming services.

What’s the best way to listen to music online in 2024?

<h2>How to stream live football matches and other sports</h2>
Until the Euros and Copa Am&eacute;rica conclude, It&rsquo;s still technically the 2023-24 football season. But isn&rsquo;t it actually the season for sports all the time? With sporting events happening all throughout the year, we&rsquo;re never long off from another match or a competition kicking off.&nbsp;
Recent years have seen a downward trend in <a href="https://www.ofcom.org.uk/media-use-and-attitudes/media-habits-adults/media-nations-2023-latest-uk-viewing-and-listening-trends-revealed/#:~:text=A%20similar%20decline%20is%20evident,in%202022%20(%2D12%25).">people watching live broadcast TV</a>, with many signing up for streaming service subscriptions to keep up with their favourite sports instead. Streaming offers the flexibility to watch the games you want, anywhere you want! Whether you&rsquo;re into rugby, darts, cricket, or football &mdash; finding a cheap way to watch all the live action is easier than you think.
 
<h2>What you need for streaming</h2>
Watching sports over a live stream is simple. All you need to get started is broadband, a device to watch on, and a TV licence. You&rsquo;ll also want to create an account for a streaming subscription service which will be showing the games and matches you want to watch.
<h3>Get connected</h3>
Your first step to streaming live sports events is an internet connection! <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/why-full-fibre-is-best">Full fibre broadband</a> is the best way to guarantee a reliable connection that delivers high-quality visuals, and keeps delays and lags to a minimum so you get the action in real-time.
<h3>Use a suitable device</h3>
Live games can be streamed on virtually any device that can be connected to the internet, such as smart TVs, laptops, and computers. You can even watch streams while on-the-move using tablet and smartphone apps &ndash; ideal for international sports games in different time zones!
Smart TVs have apps for most streaming services, and can be easily adapted using an <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079QB9BD7">Amazon Fire TV Stick</a> to give you access to a wider range of apps. All you need to do is set up the app and gather your friends or family around the TV to enjoy the game together. Streaming on a laptop or computer is also fairly simple. You can access browser versions of your preferred streaming service to tune in to matches.
<h3>Get a TV licence</h3>
Many streaming services also give you the option to watch live programmes, so you get the best of both worlds! However, a valid <a href="https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/faqs/FAQ33#:~:text=Watching%20online,%2C%20or%20use%20BBC%20iPlayer*">TV licence is legally required</a> to watch live games through your streaming service in the UK. So you&rsquo;ll need to make sure you&rsquo;ve paid for TV licensing in addition to any costs from your streaming subscription.
 
<h2>Best streaming services to watch live sports</h2>
As this <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/rrxpof/how_should_i_watch_the_premier_league_in_the_uk/">Reddit user</a> is discovering, we&rsquo;re spoiled for choice for streaming services these days &mdash; it can be hard to know which one to choose to make sure you can keep up with the football.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/t8YKcHpSTCepAuSUQ1mv" alt="undefined" width="544" height="122">
When it comes to finding the best service for watching sports, it comes down to three main considerations: cost, quality, and whether the provider will actually show the matches you want to see.
Some services are free to sign up for, and all require a paid TV licence to watch games live. However, the free services sometimes have more ads and other restrictions. Paid platforms usually get rid of those pesky ads, and offer you other options such as video quality settings and subtitles.
Below are the best streaming platforms to consider for watching sports:
<h3>ITVX</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/gb6GaoLIRepfoDQEsSaB" alt="undefined" width="528" height="245">
ITVX is the digital home of the beloved TV channel, ITV, with a large catalogue of exclusive series and movies available. They broadcast a few selected live <a href="https://www.itv.com/watch/categories/sport">sport</a> events throughout the year, including EURO 2024 football matches and post-match highlights.
Watching on ITVX is simple, all you need to do to tune into live matches for free is sign up for an account. With great coverage of major sporting events and a broad range of other content at your fingertips, ITVX is a great streaming option for the whole household.
Upgrade to <a href="https://www.itv.com/watch/itvx-premium">ITVX Premium</a> for &pound;5.99 per month or &pound;59.99 for the whole year &mdash; plus, you can get a FREE 7-day trial to try it out.
What we love: Stream live sports for free (in addition to a TV licence).
What we don&rsquo;t love: Free version includes unskippable ads for on-demand content.
Catch the latest match on the <a href="https://www.itv.com/">ITVX website</a>, or download the ITVX app from <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.ITVMobilePlayer&amp;hl=en_GB">Google Play</a> or the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/itvx/id446079916">App Store</a>.
 
<h3>BBC iPlayer</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/qZNjqdE5T1WfTLhHrHB3" alt="undefined" width="482" height="303">
BBC iPlayer is another UK staple streaming service, bringing all the programmes from the BBC&rsquo;s various TV channels into one place. We can count on the BBC to cover major sporting events, including Wimbledon tennis games, the Masters golf tournament, and football matches during the European Championships and the World Cup.&nbsp;
As BBC iPlayer is ad-free, there are no tiers to the subscription service &mdash; it&rsquo;s all free to watch. Just sign up for an account to access on-demand content and catch games live.&nbsp;
Get to know your favourite sports personalities closer with BBC iPlayer&rsquo;s on-demand sports programmes, including documentaries such as <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00203kt/andy-murray-will-to-win">Andy Murray: Will to Win</a> and <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001zg8g/mbappe">Mbapp&eacute;</a>, as well as the iconic exclusive show, Match of the Day.
What we love: Stream live sports in HDR for free (in addition to a TV licence).
What we don&rsquo;t love: Navigating the categories can be a little confusing, so we&rsquo;d suggest using the search bar to find the game you want.
Start watching live sports on the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer">BBC iPlayer website</a>, or download the BBC iPlayer app from <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bbc.iplayer.android&amp;hl=en_GB">Google Play</a> or the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/bbc-iplayer/id416580485">App Store</a>.
 
<h3>Amazon Prime Video <img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/4VBUB09eRmyVvKDaJNq2" alt="undefined" width="422" height="334"></h3>
Amazon Prime offers a whole lot more than fast delivery on your online shopping! Prime Video regularly broadcasts an even wider range of live sport than ITVX or BBC iPlayer, including tennis, rugby, and hockey. If you have an existing Amazon Prime membership, you already have access to Amazon Prime Video and can watch some live sports as part of your existing subscription.
Amazon Prime Video also has additional channel options and pay-per-view live event passes to give you access to sports from all over the world that aren&rsquo;t widely shown on UK TV, such as MLB and NBA games.
Sports aside, Prime Video has a seemingly infinite collection of movies and shows to watch &mdash; so you&rsquo;ll be able to get good use out of it even in the off-season.
Amazon Prime offers a very generous 30-day trial period so you can experience all it has to offer. After the trial period, it costs &pound;8.99 a month if you want to spread the payments, or &pound;95 a year if you pay annually.
What we love: Wider range of sports.
What we don&rsquo;t: Extra costs for channels in addition to the initial subscription cost.
Find the Amazon Prime Video app on most smart TVs, or pick up an <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079QB9BD7">Amazon Fire TV Stick</a> to turn any TV into a smart TV. The Prime Video app is also included in the <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/tv">Community Fibre TV box</a>. Download the Amazon Prime Video app from <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amazon.avod.thirdpartyclient&amp;hl=en">Google Play</a> or the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/amazon-prime-video/id545519333">App Store</a> to watch on mobile devices.&nbsp;
 
<h3>Sky Sports and NOW </h3>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/Spe4O2QTGNk3KP2wSGbA" alt="undefined" width="525" height="450">
Sky Sports is one of the most popular ways to watch live games, and it&rsquo;s easy to see why. Whether it&rsquo;s football, darts, or rugby, Sky Sports invest in attention to detail so you don&rsquo;t miss a moment of the action.&nbsp;
With 9 channels dedicated to different sports, Sky Sports shows live events 24/7! On Sky Sports Football, fans can tune in to Premier League and Bundesliga games, then switch over to Sky Sports Cricket to follow the T20 World Cup matches.&nbsp;
Sky Sports is on the pricier side, at &pound;22 a month with a minimum 24-month contract. You also need to have a Sky TV package which increases the overall price even further. Or, you can sign up for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nowtv.com/watch-sky-sports-online">6-month Sky Sports-only membership</a> through NOW, which is part of Sky.
There&rsquo;s no need to sign up for a long-term contract or high-costs if you just want to tune into specific games. Sky Sports offer daily, monthly, and mobile passes with the <a href="https://help.nowtv.com/article/sports-membership">NOW Sports Membership</a> as a more flexible, contract-free option &mdash; though not all live programmes are available with these.
What we love: Coverage of a range of sports 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What we don&rsquo;t love: Long-term contracts.
Watch live sports on the <a href="https://www.skysports.com/watch">Sky Sports website</a>, or download the Sky Sports app from <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bskyb.sportnews&amp;hl=en_GB">Google Play</a> or the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/sky-sports/id500102120">App Store</a>.
For a more flexible way to access Sky Sports, sign up for a NOW membership on the <a href="https://www.nowtv.com/">NOW website,</a> or download the app from <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bskyb.nowtv.beta&amp;hl=en_GB">Google Play</a> or the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/now/id512266300">App Store</a>.
 
<h3>TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport)</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/VmnlQvxbTJWFDCuewtOG" alt="undefined" width="472" height="431">
TNT Sports, formerly known as BT Sport, is a paid subscription to a group of sports channels. Another great option for sports enthusiasts, TNT Sports shows live sports from around the world, including Champions League games, Gallagher Premiership rugby matches, and even WWE events. You can even stay up to date with the Olympic Games by following TNT Sport&rsquo;s extensive coverage this year.
TNT Sports costs &pound;30.99 a month, with a minimum one-month subscription. As part of the subscription, you also get access to non-sports channels, such as Discovery and TLC to get your reality TV fix.
What we love: Detailed live coverage and highlights of sports.
What we don&rsquo;t love: Necessary subscription to other non-sporting channels.
Catch the latest live events on the <a href="https://www.tntsports.co.uk/watch/">TNT Sports website</a>, or download the TNT Sports app from <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bt.btsport&amp;hl=en_GB">Google Play</a> or the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/tnt-sports-news-results/id669428471">App Store</a>.
 
<h3>Premier Sports</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/F3ktFrg3TTaG3EhUGKRB" alt="Premier Sports homepage.webp" width="515" height="233">
 
<h3>Live TV&nbsp;</h3>
Several UK TV channels regularly broadcast sporting events and international matches, such as Channel 4. Every game in EURO 2024 can be watched on BBC or ITV, meaning if you have access to these channels, you don&rsquo;t have to pay extra streaming costs &ndash; you&rsquo;ll just need a TV licence!
Visit the <a href="https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/">TV Licensing</a> official website to set up your TV licence if you don&rsquo;t have one already.
 
<h2>How much data does streaming live matches require?</h2>
The amount of data used per sports stream will depend on a number of factors &mdash; particularly the video quality. Typically usage for video quality includes:
<ul>
<li>
Standard definition (SD) - 1 GB per hour
</li>
<li>
High-definition (HD)&nbsp; - 2.5 GB per hour
</li>
<li>
Ultra high-definition (UHD) - 10 GB per hour
</li>
</ul>
For example, streaming a 90 minute football match in HD could use around 3.75 GB in total. When you take the possibility of extra time and penalty shootouts into account, this could end up going much further!
When streaming at home, make sure your home broadband provider doesn&rsquo;t have any data caps. If your provider is putting a limit on how much data you can use each month, it&rsquo;s worth <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/switching">switching to an alternative provider</a> who offers unlimited data so you don't have to worry about going over your allowance.
 
<h2>Get ready to watch matches with full fibre broadband</h2>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/UgPjfQRSQmdi06j19Bwk" alt="undefined" width="548" height="141">
Don&rsquo;t let your stream fall behind like this <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/BritishSuccess/comments/1czunxs/my_neighbours_sports_stream_is_3_minutes_behind/">Reddit user&rsquo;s neighbour</a>! Follow our tips to improve the quality of your live sports streams:
<ul>
<li>
Try reducing the video stream quality if experiencing frequent lags and a decline in visuals.
</li>
<li>
Move your streaming device closer to your WiFi router or try a wired Ethernet connection to get the fastest <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/community-connect/blog/what-affects-your-broadband-speeds-and-how-to-go-faster">speeds</a>.
</li>
<li>
Traditional broadband using outdated copper cables tends to be slower and less reliable than fibre cables. Upgrade to <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/why-full-fibre-is-best">full fibre broadband</a> for faster speeds and a more stable connection.
</li>
</ul>
Community Fibre uses 100% full fibre technology to handle the demands of everyday life &mdash; and the fast-paced action of every football match.
Explore our <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/#residential-packages">broadband packages</a> to elevate your live stream viewing experience. Add <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/tv">Community Fibre TV</a> to your package and get access to live football matches across broadcast TV and premium apps.
 
<h2>Sports live streaming FAQs</h2>
<h3>Are streaming websites legal?</h3>
No. There are several &lsquo;free&rsquo; live stream websites out there, but these are not legal to watch and using these could <a href="https://www.cityoflondon.police.uk/news/city-of-london/news/2024/february/eleven-interviewed-during-week-of-action-to-tackle-the-supply-of-illegal-streaming-services/">result in you being fined</a>. These websites are typically unsafe, and using them puts your digital safety at risk as you could accidentally download a virus or malicious malware. Plus, the quality of the streams on free sites are often very poor and prone to drop-outs and severe delays which could result in you missing out on key moments.
<h3>Can I watch live football on TV?</h3>
Yes! Our <a href="https://communityfibre.co.uk/tv#:~:text=Access%20all%20live%20football%20in%20the%20UK">TV package</a> gives you access to over 200 channels, so you can watch the Premier League, Champions League, and more sporting events throughout the year.
<h3>Can I watch sports live streams for free?</h3>
You may not have to pay any additional costs to watch live sports if you already have a subscription to a streaming service and a valid TV licence.&nbsp;
You can watch sports for free by finding a local pub or bar that&rsquo;s showing the game. What better way to enjoy the match than to be surrounded by other fans!

Note: All streaming service costs and availability correct at the time of publishing 12/07/2024.

There's nothing like catching all the action of a football game as it plays out. Learn how to stream live sports and discover the best streaming service.

How to Watch Live Football and Other Sports Streams

Want to watch the football live, but don't have live TV at home? With a reliable broadband connection, you can stream all the action live on your phone, laptop, or smart TV. Discover how to get started.

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Streaming Football and Sport Online

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