In today’s digital age, Freeview has become one of the most popular and accessible ways to watch live and on-demand TV in the UK — completely subscription-free. Among the many offerings on Freeview is My5, the on-demand service provided by Channel 5, where you can catch up on a wide range of entertainment, documentaries, drama, and reality TV.
If you’ve found yourself wondering, “What channel is My5 on Freeview, and how do I watch it?”, you’re not alone. This guide will give you the answer and take you through the simple steps to access My5 on your TV and other devices, along with tips to troubleshoot any issues.
What Is My5?
My5 is the on-demand video streaming service from Channel 5, owned by Paramount Global. It offers access to a wide variety of shows previously aired on Channel 5, as well as content from its family of channels, including:
- Channel 5
- 5STAR
- 5USA
- 5SELECT
- 5ACTION
My5 includes catch-up TV, exclusive shows, documentaries, true crime series, and a growing library of older content. It’s completely free to use, although ads are shown during playback (similar to ITVX or All4).
What Channel Is My5 on Freeview?
As of the latest Freeview guide updates, My5 is available on Freeview channel 5 for live Channel 5 programming, but for on-demand My5 content, it’s available via:
- Freeview Play-enabled TVs and boxes
- The My5 app (on smart TVs or other devices)
Key takeaway
There is no dedicated “My5” numbered channel on Freeview, but if you have a Freeview Play TV or box, you can access My5 via the red button or apps section.
How to Access My5 on Freeview Play
If you own a Freeview Play compatible TV or set-top box (like Humax, Panasonic, or LG Smart TVs), accessing My5 is simple:
Steps:
- Turn on your Freeview Play TV or box.
- Press the “Home” or “Apps” button on your remote.
- Scroll to the My5 app.
- Launch the app and start browsing shows.
You can also press the red button while watching Channel 5 to access the My5 catch-up menu directly.
If you’re watching a show and miss the beginning, Freeview Play’s scroll-back EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) lets you go back and catch up via the My5 app when available.
Watching My5 on a Standard Freeview TV (Non-Smart TV)
If your TV is not Freeview Play-enabled or a smart TV, you won’t be able to access My5 directly via Freeview. However, you can still enjoy My5 content by using external devices such as:
- Amazon Fire Stick
- Roku Streaming Stick
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast
- Game consoles (Xbox, PlayStation)
- Blu-ray players with smart functionality
Just install the My5 app from the device’s app store and connect your device to the internet. You may need to register a free account for personalization and content syncing.
Accessing My5 via the My5 App
The My5 app is one of the easiest ways to stream Channel 5 content. It is available on:
- iOS and Android smartphones/tablets
- Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Android TV)
- Streaming boxes (Amazon Fire TV, Roku, NOW, etc.)
- Web browsers at www.my5.tv
Features
- Browse by genre or channel
- Resume watching across devices
- Watch full series of popular shows
- Set reminders or favourites
Just download the app, sign in (optional), and enjoy a library of on-demand shows ranging from The Yorkshire Vet to Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun.
What Shows Can You Watch on My5?
My5 features a strong lineup of shows, particularly for fans of UK reality, crime, lifestyle, and factual content. Some popular categories include:
- Reality & Lifestyle: Rich House Poor House, Traffic Cops, GPs: Behind Closed Doors
- True Crime: The Murder of Becky Watts, Killer at the Crime Scene
- Drama: All Creatures Great and Small, Neighbours
- Documentaries: Inside the Tower of London, The Queen’s Guards: A Year in Service
Additionally, My5 sometimes features exclusive content not available on live TV, such as extended episodes and behind-the-scenes clips.
Troubleshooting My5 on Freeview
If you’re having trouble accessing My5 on Freeview or your Freeview Play device, here are some common solutions:
My5 App Not Loading?
- Ensure your TV or set-top box is connected to the internet.
- Try restarting your device.
- Check for software updates on your TV or box.
Can’t Find My5?
- Make sure your device supports Freeview Play.
- Try accessing via the red button on Channel 5 or through the Apps menu.
Buffering or Playback Issues?
- Test your Wi-Fi speed (at least 5 Mbps is recommended).
- Reduce the number of devices using the internet simultaneously.
- Consider using an Ethernet cable for more stable connection.
If problems persist, visit the official My5 help page or your TV brand’s support site.
Conclusion
To summarize, My5 is not a standalone numbered Freeview channel, but it is fully available through Freeview Play-compatible TVs and devices. For standard Freeview sets, you’ll need a smart TV or streaming device to enjoy My5’s on-demand content.
Whether you’re binge-watching documentaries or catching up on last night’s episode of Hotel Inspector, accessing My5 has never been easier. With the right setup, it takes just a few clicks to unlock hours of free entertainment.
If you love factual TV, compelling crime dramas, or easy-going reality shows, My5 is a must-have, and now you know exactly where and how to find it.
FAQs
1. What channel number is My5 on Freeview?
There is no dedicated My5 channel number. Instead, access it through the Freeview Play interface or by using the My5 app on supported devices.
2. Is My5 free to use?
Yes, My5 is completely free. It is an ad-supported streaming platform provided by Channel 5.
3. Do I need a My5 account to watch shows?
No account is required to watch content, but creating a free My5 account allows for features like resuming shows and saving favourites across devices.
4. Why can’t I find My5 on my TV?
You may not be using a Freeview Play device, or your smart TV might not support the My5 app. Use an external streaming stick if needed.
5. Can I watch My5 live on Freeview?
You can watch live Channel 5 on Freeview channel 5, but for catch-up and on-demand shows, use the My5 app via Freeview Play or another smart device.
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