How to Sign Up for NOW TV: A Step-by-Step Guide
NOW TV offers a fantastic way to stream movies, TV shows, sports, and more without a long-term contract. It’s a flexible alternative to traditional cable or satellite TV. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire NOW TV sign-up process, ensuring you can start enjoying your favorite entertainment in no time.
## What is NOW TV?
Before diving into the sign-up process, let’s briefly understand what NOW TV is. NOW TV is a streaming service owned by Sky. It offers various passes, each granting access to specific content categories, such as:
* **Entertainment Pass:** Includes access to a wide range of Sky channels, like Sky Atlantic, Sky One, and more, featuring popular TV series, documentaries, and reality shows.
* **Cinema Pass:** Provides access to a vast library of movies, including the latest blockbusters and classic films.
* **Sports Pass:** Allows you to stream live sports events from Sky Sports channels, including Premier League football, cricket, golf, and more. These passes are often available as a Day, Week, or Month option.
* **Hayu Pass:** Specializes in reality TV content, offering a massive library of shows from the Hayu streaming service.
## What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you begin the NOW TV sign-up process, make sure you have the following:
* **A compatible device:** NOW TV is compatible with a wide range of devices, including:
* Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, and others)
* Streaming devices (Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV)
* Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
* Computers (Windows, macOS)
* Tablets and smartphones (iOS, Android)
* **A stable internet connection:** A reliable broadband connection is crucial for streaming content without buffering or interruptions. NOW TV recommends a minimum speed of 2.5Mbps for standard definition streaming and significantly higher for HD. 5-10 Mbps is suitable for HD.
* **An email address:** You’ll need a valid email address to create your NOW TV account.
* **A payment method:** NOW TV accepts various payment methods, including credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and debit cards. In some regions, PayPal may also be an option.
* **A NOW TV account:** If you are a first time user you will need to create an account.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Signing Up for NOW TV
Follow these detailed steps to create your NOW TV account and start streaming:
**Step 1: Visit the NOW TV Website**
* Open your web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) and go to the official NOW TV website. The URL may vary slightly depending on your region, but generally, it’s [https://www.nowtv.com/](https://www.nowtv.com/). Double-check the URL to avoid phishing sites.
**Step 2: Choose a Pass**
* Upon landing on the NOW TV website, you’ll be presented with various pass options. Carefully review the available passes (Entertainment, Cinema, Sports, Hayu) and their respective prices. Pay attention to any promotional offers or free trials that may be available.
* Click on the pass that interests you the most. For example, if you’re a movie buff, click on the “Cinema Pass.”
**Step 3: Create an Account or Sign In**
* After selecting a pass, you’ll be prompted to either sign in to an existing account or create a new one. Since you’re a new user, click on the “Create Account” or “Sign Up” button. Look for prompts like “New to NOW? Start your free trial” or similar wording.
**Step 4: Enter Your Personal Details**
* You’ll be directed to a registration form where you’ll need to provide the following information:
* **First Name:** Enter your first name.
* **Last Name:** Enter your last name.
* **Email Address:** Enter a valid email address that you have access to. This email address will be used for account verification, password resets, and important notifications.
* **Password:** Create a strong and secure password. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols for maximum security. Make sure the password meets the minimum length requirements specified by NOW TV (usually 8 characters or more).
* **Date of Birth:** Enter your date of birth. This information may be used for age verification and content restrictions.
* **Mobile Number (Optional):** You might be asked for your mobile number for verification or account recovery purposes. This is often optional.
* Carefully review the information you’ve entered to ensure accuracy. Any errors can cause problems later on.
**Step 5: Accept the Terms and Conditions**
* Before proceeding, you’ll need to read and accept the NOW TV Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. It’s crucial to understand your rights and obligations as a user of the service.
* Check the box indicating that you agree to the terms and conditions. If you disagree with the terms, you won’t be able to proceed with the registration.
**Step 6: Enter Your Payment Details**
* You’ll now be asked to enter your payment details. NOW TV typically accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and debit cards. In some regions, PayPal may also be an option.
* Enter the following information:
* **Card Number:** Enter your credit or debit card number.
* **Expiry Date:** Enter the expiry date of your card (month and year).
* **CVV/CVC:** Enter the CVV/CVC code, which is the three- or four-digit security code found on the back of your card.
* **Billing Address:** Enter the billing address associated with your card.
* Double-check the payment information to ensure accuracy. Incorrect payment details can lead to failed transactions and delays in activating your subscription. Make sure the name on the card matches the billing address.
**Step 7: Start Your Free Trial (If Applicable)**
* If the pass you’ve chosen offers a free trial, you’ll see a confirmation message indicating the trial period’s duration. Make sure you understand the terms of the free trial, including when it ends and how you’ll be charged afterward. Usually, you will be automatically charged after the free trial period unless you cancel beforehand. A reminder email is often sent a few days prior to the end of the trial. Take note of the end date so you don’t forget to cancel if you don’t want to continue.
**Step 8: Confirm Your Subscription**
* After entering your payment details and (if applicable) confirming your free trial, you’ll be presented with a summary of your subscription. Review the details carefully, including the pass you’ve chosen, the price, and the billing cycle.
* Click on the “Confirm Subscription” or “Start Watching” button to finalize your registration.
**Step 9: Verify Your Email Address**
* NOW TV will send a verification email to the email address you provided during registration. Check your inbox (and spam folder) for the verification email.
* Click on the verification link in the email to activate your account. This step is essential to confirm your email address and prevent unauthorized access to your account.
**Step 10: Start Streaming!**
* Congratulations! You’ve successfully signed up for NOW TV. You can now start streaming your favorite movies, TV shows, sports, and more.
* Sign in to your NOW TV account on your preferred device (smart TV, streaming device, computer, tablet, or smartphone) using the email address and password you created.
* Browse the NOW TV library and select the content you want to watch. Enjoy!
## Managing Your NOW TV Account
Once you’ve signed up for NOW TV, you can manage your account settings, subscriptions, and payment details through the NOW TV website or app.
* **Accessing Your Account:** Sign in to your NOW TV account using your email address and password.
* **Managing Passes:** You can add or remove passes at any time. For example, you can add a Sports Pass to watch a specific event and then remove it afterward. You can also upgrade your passes to access higher-quality streaming (e.g., HD).
* **Updating Payment Details:** You can update your credit card or debit card information in the payment settings section.
* **Changing Your Password:** It’s a good practice to change your password periodically to enhance your account security.
* **Canceling Your Subscription:** You can cancel your NOW TV subscription at any time. Keep in mind that you’ll continue to have access to the content until the end of your current billing cycle. To cancel, navigate to the “My Account” section and look for the “Cancel Subscription” option.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common issues you might encounter during the NOW TV sign-up process and how to troubleshoot them:
* **Invalid Email Address:** Double-check that you’ve entered your email address correctly. Make sure there are no typos or extra spaces.
* **Password Issues:** If you’re having trouble creating a password, ensure that it meets the minimum length and complexity requirements specified by NOW TV. Try using a password generator to create a strong and secure password.
* **Payment Problems:** If your payment is declined, make sure that your card details are correct and that your card has sufficient funds. Contact your bank or credit card provider if you continue to experience problems. Ensure the billing address matches the address on file with your bank.
* **Verification Email Not Received:** Check your spam or junk mail folder. If you still haven’t received the verification email, you can request a new one from the NOW TV website.
* **Streaming Issues:** If you’re experiencing buffering or other streaming issues, check your internet connection speed. Try restarting your router or modem. Make sure no other devices are heavily using the internet connection at the same time. Lowering the video quality in the NOW TV settings might also help.
## Tips for Getting the Most Out of NOW TV
* **Take Advantage of Free Trials:** If you’re unsure whether a particular pass is right for you, take advantage of the free trial period to try it out.
* **Watch on Multiple Devices:** NOW TV allows you to register multiple devices to your account, so you can watch on your TV, computer, tablet, and smartphone.
* **Download Content for Offline Viewing:** Some content is available for download, allowing you to watch it offline when you don’t have an internet connection. This is particularly useful for travel.
* **Set Parental Controls:** If you have children, you can set parental controls to restrict access to certain content.
* **Check for Special Offers:** NOW TV frequently offers special promotions and discounts. Keep an eye out for these deals to save money on your subscription.
* **Use a VPN (Optional):** In some cases, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) might allow you to access content that is not available in your region. However, be aware that using a VPN might violate NOW TV’s terms of service. Only do this if you fully understand the implications and are willing to accept the risk.
## NOW TV vs. Other Streaming Services
NOW TV competes with other popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. Here’s a brief comparison:
* **Netflix:** Offers a vast library of original series, movies, and documentaries. It’s a good choice for general entertainment.
* **Amazon Prime Video:** Includes a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. It’s also bundled with Amazon Prime membership, which offers additional benefits like free shipping.
* **Disney+:** Focuses on Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content. It’s a great option for families and fans of these franchises.
* **NOW TV:** Specializes in Sky content, including Sky Atlantic series, Sky Cinema movies, and Sky Sports events. It’s a good choice if you want access to these specific channels and content without a long-term contract.
The best streaming service for you depends on your individual preferences and viewing habits. Consider what types of content you enjoy watching and compare the offerings of different services before making a decision.
## Conclusion
Signing up for NOW TV is a straightforward process that allows you to enjoy a wide range of entertainment without a long-term commitment. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create an account, choose a pass, and start streaming your favorite movies, TV shows, and sports events in no time. Remember to manage your account settings and take advantage of special offers to get the most out of your NOW TV experience. With its flexibility and diverse content library, NOW TV is a great option for anyone looking for a convenient and affordable way to stream entertainment.