Live TV streaming is on the rise, with over 31 million US households now opting to cut the cord according to Leichtman Research Group. Sites like 123TV cater to this growing trend, offering free live TV streaming from a web browser.
But is it legal? Is it safe? What channels can you actually watch? This comprehensive guide answers all those questions and more on how to access 123TV.
We‘ll cover:
- 123TV‘s legal status explained
- Step-by-step instructions for Firestick, Android, computer
- 123TV‘s channel lineup broken down
- Safety tips when using free streaming sites
- FAQs on 123TV
Let‘s get watching!
The Murky Legality of 123TV
Whenever a streaming site provides free access to TV channels, it raises questions around legality. So what‘s the deal with 123TV?
Unfortunately, its legal status is unclear. 123TV does not appear to have any verified licensing deals with content owners based on my research.
According to the Copyright Act, re-transmitting copyrighted material without authorization is generally illegal. For example, in 2015 the unauthorized streaming site TVAddons was sued by Dish Network and shut down.
However, until a site is definitively taken down or sued, the law remains in a grey area. 123TV runs ads, likely to profit from unlicensed content. While morally questionable, this does not outright prove illegality.
So in summary, the legal risks around using 123TV are ambiguous. Streaming copyrighted material without authorization likely violates the law, but remains hard to prosecute.
As an expert in cybersecurity and privacy, I advise caution when using sites like 123TV. Take steps to protect yourself, which I‘ll cover later in this guide. Ultimately, the responsibility falls onto the end user when accessing unauthorized streaming content.
Now let‘s dive into how you can watch 123TV if you so choose!
Watching 123TV on Amazon Fire TV
Here are the simple steps to get 123TV up and running on any Firestick, Fire TV Cube, or other Fire TV model:
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From your Fire TV home screen, use the search function to find and open the "Silk Browser".
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In the address bar of the Silk Browser, enter the URL: 123tvnow.com
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A Flash warning may appear. Select "Cancel" to close this.
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123TV should now be loaded in the browser. Browse categories and tap on any channel to start watching.
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Optionally bookmark 123TV for easy access later by tapping the star icon.
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If you have navigation issues on the site with your remote, consider a mouse toggle Fire TV app for easier controls.
And that‘s all it takes to get live TV streaming through 123TV on your Firestick or Fire TV!
The browser-based access means setup is quick and painless. Now let‘s look at watching on mobile devices.
Watching 123TV on iPhone, Android Phones, and Tablets
You can also easily watch 123TV on your iPhone, Android phone, iPad, or Android tablet. Here‘s how:
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For iPhone or iPad, open the Safari browser. For Android mobile devices, use the Chrome or Firefox browsers.
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Navigate to 123tvnow.com.
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123TV will begin loading. Tap the X to close out of any Flash warning pop-ups.
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Start browsing categories and tapping channels to view streams.
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Consider adding 123TV to your bookmarks or home screen for quicker access later.
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If video stutters, try enabling "Desktop site" mode in your mobile browser settings for better playback.
And that‘s all you need to do to watch 123TV‘s live channels on your mobile devices! The process is the same whether you have an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone or tablet.
Now let‘s move onto desktop and laptop access.
Watching 123TV on Your Windows, Mac, or Linux Computer
You can enjoy 123TV‘s streaming offerings right from any computer browser. Here‘s what to do:
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Open any major desktop browser like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.
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Enter 123tvnow.com into the address bar.
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Click "Cancel" on any Flash warnings so the site will load.
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You now have access to all of 123TV‘s live TV streams right within your browser.
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Bookmark the site for easier access on your next visit.
So as you can see, getting 123TV up and running takes just seconds no matter what device you want to use for streaming.
But exactly what channels can you watch through 123TV? Let‘s explore.
123TV Channel Lineup Breakdown
123TV provides over 100 free live TV channels spanning multiple categories. Here‘s an overview of some popular channels available on 123TV:
| Entertainment | HBO, Starz, BET, MTV, VH1 |
| Sports | ESPN, NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network, NHL Network |
| News | CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, Bloomberg |
| Kids | Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon |
| Lifestyle | HGTV, Food Network, Travel Channel |
Compared to live TV streaming services like YouTube TV or Hulu Live, 123TV offers fewer major cable channels from networks like Discovery, TNT, TBS, and AMC.
But you do get access to top sports, news, entertainment and kids channels free of charge. Video quality appears to top out at 720p HD, with some streams only available in 480p SD.
While channel selection is not as robust as paid services, 123TV delivers an impressive lineup given the free access.
Staying Safe When Using Free Streaming Sites
When using free streaming sites like 123TV, it‘s important to take precautions around privacy and security:
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Use a trusted VPN like ExpressVPN to encrypt traffic and mask your IP address
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Install antivirus software like Malwarebytes to detect and block malware
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Be wary of clicking ads or popups which could lead to infections or scams
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Never enter personal information on unverified streaming sites
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Adjust browser settings to block third-party cookies and disable Flash
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Don‘t stream illegal content or pirated material which is risky
So in summary, free streaming sites should be approached carefully. But with the right tools and awareness, you can safely unlock their streaming potential.
For completely legal and licensed options, check out live TV services like YouTube TV, Hulu Live, Sling TV, and more.
Questions and Answers on 123TV
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about 123TV:
Is there a 123TV app I can download?
No, 123TV is only accessible through a web browser. There is no official 123TV app.
What sports are available to watch on 123TV?
123TV offers live streams for most major sports including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, tennis, golf, and more.
Does 123TV work with a Firestick VPN?
Yes, using a Fire TV VPN like Surfshark or NordVPN will allow you to safely access 123TV.
Can I watch 123TV on my smart TV web browser?
Yes, you can access 123TV by loading their site in your smart TV‘s built-in browser.
What internet speed do I need for 123TV?
5 Mbps is recommended for smooth streaming. Higher speeds up to 25 Mbps are ideal for HD quality.
I hope this detailed guide has provided everything you need to know to start watching 123TV. Let me know if any other questions come up!
