Freely is now available on a growing number of UK televisions, including selected TCL models. However, many people buying TCL TVs outside the UK quickly run into a problem.

Even after changing the app store location to the UK, Freely still does not work.

This can be confusing, especially when the TV appears identical to UK models.

Changing the App Store Region Isn’t Enough

Many TCL televisions allow you to change the app store region to the UK.

This can make UK apps such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX appear in the app store.

However, Freely is different.

Even with the region set to the UK:

• Freely may not appear at all
• Or it installs but does not function correctly
• Or live TV features are unavailable

This is because Freely is not just controlled by app store settings.

Why Freely Is Restricted to UK Models

Freely support depends on specific UK-certified TV models, not just software settings.

For example:

• A TCL model sold in Europe might be labelled 32SF560
• The UK version is 32SF560-UK

Although they look identical, there are important differences.

UK models include:

• Freely integration at system level
• UK-specific firmware and certification
• Support for live TV streaming within the Freely platform

Non-UK models do not include these features, even if the interface looks the same.

Why TCL TVs Bought Abroad Won’t Support Freely

If a TCL TV is purchased outside the UK:

• It will not include Freely at system level
• It may not pass Freely’s certification requirements
• It will not fully support Freely live TV functionality

Changing region settings does not change the underlying hardware or firmware.

As a result, Freely will not work as expected.

Can You Import a UK TCL TV?

In theory, you could import a UK model such as the 32SF560-UK.

However, this is not always practical.

Potential issues include:

• Limited availability outside the UK
• Warranty limitations
• Shipping costs and logistics

For most people, this is not the easiest solution.

The Simple Alternative: Use an External Freely Device

A much simpler solution is to use an external Freely TV device.

This allows you to use Freely on any TV, regardless of where it was purchased.

Current options include:

• Netgem PLEIO Freely TV box
• Manhattan Aero Freely TV box

These connect via HDMI and provide full Freely functionality, and it is worth comparing the Manhattan Aero and Netgem PLEIO to see which suits you best.

Why External Devices Work Better

Using a Freely TV box avoids the limitations of built-in TV platforms.

Advantages include:

• Works with any TV
• No reliance on manufacturer firmware
• Consistent Freely experience
• Easy to update or replace

This is particularly useful for TVs purchased outside the UK.

Using Freely Abroad

It is important to note that Freely is designed for use within the UK.

To use it abroad, you will also need:

• A SmartHub VPN router
• A UK residential IP connection
• A stable internet connection

Once connected, Freely works as it would in the UK.

A Simple Setup That Works Anywhere

A typical setup includes:

• Your existing TV (TCL or any brand)
• A Netgem PLEIO or Manhattan Aero device
• A VPN router using a UK residential IP

This provides full access to live UK channels and catch-up services without needing a UK-specific television, because a UK residential IP makes the connection look as though you are watching from Britain.

Final Thoughts

TCL televisions sold outside the UK may look identical to UK models, but they do not include the same Freely support.

Changing the app store region is not enough to enable Freely, as the platform depends on UK-specific firmware and certification.

The fix is to add Freely with an external box such as the Netgem PLEIO, connected through a VPN router with a UK residential IP.

For viewers who want a reliable solution, using an external Freely TV device is the simplest and most flexible option.

Use Freely on Any TV with a Plug & Play Device