What is a “dodgy box”?
“Dodgy box”, “chipped box”, “jailbroken Fire Stick” and “fully loaded Android box” all describe the same idea: a cheap streaming device sold pre-loaded with apps or add-ons that access paid channels without a licence, usually with a promise of “all channels free” or “no monthly fees”.
The hardware itself is normally an ordinary Android box or Fire TV Stick. What makes it illegal is the software and services added to it.
Why they are illegal
- Selling devices configured to access unlicensed streams has been treated as illegal communication of copyright works, and sellers in the UK have been prosecuted.
- The services behind them are unlicensed and are targeted by rights holders, FACT and the police. The Flawless case led to sentences totalling over 30 years.
- Watching through them carries risk for viewers too. See the law for viewers.
The practical risks
- Malware and data theft: unofficial add-ons and modified apps run with wide permissions on your network.
- Electrical safety: very cheap unbranded boxes and power adapters may not meet UK safety standards.
- It stops working: add-ons break, servers are blocked during matches, and services disappear. See ISP blocking.
- No comeback: there is no refund, support or company to complain to.
What to buy instead
A Google-certified Android TV / Google TV device or an Amazon Fire TV Stick, bought new from a reputable retailer, gives you a safe, updated device. Then add licensed services, ours or others. See devices and Android TV boxes.
If you already have a “fully loaded” box, factory-reset it before reusing it, and change passwords for any accounts you signed into on it.