How do I watch a funeral being live streamed?

To watch a funeral being live streamed, you’ll usually need a viewing link from the family or funeral director and a phone, tablet or computer with an internet connection. Open the link shortly before the service, and follow any instructions on the page.

If you haven’t watched a funeral online before, there is usually very little to set up. The steps below will help you get ready and explain what to check if you have difficulty watching.

Where do I get the funeral live stream link?

The family or funeral director will normally share the viewing link by email, text message or WhatsApp. It may also appear in a funeral notice or on a memorial page.

For funerals covered by Spire Live Streaming, we provide a private viewing link that can be passed to relatives and friends.

If you haven’t received a link, ask the person organising the funeral or contact the funeral director. Private funeral streams usually don’t appear in Google searches, so searching for the person’s name may not find the service.

Only pass the link to others in accordance with the family’s wishes.

What do I need to watch?

You can watch on a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. You will need:

• The viewing link.
• A reliable internet connection, using Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• Your device’s sound switched on.
• Enough battery charge, or a charger nearby.
• A larger screen may feel more comfortable for watching the whole service. Headphones can help you hear clearly, particularly if you are somewhere with background noise.

Do I need an account or an app?

This depends on the platform being used. Many funeral live streams open directly in your internet browser, while others may require a password, an app or a sign-in.

Check the instructions sent with your link before the day of the funeral. If a password is included, keep it somewhere easy to find and enter it exactly as supplied.

When should I open the link?

Open the viewing page around 10–15 minutes before the advertised service time. This gives you a chance to check the link, adjust your volume and get comfortable.

You may see a holding image or a message explaining that the service has not started. This does not necessarily mean there is a problem as the broadcast may only begin shortly before the funeral.

If you are watching from another country, check the time difference carefully. The service time will usually be given in the venue’s local time.

What if there is no sound or picture?

If the service should have started and you cannot see or hear it, try these checks:

• Press play if a play button is displayed. Some browsers will not start a video automatically.
• Check both volume controls. Your device and the video player may have separate mute buttons.
• Refresh the viewing page. This can help load a broadcast that has just begun.
• Check your internet connection. If the picture keeps freezing, try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router or switching to another available connection.
• Try another browser or device. Reopening the original link on a different device can help identify a local problem.
• Read any updates shown on the viewing page. A funeral may begin a little later than expected, so a short delay does not necessarily indicate a technical fault.

Can I watch a funeral live stream on my television?

It may be possible, depending on your television, device and the streaming platform.

Some setups allow you to cast the video from your phone or tablet. Another option is to connect a compatible laptop to your television using an HDMI cable.

If you would prefer to watch on a television, test the setup beforehand. Keep the viewing link available on your phone or computer so you have another way to watch if needed.

Can people at the funeral see or hear me?

With a standard one-way live stream, the people attending the funeral cannot see or hear you. You are watching a broadcast, so your camera and microphone are not needed.

If the family has arranged an interactive video call instead, such as a Zoom meeting, the arrangements may be different. Follow the joining instructions supplied.

Can I watch the funeral afterwards?

This depends on the arrangements made with the family and the live streaming provider. A recording may be available, but you should check rather than assume it will appear immediately or remain online indefinitely.

Spire’s funeral live streaming service includes a full HD recording for the family. If you missed the live service or would like to watch again, ask the family or funeral director about access to the recording.