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How can I vote?
In order to cast your vote, you must sign in to your BBC account which you can do here. If you do not already have a BBC account, you will need to register before you can vote here.
Once you have created a BBC account, you are then ready to go. You are advised to sign in to your BBC account before the vote opens.
During the live show the presenters will let you know when the vote has opened and closed. You can vote online at www.bbc.co.uk/spoty, using the BBC Sport app or by scanning the QR code which will take you directly to the vote page.
The QR code will be displayed on screen during the show with all other voting information. You can use your mobile, tablet or computer to access the QR code. When the QR code is displayed on your screen during the show, using your device, open your camera and hover over the QR code for a couple of seconds, this should take you straight through to the SPOTY vote. If you cannot get the code to work, you can still access the online vote in the usual way by visiting www.bbc.co.uk/spoty
Please ensure your device is up to date with the latest security and that you are using the device's built in camera or a QR code scanner from a trusted source. You will never be asked by the BBC to pay to sign up or register for a voting service. This year as we increase the accessibility of our live programmes to all audiences we are using a colourful wrap banner to the QR code.
The Navilens banner is recognisable by Navilens' apps which may assist those in the audience with vision loss. It identifies there is an onscreen QR code and makes the code easier to scan at distance or wide angles. The 'traditional' core QR code remains scannable by all those with smartphones enabled with QR code scanning and doesn't require the Navilens app. For more information please visit RNIB's website. (The BBC is not responsible for the management or content of this or any other third party website.)
More FAQs
Why are voting figures for Sports Personality of the Year 2025 not published?
We invite you to vote for the contestant you feel most deserves the title. Releasing voting figures could have an impact on the participants. We therefore do not disclose the exact voting figures.
Although the BBC is subject to the Freedom of Information Act, information which is closely connected to our programme-making is not covered by the Act. The Information Commissioner, who regulates the Act, has confirmed that information about public voting is not covered. We are therefore not required to disclose the voting figures under the Act.
Who can I contact if I need assistance or have further questions?
BBC Helpline: 0370 010 0222 (standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply).
Can I vote outside the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man?
No method of voting offered is available outside of the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
Can I vote via social networks?
No, you can only vote on the website bbc.co.uk/spoty or the BBC Sport app.
Is the vote being independently verified?
Yes. All public votes associated with BBC Sports Personality of the Year are independently verified.
Online
Why is the online vote not displaying properly?
If the vote is not displaying correctly on your device then please try refreshing the page or using a different browser or device.
If you are using an ad-blocker then this may inhibit your ability to cast your vote. If you disable the blocker and refresh the page then you should be able to cast your vote.
Why am I getting a white box where the vote should be displayed?
If you have chosen to disable third party cookies in your browser on any device then you may not be able to vote. After you have signed in or registered your BBC account, if you are seeing a white box where the vote should be then you will need to enable third party cookies in your browser on that device or use another browser where you have this already enabled.
Why does the BBC think I'm outside the UK?
You must be in the UK to vote online. If you are in the UK but the BBC website thinks that you are located outside the UK, it may be because you are using a VPN (Virtual Private Network), proxy, or similar service which masks your IP address. Try disabling your VPN and reload to vote.
How many times can I vote online?
You can cast a maximum of one vote online for each public vote category.
Can I vote using my smart phone or tablet?
You can vote online using your mobile phone, tablet or your home computer. Online votes on different devices using the same BBC account details will count towards the maximum number of votes per account.
Can I vote via the BBC iPlayer app? You cannot vote via the BBC iPlayer app on your Smart TV, tablet or smart phone. Please visit bbc.co.uk/spoty to vote where you may need to sign in again or register to cast a vote. You can vote using the BBC Sport app.
Why do I get the 'Thank you for voting' message when I vote on another device or browser?
The Sports Personality of the Year 2025 vote is capped (see above). If you have already voted the maximum number of times and you go to the vote page on another browser or device and where you are already signed in, or subsequently sign in to your account on the vote page, then you will see the 'Thank you for voting' message because you have already cast the maximum number of votes allowed.
Why is the vote not working on my browser?
The default security settings of some browsers may prevent the vote from displaying on the page correctly. Please use another browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Safari or a different device and visit bbc.co.uk/spoty to cast your vote when it is open.
What if I can't remember the password to my BBC account? If you have a BBC account, but can't remember your password, you'll need to reset it. You can find out how to do that here.
Can I register for an account if I don't have an email address?
If you are aged 13 or over, you will need to have an email address to register for a BBC account. When you register, we send you an email to verify your email address. If your email is not verified, you must verify it to use certain features like commenting on stories, or publishing pictures. This is necessary in case we need to contact you.
If you can't find the email, check your junk or spam folder. The email might have been put in there by an overzealous spam filter. If you registered with a fake email address, you'll need to go to your BBC account settings and change it to a real one before you can get it verified. There are many providers that offer free email addresses. Three of the most popular are: Gmail, Yahoo & Outlook. If you need help there is a guide on how to create an email address on the Learn My Way website.
When registering for a BBC account what information do I need to give?
This depends on your age. We ask everyone to provide us with your date of birth, gender and a secure password.
For anyone aged 13 and over, we ask users to provide an email address, and let us know if they would like to receive emails about things they'll love. Your email address lets you reset your password if you forget it. And it means we can get in touch if we need to tell you about something new, like a change to our Terms of Use. For anyone under 13 years old, we ask you to provide a username, but no email, so it's important you remember it (as well as your password), because we won't be able to contact you.
When you register, we send you an email to verify your email address. If your email is not verified, you must verify it to use certain features like commenting on stories, or publishing pictures. This is necessary in case we need to contact you.
To verify your email address, follow the instructions shown on the screen.
Can't find the email?
Check your junk or spam folder. The email might have been put in there by an overzealous spam filter. If you registered with a fake email address, you'll need to go to your BBC account settings and change it to a real one before you can get it verified.
Is the link in the email not working?
Try clicking it again. If you copied and pasted it into your web browser, make sure you haven't added or deleted any characters by mistake.
If you are 13 years or older, we ask for your postcode, and if you are under 13, we ask for your hometown. If you're 13 or older and you previously used to sign in with a username, you'll need to use your email address from now on. Please go here to add your email address (you may need to sign in with your user name to confirm it's your account) If you previously signed in with Facebook or Google+, we unfortunately do not use these platforms to sign in anymore.
If you haven't signed in to your account in the last year, then it may have been closed unless you have signed in with an email address. If that's the case, you will need to register for a BBC account again.
Why are you asking for my age, postcode/hometown or gender when I register for a BBC account?
We use your age, postcode/hometown and gender to give you relevant local info online and in any email newsletters you sign up for. We also use this information to ensure we are making something for everyone, as part of our public service remit. Some parts of the BBC are only meant for certain ages. We also need to know how old you are to make sure you can use the parts that are meant for you. Find out more about how we use your data here.
What if I don't want to register now?
If you decide not to proceed with registering your BBC account then unfortunately you will not be able to cast your vote online.
Why when I click on sign in am I not taken to the sign in page?
If you click on sign in and you are already signed in to your BBC account then you will be directed to the BBC homepage or you will remain on the same page. That means you are ready to cast your vote once it opens here.
I'm having another problem signing into my account that's not covered here - where can I go for help?
We have a separate page that can answer your questions around signing in to your BBC account, and also put you in touch with someone if you are unable to find the answer you need. Visit here.
I don't have an existing BBC account, and need to register for one so I can vote, but need help. Where can I go?
We have a separate page that can answer your questions around registering for a new BBC account, and also put you in touch with someone if you are unable to find the answer you need. Visit here.
If you have not used your account in a while and have forgotten your password you will need to click on the 'forgotten password' link before the show to allow enough time for a new password to be sent through. This will only be possible if you provided a valid email address when registering.
What exactly is a BBC account?
If you have any questions about your BBC account you can find some FAQs here which might help.
Why are you asking if I want email updates about more things I'll love? You can decide if you want to receive occasional emails to tell you about BBC programmes and services or not. It's completely up to you. We may personalise them based on your location and how you use the BBC online site, to help you get the most from the BBC. Find out more about the emails here. You can also unsubscribe at any time.
Is there a cost to vote online?
No, you will not be charged to vote online by visiting http://www.bbc.co.uk/spoty during the live shows. Please check your broadband or mobile contract to check the cost of using data services.
Useful Links and Support
If you, or someone you know, would like support with using the internet – including getting a BBC account and voting for your Sports Personality of the Year – then the following organisations can help: Age UK Many local Age UK branches offer IT training for over 60s, see what is available in your area on their website. Alternatively you can call the Age UK Advice Line on 0800 678 1602, which is open 8am to 7pm, every day of the year. National Digital Inclusion Network Use this map to see what support is available in your area.
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