As the 2026-27 football season gets underway, the BBC has unveiled an expanded set of digital tools designed to keep supporters connected to their favourite clubs throughout the campaign. Chief among the new features is the ability to receive real-time match scores directly on a phone's lock screen, removing the need to constantly open an app or check a website for updates.
The enhancement is available to fans of clubs across the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two, as well as supporters following teams in the Scottish Premiership. It forms part of a broader push by BBC Sport to position its app as an all-in-one destination for football coverage, combining fixtures, results, highlights, short-form video clips, and post-match analysis alongside the new live score functionality.
To access the feature, fans simply need to download the BBC Sport app and follow their chosen team. Once set up, the system automatically delivers live score information without any further action required on matchdays. According to the BBC, the process has been designed to be as simple as possible, requiring only a handful of taps to get started.
The rollout differs slightly depending on the device being used. For those on Apple devices, live match updates appear automatically on the lock screen whenever a followed team is in action, with no additional setup needed beyond following the club. Android users, however, will need to manually opt in through their device's notification settings before the lock screen updates begin appearing. The BBC has noted that this functionality is not yet supported on every Android handset, meaning availability may vary depending on the specific device.
Once enabled, the live updates are designed to give fans a seamless in-game experience. Scores and match information will begin appearing on the lock screen approximately one hour before kick-off, allowing supporters to build anticipation ahead of the game. The updates then continue automatically as the match progresses, before disappearing from the lock screen once the final whistle has sounded, ensuring users aren't left with outdated information cluttering their device.
Importantly, the feature has been built with flexibility in mind. Fans who wish to stop receiving lock screen updates can switch off the function at any time without having to unfollow their team altogether, meaning they can pick and choose when they want the constant stream of information without losing their overall preferences within the app.
The timing of the launch, coinciding with the start of a new domestic football season, reflects the BBC's aim to capture fan attention from the opening weekend through to the campaign's conclusion. With supporters increasingly relying on mobile devices to follow matches on the go — whether commuting, at work, or simply away from a television — the addition of lock screen updates is intended to make it easier than ever to stay informed without interrupting daily routines.
The app's broader suite of features, including video highlights and expert reaction, remains available alongside the new live score service, reinforcing BBC Sport's ambition to serve as a comprehensive companion for football fans throughout the 2026-27 season across England and Scotland's top four divisions and the Scottish top flight.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.