Android: Android 5.0 or above (available from the Google Play Store)
On the BBC iPlayer app for mobiles and tablets, you can:
- play on-demand programmes via WiFi or mobile data.
- play live TV channels via WiFi or mobile data.
- download on-demand programmes via WiFi or mobile data.
The Freeview app brings together live and catch-up TV from different channels on your iPhone, iPad or Google Android smartphone or tablet. With TV apps such as BBC iPlayer and ITV Player installed on your smartphone or tablet, you can watch your favourite shows wherever you like, either live or via catch-up.
If BBC iPlayer is failing or struggling to load on your connected TV, we recommend: ensuring your TV's firmware/system is up to date. trying a factory reset. working through all of the steps in our Troubleshooting problems on connected TVs and games consoles page.
Fix#1 Relaunch BBC iPlayer App / Reboot Smart TVThe first and easiest way to fix the BBC iPlayer app issue is simply to relaunch it. Secondly, smart TV restart acts as a cure-all to many issues as well. To do this: Press the back button on your smart TV remote to get back to the main Apps menu.
You'll need the latest version of the BBC Media Player app on your Android device or Amazon Fire tablet to play programmes and clips from and the BBC iPlayer app. If you're not using the latest version of the app, you might not be able to watch or listen to our programmes.
Check your flash settings. If you are persistently having trouble playing video on the BBC News and Sport players, you may need to go to your Flash settings and check the box 'Allow third-party Flash content to store data on your computer'.
iOS 12, the latest major update to Apple's operating system for iPhone and iPad, was released in September 2018. Here's a list of every Apple device that supports iOS 12: iPad Air 1, iPad Air 2, iPad Pro (12.9, 2015), iPad Pro (9.7), iPad 2017, iPad Pro (10.5), iPad Pro (12.9, 2017), iPad 2018.
Open the BBC iPlayer Downloads application. Select Settings. Click Check for Updates.
Prime Video Channels: First, sign up for AMC+ on Prime Video Channels through your Amazon account. Then you can download the Prime Video App to your supported device and sign in with your Amazon account, and shows from AMC, BBC America, Sundance, and more will be available for you to watch through the Prime Video App.
With the exception of BBC iPlayer content, you only need a licence for watching or recording content as it is broadcast on TV. If you're streaming on-demand movies or TV shows on Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Netflix or YouTube (or any other online video service) you don't currently need a licence.
The BBC is to launch BBC1+1, a new service airing the flagship channel's schedule an hour after first broadcast. All the BBC's commercial rivals – including ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 – already have +1 services for all their networks.
BBC iPlayer is a free service but remember your mobile operator may charge for the data you use on their network. If you're unsure how much 3G/4G/5G data costs or what your data allowance is, please contact your mobile network operator.
The majority of people use the web version of BBC iPlayer on a PC or laptop, but you can just as easily get the service directly on your TV. Most smart TVs will have BBC iPlayer available as an app, or integrated into their electronic programme guide (EPG), enabling you to catch up on programmes on the big screen.
All 4 is a free-to-view video on demand service but we do require users register their details to watch. Registration is free and gives access to all of Channel 4's latest shows and unlocks access to an extensive archive of classic programmes and downloads to watch offline.
You need to be covered by a licence to watch or download almost all BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer. At the moment, the only exception is watching S4C TV on demand. Remember, you still need a TV Licence to watch or record any live TV programmes on any channel, no matter what device you use.
You can stream BBC iPlayer for FREE from anywhere with
a VPN.
How to Unblock BBC iPlayer from Anywhere in Under 2 Minutes
- Choose a VPN that's proven to overcome BBC iPlayer's geoblocks, like ExpressVPN.
- Use your VPN to connect to a server in the UK.
- Head over to BBC iPlayer and start streaming the best of British TV.
Follow these steps:
- Open the BBC iPlayer application on your TV.
- Press the Sign In button.
- You should see a screen asking you to use a second device to sign in. At the bottom of the screen it should say, "Don't have a mobile, tablet or computer?
- Follow the on-screen instructions to get access to BBC iPlayer.
I found four free VPNs that can reliably bypass BBC iPlayer's tough geo-restrictions without putting your safety at risk.
- ExpressVPN – Try Risk-Free With a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee.
- CyberGhost: 24-Hour Free Trial with Full Access to Premium Features.
- Windscribe – 10GB Free Data Each Month.
Following the release of the latest BBC iPlayer app, to view programmes in full screen, simply use the 'pinch and zoom' screen gesture. This will allow you to adjust the view between an aspect fit and an aspect fill.
The best iPlayer VPN today
- ExpressVPN. Unblock iPlayer without sacrificing your connection speed.
- Surfshark. Stream iPlayer on as many devices as you want.
- NordVPN. Audited security so you can stream iPlayer safely.
- Hotspot Shield. The fastest iPlayer VPN on the market.
- VyprVPN. Excellent streaming power plus top security.
