For those asking about watching on BBC iPlayer on TV:
Getting started on a TV
BBC iPlayer is available on connected TVs, games consoles, set-top boxes, streamers and platforms including Freesat, Sky, Virgin Media, and YouView.
You can access BBC iPlayer in one of the following ways, depending on the device:
- Launch the app
- Use your device's on-screen menu and episode guide
- Press the red button on your remote from a BBC channel
Check the manufacturers list at the bottom of the page to see if your connected TV or device is supported.
How do I use BBC iPlayer on my device?
- Freesat
If you have a compatible Freesat with Freetime box, BBC iPlayer can be accessed by launching into the On Demand section from the Home menu. Your Freesat device will need to be connected to the internet to access BBC iPlayer.
- Freeview Play
If you're using Freeview Play to watch BBC iPlayer then you need to make sure your TV is connected to an aerial before you launch the BBC iPlayer app.
- Sky
Sky customers with a compatible Sky+ box can access BBC iPlayer from Sky's On Demand section. To find BBC iPlayer, select the TV Guide button on your Sky remote control, navigate to the On Demand section and select Catch Up. Choose BBC iPlayer from the menu.
In addition, Sky Q owners can also use the BBC iPlayer app by selecting Home on their Sky remote, navigating to the Apps section, and selecting the BBC iPlayer app.
- Virgin Media TiVo
Virgin Media TiVo users can find BBC iPlayer either via the connected red button or the Apps and Games directory. Within Virgin TiVo, you can also access BBC iPlayer by going left in the EPG and selecting content that is marked available for catch-up.
- YouView
BBC iPlayer is available on YouView, either through a YouView box or compatible YouView-enabled TV. You can use BBC iPlayer on YouView by either selecting BBC iPlayer from the Players section, watching a BBC programme from the last seven days via the YouView electronic programme guide, or watching a BBC programme from the last seven days via the YouView On Demand area. In order to access BBC iPlayer, YouView devices need to be connected to the internet.
- Smart TVs and internet connected devices
There are several different versions of BBC iPlayer which manufacturers use in their devices. Between these versions, due to technical limitations, there can be some variations in features (subtitles, HD etc.). Each device will need to be connected to the internet to use BBC iPlayer.
Do I have to sign in?
Yes, you do. Once you've signed in, you can access your Added programmes and pick up watching where you left off.
Here below is the step by step guide for that:
How do I sign in to BBC iPlayer on my TV?
Before you start...
Make sure you've got:
- A BBC account. You can use your existing one. If you don’t already have one you can register by going to www.bbc.com/account.
- A second device such as a mobile, tablet or computer. This is where you'll enter the code shown on your TV.
Ready? Here's what you need to do.
- Open the BBC iPlayer application on your TV and select Sign In. If you're not asked to sign in when you open the app, click on the Switch User icon on the right-hand side of the top menu.
- On your mobile / tablet / computer, go to www.bbc.com/account/tv. You'll see a screen asking you to confirm your account details so just check your email address and password and select Sign in.
- You'll now see a screen on your mobile / tablet / computer saying "Enter the code shown on your TV". Enter the activation code that appears on your TV screen, then select Sign in on your TV.
- Wait a few seconds for your TV to catch up, and then you're done! You're now signed in on your TV.
Here are some things to be aware of:
- If you don’t use the activation code, it will expire after 60 minutes so you'll need to start again.
- Only one person can use the activation code. If two or more people try to use the same code, it won’t work.
- If you see a message saying "Sorry, something isn't working right now. Please try again later," that means we’re having technical issues. Please do try again later.
- Sign-in isn't available on all TVs. That's because of variations in software and technology. We've got more information about this on the BBC website.
What if I don't have a mobile, tablet or computer?
If you are required to sign in to BBC iPlayer on your TV and you don't have a second device, it is still possible to use BBC iPlayer on your TV. You'll need to have access to a telephone (this doesn't need to be a smartphone - a regular telephone will do). Minicom facilities are also available if you have a speech or hearing impairment.
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? Press down." Press down on your remote control.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to get access to BBC iPlayer.
Please note this option is only available for connected TV devices.
