The BBC iPlayer app is one of the most popular streaming apps, and for a good reason – it has tons of great content to offer users. But while the basics of using the app are easy enough to figure out, there are a few features and tricks that many people don’t know about. So if you’re looking to get the most out of the app and watch BBC Iplayer outside UK, check out these 11 tips and tricks! You might be surprised at some things you can do with it.
Download Shows to Save Bandwidth
An HD stream of a one-hour show typically uses 1–1.5GB of space. Your data plan may be severely affected if you use a metered home internet connection or a mobile device. While mobile devices use compression software, frequent viewing can nevertheless result in the need for costly additional data on your network.
Therefore, downloading iPlayer shows before watching them is your best alternative. Just join an unlimited Wi-Fi network. You’ll pay less overage fees and take pleasure in more fluid playback.
Downloading the BBC iPlayer Downloader application is required before you can move further with the process if you are accessing iPlayer on your personal computer.
Try This Tip if iPlayer is Not Working
If iPlayer isn’t allowing you to stream, you should verify the speed of your connection using a tool like www.speedtest.com. Restarting your Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or other streaming device makes sense if the issue is with that device.
Finally, you can consult the BBC iPlayer FAQ and support section.
Keep in mind that on some consoles, warnings about bandwidth are typically ascribed to many people attempting to view the same show at once. Waiting for about an hour is the only way to avoid this.
You Need a TV License and an iPlayer Account
While it wasn’t always the case, nowadays, you must have an account to use BBC iPlayer.
You must register with your regular email address, create a password, then verify your age before you may use the service. Additional information is needed to help present the proper programming.
You will also require a TV license to watch live broadcasts, costing about $20 per month in the UK. The funds for television production are provided by a portion of the license fees collected, with the remaining amount going to the BBC and other public broadcasting organizations.
BBC iPlayer will inquire whether you possess a current TV license while a physical check is done.
Select the Correct iPlayer App
BBC iPlayer may be used in various ways and is ideal for all types of TV viewing by following these tips:
- You can access the iPlayer app on any computer by launching a web browser.
- Alternatively, you may download the desktop client from their website to your PC or Mac. For the most current system requirements, consult the website.
- For Android tablets and smartphones, iPads, and iPhones, there is an iPlayer app if you like to watch TV on the move.
- You can use your gaming console to access BBC iPlayer as well. The Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Playstation 5 all support it.
- The BBC iPlayer app is available for Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and every other streaming device and set-top box.
Improving Playback on BBC iPlayer
Depending on how quickly your connection is, BBC iPlayer ought to modify the stream’s quality. For instance, a slower network will only allow for 500Kbps of streaming, whereas a better connection will allow for 1.5Mbps of streaming.
Streaming will increase significantly with a strong network connection. A weak Wi-Fi network will be useless even if you have the fastest connection available. Check your network speed to make sure it is enough.
In the meantime, check to see whether other apps on your desktop or mobile device are using up your data capacity. Resource-demanding games and apps will also cause the process to lag. Before you continue streaming, you must stop these.
How to Manage Your iPlayer Library
You can select shows to be saved as favorites and receive suggestions using the browser interface of iPlayer, the console, or the mobile app. This can be accomplished by clicking on the page labeled “My Programs,” which presents a catalog of the programs you have watched several times and those you have added in the collection.
The procedure for deleting a program from ‘My Programs’ list is very easy. Simply navigate to the show’s page, then click the “+Add” button to add it. Tap the Remove button, then confirm by tapping ‘Yes’.
Accessing BBC iPlayer Parental Controls
Start by logging in to the website, navigating to the guidance section, turning on PG Lock, and creating a PIN by following the prompts. With this, everything marked using a Parental Guidance label will have restricted viewing access. Parental control features are also available within specific iPlayer apps.
Create Accounts for Everyone in Your Home
You may set up an iPlayer account for each family member, just like you can with other popular streaming services. The streaming service features uniquely named accounts and customizable, age-appropriate material, making it appealing to adults and children.
So, for instance, an 8-year-old may create their profile, utilize the iPlayer app on an Xbox, and select a program catered to their age range.
Try the mobile iPlayer Kids app if you have young kids. This has a streamlined user interface that makes it simpler to locate kid-friendly content.
Keeping Your Data Private
The BBC iPlayer website keeps track of the service’s individuals and compiles such statistics. In addition to the personally identifiable information that is saved from iPlayer accounts, other information like your Internet Protocol (IP) address, operating system, browser, and access method is also saved.
You have the option to stop the data from being gathered on your phone if this is something that bothers you. To disable the Share Statistics checkbox, navigate Menu > Settings > and deselect it.
You also have the option to clear the history of any BBC episodes that you have previously seen to protect your privacy.
Try New Features With BBC iPlayer BETA
Try the iPlayer BETA if you’re interested in experiencing new features and a fresh design for iPlayer.
This is available on the iPlayer apps for consoles and streaming devices. Follow these steps to try iPlayer BETA:
- Open Settings and choose to try out new iPlayer BETA features.
- Select iPlayer BETA
- When prompted, restart the application.
Don’t worry if the new feature doesn’t function properly. Simply repeat the process and choose iPlayer rather than iPlayer BETA to return to the default iPlayer.
Use BBC iPlayer to Watch Live TV
The BBC iPlayer has been closely associated with TV on demand for a long time. On the other hand, you can also watch live TV if you use the app. This is especially handy when it comes to gaming consoles, devices used for streaming content, and watching sporting events.
If you want to watch live TV on iPlayer, the quickest method to do so is to check out the TV Guide on the website or app. After that, you can look at what programs are currently being broadcast on BBC and choose the one you want to watch.
When you launch the iPlayer app, you will be presented with the option to Start Watching if a well-known program is currently being broadcast live at the time. To get started, all you need to do is press the button.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of the BBC, then you’ve probably already made use of the excellent iPlayer app. For those who haven’t, the iPlayer lets you watch live, and on-demand BBC TV shows on your mobile device. It’s a great way to stay up-to-date with your favorite programs and handy for catching up on shows you’ve missed. Even if you’re not a regular user of the iPlayer, it’s worth downloading the app and giving it a try. We hope our list of tips and tricks will come in handy. Have you tried any of them?