BBC iPlayer

Latest Update: Quick Access to Live Events

With this update, live events will be clearly labeled for better visibility, and you'll be able to see more content directly on the homepage without scrolling. When an event is live, you can quickly access up to 4 streams from the top of the page.

Developed by Media AT(BBC Media Applications Technologies Limited), BBC iPlayer is a wholly owned subsidiary of the BBC providing streaming and catch-up services over the last 30 days available on multiple devices, such as mobiles, personal computers, tablets and even smart televisions.

The BBC iPlayer service has been developed since 2007, and it has reflected the changes in technology and come up with the method of how people watch TV programs. Being popular abroad, BBC iPlayer has got over 65 million people estimated to access this app via VPNs and proxy servers, 38.5 million of whom are from China.

Standard Android App Permissions

Photos/Media/Files: Users need to set the permissions of BBC iPlayer to read the contents of USB storage which can store the download programs. Aside from those features, this application also need to write, read and delete the download files.

Read phone status and identity: This permission allows this app to read the Android "Device ID" which is an anonymous ID using to identify the users. iPlayer's content protection system use the permission to ensure that the download files can only be seen on the devices downloading them.

Prevent phone from sleeping: Downloads & Chromecast will use this permission to prevent the system from sleeping and keep the download go on when the device is locked by users. However, this step is only active when downloading the programs.

View network connections: It is vital for users to check whether the network connection is available before accessing the network. The permission support users to test the network connection and provide error notices when the app cannot retrieve data.

BBC iPlayer FAQ

Where is BBC iPlayer available?

BBC iPlayer is available on a wide range of devices including the BT Vision, Freesat, Sky, YouView, Virgin Media and also works as an app on smartphones, smart TVs and tablets.

Can I watch BBC iPlayer without the TV license?

No. You need a TV license which costs £145.50 to watch the streaming shows live on BBC iPlayer. And you can pay for £24 per months continuously for six months.

How to download content on BBC iPlayer?

Users can not only watch the programs live but also be able to download content for the offline watch as well. You can download the programs on both the Android and iOS systems. However, the content will be deleted automatically from the app after 30 days from broadcast.