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TV over broadbandBBC iPlayer

BBC iPlayer interface

You can download and watch iPlayer TV shows in their entirety for up to seven days after they air on TV

With the BBC iPlayer you can catch up with BBC programmes from the past seven days you've missed or want to watch again. The iPlayer incorporates a media player, electronic programme guide (EPG) and download manager software.

There are a variety of ways of watching TV content from BBC iPlayer. If you are in the UK and connected to the internet you can:

  • Play TV programmes from the past seven days and watch them on the iPlayer website hrough Click to Play (streaming). This works on Windows, Macs, Linux, Nintendo Wii and iPhones.
  • Download iPlayer TV programmes and store them on your computer for up to 30 days if your computer supports the BBC iPlayer Download Manager.
  • Download iPlayer TV shows directly to certain portable media players that can play Windows DRM protected files.
  • 'Sideload' downloaded iPlayer TV shows onto compatible portable media players that can play Windows DRM protected files.

Virgin Media customers can also access BBC iPlayer content by pressing the red button whilst watching any BBC channel. 

What's on offer from the iPlayer

The iPlayer shows TV programs for each of the BBC's terrestrial and Freeview channels over the internet, including:

  • BBC1
  • BBC2
  • BBC3
  • BBC4
  • BBC News 24
  • BBC Parliament
  • CBBC
  • CBeebies
a couple sharing a laptop in their house

iPlayer users can access a full range of BBC TV channels

Using BBC iPlayer

Users can download and watch iPlayer TV shows in their entirety for up to seven days after they air on TV. Downloaded shows can be stored and watched for up to 30 days after which time the file expires and becomes unwatchable.

Like rival broadcasters, some BBC TV content such as films, music and sporting events are not available to watch using the iPlayer due to rights management issues. But the majority of BBC-made or commissioned television, such as soaps and drama series are available.

Watching online is possible for users on Macs and Linux-powered computers as well as Windows PCs, but only PC users can download shows to watch later.

What you'll need to watch online using a computer:

  • A computer running a Windows, Macintosh and Linux operating system: the computer needs to be capable of running the latest version of Flash.
  • The latest version of Flash: this enables you to view necessary video content and controls. It's free to download, and most players will prompt you to install it if it's not already on your computer.
  • A broadband internet connection: Dial up users can find out more about upgrading to a faster connection in our Broadband report. The BBC recommends a speed of at least 1 Mbps for best enjoyment.

What you'll need to download iPlayer programs to computer:

  • A PC running Windows: Windows XP and Windows Vista are supported.
  • Internet Explorer 6 or later or Firefox 1.5 or later: other browsers are not yet supported. Upgrading to the latest version of Firefox or Internet Explorer is free.
  • Windows Media Player version 9 or later: this is the program through which BBC programs will be played. It's free to download from the Windows website.
  • A broadband internet connection: Dial up users can find out more about upgrading to a faster connection in our Broadband report. The BBC recommends a speed of at least 512kbps for best enjoyment.
An iPhone in a hand

What you'll need to watch the iPlayer on the move

BBC iPlayer TV programmes can be downloaded to a range of portable media players for viewing on the move. iPlayer downloads can be played on mobile gadgets supporting Windows Media digital rights management (Windows DRM).

Compatible devices for iPlayer downloads include the Nokia N96 mobile phone, Sony Walkman E and S series and Archos' Internet Media Tablet. TV content can be downloaded directly onto an internet capable device or onto a viewer’s PC before being side-loaded on to a compatible portable media player.

To find out if your mobile device can play BBC iPlayer TV programmes, check the manufacturer’s manual. You can also find a non-exhaustive list of compatible devices on the BBC website.

Apple iPhone users can watch streamed BBC iPlayer content online when connected via a broadband Wi-Fi connection.

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