What is the best in British entertainment? Perhaps it’s a comedy like Fleabag, or the long-running sci-fi adventure show Doctor Who.

Both shows and many more are accessible through the BBC iPlayer service. The digital TV streaming and catch-up service launched on December 25th, 2007 and is available on your desktop, in your browser, on mobile, console, and streaming devices.

With a huge library of programs and many playback options, it's likely you've missed many BBC iPlayer features. Use these tips to get the most from BBC iPlayer.

1. Everyone Needs an iPlayer Account and a TV License

Create a BBC iPlayer account

While this hasn't always been the case, to use BBC iPlayer these days, you need an account.

Using the service requires you to sign up with your usual email address, set a password, and confirm your age. A few other details are also required to assist with displaying appropriate programming.

In addition, you will need a TV license. In the UK, watching live broadcasts requires a TV license (it also covers radio), which costs around $20 a month. Money raised by the license are split between the BBC and other public service broadcasters, to fund TV production.

While there is physical check made, BBC iPlayer will ask you confirm that you have a valid TV license.

2. Choose the Right iPlayer App

There are so many ways to enjoy BBC iPlayer, suitable for all the ways you watch TV.

  • To can open a web browser on any computer and visit bbc.co.uk/iplayer
  • Alternatively on your PC or Mac you can install the desktop app from bbc.co.uk/iplayer/install. Check the website for the latest system requirements.
  • If you prefer to watch TV while you go, there is a BBC iPlayer app for Android phones and tablets, iPhones, and iPads.
  • You can also watch BBC iPlayer through your game console. It's available for Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Series, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
  • Finally, you'll find a BBC iPlayer app for Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and pretty much any streaming device or set-top box.

Basically, there is barely a device you can't enjoy BBC iPlayer on.

3. Download Shows to Save Bandwidth

Streaming a one-hour show in HD is typically around 1-1.5GB. If you're on mobile or a metered home broadband connection, that could hit your data plan hard. While compression software is used for mobile devices, repeated viewing can still lead to you requiring expensive extra data on your network.

Consequently, your best option is to download iPlayer shows before you watch them. Simply connect to an unmetered Wi-Fi network. You'll save on excessive usage charges and enjoy smoother playback.

If you're using iPlayer on your computer, you'll need to download the BBC iPlayer Downloader tool before proceeding.

Download: BBC iPlayer Downloader (Windows/Mac)

Check out our guide to downloading shows on iPlayer for more details.

Read More: How to Download iPlayer Shows for Offline Viewing

Note that you cannot download from iPlayer with a media streamer or game console.

4. Improve Playback on BBC iPlayer

If playback is an issue for you, downloading is the best option. However, if this isn’t possible or convenient, there are a few things you can do.

BBC iPlayer should adjust the quality of the stream depending on the speed of your Internet connection. As an example, a slower connection will stream at 500Kbps, whereas faster streaming can take place up to 1.5Mbps.

A good network connection will aid streaming considerably. The fastest internet connection is useless if your Wi-Fi network isn't up to the job. So, take a moment to ensure your network speed is fast enough.

Related: Optimize Your Home's Wireless Reception

Meanwhile, on desktop and mobile devices, be sure other apps aren't eating into your data bandwidth. Other downloads will slow things down, as will resource-intensive apps and games. Exit these before you resume streaming.

5. iPlayer Not Working? Try This

Should you find that iPlayer won’t stream, you should check your connection speed a service like www.speedtest.com. The problem might be with your streaming device, in which case it makes sense to restart your Roku, Amazon Fire TV device, etc.

Ultimately, you can check the BBC iPlayer help and FAQ resource.

Note that messages concerning bandwidth on some consoles are usually attributed to too many people wanting to watch the same show at the same time. The only way around this is to wait until a quieter time.

6. Manage Your iPlayer Library

Via the iPlayer browser interface, console, or mobile app, you can set favorite shows and receive recommendations. This is done via the My Programmes tab, which displays a list of the shows you have viewed repeatedly, as well as those manually added to the list.

To add a show, browse to its show page and click or tap +Add. Removing a show from the My Programmes list is just as simple. Tap Remove, then Yes to confirm.

7. Create Accounts for Everyone in Your Home

Create a children's account in BBC iPlayer

As with other major streaming services, it's possible to create an iPlayer account for every member of your household. Adults and children alike can enjoy the streaming service, with individually named profiles coupled with configurable, age-appropriate content.

So, for example, an 8-year-old might use the iPlayer app on an Xbox, select their profile, and choose a show aimed at their age group.

If you have young children, try the iPlayer Kids app for mobile. This features a simplified user interface which makes it easier to find shows aimed at children.

8. Parental Controls for BBC iPlayer

BBC iPlayer offers basic parental controls.

Start by visiting www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/guidance and sign in. Here, click Turn on PG Lock, then follow the steps to create a PIN. This will be used to restrict viewing access to anything with a BBC Parental Guidance label.

Individual iPlayer apps also have parental control options. For example, on the Roku app, use Settings & help > Parental Guidance > Set up Parental Guidance and confirm your age to set up a PIN.

Meanwhile, in the mobile app you can set or reset the lock in Menu > Settings > Parental Guidance Settings and toggle its active status with the Parental Guidance Lock checkbox.

Regardless of which iPlayer interface you use, there is an option to enable Parental Guidance.

9. Keep Your iPlayer Data Private

BBC iPlayer collects statistics about who is using the service. Along with personal data from accounts created in iPlayer, things like IP address, browser, operating system, and how you access iPlayer are also stored.

If you don't like this, you can prevent the data being collected on your mobile. Open Menu > Settings > and clear the check box labeled Share Statistics.

For personal privacy reasons, you can also Clear History of watched BBC shows.

10. Watch Live TV on BBC iPlayer

BBC iPlayer is long associated with on-demand, catch-up TV. However, it is also possible to watch live TV through the app. This is particularly useful for streaming devices and consoles, as well as catching sporting events.

The best way to watch live TV on iPlayer is to check the TV Guide on the website or app. You can then see what is currently broadcasting across the BBC network and choose the show you want to catch.

Meanwhile, if you open the iPlayer app and a big show is airing on live TV, you'll be invited to Start Watching. Just tap the button and enjoy!

11. Try New Features With BBC iPlayer BETA

If you fancy getting ahead of the pack, you can experience new features and new looks for iPlayer by trying iPlayer BETA.

You'll find this on streaming devices and console versions of iPlayer. To enable:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Select Try new features in iPlayer BETA
  3. Select iPlayer BETA
  4. Restart the app when prompted

If a new feature doesn't work well, don't worry. You can simply revert to the normal iPlayer by following the steps again and selecting iPlayer instead of iPlayer BETA.

Make iPlayer Work for You

With personal accounts, parental controls, and the ability to keep your data private, BBC iPlayer also boasts a library of stunning programming, both modern and from the BBC's archive.

The tips above will help you make the most out of BBC iPlayer. To recap, you can:

  1. Sign up for an iPlayer account
  2. Choose the right app
  3. Download shows
  4. Maximize streaming quality
  5. Troubleshoot streaming issues
  6. Add shows to your library
  7. Create child accounts
  8. Set parental controls
  9. Keep your data private
  10. Watch live TV
  11. Try new features in iPlayer BETA

Can't access iPlayer because you're not in the UK? Don't worry – many BBC shows are available on Netflix.