BBC iPlayer is full of fantastic shows and movies. Whether you want a classic British comedy, a crime thriller, or a light-hearted panel show, chances are that BBC iPlayer has something for you.

You can download things from BBC iPlayer to watch when you don't have an internet connection, like when travelling, or if it's usually unstable and keeps buffering.

Here's how to download BBC iPlayer shows for offline viewing on desktop and mobile.

How to Download BBC iPlayer Content on Desktop

Before you can get started, you need to download and install the BBC iPlayer Downloads app. It's free to download. If you already have an older version of the app (version number beginning with 1), you will need to uninstall it first.

film on bbc iplayer

Now, with the Downloads app installed:

  1. Go to the BBC iPlayer website.
  2. Navigate to the content you wish to download.
  3. Click Download.
  4. Select either Yes, download in HD or Yes, download in SD depending on what video quality you want. HD downloads will require more disk space.
  5. Your browser may prompt you to choose which application to download the file in. If so, select Choose Application, select BBCiPlayerDownloads, and click Open Link.
  6. The BBC iPlayer Downloads app will open and your download will begin.

You can begin watching your downloaded show or movie immediately, you don't need to wait for it to complete. Bear in mind you can only watch through the iPlayer app and not any other media player.

bbc iplayer downloads app

If you have lots of things downloaded, use the sort functions in the top-right (like Date Downloaded and Expiring Soon) to help organize.

When you've finished watching something and want to remove it from the app, press the X icon and click Remove.

How to Download BBC iPlayer Content on Mobile

To download for offline viewing on mobile, you don't need a separate app. You can use the main BBC iPlayer app, available on iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire.

  1. Open the iPlayer app.
  2. Navigate to the content you wish to download.
  3. Tap Download.
  4. The content will begin to download.
  5. To find your downloads, tap Menu > Downloads > Downloaded.

Unlike on desktop, you'll need to wait for the download to complete before you can start watching.

To remove something from your downloads, go to the Downloaded tab, tap the content, and select Delete Download > Yes.

To set your download preferences, like whether to download over a mobile connection, tap Menu > Settings and look beneath the Downloads Settings header.

Can You Download BBC iPlayer Content Outside the UK?

You need to pay the BBC license fee and be in the UK to download something from BBC iPlayer. However, if you download something when in the UK, it should play when you're overseas.

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The exception to this is if you download something, the app updates, and you don't open the app before leaving the UK—so simply always ensure you open the app before you travel.

How Long Can You Keep BBC iPlayer Downloads?

You can keep the movies and shows that you download for as long as they're available on BBC iPlayer. Some content is only available for 30 days, others for years. Your downloads will automatically delete when the expiry date is reached. You can see the expiry date on the movie or show page.

Enjoy Everything BBC iPlayer Offers Wherever You Are

No matter where you are in the world, you can watch anything on BBC iPlayer providing you've downloaded it before you set off. There are thousands of hours of movies and shows on BBC iPlayer, so there's enough to keep you busy for even the longest journey.