Getting started on a TV

BBC iPlayer is available on connected TVs, games consoles, set-top boxes, streamers and platforms including Freesat, Sky, Virgin Media, and YouView.

You can access BBC iPlayer in one of the following ways, depending on the device:

  • Launch the app
  • Use your device's on-screen menu and episode guide
  • Press the red button on your remote from a BBC channel

To check if your device is supported, have a look here: How can I check if BBC iPlayer is available on a particular TV?

How do I use BBC iPlayer on my device?

  • Freesat

    If you have a compatible Freesat with Freetime box, BBC iPlayer can be accessed by launching into the On Demand section from the Home menu. Your Freesat device will need to be connected to the internet to access BBC iPlayer.
     
  • Freeview Play 

    If you're using Freeview Play to watch BBC iPlayer then you need to make sure your TV is connected to an aerial before you launch the BBC iPlayer app. For more information on Freeview Play visit their website: Freeview Play.
     
  • Sky
    • Sky+ box: Access BBC iPlayer by selecting ‘Catch Up’ in Sky’s On Demand section and then choose BBC iPlayer
       
    • Sky Q: As well as accessing BBC content via Catch Up and On Demand, you can also access the BBC iPlayer app which is available in the Apps section, or via the red button (when on a BBC channel). Using the 'Watch from the start' option when switching to a BBC channel will also launch iPlayer.
       
    • ​​​​​​​Sky Glass: There are multiple ways to access BBC iPlayer programmes, including via the red button (on a BBC channel) and by selecting BBC iPlayer in the Apps section

       

  • Virgin Media

    Virgin Media TiVo users can find BBC iPlayer either via the connected red button or the Apps and Games directory. Within Virgin TiVo, you can also access BBC iPlayer by going left in the EPG and selecting content that is marked available for catch-up. 
     
  • YouView

    BBC iPlayer is available on YouView, either through a YouView box or compatible YouView-enabled TV. You can use BBC iPlayer on YouView by either selecting BBC iPlayer from the Players section, watching a BBC programme from the last seven days via the YouView electronic programme guide, or watching a BBC programme from the last seven days via the YouView On Demand area. In order to access BBC iPlayer, YouView devices need to be connected to the internet.
     
  • Smart TVs and internet connected devices

    There are several different versions of BBC iPlayer which manufacturers use in their devices. Between these versions, due to technical limitations, there can be some variations in features (subtitles, HD etc.). Each device will need to be connected to the internet to use BBC iPlayer.

Do I have to sign in?

Yes, you do. Once you've signed in, you can access your Added programmes and pick up watching where you left off. Check the How do I sign in to BBC iPlayer on my TV? page for a step-by-step guide on signing in.