Wondering why BBC iPlayer Autoplay not working? Let’s find out!
We all know that BBC iPlayer allows users to watch Sports, Documentaries and the latest TV series all in one place.
However, sometimes we just want to lean back and watch through the episodes of our favourite TV show but Autoplay won’t start the next episode.
Why?
The BBC iPlayer AutoPlay has to be enabled so the next episode starts automatically when the current playback ends. Based on the device you’re using (mobile, TV or computer) the way to turn ON/OFF the AutoPlay feature is quite different.
Let’s next learn more about AutoPlay and the reasons why it’s not working!
Why Does BBC iPlayer AutoPlay Does Not Work?
We all know that when AutoPlay is enabled, when our episode is finished the next one should start automatically, without our interaction.
However, here we’ll explore the reasons why AutoPlay is not working on your BBC iPlayer app and later attempt to solve the problem!
Here’s why the AutoPlay on BBC iPlayer might not be working:
- AutoPlay Not Enabled
- App – Device Problem
- No Connection to the Internet
- Corrupted App Data
- Outdated App – Device Firmware
If one thing is certain is that when we enable the feature, the next episode should start automatically.
When it doesn’t we know that something is wrong so let’s learn how to fix it.
How To Fix When BBC iPlayer Autoplay Not Working?
In this guide, we’re going to undertake a few solutions that will help us not only solve the AutoPlay problem on the BBC iPlayer app but also identify the cause.
We’re going to cover ALL occasions including the app on a mobile smartphone, TV app and desktop (browser) platform.
Let’s begin with the obvious!
Solution #1 Turn ON AutoPlay!
It’s easy to understand that the feature won’t work when it’s not enabled.
Well, you could have enabled AutoPlay previously, but after closing the app or desktop browser the settings might have been reverted.
This happens on a desktop, this can occur when the Cookies are cleared.
Let’s now learn how to enable AutoPlay on ALL different BBC iPlayer platforms:
Enable AutoPlay on a TV App:
When you’re using a TV, enabling AutoPlay requires a few extra steps:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Open the BBC iPlayer App.
- Go to the Settings.
- From there select Settings & Help.
- Choose Other Settings.
- Adjust your AutoPlay options.
Enable AutoPlay on a Computer:
To enable the AutoPlay feature on a computer is the easiest thing ever!
- Go to the official BBC iPlayer online!
- Sign in to your account.
- Start watching a TV Show.
- Move your cursor down to reveal the controls.
- Tap on the cogwheel (Settings).
- Toggle ON the AutoPlay.
Enable AutoPlay on a Smartphone App:
In case you’re using the smartphone BBC iPlayer application follow the steps:
- Open the BBC iPlayer Application.
- Start streaming any TV Show Content.
- Tap on the Gear Icon on the player.
- Turn ON the AutoPlay feature.
Now when you’re confident that AutoPlay is enabled, test whether the next episode will start automatically.
You can skip to the end to test so you wouldn’t wait for the entire episode length.
Alert: Test only if you haven’t re-opened the BBC iPlayer app!
Solution #2 Reboot Your Device
In case AutoPlay has been enabled in the previous solution but the next episode simply does not start, check if you’re currently watching the very last episode from the season!
In case that’s not what’s causing the problem, you’ll need to reboot your source device!
Keep the device turned OFF for a few minutes and then re-open the BBC iPlayer application to test whether the AutoPlay is now working.
Don’t forget to double-check if the feature is enabled.
Tip: Test the AutoPlay functionality on a different TV show!
Solution #3 Reconnect To the Internet
Another reason why the next episode of your BBC iPlayer show won’t start automatically is that your device has been disconnected from the internet.
In those cases, the current episode will keep buffering or the next in the line won’t be able to start.
Let’s learn more!
Here’s how to reconnect your device to the internet:
- On a TV go to Settings > Wireless > Connect to WiFi > Insert Password
- On a Smartphone > Settings > WiFi > Select Network > Connect to WiFi.
- On a Computer > Connect Ethernet Cable or use a Dongle to connect to WiFi.
To keep it simple, you need to make sure that your device is connected to a reliable and working WiFi to be able to stream content and AutoPlay episodes.
In case the problem is persistent and the next episode won’t automatically start, proceed with the next step!
Solution #4 Clear BBC iPlayer App Cache
Sometimes the problem with the AutoPlay on your BBC iPlayer is related to the application functionality, therefore it needs to be refreshed.
The cache data is the primary suspect when we speak of corrupted files, hence in this solution, we’re going to learn how to clear the cache!
Clear BBC iPlayer Cache on TV:
- On an Android TV go to Settings.
- Go down to find and open the Apps tab.
- From there select the BBC iPlayer app.
- Select the Clear Cache setting.
Clear BBC iPlayer Cache on Mobile:
- Go to Settings > Battery.
- From there press on Memory > Apps.
- Select the BBC iPlayer app.
- Press on Clear Cache.
Clear BBC iPlayer Cache on Desktop:
On a desktop, we use the official BBC iPlayer website to stream content so instead of deleting the app cache, we need to remove the browser’s Cache & Cookies.
Simply click on the Browser Options > Settings > Reset and Clean Up > Restore Settings.
What’s Next?
You will be disconnected from your BBC account once the application or browser cache has been deleted.
You need to Sign-in, enable AutoPlay, follow solution #1 and test.
Tip: Desktop users should test AutoPlay using a different browser!
Solution #5 Update App & Device Firmware!
The next step is to check whether our source device and BBC iPlayer application are both up to date.
Since outdated firmware versions lack support, we can’t proceed further before checking whether the most recent software is installed.
You can update the BBC iPlayer app easily:
- On a TV the application updates automatically when you’re connected to the internet!
- On a mobile, you need to open the Application Store, and hit the Update button.
- On a Desktop, you can’t update the app since we don’t use an app. Update browser!
It’s also recommended to update your source device, especially if you’re using your smartphone to stream BBC iPlayer content.
When you’re up to date, test whether the AutoPlay is now OK!
Solution #6 Reinstall BBC iPlayer App
The final and most powerful solution is to perform a clean BBC iPlayer app reinstallation!
This will remove and reinstall ALL services from scratch, therefore any potential process failures should not be present after the installation.
Let’s jump straight into the steps!
- Remove the BBC iPlayer App from your device!
- Open the respective Application Store (AppStore or Google Play).
- Download the BBC IPlayer application and Sign-in your account.
- Enable the AutoPlay, following Solution #1.
- Stream content to check whether AutoPlay is now working!
In case AutoPlay now works, congratulations!
Let’s next answer one of the most frequently asked questions in regard to BBC iPlayer AutoPlay:
BBC iPlayer AutoPlay Settings Not Remembered?
In case you have to enable AutoPlay each time you exit the BBC iPlayer platform then you’ve probably declined the Cookies upon first entering.
What you need to do is go into your browser settings, and clear the Cache Data and Cookies.
Now when you come back to BBC iPlayer, accept the cookies so your settings can be saved.
This is the end of our solution guide so let’s take a look at what we’ve learned!
Quick Recap:
Thus, the AutoPlay on BBC iPlayer will not work when it’s not enabled or when your source device is not connected to the internet. Furthermore, users should update their BBC iPlayer applications and clear the cached data when similar issues start to occur!
Read Next: How to Get BBC iPlayer on Virgin Media?
Final Thoughts:
Now that we’ve learned why BBC iPlayer Autoplay not working and how to solve the problem we can binge-watch an entire show without changing episodes.
The AutoPlay feature will keep us entertained and start the next episode as long as there is the next episode. Have fun!
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.