BBC iPlayer Not Working on Smart TV? – Complete Fix Guide

Kevin Wood Updated on
bbc iplayer not working on smart tv

Is your BBC iPlayer not working on smart TV? We have found the solution!

The BBC iPlayer platform does not require a second license, in regard to your already active TV BBC channel.

However, certain problems with the platform may occur as a result of a software problem with your TV. In this guide, we’re unwrapping everything!

When BBC iPlayer is not working on a Smart TV, reboot your television and update the application to the latest version. The next step is to reconnect it to the WiFi and check whether your internet is intact. The final step is to factory reset the smart TV.

There’s definitely more to this problem, rather than the issue, so keep reading to learn more!

Why Is BBC iPlayer Not Working on My Smart TV?

The BBC iPlayer will refuse to work whenever there is something wrong with your TV.

The problem could either be associated with your TV’s internet connection or the firmware of both the TV and the application.

We will get to the bottom of this so keep reading!

Here’s why would the BBC iPlayer refuse to work on your smart TV:

  • Your smart TV is running an Outdated Software Version
  • The smart TV is not connected to an active/reliable WiFi network
  • The application has an outdated version
  • BBC iPlayer glitched/corrupted data
  • The servers of the BBC iPlayer are currently down!

Maintenance of the BBC iPlayer servers is a common thing and for the time being of the maintenance, the platform will be unavailable.

Learn more about ongoing/upcoming server maintenance on the official website of the BBC iPlayer, at the “Info” page.

Let’s learn what you could do on your end to troubleshoot the problem with the BBC iPlayer:

BBC iPlayer Won’t Play on TV – Resolved!

fix bbc iplayer not working on smart tv

We hope that now that you’ve got a better understanding of what could prevent you from accessing the BBC iPlayer, fixing the issue will be easier for you.

It’s only important to follow the correct order of solutions and test your platform after each solution attempt.

Here’s how to fix when the BBC iPlayer refuses to play on your smart TV:

Solution #1 Hard Reset your Smart TV

A Hard Reset or a Power Cycle is an advanced type of reboot for your TV that you should attempt first.

This method will refresh your TV’ software and give it a good power discharge, which may be initially causing the problem.

Follow these instructions to perform a hard reset on your smart TV:

  1. Turn off your smart TV using the remote.
  2. Unplug the device’s power adapter from the electrical outlet.
  3. Put the power cable away.
  4. Stand by for 5 minutes.
  5. Re-install the power adapter of your smart TV back in place.
  6. Turn the device on.
  7. Launch the BBC iPlayer and test the streaming.
Tip: The longer time you keep your TV disconnected, the better it will power cycle.

Solution #2 Connect your TV to the Internet

connect tv to internet

Chances are that your smart TV got disconnected from the internet. All online platforms require an internet connection and the BBC iPlayer as well.

If your TV is not hooked up to WiFi, none of the content will be available for streaming and the app will refuse to work.

Here’s how to hook up a smart TV to the internet easily:

  1. Go into your smart TV’ Settings.
  2. Scroll down a bit and search for a “Set up Internet Connection” tab.
  3. Enter the connection tab.
  4. Choose “WiFi” or “Wireless”.
  5. Press on your network once the list of WiFis has appeared.
  6. Insert the WiFi password for your network.
  7. Hit the “Connect” button.
  8. Wait for the connection to be realized.
Note: Wait for the WiFi to set up and launch the BBC app. Check if it works now.

Solution #3 Update your TV’s Firmware/BBC iPlayer

upgrade firmware

Most users have suggested getting either your TV or the BBC iPlayer application updated.

In most cases, this problem has something to do especially with the software version of your TV or the app, as we’ve already mentioned. Let’s get both of them updated then!

Let’s begin by updating your smart TV first!

How to Update a Smart TV In Easy Steps?

  1. Go into your TV’ Settings.
  2. Head to “Software Update”.
  3. Select the “Check for Updates” button.
  4. If an available update displays press the “Update” setting.
  5. Wait for your TV to finish updating and reset.

How to Update the BBC iPlayer On a Smart TV?

  1. On your TV, go to “Featured” in the settings.
  2. Navigate to the BBC iPlayer app.
  3. Highlight the app or choose “Update All Apps”.
  4. Confirm the update.
  5. Wait for the process to be complete.
  6. Launch the BBC iPlayer app.
Note: Test if the platform would start working, both after updating the TV and the app!

Solution #4 Clear BBC Platform App Cache

clean app cache

If too much app cache has gathered in your TV’s storage as a result of using the BBC application too much, this may deny your access at some point.

It’s not that you’ve been restricted or anything, but too much app cache can break down applications/platforms.

To clear the app cache of the BBC iPlayer app, follow these steps:

  1. From the Home Screen of your TV, go to Settings.
  2. Navigate to “System Settings”.
  3. Press the “Application Manager” button.
  4. Press the BBC iPlayer platform from the list of apps.
  5. Click the “Clear Cache” button.
  6. Wait for the cache to be removed.

Do not cancel the cache-clearing process or shut down your TV for the time being. This may cause even further problems with the application that may require you to reinstall the app.

Tip: To boost your TV’s performance, repeat this step for all apps on your smart TV.

Solution #5 Reinstall the BBC iPlayer App

bbbc app reinstall

As expected, a clear reinstallation of the BBC iPlayer app is your most powerful move against the problem.

Instead of having to bother with individual settings and potential issues with the platform, why not perform a clean installation to deal with everything at once?

On your TV, go to Settings > Storage, and select and uninstall the BBC iPlayer app!

Once the application is successfully removed from your TV, head back to the app store and download it again.

After that, hop into your BBC account and the streaming should now be possible without interruptions.

Note: You will have to Sing-in your BBC iPlayer account after the reinstallation!

Solution #6 Factory Reset your TV

If nothing worked so far, perhaps it is time to perform a Factory Reset on your TV to resolve the problem.

A factory reset is going to erase all contents from your TV, along with applications, settings and any enabled features. This is our most powerful method.

reset your tv

To perform a factory reset on your TV, follow the instructions down below:

  1. Head to your TV’ Settings.
  2. Choose “Software Reset” after scrolling down a bit.
  3. Press “Factory Reset Everything”.
  4. Confirm your reset and DO NOT select a backup (if a backup is possible).
  5. Wait for your TV to reset and then reboot afterwards.

While your TV is resetting, let go of the remote and do not press any buttons. Interact with the remote only if prompted by your TV’s reset or you may accidentally cancel the process.

Note: You’ll need to carry out the initial TV setup after the factory reset.

Quick Recap:

Thus, when the BBC iPlayer app is not working on a Smart TV users need to hard reset their television and update both the TV and the app. In case that’s not enough, clear the BBC iPlayer app cache and perform a clean reinstallation.

The final and most powerful step is to factory reset the TV!

Read Next: Unfortunately, BBC iPlayer has Stopped? – Fixed!

Final Thoughts:

We’ve taught you everything about the BBC iPlayer not working on smart TV along with all of the community solutions.

It is up to you to decide how are you going to approach the problem but following our guide you can’t go wrong. Good Luck!

To get a solution to all of your smart home issues, make sure to visit our technical blog!