How To Fix BBC iPlayer On Freesat Not Working?

“BBC iPlayer on Freesat not working” problem keeps occurring? We can handle this!

The complex software of Freesat boxes may sometimes confuse users whenever a problem occurs.

The included BBC iPlayer on-demand service to your Freesat box could be easily accessed through a specific section in the menu.

Here’s how to settle this issue easily:

To fix when BBC iPlayer isn’t working on Freesat, ensure your box is compatible and reconnect it to the internet. Next, update the box’ software and clear the box’s storage. Finally, perform a Factory Reset process on your Freesat cable box to fix the issue.

Let’s learn more about the box’s compatibility and the origin of the problem!

BBC iPlayer Not Working On Freesat – Reasons & Causes

One of the reasons that you’re unable to stream BBC iPlayer on your Freesat box is that you’re not launching the platform correctly.

IMPORTANT: BBC iPlayer has been put out of support on Freesat boxes manufactured by Humax. The affected models are HDR1100S, HDR1010S, HDR1000S, HB1100S, HB1000S.

To check the model of the box, head to “System Info” through the settings tab of the box.

Alternatively, here’s what could cause this problem:

• There is No Internet Connection in your box
• The Box is Running an Outdated Version
• There is an issue with the BBC iPlayer platform

If BBC iPlayer has been discontinued for your Humax Freesat cable box, it’s best to contact your service provider, just to make sure.

If the platform should be working for you, here are some solutions to get it going again!

How to Fix When BBC iPlayer On Freesat Not Working?

After understanding more about the BBC iPlayer issue on Freesat, it’s time to troubleshoot!

As we’ve already mentioned, there are affected Humax Freesat TV boxes that do not support BBC iPlayer any longer.

If your box happens to be one of the impacted, you should still try out our solutions, just to make sure no external problem has occurred.

Let’s begin with troubleshooting!

Solution #1 Launch BBC iPlayer Correctly

There’s a high chance that You’re not Starting up BBC iPlayer Correctly.

In this solution, we’ll disqualify errors during the launch of the BBC iPlayer, since it is not as easy as you think.

There is a specific way to turn on the BBC iPlayer and it must be done through the BBC channel on your Freesat box.

Here’s how to launch the BBC iPlayer platform in easy steps:

Method #1 – Box has an “On Demand” section:

1. Get your Freesat Box Remote.
2. Navigate to “Home”.
3. Launch the “On Demand” Selection.
4. Locate the BBC iPlayer from the menu.
5. Turn on the app and wait for it to load.

Method #2 – Box doesn’t have an “On Demand” section:

1. On your box, turn on Channel 101 where the BBC Channel is at.
2. Press the Red Button on your remote.
3. Wait for the Red Button Menu to appear.
4. Select “BBC iPlayer”.
5. Wait for the application to load.

On older Freesat TV boxes that don’t have an on-demand menu, you’ll have to access the BBC channel and launch the Red Button menu. From there, you’ll launch BBC iPlayer.

Note: Based on the box’s performance, the player could take up to 60 seconds to load.

Solution #2 Hard Reset the Cable Box

The easiest solution you should try is to Hard Reset the cable box.

This is a more advanced type of reboot, that will practically discharge the box and result in a software and hardware refresh of the device.

What’s so great about the Hard Reset is that it envelops and troubleshoots issues both with the hardware and software of the Freesat box.

How to Hard Reset Freesat Box:

1. Press the Power Button on the Freesat Box to shut it down.
2. Wait for the device to turn off completely.
3. Unplug the Power Adapter of the cable box, attached to the wall outlet.
4. Stand by for 5 Minutes while the box is disconnected from the source.
5. Reattach the power cable of the box to the power source.
6. Turn on the box.
7. Test…

Once the box has finalized the Hard Reset, boot it up again by pressing the Power Button on your remote. The LED on the box should light up if the startup was successful.

Note: To achieve better power cycling results of the box, keep it unplugged for longer.

Solution #3 Reconnect Box to Internet

On-Demand content on your Freesat box could only be accessed if your box is connected to the internet.

In that set of thoughts, you must hook up your Freesat box to the internet, using either of the connection methods we’re about to review.

Let’s first learn how to connect the box via Wi-Fi:

Using WiFi:

1. Head to the Settings Menu.
2. Press “Internet Connection”.
3. From the options, select “Wireless Connection”.
4. Proceed to follow the instructions and select your Home Network.
5. Insert the Wi-Fi Password of your home network.
6. Wait for the connection.

Using Ethernet:

1. Place your Modem/Router close to the Freesat box.
2. Get an Ethernet Cable.
3. Plug the cable into your box and network device.
4. Navigate to Settings.
5. Press “Internet Connection” and select “Wired”.
6. Follow the instructions to finalize the setup.

Once your box has been connected to the internet, BBC iPlayer should become available in the on-demand menu of your box.

Note: Based on the Freesat box’s performance, the connection will take a couple of minutes.

Solution #4 Update Freesat Box Software

If your box is running an Outdated Software Version, many of the on-demand services may not function properly, BBC iPlayer included.

What you could do next is trigger a software update on your Freesat box to get the BBC iPlayer platform’s functionality fixed.

• Your box must be connected to the internet in order to undergo a Software Update

Follow these instructions to update your Freesat box:

1. Get the Username and Password for the Freesat Webstore, included in the Subscription Letters.
2. Navigate to the Freesat Webstore on a browser.
3. Sign in using your Credentials.
4. Navigate to “Devices” and Select your Box.
5. Head to the “Software Update” section.
6. Select “Software/Firmware Update” to start the process.
7. Wait…

Your box is automatically connected to the management page of your account and you’ll be able to wirelessly upload updates. The update will take up to 5 minutes.

Note: There is a high chance that the Freesat box will reboot during or after the reboot.

Solution #5 Clear Box Storage

You should clear the box’ storage to make space for BBC iPlayer application updates or make a way for important data to upload.

Whatever the device, overfilled storage is never a good thing, since that could heavily impact the box’s performance and loading speeds.

• The storage on your Freesat Box is mainly occupied by existing Recordings

Important: Keep in mind that this solution only works for Freesat Digital TV Recorders

Here’s how to clear the storage of your Freesat Box in easy steps:

1. Head to “Library” on your box, through the box’s Settings.
2. Use the Arrow UP/DOWN to select and highlight recordings.
3. Highlight each recording you wish to get rid of (watch out for the date and space).
4. Once the recordings have been selected, highlight and select “Uninstall”.

If your box is not a digital unit and cannot save recordings, then ultimately proceed to the final solution, where we will factory reset the device!

Note: Pay attention to the date and space of the recordings to easily identify the footage.

Solution #6 Reset the Freesat Box

If nothing has worked out so far, you should perform a Factory Reset on the box.

This is the ultimate resolution to all software issues with the box and the missing functionality of the BBC iPlayer platform.

It’s also great for internal cache that has gathered and constantly slows down the performance of your box.

Here’s how to execute a Factory Reset on the TV Box:

1. Launch the Home Menu.
2. Select Settings.
3. Choose “System Settings”.
4. Head to “Factory Default”.
5. Press “Yes” on “Reset System”.
6. Insert the 4-digit PIN due to the restricted access to the process.
7. Wait.

Once the reset has been triggered, it could take up to 1-2 minutes, based on the box’s performance yet again.

Alert: Do not interact with the box while it is still performing the reset.

Quick Recap:

Thus, the resolution when the BBC iPlayer isn’t working on Freesat is to power cycle the box and clear the internal storage. Next, update the software of the box and reconnect the Freesat device to the internet. In case nothing helps, Factory Reset the box.

Wrapping Up:

In this guide, we’ve learned how the “BBC iPlayer on Freesat not working” problem is settled in the easiest manner.

We’ve explored a wide range of user opinions and solutions that are proven to work with the problem.

If you’re still experiencing problems with the on-demand platform, you should contact Freesat ASAP!

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