BBC iPlayer is a popular streaming service that offers a vast library of binge-worthy content. However, like the BBC iPlayer not working issue, it can sometimes encounter some various errors. If you’re experiencing problems with BBC iPlayer on your Sony smart TV, don’t worry.
In this article, we’ll provide you with 11 quick fixes to get the app up and running smoothly again. Here’s a rundown of the potential fixes we’ll offer. Although they go from simpler to more toiling ones, you can jump to the fix that seems most probable to fix the issue for you.
The potential fixes:
- Checking the BBC iPlayer server status
- Checking compatibility
- Verifying internet speed
- Power cycling your TV
- Restarting your router
- Updating TV firmware
- Clearing app cache
- Reinstalling the BBC iPlayer app
- Disabling VPN
- Testing on another device
- Factory resetting your TV
Before taking a look at each of these solutions individually, let’s check out what could cause the issue.
Why is BBC iPlayer not working?
BBC iPlayer may encounter issues and stop working for various reasons. One common cause is a poor or unstable internet connection. Insufficient network bandwidth or disruptions in the connection can lead to buffering problems or prevent the app from loading content. Another factor could be outdated software, either on your device or within the BBC iPlayer app itself. Incompatibilities between older app versions and the operating system can result in the BBC iPlayer not working error.
Additionally, temporary glitches or bugs within the app can arise from time to time, causing it to freeze, crash, or exhibit unexpected behavior. In some cases, regional restrictions or geo-blocking may prevent access to BBC iPlayer content if you’re outside the UK. Understanding the potential reasons behind the app’s malfunction can help you troubleshoot and resolve the issues effectively.
How to fix the BBC iPlayer not working issue?
Whether you’re experiencing playback errors, app crashes, or connectivity issues, these potential fixes below will assist you in getting your favorite shows and movies up and running again in no time. So, let’s dive in and learn how to fix BBC iPlayer when it’s not working as expected.
Checking the BBC iPlayer server status
In order to not waste any time and ensure that the solutions below might have a shot, use Downdetector to check if there are any reported outages or issues with BBC iPlayer in your area. If there are no reported problems, reach out to BBC iPlayer support for more information.
Checking compatibility
Ensure that your Sony smart TV is compatible with BBC iPlayer. The app only works on Sony TV models from 2014 or later. If you have an older Sony TV, consider using a streaming stick like the Fire TV Stick or Roku streaming stick to access BBC iPlayer. You can check out the compatibility of your device on BBC’s page.
Verifying internet speed
Slow internet can cause buffering issues. Check your internet speed using a computer or phone connected to the same network as your TV. Ensure you have a minimum speed of 3-4 Mbps for standard streaming or 5-8 Mbps for HD. If your speed is slower, troubleshoot your internet connection or contact your provider for assistance.
Power cycling your TV
Frequently, app issues can be attributed to random software glitches on your Sony TV. Just like with most software problems, the simplest solution is to turn it off and then turn it back on.
The easiest way to force restart apps on your Sony TV is by restarting the entire TV. However, pressing the power button on your remote doesn’t actually turn off the TV; it simply puts it in standby mode, which won’t initiate a restart of the active app.
There are two methods to force a restart of your Sony TV:
Restarting your TV using the remote:
- Ensure that your TV is on (not in standby mode).
- Press and hold the power button on your remote for at least 5 seconds until your TV completely restarts. Some models may prompt you to confirm the restart, while others will restart automatically.
- Open the app.
- Since this restarts all apps and the TV itself, your app should now function normally. If not, we still have a few more troubleshooting steps to try.
Restarting your TV manually:
- Unplug your TV’s power cord from the wall outlet or surge protector.
- Press the power button on the TV panel (do not hold it) to discharge any residual power.
- Wait for approximately two minutes.
- Plug your TV back in and turn it on.
- Select the BBC iPlayer app.
Now, try using the BBC iPlayer app again. Hopefully, the BBC iPlayer not working error should be fixed. If not, you can continue trying out other methods. It might be useful to keep these instructions handy, as a proper restart often resolves many TV-related issues.
Restarting your router
In many cases, the issue may lie with your local Wi-Fi network rather than your TV or the BBC iPlayer app. Instead of troubleshooting individual network problems, it is often more convenient to restart your entire network to see if it resolves the issue. It’s generally recommended to do this approximately once a month to ensure optimal network performance.
Before proceeding, ensure that no one in your household is actively using the internet. This process will temporarily disconnect all network and internet connections for approximately five minutes during the reboot.
Unplug the power cable from your router and modem, wait for 30 seconds, then plug them back in. Allow the devices to boot up, and then try running the iPlayer app again and see if the BBC iPlayer not working issue continues.
Updating TV firmware
Keep your Sony TV firmware up to date. If the software that the current version of the app is using is incompatible with yours, it may be the root of the problem. Check for firmware updates in the settings menu and install any available updates. This can help resolve compatibility issues and improve app performance. Here’s how:
- Press the Help button on your Sony TV’s remote control. If you don’t have a Help button, press Input and select Help.
- Select System Software Update. If you don’t see that option, first select Status & Diagnostics.
- Choose Software Update or Check for a System Software Update.
- Wait for the update check to complete.
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
Clearing app cache
If you’re experiencing the BBC iPlayer not working problem, try clearing its cache. Sometimes the remaining data on the memory of devices can meddle with the programs’ functioning. Below, you can check out how to clear the app cache on both Google and Android TVs.
For Google TV:
- Press the Home button on your Sony TV’s remote control.
- Select the Gmail icon.
- Go to Screen.
- Select Apps.
- Choose the option that says “See all Apps”.
- Look for the iPlayer app.
- Select the iPlayer app.
- Click on either “Clear Cache” or “ClearData”.
- Confirm the action if prompted.
For Android TV:
- Press the Home or Quick Settings button on your Sony TV’s remote control.
- Select Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Choose the option that says “See all Apps” if available.
- Select “Show System Apps” if it exists.
- Locate the iPlayer app.
- Click on “Clear Cache”.
- Confirm the action when prompted.
- Click on “Clear Data”.
- Confirm the action when prompted.
Reinstalling the BBC iPlayer app
Consider reinstalling the iPlayer app on your Sony TV. If there are any problems with the currently downloaded version that could be got rid of with a fresh download, a nice reinstall should do it. Here’s how:
- Locate the Home or Quick Settings button on your remote and press it.
- Using the navigation buttons on the remote, select the Settings option.
- Look for the Apps section and select it.
- If available, choose the option that says “See All Apps”
- Scroll through the list of apps and find the BBC iPlayer app.
- Select the BBC iPlayer app.
- Press the Uninstall button and confirm the action if prompted.
- Press the Home button on your Sony TV remote.
- Navigate to the Apps tab.
- (Android TVs only) Press OK to open the Google Play Store.
- Go to the search bar (Google TVs) or select the search icon at the top of the screen (Android TVs).
- Enter iPlayer in the search box.
- Select iPlayer from the search results.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Disabling VPN
If you use a VPN, disable it temporarily as some VPNs may be blocked by iPlayer and cause the BBC iPlayer not working issue. Turn off your VPN and try connecting to BBC iPlayer again.
Testing on another device
Check if BBC iPlayer works on other devices connected to the same network. If it doesn’t work on any device and the BBC iPlayer not working issue continues, the problem may be with your BBC iPlayer account or the service’s servers. Contact BBC iPlayer support for further assistance.
Factory resetting your TV
As a last resort, perform a factory reset on your Sony TV to get rid of the BBC iPlayer not working issue. This will erase all settings, including those related to the iPlayer app. Hopefully, any bugs or glitches will be flushed down thanks to the reset. If you are not familiar with how to do so, here are the instructions:
- Navigate to the Home button on your remote control and press it.
- From the available options, select Settings.
- Within the Settings menu, locate and select Device Preferences.
- Look for the Reset option and select it.
- You should see a submenu with various reset options. Choose Factory Data Reset.
- A confirmation message will appear. Select Erase Everything to proceed.
- If you have set a PIN on your TV, you may be prompted to enter it. Type in your PIN using the provided PIN box.
- Once again, a confirmation screen may appear. Confirm your selection to initiate the factory data reset process.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most issues with BBC iPlayer on your Sony smart TV. Enjoy uninterrupted streaming of your favorite shows and movies once again!
If you have tried all the steps above and still experience issues with BBC iPlayer, it’s possible that there may be a more significant problem with either the app or your TV. In such cases, consider reaching out to BBC iPlayer support or Sony customer service for further assistance.
What to do on iOS devices?
You might also be experiencing the same issue with BBC iPlayer not working error on iOS devices. If that is the case for you, apply the commonly shared fixes we offered above that you can perform on your iOS device. Below, you can also check out some other fixes, particularly for fixing the BBC iPlayer not working issue on iOS devices.
Updating the BBC iPlayer app
To get rid of the BBC iPlayer not working on iOS devices, start by ensuring that you have the latest version of the BBC iPlayer app installed on your device. Outdated versions can sometimes cause compatibility issues and lead to app malfunctions. Open the App Store, search for “BBC iPlayer”, and check if an update is available. If so, tap the “Update” button next to the app to install the latest version.
Force closing and reopening the app
Sometimes, the app may encounter temporary glitches that can be resolved by force closing and reopening it. Double-click the home button (or swipe up from the bottom on iPhone X or newer models) to access the app switcher. Locate the BBC iPlayer app preview and swipe it up or off the screen to close it. Afterward, relaunch the app to see if it works properly.
Restarting your iOS device
A simple restart can often resolve minor software issues on your iOS device. Press and hold the power button until you see the “Slidetopower off” option. Slide it to turn off your device. Wait for a few seconds, then press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears. Once your device restarts, open the BBC iPlayer app and check if the problem persists.
Clearing app cache and data (if applicable)
On iOS devices, clearing the app cache and data is not as straightforward as on Android devices. However, you can try deleting and reinstalling the BBC iPlayer app, which effectively achieves a similar result. Press and hold the app icon on your home screen until it starts to jiggle. Tap the “x” icon on the app’s corner to delete it. Then, visit the App Store, search for “BBC iPlayer”, and reinstall the app.
Remember, technology can be unpredictable, and issues may arise from time to time. But with a bit of troubleshooting and patience, you can often resolve them like the BBC iPlayer not working error and get back to enjoying your favorite content on BBC iPlayer.
If the BBC iPlayer not working issue didn’t push you too much away from the tech giant, you might also be interested in how Sony’s NFT patent will reshape the gaming world.
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