FAQs about BBC iPlayer: How to watch BBC iPlayer outside UK and Download Shows from BBC iPlayer
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The BBC iPlayer has a ton of great programs and films. There's probably something on BBC iPlayer for everyone, whether they prefer traditional British comedies, suspenseful crime dramas, or lighthearted panel shows.
You may have many questions about BBC iPlayer. For example, can I use BBC iPlayer when I'm outside of the UK? Can I save videos from BBC iPlayer? How do I download shows from BBC iPlayer on mobile devices or desktop? This article will give you all the answers.
What is BBC iPlayer?
The BBC offers a video-on-demand service called BBC iPlayer. The service is accessible on a variety of gadgets, including smart televisions, personal computers, mobile phones, and tablets. No commercial advertising is present in the iPlayer services that are supplied to viewers in the UK. iPlayer, BBC Media Player, and BBC iPlayer all refer to different ways of watching or listening to the same content. Without a TV license, it is illegal to watch or record live television broadcasts from any UK broadcaster, as well as BBC TV catch-up or BBC TV on-demand programming.
Can I use BBC iPlayer when I'm outside of the UK?
No, only UK citizens are allowed to access BBC iPlayer, which is supported by the country's TV license. To stream, download, or watch BBC TV channels on BBC iPlayer, you must be in the UK.
There are still BBC services you can use outside of the UK, including:
- BBC Sounds
- BBC Podcasts
- BBC News
- BBC Sport
- BBC Three YouTube Channel
Please note that some content may not be available outside the UK.
How can I watch BBC iPlayer outside UK?
The sad part is that (in theory) you can only watch it from within the UK and that it is only available to UK viewers. What about tourists and those who own property in two nations, though? If you purchase it, you might want to have access to BBC iPlayer while traveling abroad in places like the United States, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Spain, Italy, and more.
Here is a quick overview of the procedures you must complete in order to use your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to access BBC iPlayer if you are located outside of the UK. Both a PC and an Android mobile can use this.
Steps to Watch BBC iPlayer outside UK
- A VPN membership is required. There are many excellent options of the best VPNs, such as NordVPN or Surfshark.
- On your Mac, iPhone, or iPad, download your preferred VPN application.
- Log in.
- Opt for a UK-based server.
- Visit BBC iPlayer and sign up.
- You should now be able to access content on BBC iPlayer.
Can I Save Videos from BBC iPlayer?
When you don't have an internet connection, such as when traveling, or if it's typically unstable and keeps buffering, you can download content from BBC iPlayer to view later.
On a mobile or tablet
The BBC iPlayer APP lets you download programs on compatible tablets and mobile devices. To download an episode, simply click Download next to it. Read on, and you'll get the specific steps about how to download shows from BBC iPlayer on mobile devices.
On a computer or laptop
Yes, you can download BBC iPlayer videos on a computer or a laptop. There are generally two ways: the BBC iPlayer Downloads application or a third-party downloader. If you choose the first one, you need to download and install BBC iPlayer in advance, and your computer system must be above Windows 7, or Mac OS 10.13 and above. If you select the second method, especially Y2mate Downloader, an all-in-one downloader, you can download videos from more than 500 OTT platforms and 1000+ websites, including BBC iPlayer.
How long can I keep programmes I've downloaded?
As is mentioned before, you can save BBC iPlayer videos on your mobile and desktop devices from BBC iPlayer or through a third-party downloader: Y2mate Downloader.
If you use BBC iPlayer
The same window of time applies as it does on the BBC iPlayer website or app. You have till the end of the same 30-day period to watch the download if a program is available for 30 days.
Keep an eye on the expiry date of any application you download to make sure you don't miss out, as downloaded programs will be erased after that availability period.
If you use Y2mate Downloader
Y2mate Downloader is an all-in-one third-party downloader which supports 500+ VOD streaming services, including BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Paramount Plus, Disney+, Amazon Prime and HBO Max.
Almost all streaming services have their own download limits on devices, time, video quality, etc. With Y2Mate, you can download an unlimited number of videos to any device and watch them at any point in time, ignoring the platform's own download limits. If you use Y2mate Downloader, you can save BBC iPlayer shows and other videos for as long as you want.
There are other VOD platforms that Y2mate Downloader supports:
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- What is Comedy Central? How to Download Comedy Central Videos?
- How to Download Sling TV on Devices and Download Videos on Sling TV
How Do I Download Shows from BBC iPlayer?
In this part, you'll get the basic measures about downloading shows from BBC iPlayer.
How to Download from BBC iPlayer on Mobile
On mobile devices, the BBC iPlayer is sufficient and you don't need to download any other software in order to obtain BBC iPlayer videos or other content. The precise methods for downloading from BBC iPlayer on a mobile device are listed below.
Step 1
On your device, launch the BBC iPlayer.
Step 2
Once you've located the material you wish to download, press the Download button next to the description to start the download.
Step 3
Tap Menu > Downloads > Queue to view the status of your downloads.
Step 4
Watch the video after the download is finished. To find your downloads, go to Menu > Downloads > Downloaded.
How to Download from BBC iPlayer on Desktop
Y2mate Downloader is your best video mate for downloading shows and videos from BBC iPlayer.
Download from BBC iPlayer with Y2mate Downloader
Step 1
To start enjoying your favorite videos, you need to install Y2Mate Downloader. Click "Free Download" below and install the Y2Mate Downloader on your computer.
- No wait time to download BBC iPlayer video
- Free to download BBC iPlayer video to MP4/MP3 forever
- Download BBC iPlayer video up to 8K resoultion
- Batch download and faster speed
Step 2
Launch Y2mate Downloader and input the official website of BBC iPlayer in the built-in browser on the homepage.
Step 3
Then you'll access the official website of Plex, and you can search for your favorite BBC iPlayer videos.
Step 4
When you start to play it, Y2mate Downloader will automatically begin to analyze the video and pop up a window for you to set up the output settings.
Step 5
After you click "Download Now", you'll find the video being downloaded in "Your Library".