Troubleshooting problems on a mobile or tablet

Try these steps in the order listed to see if they help. (Using the Â鶹Éç iPlayer website on your mobile or tablet?ÌýSkip points 3 and 4.)

  1. Restart the device
    Turn off your device and switchÌýit back on before you try anything else. Make sure it's properly turned off and not placed in a standby or sleep mode.
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  2. CheckÌýyou're using the latest operating system version for your deviceÌý
    Sometimes bugs can only be fixed by an operating system update (the software that runs your phone). To check for operating system updates:
    ÌýÌý
    Amazon Fire Swipe from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings > select More > About
    Android Go to Settings > About Device > Software Update
    iOS (iPhone/iPad) Go to Settings > General > Software Update
  3. Check you're using the latest version of the app
    App updates frequently include bug fixes, so update if you’re not using the latest app version. You can check for updates in your app store:





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  4. Reinstall the app
    Delete the app then install it again from the app store. There may have been an issue when you installed the app, so this would be the next step after updating the app. Please be aware that when you delete the app you’ll also delete any downloaded programmes.
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  5. Check yourÌýinternetÌýconnection
    Maybe you're using a mobile network (e.g. 4G) when you think you're on WiFi?
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    • Poor performance on WiFi
      Try switching off your other devices using the same network as you or even taking them offline as these will be competing for bandwidth. The further away you are from the router, the more signal quality will suffer, so try moving closer to your router. Restarting your router may also help.
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    • Poor performance using your mobile network?
      Try turning your data connection off and on again. Sometimes even if it seems like you have a good signal on your mobile network, other factors such as a congested network (i.e. if you're using your data connection at peak times) may affect performance. Connecting to a WiFi network should improve playback and if it's a consistent problem, downloading programmes will help.Ìý

    For more help resolving buffering issues, see theÌýWhat can I do to help with buffering or playback problems? page.
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Still not working?

  • Check your system clock timeÌý
    Â鶹Éç iPlayer might have problems playing content if your device time isn't quite right (and doesn't match what we think the time currently is).ÌýHere's how to check this:
Amazon Fire Settings > Device Options > Date & Time and ensure Automatic Time Zone is switched on
Android Settings > Date & Time and enable Automatic Date & Time and Automatic Time Zone
iOS Settings > General > Date & Time and enable Set Automatically
  • Android: try clearing the app cache & data
    Go to:ÌýSettings > Apps > Â鶹Éç iPlayerÌýand select the Clear Cache option.

    To clear the app data entirely, select Clear Data on the same page. Then sign back in and try playing a programme.
  • Having problems with Chromecast or Airplay?
    Check theÌýWhy am I having problems with my Chromecast? page for advice on how to resolve issues with Chromecast.

    For help with Airplay, check Apple's support site: Ìý
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  • Have you tried to download programmes in the app?
    If you're still having problems playing programmes, you could try to download programmes to see if that helps.Ìý
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  • Try the website
    While you could be having problems with the app on your device, you might be able to watch programmes on the Â鶹Éç iPlayer website on your mobile or tablet instead. Just go to Ìýon your device's internet browser.

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Still need help?

If the problem you're experiencing isn't in the known issues section of the help site, and you're using the latest app version and operating system for your device, get in touch by clicking the Contact Us button below.

Send us as much information as possible:

  • Make and modelÌýof the device you're using (e.g. iPad Pro, Google Pixel 7)
  • The device's operating system version (e.g. iOS 17, Android 14)
  • The version of the Â鶹Éç iPlayer app you’re using (go to Settings on your device and select the Â鶹Éç iPlayer app)
  • Which programmes are affected (please give examples)
  • Whether it affects live, on-demand or downloaded programmes
  • Any error messages or error numbers displayed
  • The date and time the problem started
  • The steps you've tried to resolve the issue

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