How do I sign in to BBC iPlayer on my TV?

Before you start.

Make sure you've got:

  • A BBC account. You can use your existing one. If you don’t already have one you can register by going to bbc.com/register.
  • A second device such as a mobile, tablet, computer or laptop*. This is where you'll enter the code shown on your TV.

*No second device, such as a phone, tablet or computer? Have a look here.

On your mobile, tablet or computer, please sign in to your BBC account on the website to make sure that you know your sign-in details. If you've forgotten your password, you can reset it here: I've forgotten my password.

Ready? Here's what you need to do.

  1. Open the BBC iPlayer application on your TV and select Sign In

    Screen showing the main sign in page on the iPlayer TV app. Two options are displayed - 'I have a mobile or computer' and 'I don't have a mobile or computer'

    If you're already signed in to an account and want to add another user, head back to the Select who's watching page by selecting the name on the top left of the menu. On the 'Select who's watching' page, choose Add adult.

    Image of the 'Add adult' icon on the iPlayer TV app

    You'll see a screen showing a URL and a six digit code to enter on our website

    Image of the sign in screen on the iPlayer TV app. The URL is shown and a six-digit code as well as a blue button for users who would like to use a QR instead
    There is also an option to sign in using a QR code. There is also an option on the bottom right if you need to use a phone or minicom.

    Image of the 'Sign in with a QR code' screen on the iPlayer TV app. The QR is displayed alongside a six-digit code. There is also an option on the bottom right to use a telephone or minicom.
     
  2. On your mobile/tablet/computer, open your internet browser and go to www.bbc.com/tvcode. You'll now see a screen on your mobile/tablet/computer saying Enter the code shown on your TV. Enter the activation code that appears on your TV screen, then select Sign in on your TV.

    Image of the sign in screen on the website asking for the code
     
  3. You'll see a screen asking you to confirm your account details. Enter your email address and password and select Sign in. You'll see confirmation that the details have been accepted. 

    Image of the confirmation screen on the website

     
  4. Wait a few seconds for your TV to catch up, and then you're done! You're now signed in on your TV.

confirmation screen on the TV app welcoming the user to the app

Here are some things to be aware of:

  • If you don’t use the activation code, it will expire after 60 minutes so you'll need to start again.
  • Only one person can use the activation code. If two or more people try to use the same code, it won’t work.
  • If you would like to add another adult to iPlayer on the TV, they will need to sign into their own BBC account on the website, then follow the TV steps.
  • If your computer/phone/tablet advises that you're signed in, but your TV doesn't change, or it asks you to sign in again, please run through our TV troubleshooting steps as these may help.
  • Sign-in isn't available on all TVs. That's because of variations in software and technology. We've got more information about this in the Why isn't sign-in available on my TV? page. 
  • If you want to sign in on more than one TV, follow the same procedure with those devices. You'll be given a code linked to that particular device. You can sign in to as many TV devices as you need.


What if I don't have a mobile, tablet or computer?

If you are required to sign in to BBC iPlayer on your TV and you don't have a second device, it is still possible to use BBC iPlayer on your TV. You'll need to have access to a telephone (this doesn't need to be a smartphone - a regular telephone will do). Minicom facilities are also available if you have a speech or hearing impairment. 

Follow these steps: 

  1. Open the BBC iPlayer application on your TV.
  2. On the sign in-screen, select 'I don't have a mobile or computer.'
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to get access to BBC iPlayer.

Please note this option is only available for connected TV devices.