Features

What are the playback controls for Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer on the mobile/tablet app?

Anonymous — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 13:00:02 +0000

What are the playback controls for Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer on the mobile/tablet app?

When playing back programmes, you'll see:

A large, centralised play/pause button
A central progress bar
10 second skip forwards/backwards buttons
Accessibility and Settings icons
Playback rotation icon (Android only)

You can access subtitles as well as audio description and signed content (where available) using the speech bubble icon on the top right of the playback page.

Autoplay can be toggled on and off using the Settings cog on the top right of the playback screen.

When you finish an episode, our Onward Journeys menu will give you the option to continue watching or to move to the next episode.

Anonymous (not verified) 09 October 2019

What are recommendations?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:46:29 +0000

What are recommendations?

When you watch something on Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer we'll recommend programmes we think you’ll like.

These recommendations are based on things you’ve already watched. So if you’ve watched a David Attenborough documentary in the past, we might recommend another nature programme.

How can I improve my recommendations?

The more you watch, the better your recommendations will get.

We try to recommend programmes that are similar to things you’ve watched. We also recommend things that people with similar tastes are watching. We’ll then return the favour by using what you’ve watched to help make recommendations to other people.

What if I don’t want personalised recommendations?

Personalised recommendations are just one of the personalisation features offered in Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer. You can opt out of personalisation in your Ģ��Ƶ account settings. For more information on how to do this, visit the Using the Ģ��Ƶ website.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

How do I use Chromecast with Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:46:29 +0000

How do I use Chromecast with Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer?

If you have Chromecast installed, you can cast programmes to your Chromecast device by using the following:

Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer app on Android or iOS devices
Chrome browser on a laptop, desktop or mobile device

Google are working towards supporting Amazon Fire devices.

Casting from Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer

When you cast from Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer, you're sending an instruction from Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer over your WiFi network to the Chromecast device connected to your TV to fetch a particular programme directly from Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer.

You will not be streaming the programme through your mobile, tablet or computer, so once you've cast your programme you can continue to use your device for other uses. However:

If you're using the Chrome browser, don't close the tab
If you're using the app, you will need to select the cast icon from within the app to either resume control or disconnect

Can I cast downloaded programmes?

As Chromecast streams programmes directly from Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer, downloads are not supported. If you try to cast a downloaded programme, Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer will instead stream the programme from the internet.

How do I cast from the Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer app?

Your device needs to be connected to the same WiFi network as the Chromecast. Ensure you have the latest version of the Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer app installed on your device.

Once your device detects Chromecast, the cast icon will be displayed within the app
From any programme page, select the cast icon and then choose which device to cast to
Press play on the programme you want to watch. It will start casting to your chosen device.

How do I cast from the Chrome browser on my computer, laptop or mobile device?

Your desktop, laptop, mobile or tablet needs to be connected to the same network as the Chromecast device. Make sure you have the Chrome browser open with the Chromecast extension enabled. On mobile devices, you may need to use the browser Settings to select 'Desktop site'.

Select any programme on www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer
After you have clicked to play a programme, select the cast icon located in the control bar
Chromecast will connect to Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer and start playback

If you encounter connection issues with Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer through your Chromecast device, check the following page: Why am I having problems with my Chromecast?

Once a programme starts to play via Chromecast, we'll provide the best quality version based on your broadband connection. If your internet connection drops or other devices start to use the same network connection, the quality version will change automatically so playback will not be interrupted.

How do I control playback?

Playback and volume controls are operated from the app or browser. If you've navigated away from the app, you'll need to select the cast icon to bring up the cast menu, then select "Control Cast."

Please note that Live Restart is not supported when casting live streams from the app, so you will always watch from the live point. Autoplay is not supported when casting an on-demand programme from the app, so you'll need to select the next episode on your phone/tablet.

Both of these features are available when casting from the website.

Can I use subtitles while casting?

Subtitles are supported on Chromecast but are currently only available in black and white.

Useful links:

The Ģ��Ƶ is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

What is the Watchlist?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:50:03 +0000

What is the Watchlist?

Watchlist is where you'll find the programmes that you've added. It's your personal space within Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer.

Head to the How do I add programmes? page to find out more about adding programmes.

Where can I find my Watchlist?

On the website. Look for 'Watchlist' on the top right of the iPlayer website:
On the mobile/tablet app. Access Watchlist from the menu at the bottom of the screen. On iPads and devices with larger screens, the menu may be at the top:
On the TV app. You'll find Watchlist in the left-hand menu:

Continue Watching

Started a programme but don’t have time to finish it just yet? You’ll find any episode you're part-way through, along with the next episode in the series (for as long as they’re available) in the Continue Watching section. So it’s a quick way to pick up where you left off! You'll find your Continue Watching list on the homepage.

Recommendations

You can find recommended programmes on the homepage. The more you watch, the more relevant and accurate your recommendations will become.

Your Continue Watching, Watchlist and Recommendations will update across all devices that use the same Ģ��Ƶ account. This means that if you add a programme on one device, like your phone, it will appear in Watchlist on your connected TV, for example. Or if you start watching something on your tablet, you can continue watching it on your computer.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

How do I add programmes?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:50:03 +0000

How do I add programmes?

Short on time but seen something you want to watch? Or found a programme you love and want to access easily? Just add it to your Watchlist!

Once added, you’ll be able to access the programme on other devices you’re signed in on. Programmes will stay in your Watchlist for as long as they’re available to watch on Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer (unless you remove them yourself). All future episodes of the programme you’ve added will appear in your Watchlist when they’re available.

How do I add a programme?

On the Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer website

Find the programme you want to add. Click on the + Watchlist button at the bottom left corner of the episode screen.

On the Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer app for mobiles and tablets

Tap on the programme you want to add and then tap + Watchlist under the playback area.

On the Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer TV app

Find and select the programme you would like to add. Select + Watchlist.

Where can I find my Watchlist?

On the Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer website
Head to Watchlist on the top right of the Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer website. You can also scroll to the bottom of the homepage to see the most recent programmes you've added. Clicking on 'Manage full list' will open your Watchlist.

On the Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer app for mobiles and tablets
Tap on 'Watchlist' on the bottom menu to open the full list, or scroll to the bottom of the homepage to see the latest programmes that have been added.

On connected TVs or games consoles
Select + Watchlist from the left-hand menu

How do I remove a programme from my Watchlist?

On the Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer website

Head to your Watchlist at the top of the homepage
Select X Remove underneath any programme you'd like to remove

You can also remove individual programmes on their episode or playback page.

On the Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer app for mobiles and tablets

Tap on 'Watchlist' on the bottom menu
Select the programme you would like to remove
The 'Watchlist' will have a 'tick' icon to show that it's currently added. Tap this to remove the programme.

On connected TVs and games consoles

Select Watchlist from the menu on the left hand side ('+' icon)
Select the programme you'd like to remove. The Watchlist icon will show a tick. Select this icon to remove the programme.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

How do I activate AirPlay on my iPad, iPhone or iPod touch?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:50:44 +0000

How do I activate AirPlay on my iPad, iPhone or iPod touch?

You can use AirPlay to stream content from Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer to your Apple TV or supported device.

How do I connect to AirPlay?

Ensure that the device you want to connect to and your iOS device are connected to the same internet network
Start playing a programme
On the playback screen, tap the AirPlay icon and select the device you want to connect to
Enter the code displayed on the device. Your programme will continue playing on the connected device.

How do I turn AirPlay off?

Tap the screen of your iOS device when the programme is playing
Tap the AirPlay icon and choose the iOS device. This will disconnect it

If you’re having problems connecting to AirPlay, or can’t find the device you want to AirPlay to, you can find further troubleshooting information on the Apple AirPlay Support website.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

Can I pick up watching a programme where I left off?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:50:44 +0000

Can I pick up watching a programme where I left off?

Yes! With your Ģ��Ƶ account, we remember how much of a programme you’ve watched so you can pick up exactly where you left off, even on another device. If you’re partway through a series, we’ll also line up the next episode for next time.

Where can I find my watching list?

On all devices, you'll find your Continue watching... list near the top of the homepage.

Find out more in the How can I manage my Continue Watching list? page.

Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer doesn't remember where I left off

Firstly, check that you're signed into the same Ģ��Ƶ account.

If you are, and you're still unable to continue watching, it's likely because of your cookie settings. Check this page to find out how cookies are used across Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer and how to manage your cookies: What happens if I opt out of Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer cookies?

You'll also need to ensure that you have personalisation enabled on your Ģ��Ƶ account. You can switch this on in your account settings. For more information on personalisation, have a look here: About your personalisation settings.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

What are the playback controls for Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer on the website?

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 09:25:02 +0000

What are the playback controls for Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer on the website?

When watching programmes, you'll see:

A larger, centralised play/pause button
20 second skip forwards/backwards buttons
Playback speed options
Onward journey buttons at the end of a programme or episode

You can also control the player with keyboard shortcuts.

Trailers can be skipped using the pink 'Skip trailer' button on the bottom right of the playback area. The trailer can be skipped back or forwards 5 seconds using the icons at either side of the play button, or the playback bar can be used to navigate through the trailer.

Where available, Chapters & Key Moments will show on the playback bar, allowing you to skip to key moments and segments on longer streams.

Programme intros and episode recaps can also be skipped.

Programme playback can be skipped back or forwards 20 seconds using the icons on either side of the play button.

Subtitle options can be found by clicking the speech bubble icon on the playback screen. Subtitles can be switched on and off, and the size of the text can be adjusted.

The playback speed of a programme can be adjusted using the '1x' button.

Autoplay can be toggled on and off using the Settings cog on the playback screen. The video quality can also be adjusted here.

When you finish an episode, our Onward Journeys menu will give you the option to continue watching or to move to the next episode.

At the end of a series or programme, you'll see three recommendations, with your programme still showing on the top left. The main recommendation will be in full screen and will play after the countdown shown in the pink box on the bottom left. To start the programme right away, click the pink button. To watch any of the other two recommendations, just select them. To go back to the programme you were watching, simply click the mini player on the top left.

To learn more about recommendations, have a look at the following page: What are recommendations?

If you're watching on a small or zoomed screen, you'll now see larger player controls displayed in the middle of the screen. To make them visible, we display the controls against a darkened background. On smaller screens, volume, subtitles and playback settings can all be found on the top right.

Keyboard shortcuts

You can control new versions of our media player using your keyboard.

You can start using keyboard shortcuts as soon as you play something. Before then, only the ‘play’ and ‘full screen’ keyboard shortcuts work. The shortcuts are:

Play

Space bar (when focus is on the player or seek bar)
k
'Play' media key

Pause or stop

Space bar (when focus is on the player or seek bar)
k
'Pause' or 'Stop' media key

Subtitles on or off

Rewind

j
Left arrow

Fast forward

l (that's a lower case letter 'L')
Right arrow

Mute or unmute

Full screen

Exit full screen

Anonymous (not verified) 30 March 2022

What is the Chapters & Key Moments feature on Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer?

Anonymous — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:10:03 +0000

What is the Chapters & Key Moments feature on Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer?

Chapters & Key Moments help you find your way around live and on-demand video easily. Chapters divide a programme or event into useful sections, while Key Moments highlight particular moments of interest.

Instead of manually searching through programmes using the progress bar, select a Chapter or Key Moment to jump straight to that part of the video.

Chapters & Key Moments are available on selected content on Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer TV apps, Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer website and Ģ��Ƶ Sport websites.

Can I watch without seeing spoilers?

Yes.

To watch without spoilers on the Ģ��Ƶ website, simply start playback. You will only see spoilers if you open the Chapters & Key Moments menu, hover over the Key Moment diamonds, or hover over the scrub bar.

To watch without spoilers on TV, simply start playback. If prompted to “Press up for Chapters and Key Moments” when you are rewinding or fast-forwarding, do not press up.

What are the diamonds?

These indicate Key Moments in the video. For example, in a football match, they may indicate red or yellow cards, or goals.

What are the segments in the scrub bar?

These indicate chapters in the video. For example, in a football match, they may indicate First Half, Half Time, or Second Half.

Anonymous (not verified) 17 June 2026

Does the Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer TV app have a screensaver?

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:55:02 +0000

Does the Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer TV app have a screensaver?

Yes! The Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer TV app has a screensaver feature which will prevent screen burn on your TV when a programme has been paused.

You'll see the screensaver when your programme has been paused for four minutes. The screensaver will feature programmes based on what you've watched, or on the age of the child if watching on a child profile or account.

The images will slowly move to prevent screen burn on your TV.

How do I get back to what I was watching?

Simply press the 'play/pause' button, or you can use the 'back,' 'exit' or ‘select’ button on your remote.

Seeing your TV screensaver instead? If you use your device's in-built screensaver, this will likely override the one on the Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer app.

Anonymous (not verified) 16 December 2025

Features

What are the playback controls for Ģ������Ƶ iPlayer on the mobile/tablet app?

What are recommendations?

How can I improve my recommendations?

What if I don’t want personalised recommendations?

How do I use Chromecast with Ģ������Ƶ iPlayer?

Casting from Ģ������Ƶ iPlayer

Can I cast downloaded programmes?

How do I cast from the Ģ������Ƶ iPlayer app?

How do I cast from the Chrome browser on my computer, laptop or mobile device?

How do I control playback?

Can I use subtitles while casting?

Useful links:

What is the Watchlist?

Where can I find my Watchlist?

Continue Watching

Recommendations

How do I add programmes?

How do I add a programme?

Where can I find my Watchlist?

How do I remove a programme from my Watchlist?

How do I activate AirPlay on my iPad, iPhone or iPod touch?

How do I connect to AirPlay?

How do I turn AirPlay off?

Can I pick up watching a programme where I left off?

Where can I find my watching list?

Ģ������Ƶ iPlayer doesn't remember where I left off

What are the playback controls for Ģ������Ƶ iPlayer on the website?

Keyboard shortcuts

What is the Chapters & Key Moments feature on Ģ������Ƶ iPlayer?

Can I watch without seeing spoilers?

What are the diamonds?

What are the segments in the scrub bar?

Does the Ģ������Ƶ iPlayer TV app have a screensaver?

How do I get back to what I was watching?

What are the playback controls for Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer on the mobile/tablet app?

How do I use Chromecast with Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer?

Casting from Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer

How do I cast from the Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer app?

Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer doesn't remember where I left off

What are the playback controls for Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer on the website?

What is the Chapters & Key Moments feature on Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer?

Does the Ģ��Ƶ iPlayer TV app have a screensaver?