Streaming content from your favorite platforms onto a larger screen is an increasingly popular way to enjoy media. AirPlay is one of the easiest ways for Apple device users to achieve this. BBC iPlayer, a popular service offering on-demand television and radio from the BBC, can also be streamed to your TV via AirPlay. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps on how to AirPlay BBC iPlayer, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite shows in high quality on your television.
Can You AirPlay BBC iPlayer?
Yes, you can AirPlay BBC iPlayer content from your Apple device to your TV. BBC iPlayer supports AirPlay natively, meaning that it works well with Apple devices without the need for complicated workarounds or third-party apps.
Requirements
- Apple Device: An iPhone, iPad, or Mac that supports AirPlay.
- Compatible TV or Device: This could be an Apple TV or a smart TV that supports AirPlay 2.
- BBC iPlayer App: Ensure you have the latest version of the BBC iPlayer app installed on your device.
- Stable Wi-Fi Connection: Both your Apple device and the receiving AirPlay device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
How to AirPlay BBC iPlayer from an iPhone or iPad
1. First, make sure your iPhone or iPad is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your AirPlay-compatible TV or Apple TV. Update the BBC iPlayer app and iOS to their latest versions for the best performance.
2. Launch the BBC iPlayer app on your iPhone or iPad. If you don’t have it installed, you can download it from the App Store.
3. Select the TV show, movie, or radio program you want to stream. Once you’ve selected the content, press play.
4. Click on the AirPlay icon on the top right corner of the app.
5. A list of available AirPlay devices will appear. Select the device (Apple TV or AirPlay-enabled TVs like Samsung TV, Hisense TV, and Sony TV) to which you want to stream.
6. The video will play on your TV
Alternatively, you can also AirPlay from the Control center:
1. To access the Control Center, swipe down from the upper right-hand corner of the screen (for iPhone X or later) or swipe up from the bottom (for earlier models).
2. Tap on the Screen Mirroring or AirPlay icon.
3. Select the device to which you want to stream.
4. After a few seconds, the content should appear on your TV screen. You can now sit back and enjoy your BBC iPlayer show on a bigger screen.
How to AirPlay BBC iPlayer from a Mac
If you’re using a Mac, AirPlay BBC iPlayer is also simple. Here’s how:
1. On your Mac, open Safari or another compatible browser and navigate to the BBC iPlayer website.
2. Choose the content you’d like to watch and press play.
3. On your Mac’s menu bar, click the Control Center button. On the Control Center, click on the Screen Mirroring option.
4. From the list of devices, select your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV.
5. After a brief moment, the video will appear on your TV screen. You can control playback from your Mac or using the Apple TV remote if you have one.
How to Fix Unable to AirPlay BBC iPlayer Issue?
If you encounter any issues while trying to AirPlay BBC iPlayer, here are some common fixes:
1. Check Wi-Fi Connection: Both your Apple device and your AirPlay-enabled device need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Double-check your connection settings and restart your router if necessary.
2. Update Devices: Ensure both your Apple device and your AirPlay receiver (Apple TV or Smart TV) are updated to the latest software version. Sometimes, outdated software can cause connectivity issues.
3. Restart Devices: If the AirPlay icon isn’t showing up or the stream is lagging, restart both your Apple device and the AirPlay receiver.
4. Disable Bluetooth: While AirPlay typically uses Wi-Fi, some users have reported that disabling Bluetooth on their Apple devices can help if they encounter connectivity problems.
5. Reboot the BBC iPlayer App: Close the BBC iPlayer app and open it again to clear any temporary issues that may be causing playback problems.
Alternatives to AirPlay for BBC iPlayer
If AirPlay isn’t an option for you, here are some alternatives:
- HDMI Cable: You can connect your laptop directly to your TV using an HDMI cable. Open BBC iPlayer on your laptop and watch it on your TV.
- Smart TV Apps: Some smart TVs come with the BBC iPlayer app pre-installed, meaning you don’t need to AirPlay at all. Simply open the app on your TV and start streaming directly.
- Chromecast: BBC iPlayer also supports Google Chromecast. If you have a Chromecast device, you can cast BBC iPlayer from your mobile or desktop Chrome browser to your TV.
AirPlaying BBC iPlayer from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is a seamless way to enjoy high-quality content on your TV. With this guide, you can easily set up AirPlay and start streaming your favorite BBC shows. If any problems arise, the troubleshooting tips provided should help resolve common issues.
FAQs
You can AirPlay BBC iPlayer to any TV that supports AirPlay, such as an Apple TV or a smart TV with AirPlay 2 functionality. If your TV doesn’t support AirPlay, you may need an Apple TV device to use AirPlay.
BBC iPlayer is only available to users within the UK due to licensing restrictions. You won’t be able to use the service or AirPlay BBC iPlayer from abroad unless you use a VPN, although this is against BBC iPlayer’s terms of service.