Why do I need to register for BBC website? (2023)

Why is BBC forcing me to register?

You'll need to sign in to your BBC account to use parts of the BBC online, including BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds and BBC Sport. Signing in unlocks a BBC that's personalised to you. And as a public service, it allows us to check we're making something for everyone.

Without signing in, you won't be able to play programmes or benefit from the personalised features that BBC iPlayer offers. Signing in is quick, free and easy and you should stay signed in for two years on each web browser or app. Sign in isn't required to watch children's content through your web browser.

These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. See list of functional cookies. These cookies help to improve the performance of BBC Online.

On the BBC iPlayer website, you'll see a white banner at the top of the screen when you've selected to watch a programme with Sign Language. To switch off Sign Language, you can either click 'Turn off Sign Language' on the white banner, or click on Sign Language underneath the playback screen.

BBC users already have to sign in to access some BBC services online.

Is BBC iPlayer free to use? BBC iPlayer costs are covered by your annual TV Licence. This means that, unlike many streaming services, you do not need to pay to watch BBC TV programmes on iPlayer if you have a licence.

We collect some information automatically

Things like your IP address, which browser and device you're using, or your device ID. And we can tell what webpage directed you to the BBC by looking at information from your browser.

BBC iPlayer is a free service, but your mobile operator may charge for the data you use on their network. If you're unsure how much mobile data costs or what your data allowance is, please contact your mobile network operator. Was this helpful?

How can I watch BBC Online?

You can watch live streams and programmes on BBC iPlayer, BBC News and BBC Sport (when available) as they're being broadcast on television or online. You can also watch recorded video clips at any time.

You don't need a TV Licence if you never watch live on any channel, TV service or streaming service, or use BBC iPlayer*. This applies to any device, including a TV, computer, laptop, phone, tablet, games console or digital box.

What happens if you don't accept cookies? – The potential problem with refusing to accept cookies is that some website owners may not allow you to use their websites if you don't accept their cookies. Another downside is that without acceptance, you may not receive the full user experience on certain websites.

Cookies can slow your browser down.

By disabling cookies you will see fewer targeted ads. Without cookies, website owners, especially third-parties, won't be able to track your activity and count how many times you visit their sites or which sites or products you prefer.

Deleting your account is final, so unfortunately you can't get it back. We do that for your security and to protect your private information. If you've deleted your account by mistake or changed your mind, you'll need to register for a new one. You can get help with registering here.

If you enter the wrong password too many times, you'll be locked out for 30 minutes. This is to keep your account secure, so we won't be able to help in the meantime.

Some may still remember it by its former avatar, BBC iPlayer Radio, which Sounds replaced last October. You will need need to sign in to your BBC account when you first open the app. BBC Sounds: Radio and Podcasts is a free app for Android and iOS.

BBC News (also known as the BBC News Channel) is a British free-to-air public broadcast television news channel for BBC News.

The app is free to download. Go to Google Play or the Apple app store to download the official BBC News app.

How do I activate BBC?

Open the BBC iPlayer application on your TV and select Sign In. On your mobile/tablet/computer, open your internet browser and go to www.bbc.com/account/tv. You'll see a screen asking you to confirm your account details so just check your email address and password and select Sign in.

Another easy way to ditch the bill is specifically for students, allowing them to watch live television and use BBC iPlayer without a TV licence. University students can still be covered by their parents' licence even if they move into their own accommodation.

Money raised from the licence fee pays for BBC shows and services - including TV, radio, the BBC website, podcasts, iPlayer and apps.

Our purpose is to ensure as much of the fee as possible goes towards funding them. Even though the ways we watch and listen are changing, the licence fee also allows the BBC's UK services to remain independent and free from commercial advertising.

If TV Licensing believes you're watching 'live TV' or using BBC iPlayer without a licence, enquiry officers may pay you a visit. They can't enter your home without permission, but can apply for a search warrant to do so. They may also use detection equipment such as vans and handheld detectors.

How does iPlayer know if I am using a VPN? Like most geo-blocked services, BBC iPlayer determines the user's location by examining their IP address. If it points to anywhere outside of the UK, you simply won't be able to use the service.

No they can't go in and check your internet history without your consent, they can't even come into your house unless you let them. Not sure what happens if you let them in and they see you have a TV or laptop. I'd guess that's not enough evidence you were watching TV without a license.

If you're being asked to sign in to your BBC account each time you use BBC iPlayer, it's most likely because cookies are switched off on your browser or device.

Yes, you need a TV Licence to watch live on any channel, TV service or streaming service, and to use BBC iPlayer*. On any device, even if you are using a VPN.

How can I watch BBC on my computer?

How do I use BBC iPlayer on my computer? Watch live and on-demand programmes on your computer by heading to the website: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer. Once you've found the programme you want to watch, just press the play button and you're off!

TV Licensing is only allowed to physically check your TV and TV recording equipment, not any computers or mobile phones but they will take note if any computers are attached to a live TV feed such as a TV aerial.

If you block cookies, some web pages might not work. Here are some examples: You will likely not be able to sign in to a site even when using your correct username and password. You might see a message that cookies are required or that your browser's cookies are off.

If you are okay with cross-site tracking and displayed ads while browsing, you don't have to block third-party cookies. But, if you don't want third parties like ad networks to collect data about you or don't want to be shown ads, you can block third-party cookies on your browser settings.

Yes, some cookies track IP addresses from users when they visit a website. The use of such tracking cookies is regulated in most parts of the world, and under the EU's GDPR, California's CCPA/CPRA, Brazil's LGPD and South Africa's POPIA, IP addresses are considered personal data/information.

As a necessary part of web browsing, HTTP cookies help web developers give you more personal, convenient website visits. Cookies let websites remember you, your website logins, shopping carts and more.

If you are disclosing private information on a website, and they ask if you want to accept the cookies policy, it is best to pass and decline. Because this personal information can be used to access accounts, such as your bank account, you should keep that information away from the data-mining websites.

You definitely should not accept cookies – and delete them if you mistakenly do. Outdated cookies. If a website page has been updated, the cached data in cookies might conflict with the new site. This could give you trouble the next time you try to upload that page.

If you're using a public computer, you should delete them and other data, such as browsing history, right after your session. If it's your personal device, it's a good idea to remove all cookies at least once a month to keep your device neat.

What happens when you remove all cookies? Deleting cookies wipes all your personal information from your browser, including usernames, passwords, search history, and website settings and preferences.

Is there a downside to deleting cookies?

Cons of deleting cookies

Deleting your cookies makes online browsing less convenient. After you clear your cookies, your browser won't remember the URLs of your favorite websites, nor will it save any items you had in your virtual shopping carts.

Despite this, the BBC does not spend time blocking accounts or chasing up VPN users. Instead, it uses technical means to detect IP addresses associated with VPNs and blacklists them to prevent users from being able to watch iPlayer abroad.

If BBC iPlayer is failing or struggling to load on your connected TV, we recommend: ensuring your TV's firmware/system is up to date. trying a factory reset. working through all of the steps in our Troubleshooting problems on connected TVs and games consoles page.

A simple retune

All you need to do is go to Set Up, then into Installation. You should have an option here like Install for the First Time, or Factory Reset. Doing this will take you to the retuning function, which should get your BBC channels back and working for you. What is this?

Police can't track live, encrypted VPN traffic, but if they have a court order, they can go to your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and request connection or usage logs. Since your ISP knows you're using a VPN, they can direct the police to them.

We collect some information automatically. Things like your IP address, which browser and device you're using, or your device ID. And we can tell what webpage directed you to the BBC by looking at information from your browser.

If you are experiencing picture break up, missing channels or the wrong regional news you may need to re-tune your TV set manually. This allows you to select the transmitter that provides the best service for your area and can solve a number of common problems.

Here's how you can watch live TV through BBC iPlayer: Go to Channels in the top navigation menu. Select the On Now panel. Choose whether you want to watch the current programme live or from the beginning.

As of 16 November 2020, the BBC Sport and BBC News TV apps (UK and international) are no longer available on connected TV. You can still keep up with all the latest news headlines and stories by heading to BBC News section on BBC iPlayer or the BBC News website and app for international news.

According to the Comptroller and Auditor General of the National Audit Office, "where the BBC still suspects that an occupier is watching live television but not paying for a licence, it can send a detection van to check whether this is the case.

Is BBC free to air?

You can enjoy more than 100 channels for free including BBC HD, BBC 1, BBC 2, UTV, ITV, ITV 2, ITV 3, ITV 4, E4 and various news channels, children's channels, movie channels, and more.

If you are missing Random Channels

1) Turn on your TV. 2) Press [Menu] on your TV remote to bring up the Main menu. 3) Press [Arrow Down] to the Channel Menu, and then press [Enter]. 4) Press [Arrow Down] to Auto Program, and then press [Enter].