Bringing the vast library of BBC iPlayer—from gripping dramas and live sports to fascinating documentaries—to your main television screen is the best way to enjoy it. While you might be used to simply opening the app on your phone, connecting it to a Smart TV, streaming stick, or games console for the first time involves a quick and secure sign-in process visit bbc.com/tvcode.
This guide will walk you through the standard steps to connect your device, explaining the simple code-based method that gets you watching in minutes.
Before You Begin: What You’ll Need
To ensure a smooth setup, make sure you have the following ready:
- A Compatible Device: A Smart TV, a streaming stick (like an Amazon Fire TV, Roku, or Google Chromecast), or a games console (PlayStation or Xbox) with the BBC iPlayer app installed.
- A BBC Account: You need a free BBC account to sign in. If you don’t have one, you can create it during the process.
- A Valid UK TV Licence: It is a legal requirement to have a valid TV Licence to watch or download any BBC programmes on iPlayer, whether they are live, catch-up, or on-demand.
- A Second Device: You will need a smartphone, tablet, or computer connected to the internet to complete the sign-in.
The Step-by-Step Sign-In Process
This method uses a unique code to securely link your TV to your BBC account without the hassle of typing your password with a remote control.
Step 1: Open the BBC iPlayer App Locate and launch the BBC iPlayer app on your television or streaming device. If it’s not already installed, you can download it from your device’s app store.
Step 2: Start the Sign-In and Get Your Code Once the app loads, navigate to the “Sign In” or “Register” option. After selecting “Sign In,” the app will display a unique 9-character code on your TV screen. This code is time-sensitive, so keep it displayed on your TV while you move to the next step.
Step 3: Go to the BBC Activation Website Using your smartphone, tablet, or computer, open a web browser. The TV screen will show you a web address to visit. This is typically:
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bbc.com/account/tv
Type this URL directly into your browser’s address bar.
Step 4: Sign In to Your BBC Account On the webpage, you will be prompted to sign in to your BBC account. Enter your email address (or username) and password. If you don’t have an account yet, this is where you can click the link to create one.
Step 5: Enter the Code from Your TV After signing in, the website will present you with an input box. Carefully enter the 9-character code that is still displayed on your TV screen. The codes are case-sensitive, so type it exactly as it appears. Click the “Sign in on TV” button to proceed.
Step 6: Confirm and Watch You should see a success message on your browser. At the same time, your TV screen will automatically refresh. The code will disappear, and you will be logged into your BBC iPlayer account, ready to browse and stream your favourite content.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- “Code not recognised” error: Double-check that you have entered the 9-character code correctly. If you’re sure it’s right, the code may have expired.
- The code has expired: The codes are only valid for a limited time. If yours expires, the TV app will usually give you an option to generate a new one. If not, simply restart the sign-in process from the beginning.
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- The TV screen doesn’t update: After receiving the success message on your web browser, give your TV a minute to sync. If it’s still stuck on the code screen, try closing and reopening the BBC iPlayer app on your TV. You should now be signed in.
