How to fix BBC IPlayer Buffering? The dreaded buffer can occasionally ruin BBC iPlayer. There is nothing more frustrating than watching a thrilling drama or eagerly anticipating a live sport event only to have your viewing experience interrupted by constant buffering.
There are practical steps you can take to resolve this issue if you’ve experienced it.
Throughout this blog, we’ll explore the world of BBC iPlayer and provide you with a comprehensive guide to resolving buffering issues.
These solutions will restore seamless streaming, whether you are an expat or a local resident who enjoys BBC television.
So, let’s embark on a journey to fix BBC iPlayer buffering and ensure you can enjoy your favorite British content without interruption.
How to Fix BBC IPlayer Buffering?
When you’re watching your favorite British shows or events on BBC iPlayer, buffering issues can be a real bummer.
The good news is that we have a step-by-step guide to help you resolve buffering issues and make your streaming experience seamless and uninterrupted.
Restart Your Streaming Source Device
- In order to resolve buffering issues on BBC iPlayer, you should first perform a power cycle on your streaming device like a Smart TV, a Streaming Stick, a Game Console, or a PC/MacBook.
Streaming devices need to be restarted as follows:
- Make sure your streaming device has a power source.
- After unplugging the device, wait about 60 seconds before re-plugging it.
- Reconnect the device.
- With a restart, background updates are installed, the cache is cleared, and apps that are running in the background are reduced, so buffering is minimized.
Reset Your Router
- The classic method of reducing buffering on BBC iPlayer is to reset your router.
Resetting your router is as easy as following these steps:
- Determine where your router is powered and where it is located.
- After unplugging the router, wait for 30 seconds before plugging it back in.
- It needs to be plugged back in.
- You will be able to stream BBC iPlayer more quickly after you “power cycle” your router.
Use An Ethernet Cable Rather Than Wi-Fi
An Ethernet connection (Wired Connection) usually provides faster download speeds than Wi-Fi.
The data transmitted over wired connections is faster, there is less interference, and there are fewer variables that can negatively affect the quality of the connection.
The response time of Wi-Fi connections is generally slower and the connection quality is poorer.
The distance between your streaming device and the walls, floor, and ceiling can all degrade the quality of your internet connection, causing BBC iPlayer to buffer.
When a wired connection is available, I always use it, and so should you!
How to Fix DAZN Buffering?
Update Your Streaming Device Software
The latest firmware or software can prevent issues from occurring over time, regardless of whether you use a TV, streaming stick, or gaming console.
A streaming device can be affected if an update is missed, or if an installation is interrupted.
Buffered BBC iPlayer could be caused by old firmware or partially installed firmware.
With the latest software on your devices, you can also access new apps and enjoy improved viewing.
Upgrade Your Router
Many gamers will not be affected by this option, but their router may be the bottleneck of their home network, which causes BBC iPlayer buffering issues.
In the event that your ISP has consistently upgraded your internet speed, but you are still using an older router, you may wish to determine the maximum download speed of your device.
BBC iPlayer buffers when you’re only able to download at 100mbps from your router, which is a clear indication that your connection isn’t 1gbps.
Close Any Apps That Are Running
If you followed our first step and restarted your streaming device, then this step should have already been completed for you. Otherwise, please continue to close any apps that may be running.
How Does Having Open Apps Cause BBC IPlayer To Buffer?
It is like considering your internet connection to your BBC iPlayer application as an artery in your body. The more games and apps that you are running, the more blockages in your arteries.
You will experience buffering on the BBC iPlayer app when those blockages prevent you from streaming content faster.
It has been reported by several users that LG Smart TVs perform better when apps are closed.
Why is my BBC iPlayer not working on my iPhone?
It sounds like your BBC iPlayer application isn’t working on your iPhone. I’m sorry to hear that. There may be several reasons, including outdated software, incorrect system time, or region restrictions. Here are some possible solutions:
- Launch the BBC iPlayer app by holding the power button and sliding to power off.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iOS device. Then open the App Store and tap the Update button next to BBC iPlayer.
- Set your system clock time to match your location’s time zone by going to Settings > General > Date & Time and selecting Set Automatically.
- You can clear the cache of the BBC iPlayer app by deleting it from the App Store and reinstalling it.
- Using a reliable VPN service such as NordVPN or Surfshark can help you bypass region restrictions on BBC iPlayer if you live outside the UK.
It is my hope that these tips will help you fix your BBC iPlayer issue, and I am more than happy to answer any other questions you may have.
Why does BBC iPlayer have region restrictions?
Because of rights issues, BBC iPlayer is only available to UK users. Due to rights issues, it offers a variety of TV shows, movies, and live events from the BBC.
As a result, the BBC must obtain permission from content owners in order to broadcast their programs abroad, which is costly and time-consuming.
Thus, BBC iPlayer blocks access from outside of the UK using geo-restriction technology.
Online content can be restricted based on the user’s geographic location using geo-restriction.
IP addresses can be used to identify the user’s country, region, city, and sometimes even street address, since they are a unique identifier of their device and internet connection.
BBC iPlayer can determine whether a user is in the UK or not by comparing their IP address to a database of IP ranges assigned to different countries. If not, an error message will appear and the user will not be able to view the content.
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service allows users to bypass geo-restrictions. A VPN connects a user’s computer to a remote server in another country securely and encryptedly.
By routing their internet traffic through this server, the user can hide their real IP address and appear as if they are in that country.
Using a VPN, a user in Hungary can connect to a server in the UK and trick BBC iPlayer into thinking they are in the UK and watch BBC iPlayer.
Conclusion
We have concluded our exploration of BBC iPlayer and the troubleshooting steps for resolving buffering issues, and it is apparent that a smooth and uninterrupted streaming experience is well within reach for everyone.
Online streaming frequently encounters buffering problems, but they can usually be solved with a little patience and the right adjustments.
With a toolkit like this, you can maintain an enjoyable experience with BBC iPlayer by checking your internet connection, ensuring device compatibility, adjusting settings, and exploring alternative viewing options.
You can watch a thrilling drama, catch up on the news, or enjoy British humor without having to worry about buffering.
