Activating the BBC iPlayer app on your smart TV, streaming stick, or game console allows you to access a vast library of live and on-demand content from the British Broadcasting Corporation. The primary method for linking your device to your account is by using a unique code. This process is simple and secure, ensuring that your account is properly synced visit bbc.com/tvcode.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, explaining what the code is, where to find it, and how to use it to unlock BBC iPlayer on your TV screen.
What is a BBC TV Code and Why Do You Need It?
A BBC TV code is a temporary, unique sequence of letters and numbers generated by the BBC iPlayer app on your television or connected device. Its purpose is to provide a simple and secure way to sign in to your BBC account without the hassle of typing a long email address and password using a TV remote.
This method, often called “sign in with a code,” enhances security by requiring you to have access to both the TV displaying the code and a second device where you are already logged into your BBC account. It’s used for:
- First-time setup: When you initially install and open the BBC iPlayer app.
- Re-authentication: If you’ve been signed out due to a software update or for security reasons.
- Connecting new devices: Each time you set up iPlayer on a new TV or streaming player.
Step 1: Getting the Code from Your TV
Before you can enter a code, you first need to get one from the BBC iPlayer app on the device you wish to activate.
- Launch the BBC iPlayer App: Navigate to your TV’s app library and open BBC iPlayer.
- Select “Sign In”: You will be presented with a welcome screen. Navigate to and select the “Sign In” button.
- Choose the “Sign in with a code” option: The app will typically offer two methods: “Sign in on this device” or “Sign in with a code from another device.” While you can attempt to use your remote, the code method is significantly easier.
- A Unique Code Appears: When you select the code option, the screen will display a unique code, usually eight characters long. This code is case-sensitive and time-limited, generally expiring after about 15-20 minutes. Keep this screen open on your TV.
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Step 2: Entering the Code on a Second Device
Now, you will need a separate device like a smartphone, tablet, or computer to complete the sign-in process.
- Open a Web Browser: On your second device, open any web browser (such as Chrome, Safari, or Firefox).
- Navigate to the Activation URL: Type the following official BBC activation address into the browser’s address bar: bbc.com/account/tv
- Sign In to Your BBC Account: If you are not already logged in, the website will prompt you to enter the email address and password for your BBC account. Proceed to sign in.
- Enter the TV Code: The webpage will now display a box asking for the code from your TV. Carefully type the eight-character code exactly as it appears on your television screen.
- Click “Sign in on TV”: After entering the code, click the submission button.
Step 3: TV Licence Verification and Completion
For users in the UK, a final verification step is required.
- Confirm Your TV Licence: After you submit the code, the BBC website will ask you to confirm that you have a valid TV Licence. This is a legal requirement for watching any live broadcast TV or BBC iPlayer content in the United Kingdom. Click “Yes, I have a TV Licence” to proceed.
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- Confirmation: Once confirmed, a success message will appear in your web browser. Simultaneously, the screen on your television will automatically refresh, and the iPlayer app will load, fully signed in and ready to use. You can now browse and watch your favourite BBC shows.
