BBC iPlayer stops downloads on Windows and Mac, faces backlash

Mobile set to continue supporting downloads

3 min. read

Updated onSeptember 12, 2024

updated onSeptember 12, 2024

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BBC’s iPlayer Downloads app, used by many of us for streaming our favourite shows, has been shut down onMarch 11, 2024. BBC had apprised users of the change in advance last month. Any existing downloads will remain viewable untilApril 8, 2024.

Keeping up with the announcement, BBC had already discontinued theiPlayer Downloadsapp and removed it from the official website. So, anyone who hadn’t already installed the app lost the offline streaming functionality a while ago. For the rest, it stopped onMarch 11.

Download and offline streaming have not been discontinued on tablet and mobile apps, i.e.AndroidandiOS. The changes are limited to PCs.

BBC, on itsofficial support page, said,

BBC iPlayer users are not pleased with the change

BBC iPlayer users are not happy with the discontinuation of offline streaming on PCs. A few took to the web to vent their frustration.

Offline streaming was a good option for many of us while travelling. And watching content on a15″display always made more sense over the mobile’s5.5″screen. Besides, downloaded content doesn’t buffer, which is a plus point for many of us in areas with poor network connectivity.

Workarounds to stream offline in BBC iPlayer on PC

When such changes are introduced, enthusiasts always find a way around it.Streaming errors like 02062as well as download blocks are not new for users.

The simplest option right now is to use an effectivescreen mirroring software. It will allow you to cast the screen and view BBC iPlayer downloads on the PC.

Another quick workaround is to use anAndroid emulatoron the PC. With this, the BBC iPlayer will function as if it were running on an Android device.

If none of these work out for you, maybe get a tablet with a slightly bigger display. Because, BBC iPlayer’s offline streaming on Windows and MacOS is not coming back!

What do you think of BBC’s decision to stop iPlayer downloads? Share with our readers in the comments section.

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BBC iPlayer stops downloads on Windows and Mac, faces backlash

BBC iPlayer users are not pleased with the change

Workarounds to stream offline in BBC iPlayer on PC