How to Add BBC iPlayer On ROKU streaming device

For someone that enjoys British TV Shows, movies, etc., BBC iPlayer offers some of the best content whether within or without Britain.

The streaming platform streams live BBC TV channels, series, movies, TV Shows, etc. and only available for users within the UK. It allows you to stream its content without ads making it an ideal streaming platform. For someone outside the UK, you will have to get a VPN in order to access this service. Roku on the other hand is a leading streaming device that gives you access to streaming services across the world. However, not all streaming services from other countries are available for streaming on Roku. For example, some content like BBC iPlayer is restricted to a country just like some other content is restricted to the US. In this article, we will show you how to add BBC iPlayer and enjoy it on Roku.

To add BBC iPlayer on Roku connected TV, you first need to check that your Roku device meets the requirements and then visit the channel store and add it.

Minimum requirements

BBC iPlayer is currently supported on only Roku devices running on OS 9.3 or later and not available on 2400EU, 2100SK, or 3100EU. Before visiting the channel store and adding the platform to your ROku device, check your OS and update if necessary. Press the home button on your remote and select Settings. Next, select ‘System’ and then go to the ‘System Updates’ option on the menu. To check for any updates, click on ‘Check Now’. Although Roku automatically performs updates, you can do it manually. If there’s an update, then install it and then restart the Roku device for the changes to take effect.

Adding BBC iPlayer

The first thing to do is to ensure that the Roku device is connected to the TV and that both devices are turned on. Next, connect the device to a stable Wi-Fi connection and sign in using your Roku PIN. To go to the Channel store, press the home button on the remote to navigate to the home screen. From this screen, select ‘Streaming Channels’ and click on ‘Search channels’. In the search bar, type in ‘BBC iPlayer’ and press OK to select the channel from the suggestions. On the next page, add the channel on your Roku connected TV by clicking on the ‘+Add channel’ button. Once it’s done installing, click on the ‘Go to Channel’ to open the platform. If you don’t find the channel on your device, then ensure that your Roku meets the requirements. Next, sign up or login to BBC iPlayer using your credentials and start streaming content.

Via Roku app 

If you have the Roku mobile app, then open it on and tap on the ‘Channel Store’ tab. In the Search bar, enter ‘BBC iPlayer’ and then tap on the app from the search results. On the app page, click on ‘+ Add Channel’ to install it. Once the installation is done, the changes will automatically be updated on the Roku streaming device.

Via the web

Another way that you can use to install the platform is via the web. Launch a web browser on your device and go to the Roku channel store page. Log in using your Roku username and password and navigate to ‘What to watch’ dropdown arrow on the main menu and hover over it. From the dropdown list click on ‘Channel Store’ to visit the Roku channel store. In the search bar, search for ‘BBC iPlayer’ and click on the app. On the app page, click on ‘+Add channel’ to add the channel to Roku.

Alternative method

If your Roku device is unfortunately not supported, then you can still stream BBC iPlayer on Roku by screen mirroring. Go to Settings on Roku and select ‘Screen Mirroring’. Under it, click on ‘Screen Mirroring Mode’ and set it to ‘Always Allow’. Using an Android/iOS device, or PC, play a video on BBC iPlayer and cast the screen to your Roku device.

Installation steps in pictures

Press the home button on your Roku remote and go to the Roku home screen

Select Streaming Channels

Click on Search Channels and type BBC iPlayerin the search bar and click on the app from the suggestions

Click on +Add Channel to install

How to Add BBC iPlayer On ROKU streaming device: A snap shot

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are various ways of adding and streaming the BBC iPlayer channel on Roku. This is regardless of whether your device meets the requirements or not. If you reside outside the UK, then you will have to use a VPN as the platform is location-specific.

FAQs

Why isn’t BBC iPlayer available on my Roku?

BBC iPlayer is supported on specific Roku devices. Check and ensure that your Roku streaming device meets the minimum requirements.

How do I restart my Roku device without turning it off manually?

You can restart the Roku device by going to the Settings menu and selecting ‘System’. Under the System menu, click on ‘System Restart’ and the device will reboot.