Help & FAQs

BBC iPlayer Help

How do I use Click to Play (streaming)?

Click to Play is the simplest way to play a programme and is known as streaming - computers, iPhones, certain mobiles and consoles all use it.

Connection

We recommend that you have an internet connection speed of at least 1 Mbps - broadband, cable or 3G if supported. Dial-up internet access will not provide a good enough connection. If you are experiencing poor playback, see this advice.

Computers

If you are using a computer, you need to check it can run the latest version of Flash, which Adobe provides a version of for Windows, Macintosh and Linux. Click here to get the latest version for your computer. Only the latest version of Flash will let you watch programmes in full screen.

This link will take you to a website outside BBC Online. The BBC is not responsible for content or software downloaded from external sites.

When Flash is installed, the programme image will appear on the information page, inviting you to Click to Play. The programme will load and you will get the BBC trail before the main programme starts.

click-to-play

Using the slider beneath these buttons, you can select where in the programme you want to go – rewind to catch a part you missed or fast forward over the part you've seen before.

You can Pause the programme at any time by clicking on the pause button pause or return to the start by clicking on the left-pointing arrow return. You will be told how much of the programme has been watched in hours, minutes and seconds and how much is remaining.

Hovering over the icons, you can Share a programme (find out more about sharing here) adjust or mute the sound sound, or go to full screen by clicking on the white square with the black dot inside full-screen.

Exit full screen by hitting the Esc escape key on your keyboard.

If you want improved sound and video quality, you can Play high quality PlayHighQualityButton, or switch back to Play normal quality PlayNormalQualityButton.

Didn't see your answer here?

For further help you can Contact Us, or you can discuss this issue at the BBC iPlayer messageboard.