How do I find the BBC iPlayer Desktop log file?

If you are looking for the installation file, this is different, so please see our advice on finding the installation log file.

Important

Please note that the log files are refreshed every time you open BBC iPlayer Desktop, so please do not shut down BBC iPlayer Desktop when you experience a problem.

Finding the log files

Open Windows Explorer (Windows users) or Finder (Apple Mac users) and navigate to the below directories, where userName is your login name for your computer.

Windows users must be able to see hidden files. You do this in Windows Explorer by going to Tools> Folder Options and selecting the View tab. Then select Show hidden files and folders.

Installation problem: airappinstall.log and airinstall.log 
Programme download / expiry / playing problem : iPlayer log

  • Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Application Data\BBCiPlayerDesktop.61DB7A798358575D6A969CCD73DDBBD723A6DA9D.1\Local Store\iplayer.log
  • Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Application Data\BBCiPlayerDesktop.61DB7A798358575D6A969CCD73DDBBD723A6DA9D.1\Local Store\airappinstall.log and airinstall.log 
  • Windows Vista or Windows 7: C:\users\UserName\appdata\roaming\
    BBCiPlayerDesktop.61DB7A798358575D6A969CCD73DDBBD723A6DA9D.1\iplayer.log
  • Windows Vista or Windows 7: C:\users\UserName\appdata\roaming\
    BBCiPlayerDesktop.61DB7A798358575D6A969CCD73DDBBD723A6DA9D.1\airappinstall.log and airinstall.log 
  • Apple Mac: /users/UserName/library/preferences/iplayer.log
  • Apple Mac: /users/UserName/library/preferences/airappinstall.log and airinstall.log 

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If you have detailed issues about using BBC iPlayer not covered here, please read our Where can I go to discuss BBC iPlayer? FAQ or you can Contact Us.

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