How to Download Video from BBC iPlayer on Mobile/Computer
Watching your favourite programmes on the BBC iPlayer is easy, but sometimes you just want to download video from BBC iPlayer to watch offline. It could be on your commute, in an area with bad Wi-Fi, or if you just want to avoid buffering. Downloading episodes lets you watch whenever you want.
But the main problem is that the official BBC iPlayer app only allows you to download to a mobile device (such as a phone or tablet). There is no official way to download BBC iPlayer videos to a computer (PC or Mac). On top of this, mobile downloads expire after 30 days or 7 days once you’ve started watching. In this article, we will cover the official method to download BBC iPlayer content on a mobile device, along with a reliable way to permanently save BBC iPlayer content on your computer.
How to Download Video from BBC iPlayer APP
If you want to download videos from BBC iPlayer, you’ll need the official iPlayer app installed on your mobile or tablet device. Follow these simple steps to download a video from the BBC iPlayer app.
Step 1: Install the BBC iPlayer app on your mobile or tablet (be sure that your device matches the app requirements).
Step 2: Open the app and navigate to the episode or programme you’d like to download.
Step 3: Click the Download button located under the description of the programme.
Step 4: Access the Downloads section to monitor your download progress. (On smaller devices, the Downloads menu is located at the bottom of the screen. On larger screens, such as the iPad, the Downloads menu is located at the top. Pause or cancel downloads here.)
Not all programmes are available for download. If the Download button doesn’t appear, that episode cannot be saved. Also, downloads are tied to the device used, and each file comes with time restrictions, typically available for up to 30 days, with seven days to finish watching once playback starts.
How to Download Video from BBC iPlayer on a Computer
If you want to save BBC iPlayer videos to your PC or Mac, the official app won’t help you; it only allows mobile downloads. That’s where iDownerGo Video Downloader comes in. It’s an all-in-one downloader that lets you save high-quality videos from BBC iPlayer and tons of other sites in seconds. With iDownerGoVideo Downloader, you can download videos in high quality like 720p, 1080p, and even 4K or 8K. You can also grab just the audio as an MP3. The files stay permanently on your hard drive, so there are no expiration dates or viewing restrictions.
iDownerGoVideo Downloader is built for speed and convenience. It has a browser built right in for direct downloads, a private mode to protect your content, and it supports several languages. The tool is ad-free, watermark-free, and super easy to use: just copy the video link, paste it, and download. You also get extra features like batch downloading, saving live streams, and flexible subtitle options, making it a complete package for watching offline.
- Download videos, music, and playlists from 10,000+ websites
- Save videos in HD, 4K Ultra HD, or 8K without quality loss
- Extract audio from videos and save as MP3 in one click
- Download live streams in real time
- 10x faster download and conversion speed, adjustable to your needs
- Batch download multiple videos or playlists simultaneously
▼ How to Download BBC iPlayer Video to MP4 for Free?
Step 1 Open iDownerGo and go to the built-in browser in the Premium Video Section. Log in with your BBC iPlayer account.
Step 2 Use the search bar to find the BBC iPlayer video you want to download.
Step 3 When the video is detected, a pop-up window will appear. Set your preferred resolution, subtitle options, and audio language.
Step 4 Click the Download button. iDownerGo will process the video and save it directly to your computer as a clean, non-expiring MP4 file.
FAQ
Q1. Why can’t I download on BBC iPlayer?
Not all programmes are available for download. Some content may be restricted due to licensing agreements. Additionally, the download feature only works within the official BBC iPlayer app on supported mobile or tablet devices. Also, desktop computers do not support direct downloads through the official app.
Q2. Can I download BBC iPlayer programmes when I’m outside the UK?
No, BBC iPlayer enforces geo-restrictions, so downloads and streaming are only available to users within the UK. To access content abroad, you would need a UK-based IP address.
Conclusion
Downloading videos from BBC iPlayer on mobile is straightforward with the official app, but desktop downloads are limited. iDownerGo Video Downloader offers a reliable solution to save videos directly to your computer in high quality, with no expiration, ads, or watermarks. With its built-in browser, private mode, and flexible resolution options, iDownerGo makes offline viewing easy, secure, and fully under your control. So, no matter what you are downloading, either if it’s movies, shows, or live streams, it’s the best tool to keep your favourite BBC iPlayer content accessible anytime.