How do I use Chromecast with BBC iPlayer?

If you have Chromecast installed, you can cast programmes to your Chromecast device by using the following:

  • BBC iPlayer app on Android or iOS devices
  • Chrome browser on a laptop, desktop or mobile device

Google are working towards supporting Amazon Fire devices.

Casting from BBC iPlayer

When you cast from BBC iPlayer, you're sending an instruction from BBC iPlayer over your WiFi network to the Chromecast device connected to your TV to fetch a particular programme directly from BBC iPlayer.

You will not be streaming the programme through your mobile, tablet or computer, so once you've cast your programme you can continue to use your device for other uses. However: 

  • If you're using the Chrome browser, don't close the tab
  • If you're using the app, you will need to select the cast icon from within the app to either resume control or disconnect
     

Image of the playback screen on the BBC iPlayer website. The Chromecast icon is highlighted at the bottom.


Can I cast downloaded programmes?

As Chromecast streams programmes directly from BBC iPlayer, downloads are not supported. If you try to cast a downloaded programme, BBC iPlayer will instead stream the programme from the internet.

How do I cast from the BBC iPlayer app?

Your device needs to be connected to the same WiFi network as the Chromecast. Ensure you have the latest version of the BBC iPlayer app installed on your device.

  1. Once your device detects Chromecast, the cast icon will be displayed within the app
  2. From any programme page, select the cast icon and then choose which device to cast to
  3. Press play on the programme you want to watch. It will start casting to your chosen device.
     

Three screenshots of the BBC iPlayer mobile app. The first shows an episode page with the Chromecast icon highlighted on the top right. The second shows the available devices to cast to. The third highlights the Chromecast icon again as it now indicates that the device is connected.

How do I cast from the Chrome browser on my computer, laptop or mobile device?

Your desktop, laptop, mobile or tablet needs to be connected to the same network as the Chromecast dongle. Make sure you have the Chrome browser open with the Chromecast extension enabled. On mobile devices, you may need to use the browser Settings to select 'Desktop site'.

  1. Select any on-demand programme on https://truemac.vn/iplayer (It's not possible to cast live BBC TV channels from the browser.)
  2. After you have clicked to play a programme, select the cast icon located in the control bar
  3. Chromecast will connect to BBC iPlayer and start playback 

If you encounter connection issues with BBC iPlayer through your Chromecast device, check the following page: Why am I having problems with my Chromecast?

Once a programme starts to play via Chromecast, we'll provide the best quality version based on your broadband connection. If your internet connection drops or other devices start to use the same network connection, the quality version will change automatically so playback will not be interrupted.

How do I control playback?

Playback and volume controls are operated from the app or browser. If you've navigated away from the app, you'll need to select the cast icon to bring up the cast menu, then select "Control Cast."

Please note that Live Restart is not supported when casting live streams from the app, so you will always watch from the live point. Autoplay is not supported when casting an on-demand programme, so you'll need to select the next episode on the app/website.

Can I use subtitles while casting?

Subtitles are supported on Chromecast but are currently only available in black and white.

Useful links:

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.