Why do I have to sign in every time I use BBC iPlayer?

Having trouble staying signed in on your TV? Head to our Why do I have to sign in to my TV every time I use BBC iPlayer? page.

If you're being asked to sign in to your BBC account each time you use BBC iPlayer, it's most likely because cookies are switched off on your browser or device. 

Like most other websites, we use cookies - small text files stored on your computer, mobile or tablet - to recognise that you’re signed in and remember your preferences. If you turn off cookies on your browser or on your mobile or tablet:

  • You won't be able to register or sign in to the BBC (so be sure to enable cookies on your browser, first)
  • You'll be signed out of your BBC account, so you'll have to sign back in the next time you visit

So if you've chosen to block third-party cookies on your browser and want to avoid problems using your BBC account, make sure to set exceptions for bbc.co.uk, bbc.com and account.bbc.com. 

Head to the How can I change my BBC cookie settings? page to make sure our Functional and Performance cookies are switched on. 
 

Image from the cookies page showing the three cookie setting choices


Remember, if you delete your cookies, clear the cache on your browser or device, or use private browsing (sometimes known as 'incognito' browsing), you’ll be signed out of your BBC account. So you’ll have to sign back in the next time you visit.

Read more about cookies and how we use them across BBC Online on the Using the BBC website.