Can I watch programmes using my mobile data?

Yes, you can play and download programmes over a mobile networkÌýas well as over WiFi.

Your phone might block this by default or when you have a data saving option switched on,Ìýso follow these steps to check that you can use the app over a mobile network:Ìý

  • Android: Go to device Settings > Apps > Â鶹ԼÅÄ iPlayer > switch on the Allow App While Data Saver OnÌý´Ç±è³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô in the 'Mobile data and WiFi'Ìýsection
  • iOS: Go to device Settings > Scroll down to Â鶹ԼÅÄ iPlayer > switch on the Mobile DataÌý´Ç±è³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô

You can find the option to download programmes via mobile data by opening the iPlayer app and heading to Settings > Downloads > Use mobile data.

The amount of data used to stream programmesÌýwill vary depending on the length of the programme, and the video quality. The mobile app will adjust the quality according to the connection strength. An hour-longÌýprogramme will typically use 700MB of data,Ìýso if data-use is a concern, it might be best to switch to WiFi, or download via WiFi and watch offline.ÌýÌý


Â鶹ԼÅÄ iPlayer is a free serviceÌýbut remember your mobile operator may charge for the data you use on their network. If you’re unsure how much mobileÌýdataÌýcosts or what your data allowance is, please contact your mobile network operator.

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