BBC iPlayer app only downloads via WiFi

Kernel_Sanders

I have the Android app and want to get downloads using mobile data. There is no setting on the app itself. Mobile data is ticked in the permissions and data saving is turned off. The bizarre thing is that it will let me stream programmes on mobile!

Neil_Jones

It's meant to do that, as documented here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/help/downloads/mobile-tablet/Mobiles_downloading wrote:

Downloading on the BBC iPlayer app on Amazon Fire, Android and iOS (iPhone/iPad) will occur even while the app isn’t open, but will not download any data over a 3G/4G network connection, should you move away from your Wi-Fi connection.

Q: Can I download programmes via 3G and 4G on my mobile?

You can only download via Wi-Fi, although you can still add programmes to your download queue over a mobile network connection.

We are aware of interest in programme downloads via 3G and 4G and we'll update this FAQ if anything changes.

Kernel_Sanders

I'm amazed they've made that restriction. What's it got to do with them how I access the www? If I bought another phone and transmitted the data via the hot spot, would that work?

Neil_Jones

BBC's app, BBC's rules. Put your complaint into them if you're not happy with how it works.

You can try the hotspot method if you like, see if it works as its technically a wifi connection.

searchlight123

strange restriction though.
because i download BBC iPlayer Radio podcasts when in Spain over 4g to get around their geo-blocking restrictions which mean i cannot download over wifi there without using a VPN?

forgotmyname

Not strange when you answered your own question, you circumvent their restrictions by downloading over 4G.

Your a very naughty boy and stop it

Does the Opera app have a VPN built in like the desktop version?