Live NetTV v5.0Short answer: BBC iPlayer is in the Amazon Appstore and Fire TV devices are on the BBC's list of certified devices, so it installs and runs officially. It only works in the UK, and you need a TV Licence to watch live TV or any programme on iPlayer.
How to install BBC iPlayer on a Firestick
- On the Fire TV home screen, select Find › Search and type BBC iPlayer.
- Select the official BBC iPlayer app and choose Get.
- Open it and sign in with your BBC account (or create one on a phone or computer).
Why is BBC iPlayer unavailable on my Firestick?
- You are outside the UK. iPlayer is a UK-only service, so the app does not appear or will not play elsewhere.
- Your Amazon account is set to another country. The Appstore follows your account's country, not where you are.
- An old version is installed. The BBC drops support for old app versions; update or reinstall from the Appstore.
Using BBC iPlayer on an Android TV box instead? That works only on BBC-certified models; see BBC iPlayer on Android TV boxes.
BBC iPlayer not working on Firestick? Fix it in this order
- Restart properly. Unplug the Firestick from power for at least a minute, then plug it back in. A quick restart from the menu does not clear everything.
- Clear the app's cache. Go to Settings › Applications › Manage Installed Applications › BBC iPlayer, choose Force Stop, then Clear Cache.
- Clear data if it still fails. In the same menu choose Clear Data. You will need to sign in again.
- Update the app and the Firestick. Check the app in the Appstore for an update, then Settings › My Fire TV › About › Check for Updates.
- Reinstall. Uninstall BBC iPlayer, restart the stick, and install it again from the Amazon Appstore.
- Check your connection. Run our speed test on the stick. If BBC iPlayer keeps freezing or buffering, see Firestick keeps buffering.
- Check for an outage. If BBC iPlayer fails on every device in your home, the problem is on the BBC's side; wait and try again later.
Other UK TV apps on Firestick
Most UK broadcasters have official Fire TV apps: BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and NOW. Freely is not available on Fire TV Sticks; see Freely on Fire TV Stick. For a full setup, follow our free live TV on Firestick guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a TV Licence for BBC iPlayer on Firestick?
Yes. You need a TV Licence to watch or download any programme on iPlayer, live or on demand.
Why is BBC iPlayer unavailable on my Firestick?
The app is UK-only and follows your Amazon account's country. Outside the UK, or with a non-UK account, it will not install or play.
Why does BBC iPlayer keep freezing on Firestick?
Usually Wi-Fi or a full cache. Clear the app's cache, restart the stick from the plug and test your speed.
Are Amazon blocking Firesticks?
Amazon blocks some unofficial piracy apps on Fire TV, but official apps such as BBC iPlayer are not affected.
Can I get BBC and ITV on a Firestick?
Yes. Install BBC iPlayer and ITVX from the Appstore; both are free with adverts or a TV Licence.