Each adult who wishes to use BBC iPlayer needs their own BBC account. This is because:
- Personalization: BBC iPlayer uses viewing history to personalize recommendations and suggestions. Sharing an account would mix viewing data and make these features less effective.
- Licensing and regulations: The BBC operates under a Royal Charter and TV licensing regulations. Each user is expected to have their own account, especially for live TV viewing.
Therefore, “adding an adult” in the sense of creating a separate profile under one main account isn’t the standard procedure with BBC iPlayer.
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Setting Up BBC iPlayer for Multiple Adults in a Household
Here’s how multiple adults in a household can use BBC iPlayer:
- Each adult creates a BBC account: Each person should go to the BBC website (bbc.com) and create their own free account using their own email address.
- Sign in on individual devices: When using BBC iPlayer on a personal device (phone, tablet, laptop), each adult should sign in with their own BBC account details.
- On a shared TV:
- Using different devices: The simplest way is for each adult to use their own device (e.g., phone, tablet) and cast or mirror it to the TV when they want to watch iPlayer. This way, their own account and viewing history are maintained.
- Signing in and out on the TV app: If only one device (like a smart TV) is used, adults will need to sign out of the current BBC iPlayer account and sign in with their own each time they want to use it. This is less convenient but keeps viewing history separate.
The “Add Adult” Option on TVs
You might have seen an “Add Adult” option on your TV’s BBC iPlayer app. This feature is primarily designed to link existing BBC accounts to the TV app more easily. It works using a TV code:
- Select “Add Adult” on the TV app: This will generate a unique code on your TV screen.
- Go to bbc.com/tvcode on another device: On a phone, tablet, or computer, go to this website.
- Enter the code: Enter the code displayed on your TV screen into the website.
- Sign in with the BBC account: You’ll then be prompted to sign in with the BBC account you wish to link.
This process simply links an already existing BBC account to the TV app, it doesn’t create a new profile.
Why This Approach?
The BBC’s approach encourages individual accounts for each user. This ensures:
- Accurate viewing figures: The BBC uses viewing data to inform its programming decisions. Individual accounts provide more accurate data.
- Personalized experience: Each user gets tailored recommendations based on their own viewing habits.
- Compliance with regulations: It helps maintain compliance with TV licensing regulations.
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While it might seem less convenient than having separate profiles under one account, this system is designed to provide a more personalized and accurate service for each individual user.
