Fix Unable to Open, Update BBC iPlayer Downloads App on Laptop

The video streaming service BBC iPlayer Downloads app allows you to watch an extensive selection of on-demand British TV programs on your laptop computer. Thanks to this app, you can get access to amazing movies and shows.

Whether you’re a big fan of crime thrillers, light-hearted panel shows, or those classic British comedies, you can be sure that the iPlayer downloads app got something in store for you.

Ways-to-Resolve-Unable-to-Open-or-Update-BBC-iPlayer-Downloads-App-on-Laptop-Computer
Image credit from BBC

To make things even better, you can download these movies and shows from the app so you can watch them even if you’re not connected to the internet. It’s a big help if your internet connection is unstable which causes buffering or when you’re on a trip.

Ways to Resolve Unable to Open or Update BBC iPlayer Downloads App on Laptop Computer

Unfortunately, some users have reported that wasn’t able to open or update the app on their laptop computer. If you’re encountering this annoying issue, you might be wondering if there’s something you can do to fix it.

Here are some of the things you can try so you can continue using the app:

1. Restart the BBC iPlayer Downloads App

You’ll be surprised how a simple restart can work wonders for most problems. Restart the iPlayer downloads app and check if it solves the problem.

2. Reboot Your Laptop Computer 

Reboot-Restart-Your-Laptop-Computer
Photo credit by karina zhukovskaya from Pexels

If restarting the app doesn’t fix the issue, restarting your laptop computer is your next best option.  After the restart, open the app again and see if the issue is gone.

3. Uninstall and Reinstall the BBC iPlayer Downloads App 

This might sound contradictory, especially if you’re having issues with updating the app. However, this is still worth the shot. Uninstall the app first and install it again. You might need to start from scratch here but it’s something worth trying, especially if the iPlayer app no longer opens at all.

4. Check the Antivirus on your Computer

BBC iPlayer has received complaints from their users who were unable to update or open the Downloads app on their computers. They believe that the problem occurs because some antivirus software programs such as AVG Antivirus wrongfully identified the app as a suspicious threat. As a result, the software prevents the app from opening or updating.

The good news is that the app often opens as normal after you update the software. In the meantime, however, there are a few things you can try to open and update the app:

  • Install and use a different antivirus software program.
  • Update your antivirus application and database to the latest version.
  • Exclude the iPlayer Downloads app temporarily from the antivirus program.

How to Exclude BBC iPlayer Downloads App on Antivirus

How-to-Exclude-BBC-iPlayer-Downloads-App-on-Antivirus
Image credit by Microsoft
  1. Launch the antivirus program on your laptop computer.
  2. Click the three horizontal lines that represent the Menu button at the upper right side of the window.
  3. Under the General category, click “Exceptions” in the left-hand panel.
  4. Click “Add Exception.”
  5. Choose “Application” or “File or Folder” in the dropdown menu for “Exception Type.”
  6. Browse for and select the iPlayer Downloads app to exclude it.
  7. Save the exception by clicking OK.
  8. Close the settings window by clicking OK.

Wrapping It Up

iPlayer Downloads app is the best place to be if you’re looking for British movies and TV programs. However, many users claimed that their viewing experience is compromised because they can’t open or update the app. Follow the tips above to see if they can fix the issue.

Read More About:
Eddie Mendoza
Eddie Mendoza
With a Bachelor’s degree in IT, Eddie has a natural knack for troubleshooting gadget issues. With more than 10 years of blogging experience under his belt, writing and publishing articles for streaming and related services is one of his main act. When not on his computer, you can find him tinkering his guitars.

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