Free up app storage

Free up BBC iPlayer storage

BBC iPlayer stores programmes you save under Downloads, plus a watch cache so the next episode starts quickly. Your BBC account and list stay in the cloud. Removing a download only deletes the file on this phone.

See how much space BBC iPlayer is using

iPhone

1. Open the iPhone Settings app.
2. Tap General > iPhone Storage.
3. Tap BBC iPlayer.

Android

1. Open your phone Settings > Apps.
2. Tap BBC iPlayer.
3. Tap Storage or Storage and cache.

BBC iPlayer does not have a WhatsApp-style storage screen. Open the Downloads tab to see programmes on this phone.

Delete Downloads

1. Open BBC iPlayer and tap Downloads.
2. Tap a programme, then remove the download (or use Edit if that button is shown).

Downloads also expire on their own (often after 30 days, or sooner after you start watching). Expired files can still sit on the phone until you remove them. The programme stays available to stream if it is still on iPlayer.

Change download settings

1. Open BBC iPlayer Settings (profile or menu).
2. Open Downloads if listed.
3. Set a lower download quality, and turn off automatic downloads if that option is on.

New downloads will be smaller. Programmes already on the phone stay at the old quality until you remove them.

Clear BBC iPlayer cache on Android

1. Open your phone Settings > Apps > BBC iPlayer.
2. Tap Storage or Storage and cache.
3. Tap Clear cache.

Do not tap Clear storage / Clear data unless you mean to reset BBC iPlayer on this phone. That signs you out and removes local downloads. Your BBC account keeps the list and history.

iPhone does not offer a separate BBC iPlayer cache button. Delete items under Downloads, or offload the app in iPhone Storage if the system total stays high.

Reinstall the app if storage is still high

If you already cleaned media and BBC iPlayer still looks huge, a fresh install can clear leftover cache and temp files that are hard to reach by hand.

1. Downloads will need to be re-downloaded after you sign in. Your BBC account keeps the list and watch history.
2. Delete the app from your phone.
3. Restart your phone.
4. Install BBC iPlayer again from the App Store or Google Play.
5. Sign in and restore from backup if the app offers it.

This often frees a lot of space. You may need to download some media again after restore.

What to do next

After BBC iPlayer is lighter, check your photo library for duplicates and similar shots. That is what Dedupo is for.

More app guides: Free up app storage.