Hi there. I’ve just purchased a mecool box for a relative and I am unable to install bbc iplayer or itv x on it. It seems like these apps are not compatible. My question is does anyone know a way to do this or a work around it. Thank you
Is this app just compatible with mobile devices?
Also, in my very brief research it seems you may need to use a vpn, but not sure if that would work.
Can I use BBC iPlayer when I’m outside of the UK? | iPlayer help
Why does BBC iPlayer think I’m outside the UK? | iPlayer help
How to Watch BBC iPlayer in USA Live & Free (Updated 2023) (comparitech.com)
I was able to download the app, but it fails to open. I believe you must register an account on BBC. I believe this is an app for mobile devices? I got the download from APKMirror. I downloaded it to my 2019 Shield Pro. I used TVBro as my browser and used their installer.
Sorry,…
Btw, I first connected my Express VPN to a UK server.
Here’s a vid…
(85) How To Watch BBC iPlayer In USA! 
(100% Works + Live Test) - YouTube
Here’s a github link
GitHub - get-iplayer/get_iplayer: A utility for downloading TV and radio programmes from BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds
1 Like
How to Install ITV Hub (ITVX) on Android TV/ Android TV Box
1 Like
Thankyou for the replies. I will work through all the advice tomorrow. Much appreciated and I’ll post if I get it sorted
1 Like
Still unable to get this app on to my mecool box. I’m wondering if the reason is it’s running android 11 rather than android tv. My knowledge is fairly limited though and usually look for fixes through Troy point apps and advice. Any UK user know of a reasonable box that runs android tv and can stream bbc iplayer. Thanks again
Have successfully downloaded bbc-iplayer-5-0-1-29550.apk and installed - on Formuler Z7 box running android 7.
Open link on computer and download APK. Transfer to memory stick and use that to install on your mecool box.
You will need to Register with the BBC and sign in
https://bbc-iplayer.en.uptodown.com/android/post-download/110377269
From BBC Help -
On an Android or Amazon Fire device
Your device will need to be running Android 5.0 and above or Fire OS 5 and above to use the BBC iPlayer app or website. If it’s running an earlier version of Android or Fire OS, you might be able to update it.
First, check what version of Android or Fire OS your device is running.
- Android:
- Go to Settings
- Tap About phone / About device
- Then tap Android Version
- Amazon Fire:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen
- Open the Quick Settings menu
- Go to More > Device > About
Then, check if an update is available.
- Android: Go to Settings > About phone / About device > Update > Check for Updates
- Amazon Fire: Go to Settings > Device options > System updates > Check now
2019 Shield Pro
Express VPN - server: UK-Midlands
Installed using TVBro on my Shield directly from the uptodown website.
I used your uptodown link and installed bbc-iplayer
I first choose a UK - East London server on my Express VPN. Then I downloaded the app from uptodown. When a prompt appeared to register, I followed the instructions. It asked for a UK postal code, so I used the code for the Tower of London. Everything went well and finished registering. Then I had to verify my burner email address, which I did.
The app won’t appear on the app page or be able to move it to favorites until I make a shortcut for it. So, I opened via settings in ‘All Apps’. Once opened I found I had to use my Mouse Toggle and to some extent my Shield TV Remote app to navigate the UI effectively. There’s a bit of a learning curve to navigate, but not overwhelming. lol
I tested all categories and played several channels movies, sports, ext…, and everything played well.
Bottom line, I’ll keep this for a bit just to explore, but will most likely be uninstalling it. I don’t really have a need for it and was just curious.
1 Like
I believe that the following link has the proper iplayer apk for Android TV os and maybe better suited for navigation by a remote,
How to Install, Activate, and Watch BBC iPlayer on Android TV
Tried this bit.ly/3LLOUfS url the article referenced but kept getting Error: Forbidden.
I tried adding a https:// to the front end. Still got the error message.
I tried with VPN connected to the UK. Still got the error message.
I tried without a VPN connected. Still got the same message.
Me thinks the bit.ly code is no longer working. lol
But thanks for your reply.
@Powerfader The latest update version 5 is awful and not as user friendly UI. They have done the same with their BBC news app version 7.
I went to uptodown and looked for older versions, like here:
4.178.0.29465
This works fine with vpn to uk. And of course signed in with UK postcode.
Hope this works for you.
Thanks, but I have already uninstalled it this morning. I was just curious about the app and explored it enough to figure out I don’t really need it.
I guess if you live in the UK or are heavy into UK media content. Then this app would be of great benefit.
I have BBC America on my services and that is really good enough for me. 
1 Like
Sorry, didn’t test myself as it was 4 Oct 2023 posting.
Possible work around via amazon app store - UK TV apps free download.
Install Amazon App Store app on your device ( may need to create Amazon UK free account to use for UK apps ) -
Mmmm. More info for those interested. But personally i steer away from anything Amazon related on such matters as android devices or their app store.
Plenty of other good app stores out there.
I connect my vpn to a uk server and then go to internet browser and connect to bbciplayer or itvx and it plays great,
Hello - grabbed the MECOOL KM2 Plus Deluxe after seeing Troy’s review. Works great except it seems its not licenced for some UK apps like BBC iPlayer. Not come across this before. Is that likely to change in time?
If you have a VPN in use BBC iPlayer wont work
Sorry to disagree with Broxibear26.
But you will not get Bbc iplayer unless you use a vpn connected to a uk server.
And you will need a UK postcode to register.
Due to forum rules, i am not allowed to show you how to obtain one, if you dont have a UK residential address.
VPN in the UK won’t work, but I believe you must use a vpn in the states for it to work.
@Powerfader . See my post above. I have been using it for years, and i have never heard of being able to use a vpn outside of the UK, to be able to watch bbc iplayer.
But…i am always happy to be corrected.