BBC iPlayer Error Code 02050: How to Fix it

This error will prevent you from streaming any content

Fix » Web Apps

Reading time icon 4 min. read

Calendar icon Updated on

by Claire Moraa 

updated on

Share this article

Readers help support Windows Report. We may get a commission if you buy through our links. Tooltip Icon

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team Read more

Key notes

  • Keep your iPlayer app updated app to prevent this issue from appearing.
  • Disabling your VPN or proxy can sometimes help overcome this issue.

Streaming apps like BBC iPlayer may fail to load content and throw error code 02050 on your screen.

It could be a temporary issue that resolves itself, but if not, keep reading to discover what our WindowsReport experts were able to come up with to address this issue.

How do I fix BBC iPlayer error code 02050?

Before we start, verify that your streaming device has been registered with BBC iPlayer. You can also register it again. Check your Internet speed and restart your router.

1. Update your device’s firmware

1.1 TV firmware

  1. For this solution, we shall be using the TCL model.
  2. On your TV, find your Settings.
  3. Go to System.
  4. Click on About then select Software update.
  5. Select Network update and click on System update.
  6. Now click on Check Update. Your system will scan for any available updates.
  7. You’ll either start downloading updates or get a message that your TV is already up to date.

1.2 Phone OS

  1. Locate Settings on your device. (We’ll be using the Samsung model for this step).
  2. Go to Software update.
  3. Tap on Download and install.
  4. Wait for the update to finish installing if available, and retry your transaction.

Updating your device’s software can also help with other loading issues on BBC iPlayer like error code 02062.

2. Clear cache

2.1 On your TV

  1. On your TV, find your Settings.
  2. Go to Apps.
  3. Find BBC iPlayer and click on it.
  4. Scroll down and select Clear data and Clear cache.

2.2 Android app

  1. Open the Settings app on your Android device, and select Apps.apps
  2. Choose BBC iPlayer from the list of applications.
  3. Tap on Storage.storage
  4. Tap on Clear data and then on Clear cache.clear cache to fix error code 14 disney plus
  5. Open the BBC iPlayer app again and check for improvements.

2.3 Browser cache

  1. For this step, we shall be using the Chrome browser.
  2. Launch your Chrome browser and click the three vertical ellipses in the top right corner.
  3. Select Settings.Settings CHrome
  4. Click on Privacy and security, then select Clear browsing data.
  5. Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, then hit Clear data.Clear data

3. Enable/disable VPN 

  1. Press the Windows key and select Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Next, select Network & internet and click on VPN in the right-side menu.
  3. Select the VPN connection you want to disable, click on the drop-down and select Remove.remove VPN

BBC iPlayer is a geo-restricted app so, if you’re in a blacklisted location, you may need to use a VPN that can bypass the limitations.

If you were already using one but still spotted the error code 02050, it could mean your VPN has been detected or BBC iPlayer is just not working well with a VPN enabled. You’ll need to switch to a more reliable VPN that can bypass detection.

4. Enable/disable Proxy 

  1. Press the Start Menu icon and select Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on Network & Internet on the left pane, then scroll down and click Proxy on the right pane.Network proxy settings
  3. Select Edit next to Use a proxy server option in the Manual proxy setup section, toggle off Use a proxy server and click on Save.Disable proxy server

5. Reinstall BBC iPlayer

  1. On your TV, open Settings, and go to Applications. 
  2. Head down and select Manage installed applications.manage installed applications
  3. Choose BBC iPlayer from the list.
  4. Scroll down to the bottom and select Uninstall.uninstall to fix iplayer error code 02062
  5. Finally, choose Confirm to start the uninstallation.
  6. Once done, reinstall the BBC iPlayer app from the dedicated app store and verify whether error code 02050 has disappeared.

You should also consider a browser to stream BBC iPlayer content from because apps tend to have a bunch of loading issues like the Something went wrong iPlayer error.

By following the advice above, you may be able to resolve the problem you’re experiencing with BBC iPlayer not loading content error 02050. It’s worth noting that these instructions will work on any device that allows you to stream BBC iPlayer content.

There may still be other ways to fix this issue that are beyond the scope of this article. As such, we’d like to welcome any additional or even unorthodox solutions that may have helped you bypass this issue. Drop us a line in the comment section below.

More about the topics: BBC iPlayer

Claire Moraa

Claire Moraa Shield

Windows Software Expert

Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She's driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft's products. With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.