Help

We've updated some security features which may affect how you watch content. If you’re experiencing issues, please try the steps below:

Connecting to a screen with a cable

If you use a HDMI cable or hub to connect your computer to a monitor or TV, make sure you're using an HDCP-compliant cable. Some cables or hubs are not supported and may prevent playback.

If your cable is compliant but you’re still having trouble, you can also try:

• reversing the ends of the cable
• switching to a different port on your TV
• connecting your device directly to your TV and bypassing any docks

If you use a VGA cable to connect your computer to a monitor, this method is no longer supported. Please try an alternative connections, such as HDCP-compliant HDMI cable.

Android devices

If you're watching on an Android mobile or tablet, please ensure you are watching on the BFI Player app. You can download this from your device’s App Store. You may need to delete and re-install this if you're still getting this error when watching in the app.

Mac

If you use a Mac you may need to switch your browser to Safari, as other browsers may not support secure playback.

Windows

If you use Windows you may need to switch your browser to Microsoft Edge, as other browsers may not fully support playback requirements.

Linux

Unfortunately, our website does not support Linux-based systems. Customers who've previously been able to watch this way may now find that this no longer works.

For alternative viewing methods, please see the Supported devices section below.

If you’re still having trouble, please contact our Support team using the Support pop-up or by emailing [email protected].

TV Apps

• Samsung Smart TV app (2019 onwards)
• LG Smart TV app (2019 onwards)
• Amazon Fire TV app
• Apple TV app (2019 onwards)
• Android TV app (2019 onwards)
• Chromecast with Google Play

We will no longer be updating the TV app for Samsung TVs from 2015 to 2018. While this version of the app is still available and will continue to work on certain TVs, playback and performance may be affected.

We recommend using a plug-in device such as Chromecast or Fire Stick for TVs that no longer support the TV app.

Mobile

• iOS: iOS 13 or higher
• Android: V11 or higher

Desktop/Laptop

• PC: Windows 10 or higher
• Mac: macOS 11 or higher

BFI Player supports the latest versions of most internet modern browsers.

We have dedicated TV apps on the following devices:

• Samsung Smart TVs (2019 onwards)
• LG Smart TVs (2019 onwards)
• Amazon Fire TV
• Apple TV
• Android TV 
• Chromecast with GooglePlay

Please go to the appropriate app store to download the BFI Player app. 

Is my TV model/year supported?

Your TV model number will be located either on the back or right hand side of your TV and the links below will help determine the year.

For Samsung TVs please see here.

For LG TVs please see here.

Casting

You can cast films to Chromecast devices from your Chrome browser or our iOS and Android apps, or to an Apple TV device from our iOS app via AirPlay.  The Chromecast icon on browser is on the video player on the far right of the control panel. For Chromecast devices with access to Google Play you can download the BFI Player app directly.

You can also watch films on your TV by plugging your laptop or computer into your TV or projector via an HDMI cable.  (Please note your device and cable must be HDCP compliant.)

You can only watch BFI Player in the UK and the service is not accessible through a VPN.

Certain security plugins, including adblockers and private browsing mode, can cause video playback to fail. We recommend switching these off before watching. 

You can cancel your subscription at any time from your Account page.

You cannot do this in the BFI Player app

You can buy a 12 month BFI Player gift subscription from the BFI Shop.

You will need to create an account for this site if you don't have one already.

Buy a gift subscription

Gift subscriptions can also be purchased from the BFI Shop at BFI Southbank in person or over the phone on 020 7815 1350.

How to redeem a gift subscription

To redeem a gift subscription, you’ll need to have a BFI Player account.

Once you’ve signed in, you can enter your gift code in the 'Redeem gift code' field.

If your University has offered you a BFI Player subscription, it can be redeemed as follows:

1. Visit player.bfi.org.uk/students to create an account on BFI Player or sign in to an existing account (You can use any email address for this step)
2. Select your university from the drop down menu
3. Authenticate using your university credentials 

This will link the subscription to your account.

If you would like your University to offer student access, please ask an official representative to contact our Business Partnerships team at [email protected]

If you’re having problems watching a film or with your BFI Player account, please use this support link. A blue pop up button will appear at the bottom of the screen.

Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected]. 

If you have a query about accessing or hiring archive films, please visit the links below.

BFI National Archive collections

Footage sales and bookings

Unfortunately, we don't accept unsolicited films for our catalogue. BFI as a wider organisation has avenues for filmmakers to screen work through festivals and these have their own individual requirements. find out more by visiting the links below.

https://www.bfi.org.uk/get-funding-support https://www.bfi.org.uk/bfi-festivals

You can ask for your BFI Player account to be deleted at any time by emailing [email protected].

We will then delete your account from our system and cease processing your personal data for account administration purposes.

We may retain certain information where necessary to comply with legal obligations, or otherwise for legitimate interests in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Data Protection Rights

You have rights under applicable data protection legislation, including the right to request access to your personal data, rectification of inaccurate data, restriction of processing, and erasure of your personal data under the UK General Data Protection Regulation.

To exercise any of these rights, for example, to request the erasure of all personal data the BFI holds about you, please submit a request to [email protected], specifying the nature of your request. Our Data Protection team may require additional information to verify your identity prior to processing your request.

See the BFI's Privacy Policy for more details.