How to Fix BBC iPlayer Error Code 02066 [Step-by-Step]

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bbc iplayer error code 02066

Looking for ways to fix BBC iPlayer error code 02066? I feel you.

I got the error recently when trying to rewatch Peaky Blinders on my Amazon Fire TV, but I see people getting it on Roku and Samsung TVs too. I googled for solutions, but the “restart router” and “update app” recommendations didn’t do the trick.

So, I had to find a fix myself. And I did. Read on to find out how to quickly get rid of this problem.

Why do I get the BBC iPlayer error code 02066

The BBC iPlayer error code 02066 (or 02062 in some cases) typically comes up when accessing the app through a VPN on a smart TV.

It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to spoof your location and watch from an unsupported region or using a VPN for security reasons. BBC iPlayer is notorious for being against VPNs.

So, if it finds out you’re using one, you’re getting blocked – no questions asked.

How to Fix the BBC iPlayer Error Code 02066 on Amazon Fire TV:

Luckily, there are ways to get back on BBC iPlayer and keep using your VPN. Here’s how to do it, starting from the simplest fix:

1. Clear BBC iPlayer Cache

Smart TVs store temporary files that can sometimes hinder the performance of apps like BBC iPlayer. Here’s how to clear them, using Amazon Fire TV as an example:

  1. Start from your TV’s main screen.
  2. Scroll to the Settings menu at the top using your remote.Firestick settings
  3. Click on the Applications option within Settings.Select Applications on Firestick
  4. Choose Manage Installed Applications to see all your installed apps.
  5. Scroll until you locate the BBC iPlayer app.
  6. Click on it for more options.
  7. Choose Clear Cache from the options menu and confirm. This removes temporary files possibly causing the error.amazon fire clear bbc iplayer cache

Once that’s done, try opening iPlayer again. If this doesn’t do the trick, move on to the next fix:

2. Change the VPN server

Since BBC iPlayer is actively monitoring for VPN connections, the server you’re currently using may have been blacklisted.

So, changing it might help:

  1. Navigate to the VPN App: Open your VPN application from the Fire TV apps list.
  2. Access server options: Click your current server to see other server choices.
  3. Select another UK Server: Pick a server located in the UK and hit Connect.
  4. Verify the connection: Ensure the new server location is actively displayed.
  5. Test BBC iPlayer: Exit the VPN and start streaming on BBC iPlayer.

If you’re not using a VPN to access iPlayer from an unsupported region, you may also try disabling the VPN altogether to see if this fixes the issue.

3. Reinstall your VPN

Reinstalling the VPN may fix file corruption and connection issues and it’ll also ensure you’re running the latest version.

Again, we’ll use Amazon Fire as an example:

  1. Pick the Settings option from the home screen.
Amazon Fire settings
  1. Click the Applications tab.
amazon fire stick applications
  1. Choose Manage Installed Applications.
manage installed applications amazon fire
  1. Look for your VPN app in the list of installed apps and select it.
vpn app on fire tv
  1. On the pop-up page, click on the Uninstall button.
uninstall vpn on fire tv
  1. Confirm you wish to proceed when prompted.
  2. Once the VPN has been successfully uninstalled, return to the home screen.
  3. Access your TV’s app store.
  4. Use the search function to find your VPN.
amazon fire tv click search
  1. Select it to open the app page and Download. Once the installation is complete, return to the home screen.
amazon fire tv download vpn
  1. Locate the VPN app among your installed applications and click on it to open the app.
amazon fire nordvpn
  1. Launch the app and log in with your account credentials.
amazon fire nordvpn login
  1. Check to see if the BBC iPlayer error code 02066 is gone.

If even this didn’t work, then it’s time for the most radical solution:

4. Change your VPN provider

Unfortunately, not all VPNs are capable of bypassing BBC iPlayer’s geo-restrictions. And since the streaming platform is constantly updating its monitoring systems, your current VPN may no longer be up to the task.

That’s why I recommend that you switch to ExpressVPN. Its ability to make quick work of iPlayer’s restrictions has been proven many times and it has never failed me so far.

Additionally, you get built-in obfuscation to mask your VPN traffic and access to numerous servers in the UK.

Here’s how to get it up and running:

  1. Visit ExpressVPN’s website and pick a subscription.
expressvpn pricing plans
  1. Open your TV’s app store from the home screen and search for ExpressVPN.
amazon fire search icon
  1. Download and install the app.
expressvpn amazon fire
  1. Open it and log in with your credentials.
  2. Connect to a UK server of your choice.
expressvpn amazon fire app uk location
  1. Enjoy your favorite shows on BBC iPlayer.

For iPlayer, I usually connect to the London server. But ExpressVPN gives you numerous options, including Wembley, Docklands, Midlands, etc.

And it consistently ranks among the top VPN providers when it comes to speed. So, streaming in 4K is light work.

ExpressVPN

Blow past BBC iPlayer’s restrictions and enjoy high-quality streaming with this leading VPN provider.

Wrapping up

When you know what to do, the BBC iPlayer error code 02066 has no chance. Just try each solution one by one until you find the one that works for you.

More about the topics: bbc iplayer, Geoblocking, Watch

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