Frequently asked questions
Got a question about anything on CBeebies? From how to watch the panto to sending in a birthday card, you'll find the answers here.
Below are the answers to some popular queries about CBeebies. If the answer to your question isn't included here, and you would like to send in a comment, complaint or appreciation to the BBC, you can do so via the the BBC page.
CBEEBIES CHANNEL NUMBER CHANGES
CBEEBIES MERCHANDISE, TOYS AND DVDS
CBEEBIES SKILL FOR SMART SPEAKERS
CBEEBIES UNITY ACTIVITIES ONLINE
CBEEBIES WEBSITE: COMPUTER-ONLY GAMES REMOVED
CBEEBIES WEBSITE ON MOBILE OR TABLET DEVICES
CHARITY EVENTS AND FUNDRAISING
INFORMATION ABOUT CBEEBIES AND THE BBC
INFORMATION ABOUT INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMMES
CBEEBIES APPS
Playtime Island
The CBeebies Playtime Island app is available to via the Apple, Google Play and Amazon app stores.
Why Do I need to update the CBeebies app?
For technical reasons and to ensure security and stability of the CBeebies apps it has been necessary to upgrade the systems that the apps. This means from 30th September 2024 if you are using a version of the app prior to version 10.4.0 the CBeebies apps will no longer work. To continue using the CBeebies apps, you need to update to a newer version of the CBeebies apps, by visiting your app store. You may also need to update your device Operating System to update if you are using Android 6 and below or iOS 13 and below.
What happens if I don’t update the CBeebies app?
The CBeebies apps will no longer work if you are using a version prior to 10.4.0. Please visit your app store to update the CBeebies apps.
Why can’t I update my CBeebies app?
For technical reasons and to ensure security and stability of the CBeebies apps it has been necessary to upgrade the systems that the apps. However, as device operating systems update over time, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep our apps working as well as we would like. This means that unfortunately you will not see this version update for the CBeebies apps if you are using device Operating Systems iOS 13 and below or Android 6 and below.
In order to update the CBeebies apps to version 10.4.0 or above, your device needs to be using Operating System Android 7 and above, or iOS 14 and above. Therefore you may need to update your device Operating System to update the app.
How can I find all the games?
To find your child’s favourite game, just tap on that CBeebies show character. Then you or your child will be able to see all the games associated with that show.
E.g. If you want to play Hop to It, tap on Peter Rabbit and you’ll see it on the next screen.
We have also introduced two new game collections to the island called ‘Big kids’ and ‘Little ones’. Here you will find even more games from CBeebies favourites for your child to play with.
To help you find all the games your child has played before, head over to the ‘My Games’ treasure chest where all their favourite games can be stored.
How do I games to play offline?
Every time you play a game, it gets added to the Playtime Island treasure chest. When you're offline go here to see all the games you can play without an internet connection.
Why have some games been removed?
Some of our older games no longer work well in Playtime Island, but don't worry, you can still find these on the CBeebies website.
Which games have been removed?
Pablo's Art World Adventure and Andy's Safari Sounds have been removed from the Playtime Island app but you can still play them on the CBeebies website.
Why am I unable to update to the new version of the Playtime Island app?
If your device operates on Android 6 or below or iOS 13 or below, unfortunately we cannot continue to these old versions. We will now only be ing iOS 14 and above and Android 7 and above.
As device operating systems update over time, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep our apps working as well as we'd like. This means that you will not see this new update.
You can continue to use the original Playtime Island app for now, but you’ll see no further updates.
Will the Playtime island app have more games in the future?
Yes! There will be more games added in the near future. Keep updated on the Playtime Island app page.
Will the new app take up more space on my phone?/How do I remove ed games?
The file size of the app itself is quite small. This file size will however increase with every game that’s ed.
If you think Playtime Island is taking up too much space on your device, you can go to the Manage s section in Settings. Here you can see when a game was last played, and remove those that haven't been played in a while.
Storytime
The CBeebies Storytime app is available to via the Apple, Google Play and Amazon app stores.
BBC - Why do I need to sign in to CBeebies Storytime?
You’ll need to sign into your BBC when visiting the CBeebies Storytime app – just like you’re already asked when using other BBC services such as BBC News, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport app.
g in is quick, free and easy, and we’ll keep you signed in. You can for a BBC here.
We are rolling out BBC and Sign in for existing and new s of the CBeebies Storytime app over the next few months.
We’re making this change because we’re working to deliver our public service mission, reaching and serving all families by creating shows, games, and experiences everyone loves. We are also working to deliver a personalised experience across BBC apps and websites – just like you’d expect from a digital service. It means that in the near future, if you create a child profile linked to your , we can highlight content that your child might be interested in so you get more value from the BBC.
This change also helps us understand more about what people are playing with in the CBeebies apps, to make sure we’re better serving all of our audience.
If you’d prefer not to have a personalised service, you can turn personalisation off in your settings.
Find out more about why we ask you to sign in.
How do I know BBC profiles are safe for my child?
We take child safety very seriously and we’ve got various safeguards in place to keep children safe. For our youngest s, once a parent or guardian signs in to the CBeebies Storytime app they can add a child profile to their .
When adding this child profile, we only ask for a display name (this doesn’t need to be their full or real name) and their date of birth. The date of birth allows us to provide age appropriate content.
Once a child has a Child profile in the CBeebies Storytime app, they can also use this in iPlayer to access a children’s version that only shows content for under-13s, so your kids can browse safely.
With the date of birth information provided to us on creating a child profile, your child will also get more specific content for their age group e.g. 0-3, 4-6, 7-9 & 10-12. A profile means they’ll get personalised recommendations and be able to pick up shows where they left off.
A child profile only works on CBeebies Storytime and iPlayer, and they won’t be able to use features of BBC websites like commenting, voting, entering competitions. However, you can always create a child to give them extra permissions.
Find out more about getting started with the kids’ experience on iPlayer.
What are you doing with my information?
BBC Children’s services sometimes collect personal information, just like the parts of the BBC that are for grown-ups. Keeping your data safe is very important to us.
How do I create a BBC ?
You will need a BBC to sign into the CBeebies Storytime app.
If you don’t have a BBC , don’t worry - it is quick, easy and free to set one up.
Open the CBeebies Storytime app.
A blue screen with our CBeebies bugs will appear, asking you to Sign in or .
Select .
We will ask you to provide your email address, date of birth, postcode and a . You need to be 13 or over to for an in CBeebies. Storytime. If you're under 13, we ask your parent or guardian to an in their name and then follow step 4 to add a child profile for you.
Once you have ed your , you will have the option to ‘Add Child’. We ask for a display name and date of birth. This is for a child under 13.
You can find more information on creating an somewhere other than the CBeebies Apps here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/usingthebbc//how-do-i-create-a-bbc-/
What happens if I don’t create a BBC ?
Without creating a BBC and g in, you won't be able to use the CBeebies Storytime app, play games or choose to benefit from the personalised features that BBC iPlayer offers. This includes adding programmes for later, getting personalised recommendations, and picking up where you left off across your devices.
Can I have more than one signed in?
As a parent or guardian, you can add a child profile to your for children under 13. If you have a child profile in your , it is easy to switch between profiles. To do this:
Open the CBeebies Storytime app. If you’re already signed into the app, select the round icon with your initial on the top right to be taken to the screen. If not, sign in then follow the same instructions.
On the 'Welcome back' screen, select Add child to add a new child profile. Once you have added a new child profile, you can select it and they will be logged into the app. If you have existing profiles, then select the profile to which you wish to switch.
For those over 13, they will need to create their own on the BBC website and sign in with that.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/usingthebbc//how-do-i-create-a-bbc-/
Can I stop my child from accessing my profile on the CBeebies apps?
Yes. When in a child profile, a parental lock will appear if your child tries to switch profiles or access settings. This lock requires the entry of numbers spelt out on screen.
Do I need to create a child profile for my child to use the app?
You do not need to create a child profile to continue using CBeebies Storytime, but we suggest you do as child profiles are designed so your kids can browse safely.
Child Profiles currently only work on CBeebies Storytime and iPlayer, they only show iPlayer content for under-13s and your kids won’t be able to use features of BBC websites like commenting, voting, entering competitions.
In iPlayer, a profile means they’ll get personalised recommendations and be able to pick up shows where they left off too.
How do I create a child profile for the CBeebies Storytime app?
Setting up a child profile on CBeebies Storytime is quick and easy.
Setting up a profile on CBeebies Storytime mobile/tablet app:
An adult will need to be signed in first to set up a child profile.
After launching the app, tap the blue avatar on the top right of the home screen
Select the Add Child button on your screen
Create a display name. There’s a maximum of 50 characters. This can’t include special characters (e.g. %?£).
Enter the date of birth. This is so your child can see content that's appropriate for their age. The maximum age for a child profile is the day before their 13th birthday.
Select ‘Create a profile’ once done.
Select the Child profile button and it’s all done.
Will I have to everytime my child uses the CBeebies Storytime app?
Once you are logged in, you’ll normally be signed in for two years, unless you sign out, delete your cookies or delete your app. You can find out more about cookies here.
After two years we’ll ask you to sign in again. Oh, and you can sign in with different s on the same device.
What should I do if I can't get signed in?
Visit the Using the BBC website for lots of advice if you're having trouble g in.
Here are some direct links:
How do I sign in to the CBeebies Storytime app?
You will need a BBC to sign into the CBeebies Storytime app. Please see the FAQ 'How do I create a BBC ">