Being able to record on Youview is one of their main attracting features, with over 70 channels to choose from, you want to be able to record one program while watching the other.
Why won’t Youview play recordings?
If you’re not trying to record too many programs at once (this will cause a clash between your scheduled recordings), you may be experiencing issues with your cables or your Youview box.
If you are not sure where to start to get this matter resolved, we have generated this easy guide for you, to establish the issue on your Youview, and get it amended so you can get back to catching up with your recordings.
Why can’t I watch my recordings on BT T.V

Why can’t I watch my recordings on BT TV
Whether you are using BT or TalkTalk for your broadband provider, you can still encounter the same issue of Youview not playing your recordings, so if you are asking ‘Why won’t my recordings play on TalkTalk’, we have outlined the few possible reasons for this constraint.
- The hardware cables are not connected properly
- Your network connection had issues during the recording phase
- The desired program was rescheduled from its set showtime
- Software on your Youview box needs to be updated
On some occasions, if there is a connection issue between your Youview box and your TV, this will result in a faulty recording.
Note, if you are experiencing issues when trying to view a certain channel you want to record from, this will affect the program from being recorded successfully.
How to update Youview box
To ensure your software is updated to the latest version, you can follow these simple steps;
Step 1. On your remote, click on the ‘Menu’ button
Step 2. Click on ‘Settings’
Step 3. Find and press ‘Software Information’
Step 4. Confirm by selecting ‘Update Software’
Your Youview box will now be updated.
Why is my Youview box not recording
Check to see if any of these reasons may resonate with your current BT box actions;
- If you are planning on recording a program, you need to ensure you have put the recording on for fifteen minutes before the program begins
- Your BT Box may not be recording due to insufficient space, so removing any old recordings will help you clear up space for your new recordings. (this is less likely as your oldest recordings automatically get deleted)
- The channel you have tried to record from is not included on your box (due to area or weak signal)
- Youview box has been turned off
- You are trying to record more than 2 programs at once
How do I reset my Youview box and keep recording

Reset Youview box
Before you complete a factory reset on your Youview box, it is recommended to first do a reboot as this will keep your saved recordings and any settings you have made on your box.
To complete a reboot
Step 1. Click on the power button at the back of your box to turn it off
Step 2. Remove the connecting cable from the plug point
Step 3. Wait a few minutes
Step 4. Plug the power source back in
Step 5. Turn your Youview box back on
The reboot has been completed.
If your recordings are still not playing, you can complete the factory reset, however, keep in mind this will erase any saved data from your box and your current recorded programs will be lost.
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To complete a factory reset
Be connected to a good stable internet connection before proceeding
Step 1. Bring up your ‘Menu’ on your device
Step 2. Find ‘Settings’ and click on it
Step 3. Choose ‘Information and Reset’
Step 4. Click on ‘Factory Reset’
Step 5. A sequence of numbers will show on your screen. Input these numbers to confirm
Your box will not complete the reset process after which you will be able to follow the setup steps again.
Can you record on BT YouView box without subscription?

Can I still use my Youview box without subscription
If your subscription has ended with BT and you are in two minds about renewing it, moving elsewhere, or just not having your Youview box connected to a broadband provider, it is good to know that you will still be able to use your BT Youview box without being subscribed to BT.
With that being said, there are a few setbacks when stopping the subscription with BT;
- You won’t be able to get access to BT Player
- No BT channels
- Prohibited from all recordings from BT’s internet channels
You will still have access to;
- Freeview channels
- Recordings from Freeview channels
- You will still be able to record these channels
Without being subscribed to BT, the only thing you will lose is anything BT related.
Conclusion
With Youview providing the UK with all channels possible, it’s a great entertainment service to have if you are an avid program watcher.
Not being able to watch your desired recordings can be a frustrating experience, especially if you have been looking forward to coming back from your night out and settling down to catch up on favorite TV shows.
We hope this guide has assisted you in fixing this issue as quickly as possible so you do not have to miss out on any further shows.
You can make use of Youview’s support page if there is anything else you would like information on.