Beeb BETA

Beeb BETA Troubleshooting

Page updated: 6 January 2021

When I follow the link to download Beeb, it won't open the Microsoft Store

Try opening the link in a Microsoft Edge browser as opposed to Chrome, Firefox etc. You also need to be in the UK Windows Store.

If this doesn’t work, please contact us at Beeb.Feedback@bbc.co.uk.

When I try to download Beeb, it says my device is not compatible.

Check you are running a compatible version of Windows. To do this:

  1. Click Start
  2. Search for "About Your PC"
  3. Scroll down to the "Windows specifications" section.
  4. The "OS Build" should show as 18362 or greater.

If you are running a compatible version of Windows and still have this problem, please email us at Beeb.Feedback@bbc.co.uk and tell us the make and model of your device, and we will investigate your case.

I can't get past Beeb's voice activation screen, even though Beeb is switched on in Windows Settings

You will need to disable Cortana by switching it off in the Voice Activation screen.

  • This can be found in the Windows Privacy settings (Settings>Privacy>Voice activation>Choose which apps can use voice activation).
  • Make sure “Let Cortana respond to “Cortana” keyword” is off
  • Make sure “Let Beeb BETA respond to “OK Beeb” keyword” is on.
I can t get past Beeb s voice activation screen even though Beeb is switched on in Windows Settings 1136x640

When I first set up the app, after accepting mic permissions, I just see a blank window with nothing on it

  1. Try exiting and re-opening the application.
  2. If you are still seeing a blank screen, try restarting the computer and relaunching the app.
  3. If the issue persists, please contact us at Beeb.Feedback@bbc.co.uk

The app tells me I need to grant Mic Access

The app tells me I need to grant Mic Access 1136x640
  1. Open the Microphone Privacy Settings page in System Settings. (You can search for it on the start menu, or use the hyperlink on the screen). Check that Beeb is switched on.
  2. Try toggling the Beeb switch off then on again. This sometimes jogs the app’s memory!
  3. Try restarting the computer and relaunching the app
  4. If the issue persists, please contact us at Beeb.Feedback@bbc.co.uk

The app shows a warning page saying "Update needed"

You may be using an old version of the app. Update the app from the Microsoft Store by clicking the 'Go to store' button, or opening the Microsoft Store and downloading any updates available for Beeb app. Relaunch the app and hopefully you are good to go!

The app doesn’t seem to do anything when I say “OK Beeb”

  1. Firstly, check which version of Windows you are running. Voice activation requires version 2004 (OS Build 19041) or greater. If you are sure you are running a compatible version of Windows, let’s check your microphone is working. You can use the Voice Recorder app built into Windows 10 to do this. Try and find a quiet place and pause slightly before saying “OK Beeb, what can I do?”
  2. Now open the Beeb app and try saying “OK Beeb, what can I do?”
  3. If this doesn’t work, try restarting the computer and relaunching the app.
  4. If you are still having trouble, please contact at us at Beeb.Feedback@bbc.co.uk.

The app crashes when I attempt to launch it

Please contact at us at Beeb.Feedback@bbc.co.uk and tell us:

  • The date and time of the crash
  • Your device model

We will investigate this and get back in touch with you.

I can't hear Beeb's voice, but I can hear radio or podcasts

If you have a headset or speakers connected to your computer/tablet, this results in Beeb’s voice playing out from the “Default Communication Device” and the media playing out from the “Default Device”.

You will need to set your headset or speakers as your Default Communications Device to hear both.

The guide may help but it hasn’t been written by BBC:

https://www.mcbsys.com/blog/2018/09/set-default-communications-device-in-windows-10-1803/

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