BBC iPlayer streams all the latest BBC content, from live sports to Strictly . But there's a catch – the platform is blocked outside the UK. So how can you watch BBC iPlayer from abroad?
Our quick and easy guide below explains how to unblock BBC iPlayer's geo-resitrctions by changing your IP address back to Britain. You can do with in seconds with a VPN app.
But not any VPN app – the free VPNs aren't any good for streaming or unblocking. and even some of the paid ones are unreliable. The best VPN to watch BBC iPlayer right now is Nord (grab our 70% off mega-deal quick!).
If you've not used a VPN, don't worry—they're incredibly easy. Just an app that installs on your device, whether it be mobile, laptop or desktop. Here's what to do...
How to watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK
Want to keep up with your favorite series or sports team?
The solution is simple: NordVPN.
How to unblock BBC iPlayer content in 5 easy steps
The most popular VPNs all have user-friendly interfaces that make it easy to change your IP address (and therefore you online location – they're great for security too. Ideally, you should have one whenever you use the internet).
- Sign up for a VPN: our NordVPN review goes into more depth but, in short, it's the best streaming VPN I've ever put to the test.
- Download your VPN: downloading and installing your VPN is a piece of cake—just follow along with the on-screen instructions (and make sure you pick the right app for your device).
- Connect to a UK server: browse your VPN's server list to find a server in the UK, click to connect, and you're almost ready to go.
- Log in to BBC iPlayer: you'll need to create an account if you're a new viewer.
- Hit play:, sit back and watch BBC iPlayer from abroad!
How to install your VPN on different devices
If you want to set up your chosen VPN service on a smartphone or laptop, you will find this task as easy as downloading and installing a new app.
When it comes to streaming devices, it may be a bit more complicated. While Amazon Fire Stick offers dedicated VPN apps that are easy to use, others like Apple TV and Roku do not.
With Apple TV, you can either manually configure your DNS IP address with one you find on your VPN website or connect it through your router (we have a full guide on how to use VPNs on Apple TV). While the only way to make your VPN work with Roku is to install the service on your router – it takes a few extra steps – it isn't difficult to set up your VPN on Roku.
If you want to watch BBC iPlayer through a VPN on an Android TV, simply go to the Google Play Store and look for your VPN's provider app. For all the other operating systems, the easiest way is probably installing a Smart TV VPN on your router as you would do with an Apple TV or Roku streaming device.
Can I access BBC iPlayer with a free VPN?
Finding a good free VPN that can unblock BBC iPlayer content is a far greater challenge. Some free VPNs – like ProtonVPN – deliberately prevent streaming unless you upgrade to its Plus plan. Limited data and potential safety risks of other services are other common downsides that come with free versions.
The good news at least is that many premium VPNs have free trials, usually in the form of a 30-day money-back guarantee (NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, ExpressVPN). That's a way for users who want to test their premium features without spending a penny in the long run.
Is watching BBC iPlayer with a VPN illegal?
The simple answer is no.
If you are paying a UK TV licence, you are legally allowed to watch BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. A VPN will just allow you to stream your favorite content no matter where you are, by hiding your real location and bouncing you to a UK IP address.
The good news: it's perfectly legal to do so! As the UK broadcaster states in its terms of use, 'If we detect that you might be using a VPN, you'll be unable to play programs. This is because we need to be confident you're in the UK.' The only possibility could then be that of not being able to stream, without breaking the law. And remember, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee (which I've tested out for myself).
Even though BBC iPlayer itself does not check if you are actually a license payer, you are technically not allowed to use the service without a license – whether or not you access the BBC catalog with a VPN. So, you will be able to do so, but at your own risk.
What to do if your VPN does not work with iPlayer
The BBC is constantly trying to prevent users from accessing their online catalog when outside the UK. As a result, iPlayer can make your VPN’s job challenging at times.
Below there are some hacks that can help you to fix your VPN problems with BBC iPlayer:
- Clear your cookies and then reload the page
- Try with a different browser
- Report the issue to your VPN customer support team, asking for a recommendation to the best server to use
- Sometimes your real IP address can leak information. Enable the leak protection option in your VPN’s settings menu to stop this from happening
- If you are watching iPlayer from your smartphone, try to switch on your PC. Doing that prevents GPS data from being cross-referenced with your IP address
If none of these steps is working, your VPN may simply not be suitable for iPlayer. So the final suggestion is to check our list of working iPlayer VPNs to ensure that you're getting fully functioning software.
- How to watch UK TV from abroad
- How to watch Champions League for free
- The Best BBC iPlayer VPN – all the options tested and rated
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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