How to Watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK Easy Guide [Updated May 2024]

Can you watch BBC iPlayer outside UK? Yes, you need a subscription to a premium VPN that will help you access BBC iPlayer Outside UK.

It is an on-demand video service owned by the BBC; you can catch up on all the BBC’s channels, like BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, CBBC, BBC News, and Radio 1.

But it is only available for the UK audience, so you need a premium VPN that can help provide access to BBC iPlayer by unblocking its region-locked policies.

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Why You Need a VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK

BBC iPlayer is based in the UK and completely geo-blocked outside of the United Kingdom because of the license and content distribution policies.

So, when you try to access it outside UK, this message will pop up on your screen:

BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues.

So now the question: Can you trick BBC iPlayer outside UK? Yes, you can; with the help of a premium VPN, we recommend ExpressVPN with the most reliable connection and servers.

Ensure that you are using a good quality VPN, as we suggest, so you will not have difficulty accessing your favorite content.

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Criteria to choose the Best BBC iPlayer VPN outside UK

Before buying any VPN, the qualities we mention below ensure that all these qualities must be in that VPN.

Read this guide carefully, then purchase a VPN:

1. A VPN you choose to access BBC iPlayer outside the UK must offer multiple numbers of servers. You can connect with another if one gets a block or creates an issue.
2. It must be able to unblock the strong geo-restricted system of streaming sites like BBC iPlayer and other sites you want to access.
3. They should have provided 24/7 customer support with 30-day money-back guarantees.
4. Make sure that the VPN you choose is capable enough to unblock other streaming sites.

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3 Best VPNs to Unblock BBC iPlayer Abroad [Detailed Guide May 2024]

It would help if you went through this section before buying any VPN service because we have tested some of the best VPNs.

Here are all the VPNs with their qualities and specifications:

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ExpressVPN — Best VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer outside UK

• Ultra-Fast speed with unlimited bandwidth for bufferless streaming.
• 3000+ Servers in 90+ Countries, including 20+ location servers in US.
• Comes with five simultaneous device connections
• Compatible with Windows, MacOS, iOS, Smart TV, Linux, and more.

ExpressVPN has incredible server speed to ensure smooth and high-quality streaming from anywhere. It has 3000+ optimized servers installed in 90+ countries and 20+ location servers in the US only. It comes with Ultra fast connection speed, allowing users to have top-quality streaming without error.

Its high-speed servers can easily unblock geo-restricted streaming platforms, encrypt your data, bypass the IP tracking system, and provide unlimited bandwidth for bufferless streaming.

Regarding device compatibility, ExpressVPN has a dedicated VPN app designed for all compatible devices and routers. It offers five simultaneous device connections that you can run on macOS, iOS, Android, Fire devices, browsers, gaming consoles, routers, smart TVs, and more.

Now, let's talk about its price!

Its yearly subscription will cost you $6.67/month, with an extra three months for free. Furthermore, you can connect up to 5 simultaneous devices with a single subscription.

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Surfshark — Low-Cost VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer outside UK

• Comes with SmartDNS to unblock content on non-native devices
• 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including 20+ location servers in the US.
• Compatible with Android, Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux,  smart TVs, and more
• Offers minimum price of about $2.30/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark's minimum price tag makes it the most wallet-friendly VPN for streaming. It is equipped with 3000+ global servers in 100 countries, including 20+ location servers in the US. Surfshark stands out among all is non, but it's a Smart DNS server that enables users to access geo-restricted content without a native app.

Moreover, a Surfshark subscription ensures unlimited device connection on all compatible devices, whether Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, smart TVs, or more.

Regarding price, you can expect to have $2.30/month, saving 82% on its two-year plan along with two extra months. It offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, ultra HD streaming, Unlimited bandwidth, and Zero log policy, all wrapped under its modest pricing plan.

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NordVPN — Fastest VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer outside UK

• NordLynx Protocol to help boost streaming experience
• 5000+ Servers in 60 Countries including 17 location servers in the US.
• Comes with 6 simultaneous device connections.
• Compatible with Android, Windows, iOS, Linus, Smart TVs & Routers.

When it comes to reliability, you won't find any other option better than NordVPN!

Apart from its giant web of VPN servers, including 17 server locations in the US, NordVPN has recently launched NordLynx. This new-generation VPN protocol provides an improved connection for an uninterrupted streaming experience.

NordVPN has SmartPlay integration that unblocks various content with its IP spoofing feature. Like Surfshark, NordVPN incorporates its dedicated SmartDNS service that can easily unblock geo-restricted content on devices with no native app.

You can connect Nord with almost all devices, including windows, macOS, Android, Apple, Smart TV, Xbox, PS series, and more. The cost will drastically reduce if you opt for its two-year plan, which will cost you $3.49/per month, six device connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Can I Use Free VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer Abroad?

Can I watch the BBC iPlayer outside the UK for free? To access it outside the UK, you must buy a premium VPN to get a secure connection.

By using the free VPNs, you are risking your data by saving some money, which is more unsafe because the VPNs that are free of cost are famous for leaking their customers’ data.

Also, they will never provide you with a quality connection; they have very poor services with very low-quality servers that usually get blocked.

Most sites, including BBC iPlayer, already make their blacklist, so they can never unblock those sites.

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How to Sign Up for BBC iPlayer Account from Outside the UK [Step by Step]

To sign-up follow these steps:

1. Download and install a VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN.)
2. Connect it with the server in the UK
3. Go to the BBC iPlayer’s website or App.
4. Tap on the ‘Register’ option
5. Now add your personal information
6. After this step, Use SW1A 1AA for London, E1 OAA for East London, and E16 2JE for Docklands as postal codes.
7. After completing all the steps, select the “Register” option, and verify your email.

Now you can stream BBC iPlayer outside UK successfully.

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How much does BBC iPlayer cost?

BBC iPlayer is a free service for the residents of the UK, but to access it outside the UK, you need a premium VPN, so pay for the services of a suitable VPN, and you are all set to watch BBC iPlayer outside UK.

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What to do if your VPN does not work with BBC iPlayer

These are some of the main issues that stop VPNs from working:

• Sometimes, the server you are using creates problems or stops working properly, so try changing your server and connecting with another one.
• Clear cookies
• Remove the cache memories from your browsing history
• If nothing works, contact the live chat support of the VPN you use.

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Which Devices are Compatible with watching BBC iPlayer outside UK

BBC iPlayer supports almost all devices; here is the guide about how to get it on your device with a VPN connection:

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For Android users

1. Open ExpressVPN App on your Android device.
2. Connect to a server in the United Kingdom.
3.  Sign up for a new Google account and log in.
4. Search for BBC iPlayer App in the Play Store.
5. Install it and sign up for a free account.
6. Congratulations, BBC iPlayer, is now available on your Android device.

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For iOS Users

1. Begin by changing your Apple ID region to the United Kingdom in Settings > Network.
2. Open ExpressVPN on your iOS device.
3. Connect to a server in the United Kingdom.
4. Search for BBC iPlayer in the Apple App Store.
5. Install the App and log in to your account to start streaming your favorite shows.

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For Roku Users

1. Download and install ExpressVPN and connect it to your Wi-Fi router.
2. Connect to the UK server.
3. Now insert your Roku stick into your smart TV through the HDMI port.
4. Turn on your device and select BBC iPlayer on Roku home screen, and you are good to go

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For PS3/PS4 Users

1. Set up your console.
2. Launch ExpressVPN App.
3. Log in to connect with the UK server.
4. Go to the category of TV/Video Services.
5. From the list of alternatives, look for "BBC iPlayer."
6. Select "Get" from the drop-down menu.
7. BBC iPlayer has now been added to your "My Channels" list.

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For Xbox Users

1. Set up and open your Xbox.
2. Download ExpressVPN.
3. Log in to connect with the server in UK
4. From the Xbox menu, select "My games & apps."
5. Search for "BBC iPlayer" in the "Xbox Store."
6. That's it! Click the "Install" button.

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For Kodi Users

1. Install a VPN that is compatible with Crackle TV. We highly recommend ExpressVPN.
2. Connect your Kodi device to your VPN.
3. Download the VPN software to your computer, save it to a USB stick, and plug it into your Kodi device.
4. On your Kodi device, go to Settings, System Settings, and Add-ons.
5. Now toggle on Unknown Sources.
6. Install the VPN app on your Kodi device. Connect to a server in the United Kingdom after that.
7. Go to Kodi's home screen by turning on your TV.
8. Lastly, install the BBC iPlayer add-on on Kodi to start watching.

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For Firestick Users

1. Start up your Firestick and go to Search.
2. Switch to unknown sources and download ExpressVPN, then connect to the UK server.
3. Enter the word "BBC iPlayer" and press enter.
4. The 'BBC iPlayer app for Fire TV Stick' will appear in the search results.
5. The App will be downloaded after you click 'Get.'
6. After the BBC iPlayer app has been installed, open it.
7. Open the BBC iPlayer app and sign up/log in with your credentials.
8. Now you can start watching BBC iPlayer on Firestick.

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For Apple TV Users

1. Choose a VPN service that allows you to use Smart DNS. We highly recommend ExpressVPN.
2. Find your Smart DNS addresses, go to your Apple TV's Settings menu, and select Network at the bottom of the page.
3. Choose your Network by pressing the Wi-Fi button.
4. Then go to DNS Configuration and choose Manual Configuration.
5. Connect your Apple TV to a UK server by typing in your DNS address and restarting it.
6. On your Apple TV, you are done and download and install the BBC iPlayer app.

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For Smart TV Users

1. Download and install a premium VPN. We highly recommend ExpressVPN.
2. Connect to a UK-based server
3. Go into your Wi-Fi router's admin.
4. Connect it to your VPN network.
5. Download the BBC iPlayer app on your smart TV, and create a free account to start watching.

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For PC Users

1. On your computer, download and install a premium VPN. We highly recommend ExpressVPN.
2. Connect to a UK-based server.
3. Go to the BBC iPlayer website, sign up for an account, or log in.
4. If you're still having trouble watching BBC iPlayer, delete your cookies and cache before logging in.

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Why isn’t the BBC iPlayer outside UK working with a VPN? [Quick Fixes]

Sometimes it happens the VPN you are using a VPN service:

• After clearing your browsing history, cache and cookies, try again.
• Reconnect with the server or change your server.
• Contact the customer service department of your VPN provider.

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Why can’t I access BBC iPlayer outside UK?

Because of its geo-restriction policy, BBC iPlayer is not available outside the UK, so you need a VPN to access it, but sometimes a VPN doesn’t work, so you need a premium quality VPN.

And these are some more reasons that can create hurdles in your streaming:

1. BBC iPlayer has blocked the servers of the VPN that you are using.
2. Your device’s GPS position and IP address are different.
3. BBC iPlayer has updated its geo-blocking methods. That’s why your VPN is not working.
4. The VPN you are using is not able to unblock the BBC iPlayer.

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What to watch on BBC iPlayer outside UK?

You can watch these shows and movies on BBC iPlayer outside UK:

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Best BBC iPlayer Shows

• The Missing
• I May Destroy You
• Life on Mars
• Responsible Child
• The Salisbury Poisonings
• Traces
• Torchwood
• Moving On
• The Fades
• Don’t Take My Baby
• The Luminaries
• Harlots

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Best BBC iPlayer Movies

• The Remains of the Day (1993)
• All Is True (2018)
• Horrible Histories: The Movie (2019)
• King of Kings (1961)
• Into the Woods (2014)
• Shrek: The Ghost of Lord Farquaad (2014)
• The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
• The Lion King (1994)
• The Beguiled (2017)
• Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)
• When Eight Bells Toll (1971)
• The Imitation Game (2014)
• Funny Girl (1968)

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BBC iPlayer Upcoming Shows on May 2024

• HAPPY VALLEY
• WATERLOO ROAD
• THIS TOWN
• SILENT WITNESS
• SHUGGIE BAIN
• BOILING POINT
• MAYFLIES
• THE WOMAN IN THE WALL
• CHAMPION
• TEN POUND POMS
• TWO TONE (working title)
• CALL THE MIDWIFE
• THE GOLD
• RAIN DOGS
• BEST INTERESTS
• GREAT EXPECTATIONS
• MARIE ANTOINETTE

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List of all iPlayer Channels

• BBC Alba SD
• BBC Four HD
• BBC News HD
• BBC One (English regions) SD / HD
• BBC One HD
• BBC Parliament SD
• BBC Radio 1 HD
• BBC Scotland HD
• BBC Three HD
• BBC Two HD
• CBBC HD
• CBeebies HD
• S4C HD

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In which country is BBC iPlayer available?

BBC iPlayer is only available for the people of the United Kingdom and geo-restricted outside it.

• BBC iPlayer in Canada
• BBC iPlayer in Ireland
• BBC iPlayer in Australia
• BBC iPlayer in USA

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FAQs on BBC iPlayer outside UK

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Is BBC iPlayer Available outside UK?

No, you need a premium VPN to access BBC iPlayer outside UK because it is completely geo-restricted outside UK.

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Can I watch BBC iPlayer abroad for free?

No, BBC iPlayer is free for the residents of UK. However, you need a VPN to access it in another country, so you must pay for the VPN services you buy.

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Is it illegal to watch BBC iPlayer outside UK?

Access to the BBC iPlayer outside UK is only possible through a premium VPN that is not illegal. However, BBC iPlayer doesn’t appreciate these activities.

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Why does iPlayer only work in UK?

Because of their license agreements and content distribution policies, BBC iPlayer is bound to give access to their platform only in UK, but you can access it through a premium VPN. We recommend you ExpressVPN.

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How do I change my country on BBC iPlayer?

By subscribing to a premium VPN, connect the server in UK and change your country to access BBC iPlayer outside UK.

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Can you watch BBC programs when you are offline?

Yes, they allow the download option to access it while offline, even when you don’t have a Wi-Fi or internet connection.

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Conclusion

After reading this article, we hope you will have a complete guide about watching BBC iPlayer outside the UK with its limitations and geo-restrictions. A VPN like ExpressVPN is here to help you buy it and enjoy all of your content from the BBC iPlayer in your country.

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Also Read:

• BT Sport outside UK
• ITV Hub outside UK