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If you’re a UK-based BBC iPlayer user travelling abroad or living outside the UK, you may have already experienced difficulty accessing your favorite content. Unfortunately, the service is only available to viewers based in the UK. However, there’s a solution, and we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about watching BBC iPlayer abroad.
The BBC iPlayer streaming platform is one of the largest in the UK, offering a wide range of content that includes ad-free high-quality TV shows, radio programs, and feature films.
However, if you’re travelling abroad, the server will recognize your international location and block you from accessing the content. That’s because British TV license fees support BBC programs and services, which makes sense in limiting BBC iPlayer to UK viewers.
Yet, what if you’re a UK television licence holder who travels or has a home in another country? If you’ve paid for the service, watching BBC iPlayer abroad is possible.
Previously, only a TV license was required to watch live TV on iPlayer, but the rules have since changed, requiring viewers to pay for all iPlayer content. Tech Advisor has explained the updated terms and conditions in its article, Do I Need a TV License?
How to Get BBC iPlayer Abroad
While accessing BBC iPlayer content from abroad violates the service’s terms and conditions, we’ll show how you can do so by using a VPN:
- Subscribe to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service like ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Check out our complete list of top 10 VPNs.
- Download and install the VPN app of your choice onto your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Log on using your VPN account credentials.
- Select a UK-based server from the list of VPN servers.
- Open your favorite browser and visit BBC iPlayer, signing in as usual.
- Enjoy access to all of BBC iPlayer’s content as if you were based in the UK.
While a violation of BBC iPlayer’s terms of service, there’s nothing illegal about using a VPN to access its content. Therefore, you can use a VPN at your discretion. BBC iPlayer may suspend your account, but this is highly unlikely to happen.
How to Watch iPlayer with a VPN
When you access BBC iPlayer on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, your public IP address gets checked. This check ensures that you are not trying to access the content from outside of the UK. The IP address identifies your location, including your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or mobile connection server. If it’s not located in the UK, BBC iPlayer will block you from accessing the content.
However, by logging in to your VPN, you can choose a UK-based IP address. This way, you trick BBC iPlayer’s servers into thinking that you are in the UK, giving you full access to iPlayer content as usual.
Here are some of the best VPN services that we recommend for accessing BBC iPlayer content:
- NordVPN: When it comes to top-quality VPN services, NordVPN is the leader, providing the best combination of top-notch security and privacy features. As little as £2.82 / US $3.49 per month.
- ExpressVPN: Another great option with comprehensive security and privacy features and easy-to-use apps. Approximately £5 /$6.67 per month.
- PureVPN: One of the reliable VPN providers, PureVPN has excellent track records with access to BBC iPlayer. Priced from £1.35 / $1.65 per month.
If you want to access US Netflix, check these steps on how to get it on your UK device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do you need a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer abroad?
Yes, you need a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer abroad. The server is available only for UK viewers, and all international locations are blocked.
2. Can you watch BBC iPlayer abroad on your iPhone or iPad for free?
While there are free VPN services available in the market, we recommend using reputable providers like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Though these services come at a small cost, they provide robust security and privacy features while delivering reliable access to iPlayer’s content.