How to watch BBC iPlayer in USA and Abroad | CyberNews
BBC iPlayer is a popular British streaming service. Unfortunately, its content is available only for people in the UK. So, to enjoy it, you’ll need to have a UK IP address. You’ll need a UK account as well. Obviously, that’s not physically possible for residents of any other country.
There is some good news, though. Thanks to VPNs (Virtual Private Networks, ) people can now watch BBC iPlayer in the USA and abroad. All you have to do is install a VPN on your router or computer, connect to British servers, create an account on BBC iPlayer, and then enjoy your shows.
To unblock BBC iPlayer in the USA, you’ll have to use a VPN, which is not at all complicated. If you haven’t used one before, follow the steps listed below.
Quick guide on how to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA
Here is how to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA:
Choose a VPN to overcome BBC iPlayer’s geo-restrictions. We recommend NordVPN, now 72% OFF! We used it to watch BBC iPlayer and and it worked perfectly.
Install and set up the VPN service on your device
Choose a British server and connect to it
Go to BBC iPlayer’s website and create an account.
Grab your favorite snacks and enjoy BBC iPlayer.
Once you go through all these steps, you can access all the geo-restricted content that the BBC iPlayer offers.
Why do you need a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer? BBC iPlayer use is restricted to UK residents, meaning that you can watch it only as long as you have a UK IP address. So, if you live anywhere outside the UK, the content on BBC iPlayer will not be available to you.
For instance, if you visit BBC iPlayer from anywhere else than the UK and click on a title, this message will pop up at the top of your screen:
“BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues. ”
Fortunately, there is a way for you to bypass this BBC iPlayer error by installing a VPN. The VPN will change your IP address and BBC iPlayer will see that your device is actually located in the UK.
How to sign up for BBC iPlayerThe BBC iPlayer signup process is as simple as with any other streaming service. Here is what you have to do to sign up for BBC iPlayer:
Go to BBC iPlayer’s website, and click on the Sign in button in the left top corner of the homepage.
Since you don’t have an account, you have to click on the Register Now button at the bottom.
Select your age group
Provide BBC iPlayer with your date of birth
You have to provide an email address and create a password for your account. Country and postal code are required as well. You can find several postal codes online. I used the one for London.
Once you finish filling in the blanks, click on the Register button, and you’ll receive a verification email. You’re pretty much done by this point.
How to download and watch BBC iPlayer on your deviceThe BBC iPlayer download and installation process are not at all challenging. However, they differ from one device to the other. Consequently, I’m going to share how to download and watch BBC iPlayer on the most popular devices.
Watch BBC iPlayer on Windows & Mac If you plan on watching a BBC iPlayer on a device that runs on Windows 10 or a Mac, you don’t have to install anything because you can use your browser. Here is how to watch BBC iPlayer on Windows 10 and Mac:
Download a VPN on your computer (we recommend NordVPN).
Install the VPN and choose a British server
Go to
Provide your email address and password to sign in
Choose a title and enjoy
Watch BBC iPlayer on AndroidSuppose you want to download and watch BBC iPlayer on an Android device. Here are the steps you must follow:
Download a VPN and install it on your router or a laptop that can create a mobile hotspot (we recommend NordVPN for Android users)
Change your IP address to a British IP address
Connect your Android device to your Wi-Fi network or the mobile hotspot you created
Go to your Google Play app.
Download and install the BBC iPlayer app
Open the BBC iPlayer app and insert your login credentials
Note: it does not matter when you download and install the BBC iPlayer app – before or after installing a VPN. All that matters is that you watch your shows after you install a reputable VPN.
Watch BBC iPlayer on iOS (iPad, iPhone)The process of downloading and watching BBC iPlayer on iOS devices is similar to Android, except for a few things. The steps are as follows:
Download and install a VPN on your router or laptop (for iOS users, we recommend NordVPN)
Choose a British IP address from the provided list
Connect your iPad/iPhone to your router/mobile hotspot
Go to AppStore
Download and install the BBC iPlayer
Sign in and watch your favorite shows
Watch BBC iPlayer on RokuTo watch BBC iPlayer on Roku, you need the BBC iPlayer app. You can find it in Roku’s Channel Store. Keep in mind that you must have a Roku UK account as well.
Here are the steps you must follow to watch BBC iPlayer on Roku in the USA:
Reset your Roku device
Set up a VPN on your router (we recommend NordVPN)
Connect to a UK server
Connect the Roku device to your TV and sign in using your UK account
Access Roku’s Channel Store, find the BBC iPlayer player app and install it
After the installation is complete, open it and sign in using your BBC iPlayer credentials
Note: Once you install a VPN on your router, make sure to connect Roku to that specific router. Otherwise, the BBC iPlayer will not give you access to its content.
Watch BBC iPlayer on Amazon Fire StickIf you have an Amazon Firestick, know that you can watch BBC iPlayer in the USA. You can get the app directly from Amazon, and the installation process is straightforward.
Here’s what you have to do to watch BBC iPlayer on an Amazon Firestick:
Turn on your Firestick and click on the Apps from Unknown Sources. Make sure that it’s on. The option is located under Settings > Device > Developer Options
If you don’t have the Downloader app, you must download and install it.
Download a VPN, we recommend NordVPN
Open your VPN and choose a UK server
Restart the Amazon Firestick if you turned on the Apps from Unknown Sources setting
Search the BBC iPlayer app and install it
Launch the BBC iPlayer app and insert your login credentials
Note: you may need to create a UK Amazon account to watch BBC iPlayer on an Amazon Firestick. That’s not always the case, as some users claim, but it’s sometimes necessary. I recommend you do it right off the bat to avoid any inconveniences.
Watch BBC iPlayer on ChromecastTo cast BBC iPlayer shows to your Chromecast device, you can use the BBC iPlayer app on your Android or iOS device or the Chrome browser on a laptop or desktop on which you enabled the Chromecast extension.
Here is what you have to do to watch BBC iPlayer on Chromecast in the USA using an Android or iOS device:
Download and install a VPN (our recommendation is NordVPN)
Choose a server in the UK
Open the BBC iPlayer on your device
Find a title, open it, and wait for the cast icon to appear
Click on the cast icon, and you should be able to watch your show on your TV
Now, if you want to cast from a laptop or desktop computer, you need to do the following:
Download and install a VPN, we recommend NordVPN
Enable the Chromecast extension. If you don’t have it, download and install it
Go to and sign in
Choose a title and click on the cast icon
Note: Make sure that the device you use to cast BBC iPlayer and the Chromecast device are connected to the same router (on which you installed a VPN. )
Watch BBC iPlayer on Apple TVWhen you want to watch BBC iPlayer on your Apple TV in the USA, you’re required to change the App Store region to the UK. That’s because the BBC iPlayer is not available for an Apple TV in the US. As a result, you have to download the app from the UK.
The steps you need to follow to watch BBC iPlayer on an Apple TV in the USA are as follows:
Connect your Apple TV to your TV
Open the Region section in the device’s settings. Go to General > Region
Select the UK and provide all the necessary details
Go to the AppStore, look for the BBC iPlayer app, and download it
Download and install a VPN on your router (We recommend NordVPN)
Connect the Apple TV to the router on which you installed the VPN
Open the BBC iPlayer app and sign in
Don’t miss a chance to check our best VPN for Apple TV page to find provider that will meet your needs.
Watch BBC iPlayer on smart TVsTo watch BBC iPlayer on a smart TV in the USA, you have to do the following:
Change the region of your smart TV from the USA to the UK. If you need instructions on how to do that, visit the official website of your TV’s brand.
Download and install a VPN (We recommend NordVPN)
Connect your smart TV to the router on which you installed the VPN
Look for the BBC iPlayer app and add it to your list of channels
Open the BBC TV app, sign in, and enjoy your TV shows
How to watch BBC iPlayer outside UKIf you want to learn how to watch BBC iPlayer abroad the UK, you’ll find this section most helpful. People from all over the world want to have access to this streaming service. I’ll show you how to do that.
Watch BBC iPlayer from anywhereWith a VPN, BBC iPlayer is accessible anywhere. Whether you want to watch BBC iPlayer from Canada, Australia, or other countries in Europe, such as Germany, France, Spain, etc., all you have to do is follow these 4 simple steps:
Download and install a VPN on your router or your computer. We recommend NordVPN
Open the VPN app on your device
Choose a server from the UK from the provided list
Open your BBC iPlayer app or go to to watch your favorite show.
Note: The process described above differs depending on the device on which you want to watch BBC iPlayer. Please refer to previous sections for more details.
Best VPN services for BBC iPlayerLooking for the best VPN services for BBC iPlayer may be difficult considering that there are so many options to filter through. However, there are a few characteristics that you should always go for in a decent VPN provider.
Here’s what you should look for in a VPN:
Unblocks BBC iPlayer and other streaming services
Uses innovative technology that ensures high internet speeds
Provides reliable security features
Doesn’t log any information that can be traced back to you
It’s compatible with all major operating systems
You can use it on multiple devices at once
While there are multiple VPN services that meet the criteria listed above, I recommend three of the best VPN services for BBC iPlayer: NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN.
NordVPN
Based in:PanamaServers/countries:5, 500+ servers in 59 countriesUnblocks Netflix:YesCurrent deal:Now 72% OFF + 3 Months FREE!
Visit NordVPN
With over 5500 servers in 59 countries, NordVPN is one of the best VPNs to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA and abroad. It unblocks virtually all streaming services. Thanks to its innovative technology called NordLynx, you should still enjoy fast internet speed.
NordVPN can be used on six devices simultaneously, and it supports all major devices, such as Windows, Linux, Android, macOS, and iOS. If you cannot install a VPN directly on your device, you can use NordVPN’s Smart DNS feature. The prices start at $3. 30/month, and the purchase comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark
Based in:British Virgin IslandsServers/countries:3, 200+ servers in 65 countriesUnblocks Netflix:YesCurrent deal:Get Surfshark, now 81% OFF!
Visit Surfshark
Suppose you’re looking for a more affordable VPN to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA. In that case, Surfshark might be precisely what you’re looking for. It has approximately 3200 servers in more than 60 countries, and the prices start at just $2. 49/month.
Unlike NordVPN, Surfshark can be used on unlimited devices. All major operating systems are supported, such as macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android. With its new tunneling protocol called WireGuard, Surfshark ensures fast internet connections. If you’re not satisfied with the services, this VPN provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN
Based in:British Virgin IslandsServers/countries:3, 000 servers in 94 countriesUnblocks Netflix:YesCurrent deal:Get ExpressVPN, now 35% OFF!
Visit ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has more than 3000 servers in 90 countries, making it perfect for watching BBC iPlayer in the USA. It unblocks all major streaming services, and it provides excellent internet speed so that you can watch your shows with no buffering.
The only drawback to ExpressVPN is its prices, which are pretty high compared with the competition. Plans start at $8. 32/month, but your subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Like the other two examples, ExpressVPN supports Windows, Linux, Android, macOS, and iOS.
To find out more, check our list of Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer.
Cannot access BBC iPlayer with a VPN? From time to time, it may happen to connect to BBC iPlayer and encounter an error message. If you’re already using a VPN and you still cannot watch BBC iPlayer in the USA, chances are that you need a better VPN provider for streaming, such as NordVPN, for instance.
There are several common problems that people encounter. First and foremost, if you get an error message telling you that BBC iPlayer only works in the UK, it means that your VPN is not working, and you’re still connected to a server in the US. To fix this issue, check if your VPN is running. If it does, it means you need a more reliable VPN.
Apart from the error message depicted above, here are some of the most common issues you can encounter while trying to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA:
BBC blacklisted the servers used by your VPN.
The GPS location of your device and the IP address are not the same.
BBC iPlayer upgraded its geo-blocking protocols, and your VPN is not working anymore.
Your actual IP address is leaking.
You have BBC iPlayer cookies on your device that let BBC know you’re not in the UK.
The VPN you’re using is not capable of unblocking BBC iPlayer.
Here are a few solutions to the issues listed above:
Try a different browser and clear your cookies.
Contact your VPN’s customer support and check if the server you’re using unblocks the streaming services you need. Not all of them can.
Search your VPN’s leak protection setting and enable it.
If none of the above solutions work, you should change your VPN provider.
How to watch BBC iPlayer for Free? While it is possible to watch BBC iPlayer for free, free VPNs are rarely a good choice. You can find entirely free VPNs online, as well as freemium VPNs. Still, I don’t recommend using either one of them.
Completely free VPNs are questionable at first. Their funds come from selling tracked data and ads, and they slow down your internet connection. Freemiums are free versions offered by some paid VPNs. Not all of them provide a free plan. They are slightly better than free VPNs, but they come with a data cap and don’t unblock all major streaming services. One of the most decent freemiums you can find online is Windscribe, which has a data cap of 10GB per month.
Best streaming service alternatives for BBC iPlayerBBC iPlayer is a popular streaming service in the UK. If you don’t live there, the best streaming service alternatives for BBC iPlayer are Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, and the list goes on.
Netflix is a streaming service accessible from all around the world. However, its library differs from one continent to the other. For instance, the US library is the most extensive. Even so, installing a VPN will let you access Netflix from anywhere in the world.
Hulu is yet another streaming service that geo-blocks its content. Only US residents have access to it. Once again, you can access Hulu from anywhere as long as you install a VPN.
HBO Max is the same as Hulu. It streams only in the USA. The only way to access HBO Max outside the US is to download and install a VPN.
What can you watch on BBC iPlayer? BBC iPlayer includes multiple channels, and they’re as follows:
BBC One (Live Stream)
Radio 1
BBC Two
CBBC
BBC Four
BBC News
CBeebies
BBC Three
BBC Scotland
S4C
BBC Parliament
BBC Alba
Most popular BBC titles:
EastEnders
Line of Duty
The Great British Sewing Bee
Glow-Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star
Call the Midwife
The Syndicate
Starstruck
Bent Coppers: Crossing the Line of Duty
Holby City
The Detectives: Fighting Organized Crime
All That Glitters: Britain’s Next Jewelry Star
Keeping Faith
The Man with the Iron Heart
Bloodlands
More VPN guides from CyberNews:How to watch Disney+ Hotstar in the USA
How to watch Friends online
How to watch Channel 4 in the US
How to watch NBA online
FAQ
Can I watch BBC iPlayer abroad?
Yes, you can watch BBC iPlayer abroad. All you have to do is download and install a VPN on your router or computer. We recommend NordVPN because it’s reliable and won’t slow down your internet connection.
Is it illegal to use a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer?
No, it’s not illegal to use a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer. However, using a VPN is against BBC iPlayer’s Terms of Service. Even so, that doesn’t make it illegal. The worst that can happen is for BBC to suspend your account if you’re caught using a VPN.
How do I make a BBC iPlayer account outside the UK?
Creating an account outside the UK is not at all complicated. Go to to sign up for a new account. However, make sure to insert the United Kingdom in the field where it says Country. You must also find a UK postal code online.
How can BBC iPlayer know I’m not in the UK?
BBC iPlayer knows you’re not in the UK because you don’t have a British IP address. However, if you install a VPN and change your IP to a British IP, the problem goes away. BBC iPlayer won’t know you’re watching from another country.
Will BBC iPlayer know that I have a VPN?
BBC iPlayer invested many resources in avoiding VPN use and can sometimes detect it. If that happens, the servers are blacklisted, and the VPN can no longer unblock the content. However, BBC iPlayer cannot detect VPNs such as NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, etc.
Is BBC iPlayer free?
Yes, BBC iPlayer is free. However, if you want to watch BBC iPlayer from the USA, you need to purchase a VPN subscription. While there are free VPNs out there, chances are they won’t work or come with a data cap.
How can I watch national and regional programmes? | iPlayer help – BBC
You can watch national and regional programmes on BBC iPlayer no matter where you are in the UK. Here’s how:
Watching on demand
To watch national and regional programmes on demand, just search for the programme in the BBC iPlayer search bar. Most programmes are available shortly after broadcast. You can also easily find a selection of programmes in the Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales categories.
You can also use the TV Guide to find the programme you’re looking for. The TV Guide you see will depend on the location you’ve set BBC iPlayer to, so you might want to change your location. Scroll down to find out how to do that on your device.
Watching live
Once you’ve set your location, you’re all set to watch live local news and programmes from your selected region by going to Channels > On Now.
How to change your location
Website
On the BBC iPlayer website on your computer, mobile or tablet, the Change Location option is located at the bottom left of the BBC iPlayer page.
Having trouble setting your location on the website? If you haven’t accepted cookies for the BBC website, we won’t be able to remember your location settings.
Head to the How can I change my BBC cookie settings? page to make sure your BBC cookies are switched on and to find out more about how we use cookies across the BBC website.
Connected TV
On our BBC iPlayer TV app, you can change your location by going to Settings and selecting Change Location.
Mobile and tablet app
On our BBC iPlayer app for mobiles and tablets, you can change your location by going to Settings and selecting Change Location.
Why does BBC iPlayer forget my location?
If you find you have to change your location each time you use BBC iPlayer, it may be because you’ve opted out of BBC cookies. Check the How can I change my BBC cookie settings? page on the Using the BBC website to make sure your BBC cookies are switched on and to find out more about how we use cookies across the BBC website.
8 Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer to Watch Abroad (Working in 2021)
We explain how to watch BBC iPlayer from abroad (outside the UK) with a VPN and the best VPNs to use. With BBC iPlayer detecting and blocking more VPNs, we’ve updated this article for 2021 with the latest working VPNs.
@pabischoff UPDATED: July 27, 2021
BBC iPlayer is a popular streaming service that lets viewers watch some of the best free and legal content on the web, ranging from TV shows and movies to live sports like the Euro 2020 Championship. Much of that content, however, can only be streamed on devices with a UK IP address. This means a workaround is needed if you want to watch BBC iPlayer outside of the UK. Due to content licensing restrictions, certain videos are restricted by geography. This applies to viewing on the iPlayer website as well as through the iPlayer app.
The simple solution is to employ a VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer which will allow you to watch as normal from the USA or anywhere else abroad. However, not all VPNs work with BBC iPlayer.
We’ll cover eight BBC iPlayer VPNs in detail, but for those of you looking for a quick answer, our testing showed these to be the best options.
We found these to be the 8 best VPNs for BBC iPlayer:
NordVPN Best option for accessing BBC iPlayer from anywhere. Extremely fast and secure, with a large selection of servers and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark Our top budget pick. Speedy VPN with no connection limit that unblocks various streaming services including BBC iPlayer.
CyberGhost Works well with BBC iPlayer and other streaming services. Easy to use.
PrivateVPN Good up-and-coming VPN that works well with BBC iPlayer and other streaming services.
Hotspot Shield A solid budget option that offers fast speeds and unblocks BBC iPlayer and other services.
ExpressVPN Stream geo-blocked content from anywhere in the world with no restrictions. Veteran provider with excellent security credentials.
Private Internet Access Works well with BBC iPlayer and Netflix.
VyprVPN Unblocked BBC iPlayer in our tests.
GET A 30 DAY FREE TRIAL OF NORDVPNNordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for BBC iPlayer for a month, without restriction. As such, it’s ideal for anyone looking to binge their favorite shows as they travel.
There are no hidden terms—just let support know within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll receive a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
Short for virtual private network, a VPN service encrypts a device’s internet traffic before routing it through an intermediary server in a location of the user’s choosing. In the case of BBC iPlayer, the user just needs to pick a British server. They’ll be assigned a UK IP address to make it appear that’s where they’re located.
But this workaround is getting less effective by the day as BBC iPlayer starts cracking down on the circumvention software and detecting when a VPN is used. The site has followed in the footsteps of Netflix when it comes to banning VPN users. For this reason, it’s important to subscribe to a VPN service that bypasses iPlayer’s firewall and will actively work to fix the problem if it gets blocked.
Often only some servers from a specific VPN service can accomplish this, so if one VPN server is blocked for you then just try another or ask customer service which ones work.
We’ve curated the following list of the best VPN providers for watching BBC iPlayer outside the UK based on the following key criteria:
Servers in the UK – to be able to watch BBC iPlayer you need a UK IP address which you can get by connecting to a server in the UK.
Works with iPlayer – it might sound obvious but due to BBC iPlayer’s region blocking not every VPN always works with iPlayer so we will keep this list up to date with working options.
Fast connection speeds – there’s nothing worse than your connection dropping mid-stream or not loading in the first place. Fast and reliable connection speeds are key for a quality streaming experience.
Competent customer service – useful and speedy customer service from your VPN provider is necessary in case you have any issues with your VPN. There’s little point in paying for a service if you can’t get help when you need it.
If you would like to understand exactly how we analyze and rank VPNs you can find out more in our article on how we test VPNs.
Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer
These 8 VPNs will work with BBC iPlayer outside the UK. Just connect to a suitable UK server and start streaming.
1. NordVPN
Oct 2021
Unblocks iPlayerTested Oct 2021
Apps Available:
PC
Mac
IOS
Android
Linux
NordVPN is a reliable service for watching BBC iPlayer abroad with plenty of UK servers to choose from. In fact, it operates almost 700 servers in the UK, and some of them are even optimized for streaming. Check the NordVPN website’s official knowledge base to find out which servers currently unblock BBC iPlayer content. Live chat support can be contacted 24/7.
This service scored one of the highest results in our speed test, so you shouldn’t have any issues streaming in HD or even 4K. Security is excellent thanks to strong encryption, and a strict zero-logs policy means your personal information (including your IP address) remains private. What’s more, public wifi users will love NordVPN’s automatic wifi protection feature. Servers are available in over 60 countries. NordVPN allows up to six concurrent internet connections on a single subscription, making it a great option for a small household or office.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux, and Android.
NordVPN speed test data
NordVPNAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)111. 7 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)122. 3 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)112. 0 Mbps
Pros:
Plenty of servers in the UK unblock iPlayer from almost anywhere in HD
Also great for unblocking a wide range of UK geo-blocked content
Strict no-logs policy and solid security on apps
Connect up to 6 devices at the same time
Live chat support 24/7
Cons:
Desktop app can sometimes take a while to connect
BEST VPN FOR BBC IPLAYER ABROAD:NordVPN is our top choice. for an iPlayer VPN. Works reliably with BBC iPlayer and most popular streaming sites. Connects up to 6 devices simultaneously. App doesn’t offer server switching choice. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review here.
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2. Surfshark
unblocks iplayerTested Oct 2021
Surfshark currently has over 1, 700 servers in 60 countries, including the UK. It’s fast enough to stream live HD content with no noticeable buffering, and can reliably access major services including BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and Netflix US. Best of all, though, Surfshark has no connection limit, meaning you can secure every one of your streaming devices simultaneously.
This service uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks to keep your online activities private at all times. There’s also a zero-logs policy and the option to block ads, trackers, and malware automatically. With 24/7 support available over live chat, you’re never more than a few seconds away from help with any problems
Surfshark offers apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. It can be manually installed on supported wireless routers.
Surfshark speed test data
SurfsharkAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)170 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)230 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)220 Mbps
Decent speeds
Strong unblocking ability
Powerful security and online privacy features
Secure every device you own simultaneously
Very affordable
Has the occasional slow server
Doesn’t have the largest network
Read our full Surfshark review
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is our favorite low-cost option. It’s quick, versatile, and able to unblock a huge number of streaming services from abroad. Better still, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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3. CyberGhost
CyberGhost makes unblocking geo-locked content easier than most other VPNs. Instead of contacting customer support or guessing at which server to connect to, CyberGhost’s apps let you choose a server based on the video site you want to unblock. Clicking the streaming option upon opening the app will bring up a lengthy list of popular streaming sites, including BBC iPlayer. Just click that option to get connected, and the app will even open iPlayer in your browser for you.
CyberGhost also boasts a strong security and privacy pedigree, which is perfect for security-conscious users. It keeps no logs and uses strong encryption with perfect forward secrecy. Leak protection and a kill switch ensure none of your internet traffic ever leaves the encrypted tunnel. CyberGhost boasts solid speeds that should be more than sufficient for streaming video in high quality.
A single plan allows up to seven simultaneous connections. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
CyberGhost speed test data
CyberGhostAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)78. 7 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)54. 7 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)39. 3 Mbps
No issues unblocking BBC iPlayer from various test locations
Operates a global network of more than 5, 900 servers in 90 countries
Low-cost option with beginner-friendly apps
Very good speeds
Doesn’t work reliably in UAE or China
May not be customizable enough for experienced users
easy-to-use apps:CyberGhost has a simple set up. CyberGhost has a simple set up and offers high speeds at a low cost. Good on privacy. Streams BBC iPlayer in HD video reliably and works with other popular streaming services. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
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4. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is a zero-logs VPN with a good track record for streaming BBC iPlayer, Netflix and other content. It makes short work of BBC iPlayer’s VPN firewall, and also works with other streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu. It boasts extremely high speeds and round-the-clock live chat support in case of any issues.
Speeds are excellent despite the comparatively small network of servers. Security doesn’t fall short, either, sporting 256-bit and 128-bit encryption options guarded with perfect forward secrecy. PrivateVPN stores no logs of user activity and won’t record your IP address.
You can connect up to six devices on a single plan. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
PrivateVPN speed test data
PrivateVPNAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)94 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)56. 7 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)61. 7 Mbps
Unblocks BBC iPlayer at decent streaming speeds from abroad
A growing reputation for unblocking popular streaming sites from anywhere
Keeps no logs whatsoever
Privacy and security are high-grade
Doesn’t have 24/7 live chat
GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Unblocks many popular UK shows and allows up to 6 devices on the same account. Small network of servers but fast, encrypted connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
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5. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is an excellent choice for streaming. It works with BBC iPlayer and lots of other popular streaming platforms, including Netflix UK and US, ITV Hub, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Plus, it has blazing fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth so streaming HD video is no issue. Live chat is available 24/7 should you run into problems.
This service has a checkered privacy past but has improved its policy and doesn’t log any personally identifiable information past your session duration. It backs this up with strong security features, including military-grade encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and a kill switch (in the Windows app). Additional security features include automatic wifi protection (in the mobile apps) and protection against DNS and WebRTC leaks.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS and you can connect five desktop or mobile devices at a time.
Hotspot Shield speed test data
Hotspot ShieldAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)48 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)49 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)48 Mbps
Large global network of servers
Very fast speeds for streaming HD content
Strong encryption and other security features
Allows 5 simultaneous connections
45-day money-back guarantee
Had past digital privacy issues
Doesn’t accept cryptocurrency payments
Great low-cost VPN:Hotspot Shield comes at a low price and its fast speeds and excellent unblocking abilities make it a great option for streaming content from BBC iPlayer and other platforms. It even comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Hotspot Shield review
Hotspot Shield CouponSpecial Deal – save 77% on the 3 year planGet Deal >Discount applied automatically
6. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has a good server choice with six locations in their server network across the UK alone. While it’s one of our favorite all round VPNs, ExpressVPN has been less reliable with BBC iPlayer recently. Its speeds remain exceptional, though, plus it offers live chat-based support 24 hours per day.
ExpressVPN logs no identifying personal information and boasts top-notch security standards. It operates servers in over 90 countries, each optimized for maximum speed. If you want to watch iPlayer on a streaming device that doesn’t natively support VPNs, ExpressVPN makes its own router firmware which customers can either download and install free of charge or purchase with a pre-flashed router on the website.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and certain wifi routers.
ExpressVPN speed test data
ExpressVPNAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)135. 7 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)134 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)136 Mbps
Servers in the UK are great for streaming in HD quality
Unblocks most popular streaming sites with ease
Best-in-class encryption makes for solid security and privacy
24/7 live chat support staff are on the ball
Not the cheapest choice on this list
Worth trying, but less reliable at avoiding the VPN ban than it once was
RELIABLE SPEEDS:ExpressVPN is fast and secure, making it perfect for unblocking popular services. Offers top-notch security, reliable download speeds, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of ExpressVPN here.
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7. Private Internet Access
Background
FireTV
Private Internet Access boasts dedicated streaming servers for the UK, and unblocks BBC iPlayer without breaking a sweat. Speeds are fast enough for live HD streaming, and there are no bandwidth limits at all. Further, PIA has a generous 10-connection limit and offers live chat support around the clock.
This service offers plenty of security features, including adjustable encryption (up to 256-bits), a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and even support for the extremely fast Wireguard protocol. There’s a strict no-logs policy in place too, so your privacy is in good hands.
PIA apps are available for iOS, MacOS, Linux, Windows, and Android.
Private Internet Access speed test data
Private Internet AccessAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)116. 3 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)50. 3 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)38 Mbps
Generally fast connections with unlimited bandwidth
True no-logs policy
Works wide a wide range of streaming services
Streaming speeds can be inconsistent
SOLID ALL ROUNDER:Private Internet Access achieves decent speeds although they can be variable. Reliably unblocks geo-restricted content and has great digital privacy credentials. Lacks some popular features. Includes 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PIA review.
Private Internet Access CouponSave 83% on the 3 year planGet Deal >Discount applied automatically
8. VyprVPN
VyprVPN has high-speed servers making it a great option for unblocking the BBC iPlayer streaming service. It also works to stream content from other popular sites, including Netflix. This VPN even works in China, where most of its rivals are blocked outright. As a bonus, plans include access to online storage and encrypted messaging apps.
This VPN service uses strong encryption and includes DNS leak protection and a kill switch. It does store some logs, including the user IP address which might be a turnoff to more privacy-conscious users. It scored well in our speed tests, so you should have no problem streaming the latest season of Peaky Blinders in HD.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
VyprVPN speed test data
VyprVPNAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)41 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)44. 3 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)47. 3 Mbps
Unblocks BBC iPlayer and plenty of other streaming sites
Operates servers in the UK
Great unblocking capabilities, even works well in China
Marginally more expensive than some VPNs
Lacking options for advanced configuration
No cryptocurrency payment options
EASY TO USE:VyprVPN is user friendly. A solid choice. Stores no logs, offers great security and unblocks most streaming services. More pricey than some. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full VyprVPN review.
VyprVPN CouponSAVE 87% on the three year planGet Deal >Discount applied automatically
No valueNordVPNSurfsharkCyberGhostPrivateVPNHotspot ShieldExpressVPNPrivate Internet AccessVyprVPNUnblocks BBC iPlayerimage/svg+xmlimage/svg+xmlimage/svg+xmlimage/svg+xmlimage/svg+xmlimage/svg+xmlimage/svg+xmlimage/svg+xmlReccomended for other streaming servicesHulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO MaxHulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO MaxHulu, Netflix, Disney+, HBO MaxHulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO MaxAmazon PrimeNetflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO MaxHuluAverage speed (USA)111. 7 Mbps70. 3 Mbps78. 7 Mbps94 Mbps48 Mbps135. 7 Mbps43 Mbps41 MbpsSimultaneous connections6 devicesUnlimited7 devices6 devices5 devices5 devices10 devices3 devicesMoney-back Guarantee30 Days30 Days45 Days30 Days45 days30 Days30 Days30 DaysLowest monthly cost$3. 49$1. 99$2. 25$1. 89$2. 99$6. 67$2. 85$5. 00
VPNs to avoid using with BBC iPlayer
Our tests show that the following VPN providers do not unblock the BBC iPlayer, according to our tests.
PureVPN
IPVanish
HideMyAss
Betternet
LeVPN
SuperVPN
VPNBook
VPNTunnel
AnonymousVPN
Perfect Privacy
Tunnelr
VPN4All
EarthVPN
GooseVPN
iPredator
Overplay
VPNJack
VPN Master
TorVPN
Although many of the VPN providers in the above list may be excellent for other online activities, you would be wasting your money with them if your main aim is to get videos from the BBC iPlayer over the internet while abroad.
How to use a VPN with BBC iPlayer (video)
Getting a British IP address and unblocking BBC iPlayer is simple if your VPN supports doing so. Sign up with one of the recommended VPN providers above and follow these easy steps.
Here’s how to watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK with a VPN.
Download and install the VPN for your device from your provider’s site or an official app store. We recommend NordVPN.
Run the app and choose a VPN server in the UK that works with iPlayer. If you’re not certain which to choose, consult your provider’s website or customer service.
Connect to the VPN.
You should now have a UK IP address (check here).
Clear your cookies and your browser cache. These can store location information from previous sessions.
Open BBC iPlayer and start watching!
If you encounter any issues, contact your VPN’s customer support. You might need to adjust some settings on your device.
What can I watch on BBC iPlayer?
Some of the most popular TV shows you can watch on BBC iPlayer with a VPN include:
Top Gear
EastEnders
Doctor Who
His Dark Materials
Planet Earth
Killing Eve
The Graham Norton Show
Dracula
Normal People
Our Girl
A Suitable Boy
Inside No. 9
Euro 2020
See also
Best VPNs for ITV
Best VPNs for Sky Go
How to stream British TV abroad
VPN for BBC iPlayer FAQs
Will free VPNs work with BBC? We’ve yet to find a free VPN that works reliably with BBC iPlayer. VPN services invest considerable sums into keeping their services working with streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video so it’s unsurprising free ones are not up to the iPlayer not working with your VPN? Try thisNote that we can’t guarantee these VPNs will work on the iPlayer website or the iPlayer app. If you run into trouble, it’s often simply a case of disconnecting and trying a different VPN server. If that doesn’t work, there may be bigger issues.
If you’re using the BBC iPlayer app, you should know that apps for iOS, Android, streaming media boxes, smart TVs, and game consoles can force a device onto your internet service provider’s DNS servers instead of the VPN’s. One way to get around this is to set up the VPN on your home wifi router or a virtual router instead of using the VPN app. Check out our tutorials on how to configure VPN-enabled virtual routers using both PC laptops and Macbooks.
Even after you connect to a VPN server, BBC iPlayer might have stored your previous “location” in a cookie that’s still active. If you still see a warning that the streaming content is not available in your location, you might need to clear your cookies. You can do this either in your browser settings or using an extension like EditThisCookie.
Sometimes when using a VPN, the BBC iPlayer page might not load at all and instead return an error page. If this is happening to you, you might need to flush your DNS cache. On Windows, type “cmd” into your search bar and open Command Prompt. Type in the following command and hit enter: ipconfig /flushdns. For Mac users, find the instructions for your version of OSX here.
Finally, clear any cached data that might allow iPlayer to see your real location. You can clean out your entire browser cache in the settings, but usually it’s enough to hold CTRL and hit F5 to perform a “hard” even more troubleshooting tips see our guide on VPNs not working with BBC if I don’t have a UK TV license? When trying to access BBC iPlayer, you might get a notification informing you that a UK TV license is required to watch any program on the site. When prompted, many sources report you can simply click “I have a TV license”.
BBC apparently depends on the honor system to keep viewers honest and does not require actual proof that the user has a TV license. This message was added to iPlayer’s terms of service in September 2016.
Access to the BBC iPlayer streaming service now requires viewers to register a BBC account and input a valid UK postcode. The form does not seem to verify whether or not the registrant actually lives within the postal code they input, so as long as you have a UK IP address, you should be I watch Planet Earth II on BBC iPlayer? Yes, Planet Earth II and Blue Planet 2 are both on BBC iPlayer and available for free. It’s even in HD! Just make sure you have one of the VPNs above if you’re outside of the country. You’ll need plenty of bandwidth to watch the wildlife in stunning high I use a free proxy to access BBC iPlayer? Unlikely. BBC iPlayer is notoriously difficult to access with most VPNs and proxies. It will likely detect that you’re using a proxy and prevent you from watching the show. Stick with the VPNs recommended above for the most reliable access to BBC iPlayer from much Internet does BBC iPlayer use? BBC iPlayer can stream in different resolutions and will adjust quality according to your available bandwidth. The highest resolution is 720p, which requires at least 5 Mbps of available bandwidth. You will need a minimum of 3. 2 Mbps to watch TV shows without I Watch BBC iPlayer in Australia, Canada and USA? Yes! But without a VPN, you can only access the international version, which doesn’t include most of the on-demand TV shows and catch-up content. You can use one of the VPNs recommended above to access the full UK version by connecting to a server in the United Kingdom first. Make sure to clear your browser cookies and cache does BBC iPlayer detect and block me when I’m overseas? BBC iPlayer, like many other streaming services, users your IP address to determine your location. Your IP address is a unique sequence of numbers and decimals used to identify your device and its approximate location. A VPN hides your location by changing your public IP address to that of another country, such as the UK.
If you’ve attempted to access BBC iPlayer from abroad and failed, the site might store your blocked status in your web browser. If you’re using one of the VPNs above and still can’t access iPlayer, be sure to clear your browser cookies and web cache.
BBC iPlayer also prompts new users for a UK postal code in order to use the service. The code a user enters is not verified, though; it accepts any genuine UK postal do I stop my ISP from throttling BBC iPlayer? If you believe your internet service provider is specifically throttling BBC iPlayer, then a VPN can help. By encrypting the contents of your internet connection and routing it through an intermediary server, your ISP won’t be able to see what you’re doing online. In turn, it won’t be able to discriminate against a specific type or source of data, such as a BBC iPlayer stream.
However, if your ISP is throttling all your data and not just BBC iPlayer, then a VPN won’t help much. If you’ve reached your monthly data cap, for example, then throttling will be applied to all internet traffic whether it goes through a VPN or does BBC iPlayer Radio block some programs when I listen from outside the UK? Like TV shows and movies, radio content is also restricted according to your location. While most BBC Sounds content is available worldwide, some sports and music can’t be accessed from outside the UK without a VPN. This is usually due to licensing restrictions.
If BBC iPlayer blocks you from listening to radio content, you’ll hear one of two messages:
Live content: “This content is unavailable due to technical or rights reasons. ”
On-demand content: “Sorry, this content can only be played in the UK. ”
Has the BBC iPlayer blocked NordVPN? NordVPN works with BBC iPlayer as of time of writing. That being said, BBC iPlayer occasionally blocks connections from known VPN servers. This might result in BBC iPlayer being temporarily unavailable. This can happen to any VPN, however, and isn’t specific to NordVPN.
If you’re unable to access NordVPN through BBC iPlayer, you can contact customer service so they can start working on a fix. Access is usually restored within a day or ‘s new on BBC iPlayer? Below are just a few of the newest titles available on BBC iPlayer.
Reclaiming Amy
Uprising
Tokyo Olympics 2020
Baptiste Season 2
Mayans Season 3
Lady Bird
Pretty Little Liars Season 1-7
The Watch
Frequently Asked Questions about how to view bbc iplayer in usa
How do I change my region on BBC iPlayer?
On our BBC iPlayer TV app, you can change your location by going to Settings and selecting Change Location. On our BBC iPlayer app for mobiles and tablets, you can change your location by going to Settings and selecting Change Location.
How do I get BBC iPlayer outside the UK?
8 Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer that still work in 2021NordVPN Best option for accessing BBC iPlayer from anywhere. … Surfshark Our top budget pick. … CyberGhost Works well with BBC iPlayer and other streaming services. … PrivateVPN Good up-and-coming VPN that works well with BBC iPlayer and other streaming services.More items…•Jul 27, 2021