Why does BBC iPlayer think I’m outside the UK?
You cannot stream programmes on BBC iPlayer outside the UK, even on holiday. This is because of rights agreements.
Outside of the UK? The following page has more info on what content is available to you: Can I use BBC iPlayer when I’m outside of the UK?
What if I am in the UK?
There are several reasons why BBC iPlayer thinks you’re outside the UK. The most common are:
Your IP address, which is the address websites use to determine where in the world you are, isn’t registered in the UK
You’re using a VPN (Virtual Private Network), proxy, or similar service which masks your IP address
We understand that some Android users are unable to upgrade to the latest version of BBC iPlayer from the Google Play Store. The BBC iPlayer app is only available to people using the UK Google Play Store, so if you’ve changed the ‘Country and Profile’ in the Play Store to a different country, this will affect downloading or upgrading BBC iPlayer.
But you can do something about it.
Using a VPN or proxy? Try disabling it.
If you’re using a VPN or proxy service and are in the UK, try disabling it to see if that helps. You’ll need to wait a few minutes and/or clear your browser’s cache after disabling the VPN for this to take effect.
If we detect that you might be using a VPN, you’ll be unable to play programmes. This is because we need to be confident you’re in the UK, and if you’re using a VPN or proxy, we can’t detect reliably where you are.
Maybe your IP address isn’t registered in the UK
If your ISP (internet service provider) has supplied you with a recently created or newly sourced IP address, it may be that it hasn’t been registered correctly. Or sometimes it may just take a few weeks for the various databases across the internet and our own database to be updated to recognise the IP address as being located within the UK.
You should check with your ISP whether this could be the case before deciding to contact BBC iPlayer Support.
Check your IP address yourself
While not definitive, there are various IP checking websites, such as or for example, that will list your IP address, where it believes you are, what ISP the address is registered with and whether a ‘network sharing device’ (VPN) is being used. It’s important to check all of your IP details.
If those details are different to what you believe are correct, contact your ISP as it’s possible the IP address has been recently obtained by your ISP, or it may not be registered correctly, or is awaiting certain databases to be added, which could take a few weeks. If you are going to contact BBC iPlayer Support, please include your ISP details.
Web accelerator
If you’re using a web accelerator, try disabling it to see if that helps.
Work computer
Some companies and organisations might have an internal network which routes data outside the UK. It’s worth checking with your company’s IT support to confirm.
Tor Network
If you are using or participating in the Tor network, be aware that only Tor relay nodes are able to play programmes on BBC iPlayer.
Using a mobile device?
In addition to the above guidance, check whether any data reduction features are set in your browser settings as some mobile browsers route data outside the UK when data reduction features are used.
Remember to check your browser is up to date! You can also try another browser.
Also, data compression apps may route data outside the UK, so try disabling them.
If you’ve checked all of the above and still find that you’re unable to watch, you can contact BBC iPlayer Support using the Contact us button below. Please include the name of your internet service provider, and provide details on what steps you’ve tried to resolve the issue.
How do you collect information about me? – Using the BBC
How do you collect information about me? – Using the BBC
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Page updated: 8 August 2019
You provide some information yourself
For instance, when you register for a BBC account:
Anyone under 13 has to provide their date of birth and choose a username
Anyone aged 13 to 17 has to provide their date of birth and email address
Anyone over 18 has to provide their email address, postcode and year of birth
We also ask everyone what gender they identify as. You can choose female, male or enter another term of your choosing. And there’s also an option if you’d prefer not to say
Find out why you have to provide personal information when you register
We collect some information automatically
Things like your IP address, which browser and device you’re using, or your device ID. And we can tell what webpage directed you to the BBC by looking at information from your browser.
We collect some information to understand how you’re using the BBC online to give you a better BBC. If you’re signed in, your BBC account lets you personalise your BBC online experience.
Any BBC apps on your phone, tablet or TV may store information on your device. And we may access that information. When you ask for local news or weather, you can choose if you want to give us access to your device’s location.
We also collect data about things you add
How does the BBC use my information?
Personal information
Information about your gender, age and location help us see how different people are using the BBC and check we’re making something for everyone.
We use some of your personal information to provide our services, provide recommendations to you on things you’ll like, and to personalise parts of the BBC to your tastes.
IP address and device information
Your IP address and information about your device might be used to confirm your location. This is so that we can find out if you are accessing the services from inside or outside of the UK, and to make your experience more relevant to where you live.
When you access a BBC website from outside the UK, you’ll see with advertising. Some of this advertising might be tailored to you. You’ll only see advertising or tailored advertising if you’re visiting from outside the UK.
Sponsored posts on other websites
We might show you tailored BBC recommendations on social media sites like Facebook, Google, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter. For instance, to let you know about a new programme you might like.
Can I see a history of everything I’ve watched?
When you’re signed in, the My Programmes section in iPlayer shows any programmes you’re part way through. So you can pick up where you left off with anything you haven’t finished. Or find the next episode in a series you’ve been watching.
Can I have more than one user signed in on my TV? | iPlayer help – BBC
Yes, on most TVs you can. Here’s how:
Open the BBC iPlayer app and sign in to your own account
Click the Switch User icon at the top right of the screen
Select Add a user
The new user will now have to sign in using their own BBC account details
If you’ve got multiple people signed in on your device, BBC iPlayer will ask you to Select who’s watching when you launch the app.
How will I know who is signed in on my TV?
Each time you launch the app, you’ll be asked to select who’s watching. When in a profile, the signed-in user’s display name will appear at the top right corner of the screen.
I don’t have the ‘Add a user’ option
Not all TVs will have the option to add multiple accounts. This is because software and technology vary greatly across different TVs, models and manufacturers, and not all TVs have the same capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions about ip address bbc iplayer
Can BBC iPlayer track your IP address?
We collect some information automatically. Things like your IP address, which browser and device you’re using, or your device ID. And we can tell what webpage directed you to the BBC by looking at information from your browser.Aug 8, 2019
What is BBC IP address?
212.58. 246 co.uk – United Kingdom – BBC – Search IP addresses.
Can I see who is using my BBC iPlayer?
How will I know who is signed in on my TV? Each time you launch the app, you’ll be asked to select who’s watching. When in a profile, the signed-in user’s display name will appear at the top right corner of the screen.