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 To Watch BBC iplayer Outside UK in 2021 | Privacycritic.com
Some call it BBC Media Player, others BBC iPlayer or quite simply iPlayer, but this is all about BBC’s streaming service. And let’s be honest, it’s quite awesome. Because it’s possible to watch all the BBC programmes on any device. And without any ad! But only UK IP addresses are allowed to access BBC broadcast and watch bbc iplayer abroad free.
Continue reading this guide to find out how to watch bbc iplayer outside uk.
How Can I Watch BBC iPlayer Abroad? And the third criterion will not be that important for you if you are only on holidays: the value for money. Because the difference between two VPNs on a monthly subscription is less than about a £5… So it is enough that the VPN does the job and you have a good value for VPN Review: Everything You Need to Know in (updated 2021)And that’s it! Now you know how to watch BBC iPlayer outside UK. You will feel like you are at home again, catching up and enjoying the shows that you love most.
How Can I Watch BBC iPlayer Abroad?
A commonly asked question is can I watch iPlayer abroad. First of all, the bad news: you can’t watch bbc iplayer abroad free or watch iplayer abroad. For example, if you are overseas for business or holidays and you want to catch up on uk tv using the iPlayer website, you will, unfortunately, get the following message: BBC iPlayer only works in the UK.
However, they do give you a (good) reason: it is all about rights (the legal entitlement to have something in a certain way). Indeed, the UK television TV licence fees pay for BBC TV productions. And then rights agreements are made with third parties, so on and so fourth. So, that means: no agreement, no broadcasting.
But not to worry, there is the good news: There is a way to access bbc iplayer anywhere in the world or how to watch bbc iplayer outside uk! A 100% legal solution and is to use a free-vpn for bbc iplayer to watch bbc iplayer abroad free or watch iplayer abroad. Don’t even bother thinking of piracy and illegal streaming to watch tv. Why mess with something like that, when this solution will show you how to watch bbc iplayer abroad free or watch iplayer abroad free directly from the BBC iPlayer website or app.
Try ExpressVPN Now30-day money-back guarantee
How to Unblock and Watch BBC iPlayer Abroad Free?
How would you like to access bbc iPlayer anywhere in the world? Well, then all you really need to do is get a VPN. Yes, you can stream BBC iPlayer from abroad simply by subscribing to a VPN. What is a VPN? It is a software that manages your traffic so that your data travel through a VPN server instead of your ISP’s network. It streams content back to your device.
What’s the point? Well, the thing is that you as a VPN user, can choose the VPN server according to its location. Therefore, if you connect to a UK server, all your data traffic will originate from the UK. Even if you are overseas. The BBC website will believe that you are a user located in the UK and will let you access their whole content. That’s it! You just learn how to watch bbc iplayer outside UK and you can now watch bbc iplayer abroad free or watch iplayer abroad using a free-vpn for bbc iplayer!
What else can a VPN do for me?
The first rule of the VPN club: always use a VPN when you navigate, on whatever device. A VPN improves your privacy and security by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and the server. So your data is protected from snoopers (i. e. your ISP, your government, hackers all over the world…).
Your IP address gets hidden and replaced with an IP address of the server. And the websites are not able to guess that you are visiting them. While they still can know your requests, they cannot link these requests to your device. And you can browse anonymously.
And last but not least, you can use a VPN to bypass censorship and access all the geo-restricted content. As you can use your VPN service to watch BBC programmes, you can use it to connect to Facebook from China, or to watch US Netflix from the UK. Most VPN providers have servers on every continent. So it is always possible to connect to the country of the content desired and to bypass the restrictions of any type. So, when next you wonder if can you watch iplayer abroad, you simply know the answer is yes!
Are Virtual Private Networks really safe?
Yes, they are. And your data will be safe if you use a VPN recommended on this website. Indeed these VPN software will never collect your data with their no-logs policies. And most of them were created with the goal to fight against government control and censorship online. So your privacy and security are valuated.
However, be careful if you use a free VPN service because risks can definitely be and are real. You probably know the saying: “if you are not paying for it, you become the product”. Because your navigation data is greatly valuable for companies and marketers. Some unscrupulous companies might use them for commercial purposes… At best.
How much does a VPN cost?
Now you know about the dangers of free VPNs… Furthermore, most of the time a free-vpn for bbc iplayer can sometimes be hit or miss. Or it will be a bit slow for a good streaming experience. Can you imagine trying to stream regular video, let alone something in high definition?
A good VPN is not free but cheap. Treat yourself to a good VPN service and you will enjoy good fast HD streaming when catching up on uk tv. And if you are commitment-phobic, do not worry. Because you still can subscribe only for a month. It is very easy and no bad surprise. Certified.
But just remember, if you’re planning on subscribing for just a month, most VPN services offer a monthly subscription for 5£ to 10£. But if you subscribe for 6 months to 2 years, you can probably find better offers, for example up to 70% discounts.
Which one is the best VPN to watch BBC iPlayer outside UK?
There are several criteria to determine which free-vpn for bbc iplayer is the best. First of all, the simplicity because you may not be a geek and probably prefer easy launch-and-forget software. Not everyone has to the time to dive into deep research, right?
The second criterion is the speed of the service because it is at least as important as easy use. And in learning how to watch bbc iplayer outside uk. Indeed, keep in mind that you subscribe to a VPN to access the streaming service, so you need a perfect connection and high speed to watch a video. Otherwise, the loading screen will be displayed way too often and too long.
And the third criterion will not be that important for you if you are only on holidays: the value for money. Because the difference between two VPNs on a monthly subscription is less than about a £5… So it is enough that the VPN does the job and you have a good value for money.
These are the best VPN service providers that work with BBC iPlayer. However, if you’re having trouble accessing iPlayer with the VPN and if ever a server stopped working, contact the customer support. We recommend using the live chat to find a server that works fine in minutes.
How to Unblock bbc iPlayer Outside UK? Step by step guide
Now I’ll explain to you how to stream BBC iPlayer outside the UK or how to watch bbc iplayer outside uk. This guide is very simple. And it should work with most VPNs.
Pick a free vpn for bbc iplayer from the list above: ExpressVPN is our choice
Click on the “Go to…” button to visit the VPN’s website
Sign up and select your plan to use the service
Install the software and launch it
In the client, select a server in the United Kingdom
Click on the “Connect” button
Go back to the BBC website or app, refresh the page
And that’s it! Now you know how to watch BBC iPlayer outside UK. You will feel like you are at home again, catching up and enjoying the shows that you love most.
Conclusion
With this information on how to watch iplayer abroad, you never have to miss out on uk tv when you travel. It is important to remember that whatever VPN you select, it has to be one that not only lets you watch bbc iplayer abroad but also keeps your information safe and secure without any speed limits that could hamper the quality of your entertainment. Remember to use a VPN just like ExpressVPN.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer in USA Live & Free (Updated 2021)
Looking to watch the BBC iPlayer in the USA? Today, we’ll explain how to stream BBC for free in America or any other country using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
@IanGarland_ UPDATED: September 24, 2021
You can watch BBC iPlayer for free in the USA if you use a VPN, however, many VPNs are blocked by the BBC. Read on to see which VPNs work and how to use them.
VPNs encrypt your traffic, preventing your activities from being monitored by hackers, your Internet Service Provider (ISP), your employer, or the government. However, they have another major benefit: they allow you to change your IP address. As streaming platforms often rely on the user’s IP address to verify their location, accessing geo-blocked services abroad is as simple as connecting to a server in the appropriate country. So if you are a Brit traveling to the US and want to keep watching BBC a VPN is the solution.
BBC content is available online via BBC iPlayer, this includes content from BBC One and other BBC channels. The BBC invests a huge amount of resources into improving its geo-restriction measures, so not all VPNs can unblock the online streaming platform.
However, there are a select few VPNs that can reliably access BBC iPlayer in America and while we’ve reviewed each of these in greater detail further down, you can find a brief summary of each below:
Best VPNs for watching BBC in the US:
NordVPN Our top choice for watching the BBC in the USA! This service is faster than any other, with top-notch security features, a no-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark A fast, security-conscious VPN that unblocks BBC iPlayer with ease and allows any number of connections. Great security and privacy offering.
CyberGhost A budget, user-friendly service with pre-configured security options and strong unblocking ability, CyberGhost is ideal for those new to VPNs.
PrivateVPN This VPN is secure, privacy-conscious, faster than most, and unblocks a wide range of popular streaming services.
Hotspot Shield: A great all-rounder with excellent speed, security features, and unblocking ability. Great for streaming BBC iPlayer abroad.
ExpressVPN Fast, reliable, secure, and boasting excellent unblocking capability.
VyprVPN A log-less, security-oriented VPN with fast speeds and the ability to unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere.
How to watch BBC iPlayer in America
It’s actually very simple to bypass regional restrictions with a VPN. Below, we’ll explain how you can use BBC iPlayer and a VPN to stream the BBC live in the USA.
Here’s how to watch BBC iPlayer in USA:
Sign up for one of the VPNs mentioned below (we recommend NordVPN).
Download and install the app, making sure to get the right version for your device’s operating system.
Connect to one of your VPN’s British servers.
Sign in to BBC iPlayer and try loading a video. It should begin immediately, but you might have to clear your browser’s cookies and cache first. Once this is done, refresh the page and you should be able to stream freely.
You can now access restricted content from BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three and BBC Four on iPlayer.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE? NordVPN offers 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 with no restrictions for a month. This is perfect for anyone hoping to watch British shows while traveling in the US.
There’s no trick here—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
Choosing the right VPN for watching the BBC abroad
With so many different VPN providers all claiming to be the best, it can be difficult to decide which one to use. To find the best VPNs for streaming the BBC in the US, we chose to only recommend services with all of the following characteristics:
Reliably unblocks BBC iPlayer and similar streaming platforms
Offers consistently high-speed connections
Uses strong encryption and includes several other security features
Doesn’t log any information that could identify you
Has apps for all of the most popular operating systems
Best VPNs for watching BBC in the USA
Below, you’ll find our list of the best VPNs for watching the BBC in the USA:
1. NordVPN
Oct 2021
Unblocks BBC in USATested Oct 2021
Apps Available:
PC
Mac
IOS
Android
Linux
NordVPN has more than 5, 400 high-speed servers spread 60 countries, including 700+ in the UK alone. It works with a wide range of popular platforms, meaning you’ll be able to securely access services like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix UK, and BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. NordVPN allows up to six simultaneous connections, so it’s ideal if you’re looking to protect all of your devices at once.
This service puts major emphasis on your security. Its features include 256-bit encryption, an app-specific kill switch, a malware scanner, an adblocker, and protection against DNS, IPv6, WebRTC, and port-forwarding leaks. Users can choose to access Tor over VPN or use multiple VPNs simultaneously for added protection. NordVPN has a strict no-logging policy so your privacy is in good hands. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat.
NordVPN has apps for Linux, MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. Manual installation is required for use on home routers.
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:
Major emphasis on security and privacy
Hundreds of British servers
Currently the fastest VPN on the market
Great low-cost alternative for streaming
Keeps no logs whatsoever
Cons:
Desktop apps can take slightly longer to connect
BEST VPN FOR BBC IPLAYER:NordVPN is our first choice! It’s an extremely fast, privacy-oriented service that takes your security seriously. Better still, its plans include a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of NordVPN here
NordVPN CouponSAVE 72% + 3 months freeGet Deal >Discount applied automatically
2. Surfshark
Surfshark has high-speed servers in over 60 countries, including the UK, making it ideal for accessing region-locked platforms abroad. In fact, as well as unblocking BBC iPlayer, Surfshark allows you to use other popular British streaming platforms like All 4 and ITV Hub. Better still, there’s no limit to the number of devices you can connect, so it’s perfect for those with families or lots of devices to protect.
This VPN takes your security seriously; it boasts 256-bit encryption, DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch (in every version), and finally, automatic ad-blocking and malware-scanning. Surfshark doesn’t log any information that could identify you, but if you’d like, you can pay in cryptocurrency for another layer of anonymity. Need help? You can reach customer support over live chat, 24/7.
Surfshark apps are available for Windows, Android, Linux, MacOS, and iOS. Manual configuration is required for use with network 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
Unblocks BBC iPlayer, All 4, and ITV Hub
Connect as many devices as you like
Fast enough for HD live streaming
Strong on security and privacy
Relatively small server network
Some slow speeds
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a fantastic low-cost option as it boasts top-notch security features, solid speeds, and the ability to unblock plenty of popular streaming platforms (including BBC iPlayer). Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of Surfshark here
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3. CyberGhost
CyberGhost offers access to 1, 000+ British servers, and more than 5, 000 others in a further 88 countries. This service is extremely user-friendly; each server shows its current load and the streaming service it’s designed to unblock. With high speeds and up to seven simultaneous connections, CyberGhost ensures you’re free to stream the BBC flawlessly at home or on the go.
This VPN makes it as easy as possible to stay safe online. It protects your data using 256-bit encryption, an always-on kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. That’s not all: it automatically blocks ads and scans for malware. CyberGhost logs no personally identifiable information but you can pay in Bitcoin for added anonymity. If you run into any issues, you can contact customer support over live chat, 24/7.
CyberGhost offers Windows, Android, MacOS, Linux and iOS apps. Network routers are supported but require manual configuration.
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
Fast, reliable service
Works well with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more
All security features enabled by default
Not suitable for those that need control of advanced features
Doesn’t work in China
Easy-to-use apps:CyberGhost boasts high-speed connections, comprehensive security, and the ability to stream BBC iPlayer anywhere. It comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of CyberGhost here
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4. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN has around 150 servers in 60 countries (including the UK), but it makes up for its smaller network by providing faster speeds than many similar services. Additionally, PrivateVPN reliably works with not just the BBC iPlayer, but also Netflix UK, ITV Hub, and All 4. This service allows six devices to be connected at once.
With 256-bit encryption, DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch (Windows only), PrivateVPN guarantees your internet traffic is kept secure at all times. Your activities can’t be traced back to you (whether you pay in Bitcoin or not), thanks to this service’s zero-logs policy. Live chat is available for 22 hours each day (it’s offline from 1-3PM PST), and with your permission, the staff can remotely configure the software for you.
PrivateVPN has Windows, Android, MacOS, and iOS apps. It works on Linux-based platforms and wireless routers with manual configuration.
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
Works with Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer
Very fast speeds
Zero-logs provider
Other providers have more server selection options
Live chat is not around the clock
STREAM BBC ANYWHERE:PrivateVPN keeps no logs, prioritizes your security, and offers fast, flawless streaming. It includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of PrivateVPN here
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5. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield has a few characteristics that make it ideal for streaming. First, it has more than 1, 800 servers in 80 countries (including the UK). Second, it boasts above-average speeds, which means you won’t have to worry about lag or buffering while watching your favorite shows. As well as BBC iPlayer, this service works with Netflix, ITV Hub, and more. Up to five devices can be connected at once.
There’s a lot to like as far as security goes. For instance, this VPN includes 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and automatic wifi protection (which lets the app connect on its own any time you use an unsecured network). There’s also protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, plus a no-logging policy. 24/7 support is on-hand via live chat and email, should you need it.
Hotspot Shield has apps for Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. You can also manually install it on supported routers.
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
Very fast speeds for streaming HD content
Unblocks some of the most popular streaming services from abroad
Includes a wide variety of powerful security features
Some past privacy concerns
Doesn’t support any anonymous payment options
SILKY SMOOTH STREAMING:Hotspot Shield is fast enough for 4K streaming, so you shouldn’t have any issues watching BBC live. Further, it includes a powerful security toolkit and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Hotspot Shield review.
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6. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of our favorite all-round VPNs so it had to make this list, but it has been less reliable with BBC iPlayer lately. It has more than 3, 000 servers in 94 countries worldwide, including the UK. This service can securely access streaming platforms that many other VPNs struggle with, including ITV Hub, and Netflix UK. Best of all, it’s fast enough to stream live HD content with no noticeable stuttering or buffering whatsoever.
This VPN service includes 256-bit secure encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, and a kill switch (which halts all traffic whenever you disconnect unexpectedly), to keep your activities private at all times. ExpressVPN doesn’t log any data that could identify you, but it’s possible to register almost completely anonymously with Bitcoin and a throwaway email address for an additional layer of privacy. Support is available 24/7 over live chat in case of any issues.
ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Plans include access to custom router firmware to make protecting all of your devices as easy as possible.
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
Suitable for streaming sites
Fast enough to play HD video without buffering
Solid privacy settings and security
Pay anonymously with Bitcoin
May not offer enough flexibility for advanced users
Worth trying but sometimes struggles to unblock BBC iPlayer
PRIVATE STREAMING:ExpressVPN is a solid choice for streaming. It offers high-speed connections, powerful security and privacy features, and excellent streaming potential, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of ExpressVPN here
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7. VyprVPN
VyprVPN currently has more than 700 servers in 64 countries including the UK. This service offers consistently high speeds and can securely access popular streaming platforms including Netflix UK, ITV Hub, and of course, BBC iPlayer. Three simultaneous connections are permitted although this increases to five for premium subscribers.
This service uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (in desktop apps), perfect forward secrecy, and DNS leak protection by default. It can obfuscate your traffic using its proprietary Chameleon protocol, making it harder to detect that you’re using a VPN. VyprVPN does not log any personal information, making you almost completely anonymous online. Support is available via live chat, 24/7.
VyprVPN provides apps for Blackphone, Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS. It can be manually installed on Linux devices and select internet routers.
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
Excellent security and privacy features
Fast, reliable connection
No issues with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or similar services
Doesn’t accept Bitcoin
A little more expensive than some of its rivals
ADVANCED SECURITY:VyprVPN is a security-focused provider with high speeds, strong streaming potential, and a no-logs policy. It even offers a three-day free trial.
Read our full review of VyprVPN here
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
Can I watch the BBC abroad with a free VPN?
Free VPN services can be tempting, but we advise against using one for several reasons. The first is their performance; free VPNs rarely have enough servers to support all of their users, and this manifests as slow speeds. Streaming is fairly data-intensive, particularly at higher resolutions, and as such, it’s likely you’ll experience choppy playback, subpar video quality, long buffering times and data limits. Further, the BBC regularly updates its geo-blocking measures so there’s a good chance you won’t be able to access BBC iPlayer at all with a free VPN service.
These services might be free to use, but they are businesses and as such, exist to make money. Most use an ad-supported model or offer perks like higher speeds for a monthly fee, but some resort to shadier practices. Some services store tracking cookies on your device to see which sites you visit, and sell the resulting consumer profile to advertisers. This takes control over who sees your data out of your hands, which is the exact opposite of what a VPN is supposed to do.
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to even tell if you are using a safe VPN or not. Researchers recently tested 283 free VPN apps and found that almost 40% contained malware, 84% were vulnerable to IPv6 leaks, and 18% used no encryption whatsoever. Well-known services aren’t necessarily safer; in 2015, Hola was caught selling user bandwidth to help run a botnet.
Using a reputable VPN with a clear, customer-first privacy policy is the best way to stay safe online.
How to sign up for the BBC iPlayer
Creating a new BBC account is easy and only takes a few minutes. First, go to the login page and click Register Now. You’ll be asked to enter details including your date of birth, email address, and postal code. This last step isn’t much of a deterrent for overseas viewers, however, as any UK post code is accepted, and you don’t have to prove your location in any way. When you’re done, click Register, and verify your email address.
British law requires you to have a TV license to watch anything on the BBC iPlayer. While this service does sometimes show a popup making you aware of this, it doesn’t appear every time you try to watch something and as such, is easy to forget. The iPlayer doesn’t actually check whether you have a TV license or not and relies entirely on an honor system.
How to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA FAQ
VPN not working with iPlayer? There are a few reasons why your VPN might not be working with BBC iPlayer. Below, we’ll explain, step by step, what you can do to narrow down the cause of the issue.
Firstly, make sure you’re connected to a British server, since iPlayer is only available in the UK.
When you use the BBC iPlayer website or app, it stores your location. To have it forget your old location, simply clear your cookies. The next time you visit, this service will be forced to get your location again, and should hopefully allow you to watch.
Still no luck? Turn off location services, as well as any ad-blockers you might be running. Note that some VPNs have ad-blockers built-in which are often accidentally overlooked.
At this point, you may want to get in touch with your VPN’s support team. Staff may be able to tell you of a specific server capable of unblocking iPlayer. Alternatively, if the VPN no longer works with BBC iPlayer, at least you’ll know for sure.
How do I watch BBC iPlayer on a normal, not smart TV? Because BBC iPlayer is such a popular service, it has apps for all kinds of devices. This means that you don’t necessarily need a Smart TV to watch it, provided you have another device capable of running the iPlayer app.
For instance, if you have a PlayStation or Xbox games console, or an Amazon Fire Stick, all you have to do is connect these to your TV and they’ll effectively turn it into a Smart TV. All that’s left to do is install the BBC iPlayer app from the store and start streaming. Does Smart DNS proxy work with BBC iPlayer? If you’d like to live stream BBC iPlayer from abroad but can’t install a VPN, Smart DNS services are a good compromise. There are plenty of these capable of unblocking iPlayer (including Smart DNS proxy) but it’s important to bear in mind that they don’t usually encrypt your data the way a VPN would. Additionally, you’ll have to manually change your DNS settings any time you want to change location, whereas VPN apps let you switch region in just a few clicks. Is it legal to stream BBC iPlayer in USA? You may be surprised to learn that it’s not illegal to watch BBC iPlayer in the US using a VPN. That said, it does go against section 7a of the BBC’s terms of use which forbids users from “accessing content from outside the UK that you aren’t allowed to. ”
So what does this actually mean, considering it’s not a crime to do so? Essentially, BBC iPlayer will attempt to stop you from streaming abroad with a series of advanced VPN-detection features. Even if it finds that you’re using a VPN, though, you’ll just be asked to turn it off — there are currently no reports of anyone having their account banned for watching via VPN. Why else might I need a VPN? VPNs enable you to do more than just watch the BBC in the USA. Worried about having access to your RBS, Santander, or Halifax bank account limited because you logged in from another country? Just connect to a British VPN server first and it’s likely your bank’s automated system won’t even realize you’re actually somewhere else. You can also use this method to access betting sites like Ladbrokes and William Hill from outside of the UK.
As your traffic is often routed through a server in a completely different country, you can use a VPN to bypass any web filtering imposed by your workplace, or the government. Public wifi networks are often less secure than they should be, which means they’re a prime target for hackers. However, when connected to a VPN, you’ll know for certain that your activities are safe from prying BBC channels and shows can I watch with a VPN? The BBC offers a huge variety of content ranging from soap operas to gritty dramas. Below, we’ve listed the BBC channels you can stream live and some of the shows you can watch on the BBC iPlayer:
Channels:
BBC One
BBC Two
CBBC
BBC Four
BBC News
Cbeebies
BBC Three
BBC Scotland
S4C
BBC Parliament
BBC Alba
Radio 1
TV shows:
Line of Duty
Killing Eve
Eastenders
Top Gear
QI
Baptiste
Match of the Day
Casualty
White Gold
Bodyguard
Panorama
Blue Planet 2
Can I play BBC iPlayer downloads abroad? Although BBC iPlayer won’t let you stream live or on-demand content from outside of the UK, it has no issue with you watching previously-downloaded shows abroad. In fact, it says as much in its website’s official support section. Can I watch BBC iPlayer in the USA on Roku TV? Unblocking BBC iPlayer on Roku is a little more complicated than on a different device, since the selection of apps is very limited, and no VPNs are supported. However, it’s not impossible to stream your favorite BBC shows from abroad on Roku. Just follow these steps:
Install a VPN capable of unblocking BBC iPlayer on your PC or mobile device.
Connect to a British server (if in doubt, London servers are usually a safe bet).
Create a new wireless hotspot to share your encrypted connection with other devices.
Go into your Roku’s settings menu and connect to your newly-created hotspot.
Finally, simply open the BBC iPlayer app and try watching something. If you still can’t use the service, try a different VPN server or get in touch with your provider’s support team for more assistance.
Can I watch iPlayer on Firestick? Yes, you can start watching BBC iPlayer on Firestick in a matter of minutes. There isn’t even any need to sideload anything, since the app is included in the Amazon app store. Just search for “BBC iPlayer”, install the app, and sign in.
Frequently Asked Questions about watch bbc iplayer in usa
Is it illegal to watch BBC iPlayer abroad?
First of all, the bad news: you can’t watch bbc iplayer abroad free or watch iplayer abroad. For example, if you are overseas for business or holidays and you want to catch up on uk tv using the iPlayer website, you will, unfortunately, get the following message: BBC iPlayer only works in the UK.
How do I download BBC iPlayer App in USA?
Here’s how to watch BBC iPlayer in USA: Sign up for one of the VPNs mentioned below (we recommend NordVPN). Download and install the app, making sure to get the right version for your device’s operating system. Connect to one of your VPN’s British servers. Sign in to BBC iPlayer and try loading a video.Sep 24, 2021
Can I use a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer?
Can I watch BBC iPlayer in the US? Yes, but you’ll need a VPN. Using a VPN, you can connect to a UK server, set up a BBC iPlayer account, and start streaming all your favorite British TV shows. ExpressVPN is my top choice thanks to its advanced features, blazing speeds, and reliability for streaming in HD.