BBC is the UK’s largest broadcaster, and it has plenty to offer when it comes to the best of shows and entertainment. You basically have to be located in the United Kingdom to be able to access these, mainly because the favorite of BBC programs are geo-restricted.
If you’re looking for a way to sidestep this problem, this article has some of the best suggestions.
For one thing, you can use a VPN. With the right VPN provider, you’ll be able to conceal your location while at the same time avail of the service even when you’re abroad.
Choose the best VPN service to sign up on so that you can direct your internet connection via a UK server.
What If You Are Outside The UK? Can You Access BBC iPlayer Without A VPN?
Yes, you can, but your options are limited.
BBC has actually cited on its website that the most viable way of watching BBC programs when you’re traveling is to download them on the iPlayer app while you’re in the UK and prior to leaving.
Apparently, this solution is only applicable to movies and previous shows, and not pertaining to the latest episodes of your preferred comedies and dramas. Then there is live sports, which is totally out of the question.
It used to be that a proxy server was utilized to go around this issue, however, BBC has blocked any attempts to use this software.
The best shot, by far, is to use a streaming VPN so that you will not miss BBC content when you’re out of the UK.
5 Easy Steps To Unblock BBC iPlayer Content
It seems to be a demanding task to re-route your IP address, but not with the use of a good quality VPN. Such providers have been designed to make this process virtually effortless. All you have to do is download and log-in to the app on your laptop, phone or tablet. Below are the practical steps for doing it.
- Sign up for the most suited VPN service. You can reference from credible reviews about the best VPN services to determine what befits your needs.
- Download and install the VPN tool on your device. See to it that the version you’re considering is compatible with your device.
- Connect your device to the speediest UK servers you can access. It is sensible to choose one that is from London, or else any of the major cities in the UK.
- Go to the BBC iPlayer website and then log in. If you don’t have an account yet, you’ll need to sign-up for one.
- Press «play» and have a fantastic time watching your favorite BBC shows.
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Installing Your VPN App On Different Devices
Just like downloading and installing a new app, it is very straightforward to set-up your selected VPN service on your computer or smartphone.
Then again, it is rather complicated in terms of streaming devices. There may be easy-to-use dedicated VPN apps such as those offered by Amazon Fire Stick, but it is not the case with Roku and Apple TV.
A VPN works with an Apple TV by manually setting up your DNS IP address with that which you can find on your VPN website. Your other option is to connect it through your router. Meanwhile, on Roku, it is necessary to configure the service on your router. Extra steps will have to be performed, but it is not that tricky to install your VPN on Roku.
What about on Android TV? If you want to be able to watch BBC iPlayer on it, you’ll need to check the Google Play Store and locate the app of your VPN provider. For the rest of the other operating systems, the most workable option is to install a Smart TV VPN on your router in the same way that you would do with a Roku or Apple TV streaming device.
Can You Access BBC iPlayer Through A Free VPN Service?
This deed is quite a challenge. Finding a free VPN service that can unblock BBC iPlayer, that is. These software are generally banned by the Beeb, and such free services have trouble contending with it. There are in fact free VPN providers that block streaming, and you’ll have to upgrade to a higher plan to circumnavigate it.
The positive side to this is the free trials typically offered by premium VPN providers, normally in the guise of a 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s a huge advantage if you want to tryout the service’s premium features without ultimately shelling out a dollar.
Here Are The Best VPNs For watching BBC Iplayer Reviewed & Compared 2022
When we look at the best VPNs overall for security, ease of use, compatibility, and effectiveness, ExpressVPN always appears at the top of the pile. This industry-leading VPN is also one of the best VPNs for the dark web and offers the high-end speeds and security you need to use Tor safely and smoothly.
ExpressVPN protects all its users with 256-bit encryption, along with advanced features like a kill switch and leak protection. It’s based in the British Virgin Islands, which is a top-tier destination for security and privacy, and all of its apps work with Tor, allowing you to connect to the dark web on various different devices without any issues whatsoever.
Pros
- Best in-class encryption
- Competitive prices for longer plans
- Detailed guides and customer support
Cons
- Cheaper options are available
When it comes to online security and privacy, NordVPN is often held up as the best VPN of them all. This VPN takes security seriously and has lots of advanced, high-end features designed to safeguard users and provide the maximum levels of protection for everyone. NordVPN is especially useful for browsing the dark web and has several key features to help users.
One of those key features is the ‘Onion Over VPN’ servers offered by NordVPN. These servers are specially designed for dark web users to provide maximum protection. What’s more, NordVPN has a no-logs policy to protect all of its users, as well as being based in Panama, a very privacy-friendly destination that isn’t involved with any major surveillance networks or alliances. You also get DNS protection, automatic kill switches, and military standards of encryption when you choose NordVPN.
Pros:
- Unparalleled privacy settings
- Super speeds
- Very affordable plans
Cons:
- Customer support isn't the fastest
As more and more people around the world start to think seriously about their online privacy and security, Private Internet Access is one of the most popular VPNs they turn to. Boasting industry-leading privacy and security systems, this provider claims to be sitting at the top of the pile for encryption and anonymity, but how does it measure up to our test? Read on through our review of Private Internet Access to find out.
Pros:
- 2 Extra Months
- 30 Days Money Back Guarantee
- Live Chat Support
Cons:
-
Limited streaming options
Is It Illegal To Watch BBC iPlayer With The Use Of A VPN?
Bluntly saying, and as a good news, the answer to this is «No».
Having paid a UK TV license means that you can legitimately watch BBC iPlayer wherever you are in the world. What a VPN does is merely facilitate you in being able to stream your favorite TV content regardless of your location by concealing where you are currently based and redirecting you to a UK IP address.
Well then, it is absolutely legal. In the BBC terms of use, it is indicated that «If we detect that you might be using a VPN, you’ll be unable to play programs. This is because we need to be confident you’re in the UK.»
Should your breach be detected, the worst thing that can happen is that you will no longer be able to stream. You’re not breaking any law in this sense.
If it so happens that you didn’t pay for a UK TV license (which isn’t validated by BBC), you are technically prohibited from using the service. Likewise, you may or may not be able to get hold of a BBC catalog with a VPN. Essentially, you can still use BBC iPlayer with a VPN under this circumstance, but at your own risk.
Final Thoughts
As long as you paid for a UK TV license and found the VPN provider that works best with BBC iPlayer, there shouldn’t be any difficulties in streaming the service when you’re abroad. It’s entirely easy to install and use a VPN with BBC iPlayer and have a splendid time watching your favorite content.