How to watch BBC iPlayer abroad
Streaming BBC shows outside of the UK isn’t easy. But it’s not impossible either.
So if you’re heading overseas soon, read on to find out how to watch BBC iPlayer abroad – we’ve got it covered.
The BBC has an enormous backlog of content on its streaming platform, iPlayer.
The service sets you up with access to BBC channels and a backlog of TV shows and films, too – you’ve got a staggering range of live and on-demand content at your fingertips.
However, if you’ve tried to access BBC iPlayer outside of the UK before, you’ve likely hit a brick wall.
Like most UK streaming services, iPlayer is ‘geo-blocked’, meaning it can’t be accessed by users who are overseas.
Which isn’t ideal, if you’re in need of your weekly fix of Strictly Come Dancing, or want to stay abreast of all the latest goings-on in EastEnders,
Luckily, there’s a straightforward (and 100% legal) workaround to this problem: download a VPN.
A VPN (virtual private network) is a tool that offers users extra levels of online security by routing their internet traffic through a server elsewhere.
So while you’re abroad, you can essentially route your internet activity through a UK-based server, suggesting you’re still there.
In the next section we’ll talk you through everything you need to do.
How to watch BBC iPlayer abroad with a VPN
Firstly, you’ll need to download a VPN such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN to your streaming device.
After that, load up the VPN and select a UK-based server.
Then head to iPlayer, and you should have no issues whatsoever accessing its channels and content while you’re abroad.
It’s important to note that you need to be a TV licence-payer to watch any content on iPlayer, whether that’s in the UK or overseas.
Also, it’s important to note that if you want to watch any live UK television while you’re abroad – BBC or otherwise – then you have to have UK TV licence.
To find out how to watch the UK’s other big broadcaster outside the UK, read our How to watch ITV abroad explainer.
We’ve tried and tested a number of different VPNs – to see how they compare, read our Best VPN service round-up.
Can I access BBC iPlayer with a VPN?
Yes, providing you choose one from a reputable brand that have an expansive range of UK-based servers.
Streaming platforms do regularly block users that they suspect are using IP addresses that belong to VPNs – but VPNs themselves are constantly expand their banks of servers.
After all, with so many subscribers having streaming geo-blocked content at the top of their agenda, it’s in their business interests.
Two of the biggest VPN providers on the market are ExpressVPN and NordVPN, which we’ve actually tested ourselves.
Read our ExpressVPN review and NordVPN review to find out more about both services.
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Looking for other streaming solutions? Head to our best VPN for Netflix, where we’ve pick out top VPNs that we’ve tried and tested.
Don’t miss our how to watch UK TV abroad article, if you’re jetting off soon.