How to Watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK? [January 2024 Guide]

Are you wondering, how to watch BBC iPlayer abroad?

You can watch BBC iPlayer abroad at any time by using a top-tier VPN service like ExpressVPN you can connect to any server located in the UK and enjoy the content of this streaming service.

BBC iPlayer has been the go-to platform for UK viewers to catch up on their favorite shows, documentaries, sports, and movies. Some of the latest titles that have gained a lot of attention on the platform include the broadcasting of Eng vs NZ T20I  shows like The Power of Parker, Sherlock All seasons and movies like An Irish Goodbye.

Thus, to watch BBC iPlayer outside UK, you need to get two things that is BBC iPlayer subscription and ExpressVPN activation. This way you can easily stream BBC iPlayer on Firestick, Kodi, Samsung TV, and Roku.


How can I Watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK? [Step-by-Step Guide]

If you are thinking, how can you watch BBC iPlayer abroad? All you have to do is to follow these easy and quick instructions.

  1. Get a subscription from the best VPN provider, ExpressVPN is highly recommended.
  2. Get the VPN app downloaded and installed on your preferred device. Sign –in to the VPN app by providing your credentials.
  3. Now get connected to any of the UK servers, preferably Glasgow.
  4. To watch BBC iPlayer abroad, you must have a BBC iPlayer subscription.
  5. Visit the official website of BBC iPlayer and create your free account.
  6. By signing in to your BBC iPlayer account, you can easily get access to the quality content of your favorite channel and can easily watch BBC iPlayer live while residing abroad.

Note: You can easily sign up for BBC iPlayer account abroad after choosing your desired subscription plan.

Watch BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPN outside UKRisk-Free 30 Days Money Back Guarantee

Why A VPN Is Needed To Watch BBC iPlayer Abroad?

You must be thinking Can you watch BBC iPlayer without VPN? Unfortunately, no because BBC iPlayer is available in the UK only. You cannot watch BBC iPlayer in abroad without VPN if you are residing outside UK.

If you attempt to watch BBC iPlayer abroad, your screen will be notified with the following error message.

BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues. 

BBC-iPlayer-error

You will receive this error when trying to access BBC iPlayer in abroad without a VPN.

As you browse the Internet, an ISP locates your physical location and assigns it a unique IP address. An IP tracking system determines which country is connecting to a BBC iPlayer and blocks accordingly (if your IP belongs to a region outside of the UK).

As a result, if the user tries to download BBC iPlayer abroad, streaming restrictions recognize the user’s local IP address and make them unavailable. But by employing the services from the best VPN providers such as ExpressVPN, you can overcome this problem and would be able to enjoy Murder Trial Outside UK on BBC iPlayer

ExpressVPN, you can easily unblock BBC iPlayer abroad without any hassle. You can also check our detailed guide if BBC iPlayer does not work with a VPN.


How to Sign Up for BBC iPlayer Account Abroad?

If you are worried about how do I register BBC iPlayer abroad then don’t worry. Subscribing to BBC iPlayer download abroad isn’t as hard as it seems. If you live outside the UK and want to subscribe to BBC iPlayer, follow the instructions below:

  • Create a BBC iPlayer account, with 16 or over age selected and date of birth submitted.

BBC-iPlayer-registration

Enter your date of birth and age to create a BBC iPlayer account abroad.

  • Enter a valid email address and set up a password.

register-with-BBC-iPlayer

Enter your email address and password.

  • Simply type in a valid postcode from anywhere in the United Kingdom.

Type a valid postcode

  • Accept or reject the newsletter pop-up. You can now enjoy the content of BBC iPlayer abroad.

Note: You can easily delete BBC iPlayer account like you create a new BBC iPlayer account easily.


Which VPN is Best for BBC iPlayer Abroad? – Comparison

Brand expressvpn surfshark nordvpn-logo cyberghost
Servers 3000+ servers in 105 countries 3200+ servers in 100+ countries 6000+ ultra fast servers in 61 countries 6800 servers in 80 countries 1900 servers in 75 countries
Simultaneous Connections 5 Unlimited 6 5 Unlimited
Encryption Type AES-256 BIT GCM AES-256-BIT AES-256 BIT AES-256-BIT AES-256 BIT
Compatibility Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Roku, AppleTV, and Xbox Windows, iOS, Android, mac, Linux, Fire TV, game consoles, and smart TVs Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, Chrome Android, Linux, Windows, Router, IOS, Mac
Price GB£ 5.35/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free GB£ 2/mo (US$ 2.49/mo) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee GB£ 3.2/mo (US$ 3.99/mo) - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend GBP£1.66 (US$ 2.03) GBP£3.17 (US$ 3.89)

What Are The Best VPNs To Watch BBC iPlayer Abroad? – In-depth Analysis (Updated 2024)

If you are thinking how do I unblock BBC iPlayer outside the UK? Based on the above criteria, the following five best VPNs got shortlisted that proved to perform well with the BBC iPlayer outside the UK.

  1. ExpressVPN
  2. Surfshark
  3. NordVPN
  4. CyberGhost
  5. IPVanish

ExpressVPN – Best VPN for BBC iPlayer Abroad

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs, with a fast blazing download speed of 89.38 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.66 Mbps. Moreover, 24/7 live chat-based support makes ExpressVPN a good option to watch BBC iPlayer abroad free.

There are over 3000+ servers in 105 countries, helping you watch BBC iPlayer abroad without any interruptions!

Expressvpn-unblocked-BBC-iPlayer-2023

ExpressVPN has successfully unblocked BBC iPlayer abroad.

On a 100 Mbps standard connection, it offered a download speed of 89.38 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.66 Mbps.

ExpressVPN-speed-test

We experienced the extremely fast speed of ExpressVPN while streaming BBC iPlayer.

This VPN service provides top-notch security to every user. ExpressVPN also offers custom router firmware for streaming BBC iPlayer on Chromecast or Kodi boxes, which are available free of charge on their website.

Up to five simultaneous connections are permitted per ExpressVPN account. So watch all the war movies on BBC iPlayer on any device you want.

The annual package of ExpressVPN is the best value at just GB£5.35/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free. ExpressVPN has a monthly money-back assurance, so you can try it risk-free. As far as virtual private network (VPN) providers go, ExpressVPN is generally considered among the best.

Watch BBC iPlayer outside UK with ExpressVPN Risk-Free 30 Days Money Back Guarantee

Surfshark – Budget-Friendly VPN To Watch BBC iPlayer Abroad

If you live abroad, your best bet for watching BBC iPlayer without breaking the bank is to use Surfshark. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free for just GB£2/mo (US$ 2.49/mo) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee. Based on our analysis, they are the most cost-effective VPN service we considered.

3200+ servers in 100+ countries are available to users, and it’s easy to establish a connection to any of them. It presents a wide selection of server locations across the United Kingdom.

Surfshark-unblocked-BBC-iPlayer-abroad

BBC iPlayer is successfully unblocked in abroad via Surfshark.

With a 100 Mbps connection, Surfshark provides blisteringly fast download speeds of 88.14 Mbps and upload rates of 83.72 Mbps.

Surfshark-speed-test

Surfshark gives amazing test results on 100 Mbps.

The nicest feature about such a subscription is that it allows for an infinite number of simultaneous connections, which is great for unblocking many streaming services simultaneously.

There are various security safeguards and an emergency escape available with the VPN connection. In the unlikely event that you lose contact with your VPN server, the kill switch safeguards your important traffic.

You are shielded from outside attacks by the best AES-256 Bit encryption. That’s not all, either. Other functions include camouflage mode, bypasser, and clean web. It is used on devices running Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, Apple TV, Fire TV, game consoles, and Smart TVs.

Watch BBC iPlayer outside UK with Surfshark Risk-Free 30 Days Money Back Guarantee

NordVPN – Safest VPN for BBC iPlayer Abroad

If you are thinking that BBC iPlayer works abroad then consider using NordVPN to unblock the iPlayer geo-restrictions. It is a premium VPN with the largest server network that can help you download BBC iPlayer abroad.

The vast majority of NordVPN’s servers, which include 6000+ ultra fast servers in 61 countries, can get around Netflix, Hulu, HBO GO, and other streaming services UK’ regional restrictions.

NordVPN-unblocked-BBC-iPlayer-in-abroad

BBC iPlayer is unblocked in abroad via NordVPN.

Initial NordVPN testing was run at our standard connection speed of around 100 Mbps. On the UK-based servers, we were able to get a download speed of 86.49 Mbps and an upload speed of 79.42 Mbps, which blew our minds in comparison to the streaming speed.

NordVPN-speed-test

NordVPN test results

During our testing, we were able to bypass BBC iPlayer on iPhone and several other devices like Windows, Linux, macOS, Android.

This type of encryption, in addition to other tools like a No-log Policy, Double VPN, and VPN Kill Switch, makes sure that your data is safe on all fronts and protected against breaches.

If you sign up for NordVPN, you can get six simultaneous connections for just GB£3.2/mo (US$ 3.99/mo) - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend. In addition, a 30-day money-back guarantee allows potential customers to try out the service without any financial risk.

Watch BBC iPlayer outside UK with NordVPN Risk-Free 30 Days Money Back Guarantee

CyberGhost – User-friendly VPN for BBC iPlayer Abroad

CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN to watch BBC iPlayer in abroad because it comes with 24/7 chat support and a 45-day refund policy.

CyberGhost offers a global network of 6800 servers in 80 countries. You can immediately connect to BBC iPlayer in abroad using one of CyberGhost’s UK servers and binge-watch all of your favorite movies.

Watch-BBC-iPlayer-abroad-via-CyberGhost

BBC iPlayer is successfully unblocked in abroad via CyberGhost

We checked the servers during the CyberGhost speed test and discovered that CyberGhost streams BBC iPlayer outside UK without any lagging or buffering. The VPN’s download and upload speeds were 75.12 Mbps and 39.48 Mbps, respectively.

CyberGhost-speed-test

CyberGhost speed test on a 100 Mbps connection!

Additionally, it offers specific programs for several other operating systems, including iOS, Windows, MacOS, Android, and others. Using CyberGhost, you can use any of the compatible devices outside UK to access BBC iPlayer.

When it comes to security features, CyberGhost also reached the top. It gives AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, a strict zero-logs policy, dedicated IP servers, optimized servers, and much more.

You may get it for as little as GBP£1.66 (US$ 2.03) with 7 simultaneous connections, allowing you to watch various shows while connected to several devices at once.


IPVanish – Reliable VPN for Streaming BBC iPlayer Abroad

IPVanish managed to record 70.05 Mbps on its download speed, which is suitable to stream BBC iPlayer app!

The server network spreads across 75 countries worldwide, supporting over 1900 servers. These servers have played a significant role in the VPN speed test.

Watch-BBC-iPlayer-abroad-via-IPVanish

IPVanish unblocks BBC iPlayer in abroad!

On a 100 Mbps connection, IPVanish offers a downloading speed of 75.12 Mbps and an uploading speed of 39.48 Mbps during our testing.

IPVanish-speed-test

IPVanish Speed result!

The fifth option on our list is IPVanish, the best VPN for shared streaming. IPVanish offers unlimited simultaneous connections per account as its most prominent aspect.

In addition to the security features, the VPN also supports Android, Linux, Windows, Router, iOS, and Mac devices to enhance accessibility.

IPVanish security features include a kill switch, cutting-edge protocols, military-grade encryption that is AES-256 BIT, Split tunneling, the WebRTC, and DNS leaks. It is thus a highly suggested VPN for TV One.

The monthly charge for IPVanish VPN is about GBP£3.17 (US$ 3.89), which is somewhat more expensive than other VPN services. Once you access IPVanish, you will also be given a 30-day money-back guarantee.


What are the Criteria to Choose the Best VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer Abroad?

In today’s era of technology, the VPN market is overflooded with VPNs of different specifications, that’s why it becomes very difficult to select the best VPN which can unblock BBC iPlayer and make it accessible in abroad.

We have very tough selection criteria mentioned below so that we can provide a great VPN service, which must fulfill our customer’s streaming desires.

  • Speed connections will remain high with elevated reliability
  • Must have the strong capability to unblock BBC iPlayer
  • Guarantees reliable and high-speed connections
  • Uses an encryption method to protect the system that is impervious to hacking as well.
  • Protects your IP address
  • Compatible with most mobile platforms
  • Offers on-demand video streaming and a diverse array of programming.
  • 24/7 good customer support.

How Much Does BBC iPlayer Cost?

You must be thinking how much is a BBC iPlayer subscription cost? In reality, BBC iPlayer subscription costs you nothing. The service is free, but you must get a license to continue streaming BBC iPlayer on your device.

To do so, you have to pay for the TV license. The yearly TV license costs you £159 per year. If we simplify it further, it will cost you £13.13 per month or £3.02 per week.

You can yearly pay the license fee all at once. Moreover, you can also cancel the BBC iPlayer subscription if you feel like being done with the content or not liking the services. However, you can always try BBC iPlayer free trial.


What to Watch on BBC iPlayer Outside UK?

BBC iPlayer allows you to watch 10 television channels and one radio station live, for free, online. It also includes a large number of on-demand content, including everything from news to documentaries to reality TV.

We’ve compiled a list of the top movies and TV shows you should watch in 2024 if you’re wondering what should I watch on BBC iPlayer at the moment.

What Shows Can I Watch on BBC iPlayer?

There are many amazing shows on BBC iPlayer available that you can discover, some of the best shows are mentioned below.

Steve and Aneeshwar Go Wild The Girl, The Ghost and The Gravestone
Boot Dreams Henpoclaypse
Wolf Crazy Rich Agents
Bold Type Luther
Outnumbered Superworm
Rillington Place Informer
Red Dwarf The Monkey Haters
Oppenheimer 1980 Series Happy Valley
Waterloo Road Colin from Accounts
Better Gold
Millie Inbetween Normal People
Pretty Little Liars The Newsreader
The Dumping Ground McMafia

What Movies are on BBC iPlayer?

So what films are currently available on BBC iPlayer? There are many amazing movies on BBC iPlayer that you can enjoy, some of the best films are mentioned below.

  • Mr. Jones
  • Funeral in Berlin
  • Kung Fu Panda 3
  • Rain Man
  • Bitter Lake (2015)
  • Hyper Normalisation (2016)
  • The Babadook (2014)
  • Wonder Boys (2000)
  • The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
  • Bringing Up Baby (1938)
  • I Am Greta (2020)
  • I Walked with a Zombie (1943)
  • King Kong (1933)
  • Man on the Moon (1999)

What Sports can I watch on BBC iPlayer?

You all must be thinking does BBC iPlayer show live sports for real? Yes, here is the list of some of the live sporting events airing on BBC iPlayer in 2024:

What’s New on BBC iPlayer in January 2024?

The BBC iPlayer is bringing an amazing wave of new shows and movies to its audience in January 2024. Let’s have a look at what’s new to watch on BBC iPlayer:


What Channels does BBC iPlayer have?

You can watch BBC iPlayer content on the following channels:

  • BBC One
  • BBC Two
  • CBBC
  • BBC Three
  • BBC Four
  • CBeebies
  • BBC News
  • BBC Scotland
  • S4C
  • BBC Parliament
  • Radio 1
  • BBC Alba

On what devices can I watch BBC iPlayer?

The following devices are found to be compatible with BBC iPlayer abroad.

Android Device
iOS Device
Windows 10 or Mac
Apple TV
Smart TV
Roku
Chromecast
Firestick
PS5

How Do I Download BBC iPlayer on Android Abroad?

So, can you get BBC iPlayer on Android by any chance? Well, yes you can download BBC iPlayer abroad on your android devices and stream your favorite shows. Here’s how you can do it:

  • Install and subscribe to ExpressVPN.
  • Sign in to the ExpressVPN app on any one of your devices.
  • Join the UK server (Recommended: UK via London).
  • Now go to Google Play Store and download the BBC iPlayer app.
  • Now launch the BBC iPlayer app and sign up or connect to your account.
  • Enjoy streaming your favorite shows on BBC iPlayer abroad.
Watch BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPN outside UKRisk-Free 30 Days Money Back Guarantee

How Do I get BBC iPlayer Abroad on iOS?

You must be thinking can you watch BBC iPlayer on your iPhone? Well, yes! You can easily watch BBC iPlayer abroad on your iOS devices. Follow the below steps:

  • Change the locale of your App Store to UK.
  • On the iPhone, perform a search for the BBC iPlayer app and click Get.
  • Connect to a UK server via the ExpressVPN app (Recommended: UK via London).
  • Look for the BBC iPlayer application.
  • Visit the BBC iPlayer app and log in using your personal information.
  • Enjoy your BBC iPlayer experience abroad.
Watch BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPN outside UKRisk-Free 30 Days Money Back Guarantee

Watch BBC iPlayer on Windows & Mac

If you are wondering, can I watch BBC iPlayer on my Mac? Here is how you can get BBC iPlayer Abroad on your Windows and Mac devices:

  • Install and subscribe to ExpressVPN.
  • Open the ExpressVPN app and sign in.
  • Connect to the UK server (Recommended: UK via London).
  • Now open the BBC iPlayer website and sign into your account or sign up.
  • Rest and enjoy streaming BBC iPlayer on your computer outside UK.
Watch BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPN outside UKRisk-Free 30 Days Money Back Guarantee

Why doesn’t my VPN work for iPlayer?

There can be various reasons of why is BBC iPlayer not working with a VPN. Try this method to make your BBC iPlayer run properly in abroad:

  • BBC iPlayer actively blocks many VPN services in order to enforce its regional restrictions and licensing agreements. This means that if you’re using a VPN service that has been detected by BBC iPlayer, you may not be able to access the service. It often happens when you use a free VPN to watch BBC iPlayer.
  • Another issue that may be causing your VPN to not work with BBC iPlayer is the location of the server you’re connected to. If your VPN server is located in a country that is not supported by BBC iPlayer, you won’t be able to access the service. Make sure to choose a server location that is within the UK.
  • It’s also possible that your VPN connection is not working properly. Try disconnecting and reconnecting to the VPN, or try connecting to a different VPN server to see if this resolves the issue.

FAQs – BBC iPlayer Outside UK

Even while traveling, you cannot watch shows on BBC iPlayer outside of the UK. The reason for this limitation is rights agreements.

Yes, all your online activity can easily be monitored by BBC iPlayer. By looking at the information from your browser, BBC can easily track all your details such as your IP address, which device and browser you are using, and what webpage made you land at BBC.

Yes, you can watch BBC iPlayer outside UK by using a free VPN, but we highly discourage the use of a Free VPN. They tends to bombard your streaming device with ads. Other than showing ads, many free VPN services may sell your information to other companies for profit.

Therefore, if you want to watch BBC iPlayer without interruption for a binge-watching session, always use a VPN with a premium service like ExpressVPN.


Yes, it is! SmartDNS is a type of technology that can be used to access geo-restricted content, including BBC iPlayer. SmartDNS works by rerouting your internet connection through a DNS server in a different location, allowing you to access content that is normally restricted in your region.

Using a VPN to access BBC iPlayer is not illegal in itself. When attempting to access BBC iPlayer, you may be prompted to purchase a UK TV license if you don’t have one.

BBC iPlayer is only accessible with a BBC account and the inclusion of a valid UK postcode. The form does not appear to check whether or not the registrant resides in the postal code they provide, so as long as you have a UK IP address, you should be fine.


BBC iPlayer is only available within the UK due to licensing agreements and regional restrictions. These restrictions are in place to ensure that the BBC is only broadcasting its content to viewers who have paid for the service and are located within the UK.


Final Thoughts

We hope that through this blog you got the answer to Can I watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK with VPN by using ExpressVPN? The biggest feature of this VPN is that it provides buffer-free viewing for media on all platforms and from any location in the world.

We have also shared the complete information on other potential VPNS so you can choose the best VPN that fits your needs and budget.

So what are you waiting for? Enjoy the latest shows on BBC iPlayer. All you need is an active membership in BBC iPlayer and a reliable VPN, such as ExpressVPN.