How to Watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK [Updated Apr 2024]

How to Watch BBC iPlayer in UK

Catch the latest exciting content on BBC iPlayer! Immerse yourself in the captivating world of “Ambulance,” “Bump,” and “EastEnders.” Plus, indulge in much more! Stream seamlessly with ExpressVPN for the ultimate viewing experience!

Are you tired of missing out on all the brilliant British TV shows and movies on BBC iPlayer just because you live outside the UK?

You’re not alone. 

BBC iPlayer is an absolute gem of a streaming service with fan-favourites like Fleabag, Thor: The Dark World, His Dark Materials, I May Destroy You, Moving On, and loads more exclusive content.

But here’s the catch – if you try to access BBC iPlayer outside UK, you’ll get a pesky error message telling you it’s unavailable due to geographical restrictions.

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

Ugh, the worst, right?

Well, fear not, my friend! We have the perfect solution to lift those geo-restrictions and open up a whole new world of entertainment for you.

So, drumroll, please…introducing ExpressVPN – the ultimate solution to unlocking the full potential of BBC iPlayer outside UK. With lightning-fast speeds of up to 88.24 Mbps (even on a standard 100 Mbps connection!), you can say goodbye to lag and buffering and hello to hours of uninterrupted binge-watching.

And here’s the best part – with over 3000 servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN can also unblock other geo-restricted services like Netflix US and Hulu. That’s right, you’ll have access to endless entertainment possibilities with just one click. Plus, with 5 simultaneous connections and a full 30-day money-back guarantee, you can rest easy knowing you’ve made the right choice.

So, what are you waiting for? Say goodbye to those pesky geo-restrictions and get ExpressVPN for only $6.67/month (49% off) – 1 year + 3 months free. It’s time to open up a whole new world of entertainment possibilities!

Easy Steps to Watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK

ExpressVPN-uk-server

  1. Choose a reliable VPN, such as ExpressVPN ($6.67/month).
  2. Install the VPN app on your device.
  3. Connect to a UK server (London, Wembley, and the Docklands recommended by ExpressVPN).
  4. Create an account on BBC iPlayer’s website.
  5. Log in to your account and enjoy British shows on BBC iPlayer outside the UK.

Get BBC iPlayer Outside UK with ExpressVPN

Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK?

If you try and access BBC iPlayer outside UK, you may encounter geo-restriction errors due to content distribution issues. As soon as you visit BBC iPlayer’s website, you’ll see a pesky error message like this one on your screen: 

bbc-iplayer-geo-restriction-error-message

If you try to watch BBC iPlayer from outside the UK, they’ll figure it out using an IP tracking system. If they detect that you’re not in the UK, they’ll block you from accessing the content immediately. So, if you’re outside UK and want to watch BBC iPlayer, you’ll need to find a way to get around this geo-restriction.

This is where a VPN comes to the rescue!

But the real question is, which VPN should you choose? Drumroll, please…It’s ExpressVPN! It’s not just any VPN; it’s the fastest VPN out there! With a base speed of 100 Mbps, you can enjoy a blazing-fast connection of up to 89.18 Mbps!

That’s faster than a cheetah on a skateboard!

And the best part? It’s super affordable, costing only $6.67/month (49% off) – 1 year + 3 months free!

ExpressVPN doesn’t just offer speed; it also has a 30-day refund policy and allows up to 5 multi-logins per account. So, you can share your VPN account with your friends and family and binge-watch your favourite shows together!

Quick Overview of the Best VPNs to Watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK

Best Overall VPN
$ 6.67
  • 80+ Mbps /100 Mbps
  • 3000+ servers (90+ countries)
  • 5.0/5.0 stars
  • 8 multi-logins
  • 49% Discount
  • 3 Months Free
Get ExpressVPN
Most Affordable VPN
$ 2.29
  • 75+ Mbps /100 Mbps
  • 3200+ servers (100+ countries)
  • 4.8/5.0 stars
  • Unlimited multi-logins
  • 85% Discount
  • 2 Months Free
Get Surfshark
Massive VPN Servers
$ 3.09
  • 70+ Mbps /100 Mbps
  • 5,600+ servers (59+ countries)
  • 4.0/5.0 stars
  • 6 multi-logins
  • 58% Discount
  • 3 Months Free
Get NordVPN

Best VPNs to Watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK

1. ExpressVPN: #1 Fastest VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK

ExpressVPN-howtowatchchannel

First up, we have our top pick ExpressVPN – the Usain Bolt of VPNs when it comes to speed.

With blazing-fast speeds clocking in at a whopping 89.84 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection, you’ll be able to binge-watch all your favourite shows and movies without a single hiccup. Say goodbye to annoying buffering and hello to uninterrupted streaming!

But that’s not all, folks. ExpressVPN boasts an impressive network of over 3000 servers across 94 countries, including the good ol’ UK. So, you can easily connect to a UK server and dive headfirst into BBC iPlayer heaven without a care in the world.

What’s more, this VPN works like a charm on a wide range of devices such as macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Fire Stick. So, whether you prefer watching on your laptop, phone, or even TV, ExpressVPN has got you covered.

The best part? It’s an absolute steal at just $6.67/month (49% off) – 1 year + 3 months free. Trust us, it’s totally worth every penny.

But wait, there’s more! ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free. And, with the ability to connect up to 5 devices simultaneously, you can even share the VPN love with your friends and family.

Don’t settle for mediocre streaming and let those pesky geo-restrictions hold you back. Go ahead, choose ExpressVPN and unlock the unlimited streaming potential of BBC iPlayer outside UK!

Watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK with ExpressVPN

2. Surfshark: Affordable VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK

Surfshark-howtowatchchannel

Looking for something a bit more affordable to access BBC iPlayer outside UK? Look no further than Surfshark.

This affordable VPN is a game-changer when it comes to accessing BBC iPlayer from the States.

First of all, let’s talk about the price – Surfshark is a steal at just $2.29/mo (85% discount – 2 Years. But don’t worry; this low price doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing quality. Surfshark offers top-notch services that can easily compete with more expensive VPNs.

With a vast network of 3200+ servers in 94+ countries, including UK, you’ll never have to worry about sluggish servers or buffering issues. And during testing, Surfshark boasted a speedy 77.86 Mbps / 100 Mbps, ensuring seamless streaming of BBC iPlayer without any annoying lag.

But that’s not all! Surfshark is also highly compatible with all sorts of devices, from Fire Stick and set-top boxes to smartphones, smart TVs, laptops, and gaming consoles. Plus, with unlimited simultaneous connections and a full risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, you can rest assured that you’re making the right VPN choice.

While Surfshark may come in second on my list, it’s definitely a top contender for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable VPN to access BBC iPlayer from outside the UK. So sit back, relax, and enjoy unblocking UK TV channels outside UK with Surfshark – your new streaming best friend!

Unblock BBC iPlayer Outside UK with Surfshark

3. NordVPN: Reliable VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK With a Massive Server Network

NordVPN-howtowatchchannel

Finally, there’s NordVPN. With NordVPN, you get an impressive combo of thousands of servers and lightning-fast browsing speeds.

Needless to say, this VPN is an absolute superstar when it comes to server coverage  – we’re talking massive enough to make your head spin! It has an impressive network of over 5200 servers spread across 59 countries. Yep, you read that right – FIFTY-NINE countries! So whether you’re craving some British humour or some Korean dramas, NordVPN’s got your back.

And get this – it’s compatible with a whole bunch of devices, so you can watch your favourite content on pretty much anything with a screen. iPhones, laptops, Fire Sticks, you name it! It’s like having a personal tech genie that grants all your entertainment wishes.

NordVPN is also no slouch when it comes to speed. In fact, during testing, it managed to output speeds of up to a blazing-fast 67.57 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection, putting it right up there with the fastest VPNs on the market.

But wait, there’s more! NordVPN costs only $3.09/month (58% off), and you can connect up to 6 devices at once. And if for some reason you’re not feeling the love, no worries – they’ve got a 30-day money-back guarantee.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up for NordVPN and unleash your inner streamer today!

Access BBC iPlayer Outside UK with NordVPN

How Can You Register for BBC iPlayer Account Outside UK (Quick Steps)

Ready to unlock the magic of BBC iPlayer outside UK? Here’s how to do it in a jiffy:

  • First of all, connect to a UK VPN server. ExpressVPN is highly recommended.
  • Visit the BBC iPlayer website and tap on the “Sign in” option.

BBC-iPlayer-Sign-Up-Process-2

  • Then, when you see a new page, tap/click on the “Register Now” option.

BBC-iPlayer-Sign-Up-Process-3

  • Now, you need to fill in the required information. Just click on the ‘16 or over” option.

BBC-iPlayer-Sign-Up-Process-4

  • Then, provide your Date of Birth and tap/click on the “Continue” option.

BBC-iPlayer-Sign-Up-Process-5

  • Fill in the following details: Enter your email and password, select UK Country, add a postcode, and select Gender. You can use these postal codes: (E16 2JE for Docklands, EC3A 8BF for London, and E1 OAA for East London).

BBC-iPlayer-Sign-Up-Process-6

  • Next, click/tap on the “Register” button.

BBC-iPlayer-Sign-Up-Process-7

  • Once you hit the register button, you’ll get a message on your screen prompting you that the registration process is complete. If you don’t like receiving a Newsletter or BBC notifications, tap/click on the “No Thanks” option. Then click on the “Continue” option.

BBC-iPlayer-Sign-Up-Process-8

  • Finally, enjoy watching your favourite shows on BBC iPlayer outside UK!

Worth Watching Content on BBC iPlayer Outside UK

So you’ve just created a BBC iPlayer account, and you’re wondering what to watch?

Fear not, my fellow couch potato, for I have compiled a list of the crème de la crème of movies and shows available on BBC iPlayer. Get ready to pop some popcorn and settle in for some serious binge-watching!

New Releases to Watch on BBC iPlayer Outside UK

  • EastEnders
  • Bump
  • Ambulance
  • The Gone
  • Kin
  • The Railway Station Man
  • Rain Dogs
  • The Souvenir

Best Movies to Watch on BBC iPlayer Outside UK

Best Shows to Watch on BBC iPlayer Outside UK

FAQs – BBC iPlayer Outside UK

Is BBC iPlayer available Outside UK?

No, BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK, but you can watch BBC iPlayer outside UK via a VPN. But not every VPN is consistent in unblocking geo-restricted content. VPNs like ExpressVPN – #1 pickSurfshark, and NordVPN can quickly break the formidable geo-restriction barrier and enable you to watch BBC iPlayer outside UK.

Is BBC iPlayer free?

Yes, BBC iPlayer is free. As long as you’re in the UK, you can access it for free. However, if you’re outside UK, you will need a VPN. ExpressVPN costs only $6.67/month (49% off) – 1 year + 3 months free.

How can I watch BBC iPlayer on iOS Outside UK?

  • Sign up for a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN on your iOS device.
  • Head to the VPN server’s list and choose a UK server to connect to.
  • Open the Settings app on your iOS device. 
  • Tap on your name, then tap on Media & Purchases.
  • Next, tap on View Account. At this point, you may be asked to sign in to your account.
  • Next, tap on the Country/Region.
  • Tap on the Change Country or Region option.
  • Scroll and choose the United Kingdom as your new country or region and agree to the terms and conditions.
  • Tap on Agree option located in the top right-hand corner and then tap on Agree again to confirm.
  • Finally, select a payment method and enter your new payment information and billing address. After that, tap Next.
  • Once your region changes, visit the Apple App Store and search for the BBC iPlayer app.
  • Download and install the BBC iPlayer app on your iOS device and start watching it outside UK.

How can I watch BBC iPlayer on Android Outside UK?

You can watch BBC iPlayer on your Android device by following the below easy steps:

  • Sign up for a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN on your Android device.
  • Head to the VPN server’s list and choose a UK server to connect to.
  • On your Android device, open the Google Play app.
  • Tap on the profile icon.
  • Tap on Settings > General > Account and device preferences > Country and profiles.
  • Tap on the United Kingdom from the list.
  • Follow the instructions you see on your screen to add a payment method for that country.
  • Once your account region is changed, search for the BBC iPlayer app in the search bar and install it on your Android device.
  • Sign in to your BBC iPlayer account and watch any content outside UK.

How can I watch BBC iPlayer on Apple TV Outside UK?

To watch BBC iPlayer on Apple TV, you need to change the region of your App store as BBC iPlayer is not available outside UK. To do that, follow these simple steps:

  • Check that your Apple TV is connected to the TV.
  • Head to the Settings option > General > Region and select Region.
  • Now, choose the UK and provide the details as required.
  • Then, visit the App Store and install the BBC iPlayer app.
  • To be able to use a VPN with Apple TV, install the VPN on your router (ExpressVPN is highly recommended).
  • Now connect your Apple TV to the Wi-Fi router running ExpressVPN.
  • Open the BBC iPlayer app.
  • Log in to the account.
  • Now you can watch BBC iPlayer on Apple TV outside UK.

Channels Other than BBC iPlayer to Access In/Outside UK

Wrapping Up!

Well, well, well, it looks like you’ve cracked the code for unblocking BBC iPlayer outside UK! 

All you need is a VPN. The speediest and most reliable VPN in town is none other than ExpressVPN!

Not only can you access BBC iPlayer from anywhere outside the UK, but you can also unlock other geo-blocked services like Netflix US and Hulu. It’s like having a key to every entertainment kingdom for just $6.67/month (49% off) – 1 year + 3 months free.

And the best part? You can share the love with up to 5 simultaneous connections, so even your friends and family can join in on the fun. Don’t believe us? Give it a go and take advantage of their 30-day money-back guarantee.

So go ahead, grab some popcorn, sit back, and relax. Because with ExpressVPN, you’re in for a binge-watching adventure like no other. Happy streaming, folks!

Ethan Tyson
Ethan Tyson

Ethan Tyson is a movie critic and an avid streamer. There's hardly any time when he's not writing something or keenly deconstructing the plot of hit movies or TV shows. Ethan writes useful guides on HowToWatchChannels.com to help readers access channels from around the world anywhere, anytime.