Accessing Bbc Iplayer Outside Uk
Can I use BBC iPlayer when I’m outside of the UK?
Due to rights agreements, you need to be in the UK to stream and download programmes or watch BBC TV channels on BBC iPlayer.
Want to watch an on-demand programme while you’re travelling? If you download a programme on BBC iPlayer when you’re in the UK, you can watch it anywhere in the world. You can download programmes on your computer, or on your mobile or tablet using the BBC iPlayer app. Find out more in our How can I watch programmes when I’m offline? page.
There are still BBC services you can use outside of the UK, including:
BBC Sounds
BBC Podcasts
BBC News
BBC Sport
BBC Three YouTube channel
Please note that some content may not be available outside the UK.
While we are interested in being able to allow UK licence fee payers to access BBC iPlayer when they are abroad, there are complex technical issues to resolve which we are investigating, and it will be dependent on what legislation is in effect in the UK in the future.
If you’re in the UK and you get a message saying you’re not, have a look at our Why does BBC iPlayer think I’m outside the UK? FAQ.
Can I use BBC iPlayer when I’m outside of the UK?
Due to rights agreements, you need to be in the UK to stream and download programmes or watch BBC TV channels on BBC iPlayer.
Want to watch an on-demand programme while you’re travelling? If you download a programme on BBC iPlayer when you’re in the UK, you can watch it anywhere in the world. You can download programmes on your computer, or on your mobile or tablet using the BBC iPlayer app. Find out more in our How can I watch programmes when I’m offline? page.
There are still BBC services you can use outside of the UK, including:
BBC Sounds
BBC Podcasts
BBC News
BBC Sport
BBC Three YouTube channel
Please note that some content may not be available outside the UK.
While we are interested in being able to allow UK licence fee payers to access BBC iPlayer when they are abroad, there are complex technical issues to resolve which we are investigating, and it will be dependent on what legislation is in effect in the UK in the future.
If you’re in the UK and you get a message saying you’re not, have a look at our Why does BBC iPlayer think I’m outside the UK? FAQ.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer From Anywhere in the World
BBC iPlayer is a free streaming service that offers live and catch up TV from all of BBC’s channels. This includes BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, cBBC, BBC News, and Radio 1. BBC iPlayer is exclusively available to UK residents. British expats living in US, Australia, Canada, Germany, UAE, or Spain cannot watch any content on BBC.
Simply configure your devices to use Unlocator Smart DNS. Once done, you will be able to watch BBC iPlayer outside UK regardless of where you currently reside.
How To Watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK Using Unlocator Smart DNS
If you try to access BBC iPlayer outside the UK, you will see this message “BBC iPlayer TV programmes are available to play in the UK only. ” That is because the popular UK streaming channel is geoblocked overseas. However, it’s straight forward getting around this issue by using Unlocator Smart DNS.
First you need to sign up for a free Unlocator trial and then follow the setup guides here. Don’t forget to restart your device once you have configured it.
That is really all there is to it. Now you can stream BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. This method is particular helpful if you are one of the many UK expats in Spain, Portugal, UAE and so on. It really is a live safer if you want to stay in touch with current events from back home. But in fact BBC iPlayer is just a great streaming service with fantastic content no matter where in the world you are located.
What is particular great about using Unlocator Smart DNS to unblock BBC iPlayer is that fact that your regular streaming services will continue to work. We unblock streaming services on a case by case basis. This means that you can appear in multiple locations around the world at the same time. It really is a transparent and painless approach.
Using VPN to Unblock BBC iPlayer
If you prefer you can also use one of our VPN apps for Android, iOS, Mac or Windows to unblock BBC iPlayer. When you connect to a VPN server of your choice then all your data traffic becomes encrypted and it will leave trough the selected server. In the case of BBC iPlayer you should choose a UK server, which will make you appear to be located in the UK. This will give you access to BBC iPlayer and any other UK streaming service or website that has geo restrictions.
One added benefit to using VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer is the fact that your data becomes encrypted. See if you are connected to public WiFi at a hotel, conference center, airport, hostel or anything of that nature then you are putting your data at risk. These types or networks are prone to attacks by identity theft so using VPN to encrypt your data is vital.
Whichever method you choose to use is up to you. Both Smart DNS and VPN are included in the free Unlocator trial so you can give both a try and see which you prefer.
The Following List of Devices Work With Unlocator Smart DNS and BBC iPlayer
DeviceSetup GuideSupported
For a full list of compatibility between Unlocator Smart DNS, channels and devices please see our
Channels &
Devices
Page
Frequently Asked Questions about accessing bbc iplayer outside uk
Can you access BBC iPlayer from outside the UK?
If you download a programme on BBC iPlayer when you’re in the UK, you can watch it anywhere in the world. You can download programmes on your computer, or on your mobile or tablet using the BBC iPlayer app. … There are still BBC services you can use outside of the UK, including: BBC Sounds.
How can I watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK for free?
The quick answer to your question: British expats living in US, Australia, Canada, Germany, UAE, or Spain cannot watch any content on BBC. Simply configure your devices to use Unlocator Smart DNS. Once done, you will be able to watch BBC iPlayer outside UK regardless of where you currently reside.
Is it illegal to watch BBC iPlayer abroad?
No. BBC iPlayer is funded by the UK TV licence and its use is restricted to UK residents only. While you can’t watch TV programmes, here’s a list of services you can use if you live outside the UK: BBC Sounds.
