How To Get Bbc Iplayer To Work In Us
How to watch BBC iPlayer in USA and Abroad | CyberNews
BBC iPlayer is a popular British streaming service. Unfortunately, its content is available only for people in the UK. So, to enjoy it, you’ll need to have a UK IP address. You’ll need a UK account as well. Obviously, that’s not physically possible for residents of any other country.
There is some good news, though. Thanks to VPNs (Virtual Private Networks, ) people can now watch BBC iPlayer in the USA and abroad. All you have to do is install a VPN on your router or computer, connect to British servers, create an account on BBC iPlayer, and then enjoy your shows.
To unblock BBC iPlayer in the USA, you’ll have to use a VPN, which is not at all complicated. If you haven’t used one before, follow the steps listed below.
Quick guide on how to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA
Here is how to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA:
Choose a VPN to overcome BBC iPlayer’s geo-restrictions. We recommend NordVPN, now 72% OFF! We used it to watch BBC iPlayer and and it worked perfectly.
Install and set up the VPN service on your device
Choose a British server and connect to it
Go to BBC iPlayer’s website and create an account.
Grab your favorite snacks and enjoy BBC iPlayer.
Once you go through all these steps, you can access all the geo-restricted content that the BBC iPlayer offers.
Why do you need a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer? BBC iPlayer use is restricted to UK residents, meaning that you can watch it only as long as you have a UK IP address. So, if you live anywhere outside the UK, the content on BBC iPlayer will not be available to you.
For instance, if you visit BBC iPlayer from anywhere else than the UK and click on a title, this message will pop up at the top of your screen:
“BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues. ”
Fortunately, there is a way for you to bypass this BBC iPlayer error by installing a VPN. The VPN will change your IP address and BBC iPlayer will see that your device is actually located in the UK.
How to sign up for BBC iPlayerThe BBC iPlayer signup process is as simple as with any other streaming service. Here is what you have to do to sign up for BBC iPlayer:
Go to BBC iPlayer’s website, and click on the Sign in button in the left top corner of the homepage.
Since you don’t have an account, you have to click on the Register Now button at the bottom.
Select your age group
Provide BBC iPlayer with your date of birth
You have to provide an email address and create a password for your account. Country and postal code are required as well. You can find several postal codes online. I used the one for London.
Once you finish filling in the blanks, click on the Register button, and you’ll receive a verification email. You’re pretty much done by this point.
How to download and watch BBC iPlayer on your deviceThe BBC iPlayer download and installation process are not at all challenging. However, they differ from one device to the other. Consequently, I’m going to share how to download and watch BBC iPlayer on the most popular devices.
Watch BBC iPlayer on Windows & Mac If you plan on watching a BBC iPlayer on a device that runs on Windows 10 or a Mac, you don’t have to install anything because you can use your browser. Here is how to watch BBC iPlayer on Windows 10 and Mac:
Download a VPN on your computer (we recommend NordVPN).
Install the VPN and choose a British server
Go to
Provide your email address and password to sign in
Choose a title and enjoy
Watch BBC iPlayer on AndroidSuppose you want to download and watch BBC iPlayer on an Android device. Here are the steps you must follow:
Download a VPN and install it on your router or a laptop that can create a mobile hotspot (we recommend NordVPN for Android users)
Change your IP address to a British IP address
Connect your Android device to your Wi-Fi network or the mobile hotspot you created
Go to your Google Play app.
Download and install the BBC iPlayer app
Open the BBC iPlayer app and insert your login credentials
Note: it does not matter when you download and install the BBC iPlayer app – before or after installing a VPN. All that matters is that you watch your shows after you install a reputable VPN.
Watch BBC iPlayer on iOS (iPad, iPhone)The process of downloading and watching BBC iPlayer on iOS devices is similar to Android, except for a few things. The steps are as follows:
Download and install a VPN on your router or laptop (for iOS users, we recommend NordVPN)
Choose a British IP address from the provided list
Connect your iPad/iPhone to your router/mobile hotspot
Go to AppStore
Download and install the BBC iPlayer
Sign in and watch your favorite shows
Watch BBC iPlayer on RokuTo watch BBC iPlayer on Roku, you need the BBC iPlayer app. You can find it in Roku’s Channel Store. Keep in mind that you must have a Roku UK account as well.
Here are the steps you must follow to watch BBC iPlayer on Roku in the USA:
Reset your Roku device
Set up a VPN on your router (we recommend NordVPN)
Connect to a UK server
Connect the Roku device to your TV and sign in using your UK account
Access Roku’s Channel Store, find the BBC iPlayer player app and install it
After the installation is complete, open it and sign in using your BBC iPlayer credentials
Note: Once you install a VPN on your router, make sure to connect Roku to that specific router. Otherwise, the BBC iPlayer will not give you access to its content.
Watch BBC iPlayer on Amazon Fire StickIf you have an Amazon Firestick, know that you can watch BBC iPlayer in the USA. You can get the app directly from Amazon, and the installation process is straightforward.
Here’s what you have to do to watch BBC iPlayer on an Amazon Firestick:
Turn on your Firestick and click on the Apps from Unknown Sources. Make sure that it’s on. The option is located under Settings > Device > Developer Options
If you don’t have the Downloader app, you must download and install it.
Download a VPN, we recommend NordVPN
Open your VPN and choose a UK server
Restart the Amazon Firestick if you turned on the Apps from Unknown Sources setting
Search the BBC iPlayer app and install it
Launch the BBC iPlayer app and insert your login credentials
Note: you may need to create a UK Amazon account to watch BBC iPlayer on an Amazon Firestick. That’s not always the case, as some users claim, but it’s sometimes necessary. I recommend you do it right off the bat to avoid any inconveniences.
Watch BBC iPlayer on ChromecastTo cast BBC iPlayer shows to your Chromecast device, you can use the BBC iPlayer app on your Android or iOS device or the Chrome browser on a laptop or desktop on which you enabled the Chromecast extension.
Here is what you have to do to watch BBC iPlayer on Chromecast in the USA using an Android or iOS device:
Download and install a VPN (our recommendation is NordVPN)
Choose a server in the UK
Open the BBC iPlayer on your device
Find a title, open it, and wait for the cast icon to appear
Click on the cast icon, and you should be able to watch your show on your TV
Now, if you want to cast from a laptop or desktop computer, you need to do the following:
Download and install a VPN, we recommend NordVPN
Enable the Chromecast extension. If you don’t have it, download and install it
Go to and sign in
Choose a title and click on the cast icon
Note: Make sure that the device you use to cast BBC iPlayer and the Chromecast device are connected to the same router (on which you installed a VPN. )
Watch BBC iPlayer on Apple TVWhen you want to watch BBC iPlayer on your Apple TV in the USA, you’re required to change the App Store region to the UK. That’s because the BBC iPlayer is not available for an Apple TV in the US. As a result, you have to download the app from the UK.
The steps you need to follow to watch BBC iPlayer on an Apple TV in the USA are as follows:
Connect your Apple TV to your TV
Open the Region section in the device’s settings. Go to General > Region
Select the UK and provide all the necessary details
Go to the AppStore, look for the BBC iPlayer app, and download it
Download and install a VPN on your router (We recommend NordVPN)
Connect the Apple TV to the router on which you installed the VPN
Open the BBC iPlayer app and sign in
Don’t miss a chance to check our best VPN for Apple TV page to find provider that will meet your needs.
Watch BBC iPlayer on smart TVsTo watch BBC iPlayer on a smart TV in the USA, you have to do the following:
Change the region of your smart TV from the USA to the UK. If you need instructions on how to do that, visit the official website of your TV’s brand.
Download and install a VPN (We recommend NordVPN)
Connect your smart TV to the router on which you installed the VPN
Look for the BBC iPlayer app and add it to your list of channels
Open the BBC TV app, sign in, and enjoy your TV shows
How to watch BBC iPlayer outside UKIf you want to learn how to watch BBC iPlayer abroad the UK, you’ll find this section most helpful. People from all over the world want to have access to this streaming service. I’ll show you how to do that.
Watch BBC iPlayer from anywhereWith a VPN, BBC iPlayer is accessible anywhere. Whether you want to watch BBC iPlayer from Canada, Australia, or other countries in Europe, such as Germany, France, Spain, etc., all you have to do is follow these 4 simple steps:
Download and install a VPN on your router or your computer. We recommend NordVPN
Open the VPN app on your device
Choose a server from the UK from the provided list
Open your BBC iPlayer app or go to to watch your favorite show.
Note: The process described above differs depending on the device on which you want to watch BBC iPlayer. Please refer to previous sections for more details.
Best VPN services for BBC iPlayerLooking for the best VPN services for BBC iPlayer may be difficult considering that there are so many options to filter through. However, there are a few characteristics that you should always go for in a decent VPN provider.
Here’s what you should look for in a VPN:
Unblocks BBC iPlayer and other streaming services
Uses innovative technology that ensures high internet speeds
Provides reliable security features
Doesn’t log any information that can be traced back to you
It’s compatible with all major operating systems
You can use it on multiple devices at once
While there are multiple VPN services that meet the criteria listed above, I recommend three of the best VPN services for BBC iPlayer: NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN.
NordVPN
Based in:PanamaServers/countries:5, 500+ servers in 59 countriesUnblocks Netflix:YesCurrent deal:Now 72% OFF + 3 Months FREE!
Visit NordVPN
With over 5500 servers in 59 countries, NordVPN is one of the best VPNs to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA and abroad. It unblocks virtually all streaming services. Thanks to its innovative technology called NordLynx, you should still enjoy fast internet speed.
NordVPN can be used on six devices simultaneously, and it supports all major devices, such as Windows, Linux, Android, macOS, and iOS. If you cannot install a VPN directly on your device, you can use NordVPN’s Smart DNS feature. The prices start at $3. 30/month, and the purchase comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark
Based in:British Virgin IslandsServers/countries:3, 200+ servers in 65 countriesUnblocks Netflix:YesCurrent deal:Get Surfshark, now 81% OFF!
Visit Surfshark
Suppose you’re looking for a more affordable VPN to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA. In that case, Surfshark might be precisely what you’re looking for. It has approximately 3200 servers in more than 60 countries, and the prices start at just $2. 49/month.
Unlike NordVPN, Surfshark can be used on unlimited devices. All major operating systems are supported, such as macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android. With its new tunneling protocol called WireGuard, Surfshark ensures fast internet connections. If you’re not satisfied with the services, this VPN provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN
Based in:British Virgin IslandsServers/countries:3, 000 servers in 94 countriesUnblocks Netflix:YesCurrent deal:Get ExpressVPN, now 35% OFF!
Visit ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has more than 3000 servers in 90 countries, making it perfect for watching BBC iPlayer in the USA. It unblocks all major streaming services, and it provides excellent internet speed so that you can watch your shows with no buffering.
The only drawback to ExpressVPN is its prices, which are pretty high compared with the competition. Plans start at $8. 32/month, but your subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Like the other two examples, ExpressVPN supports Windows, Linux, Android, macOS, and iOS.
To find out more, check our list of Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer.
Cannot access BBC iPlayer with a VPN? From time to time, it may happen to connect to BBC iPlayer and encounter an error message. If you’re already using a VPN and you still cannot watch BBC iPlayer in the USA, chances are that you need a better VPN provider for streaming, such as NordVPN, for instance.
There are several common problems that people encounter. First and foremost, if you get an error message telling you that BBC iPlayer only works in the UK, it means that your VPN is not working, and you’re still connected to a server in the US. To fix this issue, check if your VPN is running. If it does, it means you need a more reliable VPN.
Apart from the error message depicted above, here are some of the most common issues you can encounter while trying to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA:
BBC blacklisted the servers used by your VPN.
The GPS location of your device and the IP address are not the same.
BBC iPlayer upgraded its geo-blocking protocols, and your VPN is not working anymore.
Your actual IP address is leaking.
You have BBC iPlayer cookies on your device that let BBC know you’re not in the UK.
The VPN you’re using is not capable of unblocking BBC iPlayer.
Here are a few solutions to the issues listed above:
Try a different browser and clear your cookies.
Contact your VPN’s customer support and check if the server you’re using unblocks the streaming services you need. Not all of them can.
Search your VPN’s leak protection setting and enable it.
If none of the above solutions work, you should change your VPN provider.
How to watch BBC iPlayer for Free? While it is possible to watch BBC iPlayer for free, free VPNs are rarely a good choice. You can find entirely free VPNs online, as well as freemium VPNs. Still, I don’t recommend using either one of them.
Completely free VPNs are questionable at first. Their funds come from selling tracked data and ads, and they slow down your internet connection. Freemiums are free versions offered by some paid VPNs. Not all of them provide a free plan. They are slightly better than free VPNs, but they come with a data cap and don’t unblock all major streaming services. One of the most decent freemiums you can find online is Windscribe, which has a data cap of 10GB per month.
Best streaming service alternatives for BBC iPlayerBBC iPlayer is a popular streaming service in the UK. If you don’t live there, the best streaming service alternatives for BBC iPlayer are Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, and the list goes on.
Netflix is a streaming service accessible from all around the world. However, its library differs from one continent to the other. For instance, the US library is the most extensive. Even so, installing a VPN will let you access Netflix from anywhere in the world.
Hulu is yet another streaming service that geo-blocks its content. Only US residents have access to it. Once again, you can access Hulu from anywhere as long as you install a VPN.
HBO Max is the same as Hulu. It streams only in the USA. The only way to access HBO Max outside the US is to download and install a VPN.
What can you watch on BBC iPlayer? BBC iPlayer includes multiple channels, and they’re as follows:
BBC One (Live Stream)
Radio 1
BBC Two
CBBC
BBC Four
BBC News
CBeebies
BBC Three
BBC Scotland
S4C
BBC Parliament
BBC Alba
Most popular BBC titles:
EastEnders
Line of Duty
The Great British Sewing Bee
Glow-Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star
Call the Midwife
The Syndicate
Starstruck
Bent Coppers: Crossing the Line of Duty
Holby City
The Detectives: Fighting Organized Crime
All That Glitters: Britain’s Next Jewelry Star
Keeping Faith
The Man with the Iron Heart
Bloodlands
More VPN guides from CyberNews:How to watch Disney+ Hotstar in the USA
How to watch Friends online
How to watch Channel 4 in the US
How to watch NBA online
FAQ
Can I watch BBC iPlayer abroad?
Yes, you can watch BBC iPlayer abroad. All you have to do is download and install a VPN on your router or computer. We recommend NordVPN because it’s reliable and won’t slow down your internet connection.
Is it illegal to use a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer?
No, it’s not illegal to use a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer. However, using a VPN is against BBC iPlayer’s Terms of Service. Even so, that doesn’t make it illegal. The worst that can happen is for BBC to suspend your account if you’re caught using a VPN.
How do I make a BBC iPlayer account outside the UK?
Creating an account outside the UK is not at all complicated. Go to to sign up for a new account. However, make sure to insert the United Kingdom in the field where it says Country. You must also find a UK postal code online.
How can BBC iPlayer know I’m not in the UK?
BBC iPlayer knows you’re not in the UK because you don’t have a British IP address. However, if you install a VPN and change your IP to a British IP, the problem goes away. BBC iPlayer won’t know you’re watching from another country.
Will BBC iPlayer know that I have a VPN?
BBC iPlayer invested many resources in avoiding VPN use and can sometimes detect it. If that happens, the servers are blacklisted, and the VPN can no longer unblock the content. However, BBC iPlayer cannot detect VPNs such as NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, etc.
Is BBC iPlayer free?
Yes, BBC iPlayer is free. However, if you want to watch BBC iPlayer from the USA, you need to purchase a VPN subscription. While there are free VPNs out there, chances are they won’t work or come with a data cap.
How can I watch national and regional programmes? | iPlayer help – BBC
You can watch national and regional programmes on BBC iPlayer no matter where you are in the UK. Here’s how:
Watching on demand
To watch national and regional programmes on demand, just search for the programme in the BBC iPlayer search bar. Most programmes are available shortly after broadcast. You can also easily find a selection of programmes in the Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales categories.
You can also use the TV Guide to find the programme you’re looking for. The TV Guide you see will depend on the location you’ve set BBC iPlayer to, so you might want to change your location. Scroll down to find out how to do that on your device.
Watching live
Once you’ve set your location, you’re all set to watch live local news and programmes from your selected region by going to Channels > On Now.
How to change your location
Website
On the BBC iPlayer website on your computer, mobile or tablet, the Change Location option is located at the bottom left of the BBC iPlayer page.
Having trouble setting your location on the website? If you haven’t accepted cookies for the BBC website, we won’t be able to remember your location settings.
Head to the How can I change my BBC cookie settings? page to make sure your BBC cookies are switched on and to find out more about how we use cookies across the BBC website.
Connected TV
On our BBC iPlayer TV app, you can change your location by going to Settings and selecting Change Location.
Mobile and tablet app
On our BBC iPlayer app for mobiles and tablets, you can change your location by going to Settings and selecting Change Location.
Why does BBC iPlayer forget my location?
If you find you have to change your location each time you use BBC iPlayer, it may be because you’ve opted out of BBC cookies. Check the How can I change my BBC cookie settings? page on the Using the BBC website to make sure your BBC cookies are switched on and to find out more about how we use cookies across the BBC website.
BBC iPlayer not working with VPN? Here’s the fix! – Comparitech
Is your VPN not working with BBC iPlayer? There are several reasons why this might be happening; below, we’ll explain why your VPN isn’t working with BBC iPlayer and how to fix the problem.
@IanGarland_ UPDATED: August 22, 2021
BBC iPlayer lets you stream popular TV shows like Killing Eve, Peaky Blinders, and Poldark online, but only if you’re in the UK. This service, like many others, is region-locked. Additionally, it has particularly strict VPN-detection features, meaning most VPNs can’t unblock BBC iPlayer abroad. If you try, you’ll see one of two errors:
“BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues” or “This content is not available in your location” or “This content doesn’t seem to be working”.
Luckily, there are still a few VPNs that can unblock BBC iPlayer. Below, we’ll let you know which services work best, and how to fix any other issues you might encounter when trying to use BBC iPlayer abroad.
Why doesn’t my VPN work with BBC iPlayer?
As one of the UK’s largest broadcasters, the BBC has invested significant amounts of time and money into preventing users in other countries from using their service. As a result, it can be difficult to unblock BBC iPlayer with a VPN.
Here are the potential reasons your VPN doesn’t work with BBC iPlayer:
The VPN’s servers have been blacklisted by the BBC.
Your device’s GPS location and IP address location don’t match.
Your VPN doesn’t have the resources to keep finding workarounds when BBC iPlayer’s geo-blocking is upgraded.
BBC iPlayer has stored a cookie on your device telling its services that you’re not in the UK.
Your VPN is using virtual servers and BBC iPlayer can see the server’s actual location.
Your real IP address is leaking.
The server you’re using isn’t able to unblock BBC iPlayer.
How to fix VPN problems with BBC iPlayer
Below are the steps you can take to solve the problems above and stream BBC iPlayer live from anywhere. Try using BBC iPlayer after each step to see if it has worked. If not, move on to the next step.
Here’s how to fix your VPN not working with BBC iPlayer:
Clear your cookies or try a different browser.
Ask your VPN’s customer support team which server to use, since sometimes only a few can unblock the most popular streaming services.
Enable leak protection in your VPN’s settings menu to prevent BBC iPlayer from finding out your real location.
Try watching on a desktop PC instead of a mobile device. This way, GPS location data can’t be cross-referenced with your IP address.
If none of the above steps helped, it’s likely your VPN doesn’t work with BBC iPlayer. Instead, try using one of the VPNs below.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE? NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for BBC iPlayer without restriction for a month. Needless to say, this is great if you’re looking to binge British TV shows during a short trip abroad.
There are no hidden terms or conditions—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
How to sign in to BBC iPlayer with a VPN
With the right VPN, it’s easy to watch geo-blocked content abroad. Just follow the steps below to get a UK IP address and stream BBC iPlayer from outside the UK.
Here’s how to use BBC iPlayer with a VPN:
First, sign up for a suitable VPN. We recommend NordVPN but Surfshark and CyberGhost are both great options too.
Download and install the VPN app, taking care to get the appropriate version for your device.
Connect to one of your VPN’s British servers (ideally in London or another major city).
Now, create a BBC iPlayer account. You’ll be asked for your postal code, but the BBC doesn’t actually check whether you live there or not, so any valid postal code will work.
Finally, try playing a video. If it doesn’t start right away, clear your browser’s cookies and cache, then reload the page. Still having trouble? Read on to find out how to fix some of the most common issues VPN users have with BBC iPlayer.
Which VPNs still work with BBC iPlayer?
We’ve found these VPNs to be the most consistent at working with BBC iPlayer:
NordVPN: Our top choice for streaming BBC iPlayer. Particularly fast, with a no-logs policy and excellent unblocking ability. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark: The best way to unblock BBC iPlayer on a budget. Quick and reliable, with a major privacy focus. Connect as many devices as you like.
CyberGhost: CyberGhost is highly versatile and very easy to use. It boasts 700+ British servers, powerful security features, and strong unblocking ability, as well as a 45-day money-back guarantee.
PrivateVPN: PrivateVPN is a very fast service capable of unblocking BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and ITV Hub without any issues. With a zero-logs policy, advanced security features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, PrivateVPN is ideal for streaming.
Hotspot Shield: A quick, reliable, and versatile VPN that’s more than a match for BBC iPlayer. Has a strong focus on security too. Offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN: Despite being one of our favorite services, it’s been slightly less reliable for BBC iPlayer lately. However, it’s still very fast and security-conscious, with servers in 94 countries. Unblocks various popular platforms including Netflix US, ITV Hub, and All 4.
Private Internet Access: PIA offers high speeds, decent unblocking ability, and a great set of security features. It has servers in 78 countries (including the UK), unblocks BBC iPlayer, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
VyprVPN: VyprVPN provides powerful security and privacy protections, fast speeds, and the ability to unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Note that every VPN is this last has at some point been blocked, for example our second choice service, NordVPN, has had some temporary downtime with BBC iPlayer at the time of writing, despite stellar past performance. We’ve listed them in order of preference so suggest starting with the VPN at the top of the list.
Why do streaming services region-lock their content?
Usually, streaming services don’t own exclusive worldwide broadcast rights for their shows, although there are some exceptions, such as with Netflix Originals. This means that, for instance, the BBC might have the rights to broadcast a particular title in the UK, while another network will show it in the US. As such, major streaming services often use region-locking to stick to their end of the bargain and prevent users in other countries from watching anything.
Of course, region-locking doesn’t help much if your broadcast schedule punishes the viewer for living outside of a certain country. Killing Eve season 2, for instance, had different release dates for the UK and the US, meaning British fans not only had to wait longer, but they also had to avoid spoilers for several months. To prevent having one of the UK’s biggest shows in recent years spoiled for them, many fans resorted to using VPNs to watch new episodes as they were released on American TV.
What can I watch on BBC iPlayer?
BBC iPlayer lets you stream 10 TV channels and one radio station live, for free, online. It also offers a wide range of on-demand content covering everything from news to documentaries to reality TV. Here’s a brief list of some of the content you can watch on BBC iPlayer with a VPN:
Live streams
BBC One
BBC Two
CBBC
BBC Three
BBC Four
CBeebies
BBC News
BBC Scotland
S4C
BBC Parliament
Radio 1
BBC Alba
TV Shows
Peaky Blinders
Poldark
Our Girl
Eastenders
Nigella: At My Table
Dragon’s Den
Fleabag
QI
Would I Lie to You?
Keeping Faith
How does iPlayer know if I am using a VPN? Like most geo-blocked services, BBC iPlayer determines the user’s location by examining their IP address. If it points to anywhere outside of the UK, you simply won’t be able to use the service. Luckily, getting around this type of blocking is easy: just connect to a British VPN server to get an IP address from the UK and trick iPlayer into letting you watch from there any free VPNs that work with iPlayer? It’s possible you’ll be able to find a free VPN that unblocks BBC iPlayer, but not likely. This service has poured a huge amount of resources into its VPN-detection systems, to the point that many major providers still can’t access it.
Even if you find one that works, however, you’re likely to run into other issues. There’ll almost certainly be a monthly bandwidth cap preventing you from streaming regularly, for instance, and as most free VPNs tend to have small networks, your connection may not even be fast enough to watch at all.
See also:
How to watch ITV abroad
How to watch All 4 abroad (Channel 4)
How to watch Sky Go abroad
How to watch Now TV abroad
Frequently Asked Questions about how to get bbc iplayer to work in us
How do I change my region on BBC iPlayer?
On our BBC iPlayer TV app, you can change your location by going to Settings and selecting Change Location. On our BBC iPlayer app for mobiles and tablets, you can change your location by going to Settings and selecting Change Location.
How do I bypass BBC iPlayer restrictions?
Clear your cookies or try a different browser. Ask your VPN’s customer support team which server to use, since sometimes only a few can unblock the most popular streaming services. Enable leak protection in your VPN’s settings menu to prevent BBC iPlayer from finding out your real location.Aug 22, 2021
How do I get BBC iPlayer to work outside the UK?
The simple solution is to employ a VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer which will allow you to watch as normal from the USA or anywhere else abroad. However, not all VPNs work with BBC iPlayer.Jul 27, 2021
