Proxy To Watch Bbc Outside Uk
How to Watch BBC iPlayer With a VPN or UK Proxy
These days, watching TV on your computer is a cinch. It is so easy that many people eschew a regular TV altogether and exclusively use online services. Sadly, geo-restrictions limit some of the best content to certain countries.
BBC iPlayer is one such service. The BBC’s video streaming service is only available to viewers in the UK. Attempting to access BBC iPlayer from outside the UK displays an error message. However, there are ways to circumvent these location-based restrictions.
Here’s how you can watch BBC iPlayer with a VPN or UK proxy.
1. Watch BBC iPlayer Using a VPN
Your first option is using a virtual private network (VPN). You can use a VPN to make your web traffic appear as if it originates in the UK. Thus, when you attempt to access BBC iPlayer from another country, the service will show the content.
The BBC is no stranger to VPNs. At times, some VPNs struggle to maintain their connections to BBC iPlayer as the BBC blacklists known VPN server addresses. However, all is not lost; there are several excellent VPN providers that keep ahead of the blacklisting.
Are you new to the idea of VPNs? Then first read our explanation of what a VPN is and how a VPN works.
There are three VPN providers you should check out:
ExpressVPN
CyberGhost
NordVPN
In our experience, these three VPNs consistently allow you access to the BBC iPlayer streaming service from another country. While traveling, I use ExpressVPN to make sure I don’t miss my favorite programs. You can grab a special MakeUseOf discount on an ExpressVPN subscription using this link!
Once you subscribe to a VPN provider, download and install the VPN software. Open the VPN software, input your user credentials, and then select a UK-based VPN server. After the connection establishes, you can watch BBC iPlayer.
2. Watch BBC iPlayer Using a Browser Extension
Unfortunately, the number of free UK proxy services able to access BBC iPlayer has fallen dramatically since the BBC stepped up enforcement against known proxy servers. It is a similar situation to the VPN services above, and the Tor exit nodes in the section below.
The BBC actively monitors known proxy server addresses for incoming data, and as such, it makes using a free UK proxy to watch BBC iPlayer incredibly difficult. Difficult, but not impossible.
Beebs
One of the best proxy options at the time of writing is a Chrome extension called Beebs. Beebs is a simple proxy extension for Google Chrome that allows you to access BBC iPlayer, as well as ITV Player and 4oD (two other UK broadcast channels with similar geo-restrictions). You will achieve the best results using Beebs with a single browser window open.
Download: Beebs for Google Chrome (Free)
Wachee
Another handy UK proxy option is Wachee. Wachee is also a Google Chrome browser extension that allows you to watch BBC iPlayer. Furthermore, Wachee enables you to view Netflix and Hulu, depending on your country of origin.
Download: Wachee for Google Chrome (Free)
3. Set Your Browser to Use a UK Proxy Server
Of course, you don’t have to rely on a browser extension. You can tell your browser to use a UK proxy server at all times. Sending all of your traffic through a UK proxy will allow you to watch BBC iPlayer. But if you are in a different country, any services and apps that rely on your location will cease to work.
That’s where a proxy switcher comes into play. With a proxy switcher installed, you can load up several different proxy servers to cycle through until you find one that works. After you finish watching your BBC iPlayer program, turn the proxy switcher off, and your settings return to normal.
Download: Proxy Switcher and Manager for Google Chrome (Free) | Opera (Free)
Download: FoxyProxy Standard for Mozilla Firefox (Free)
Then head to Xroxy and check out their massive list of UK proxy servers. You can copy and paste the details of the proxies into your proxy switcher of choice, then access BBC iPlayer.
4. Use a UK Tor Exit Node to Watch BBC iPlayer
As you can see above, the availability of free UK proxy services to watch BBC iPlayer is low. There is an alternative to a UK proxy server, though. You can attempt to use the Tor browser and the Tor network to access BBC iPlayer.
Please note that connections through Tor are slow. It isn’t like the regular internet, and as such, there is a strong chance you will struggle to watch a live stream. See other ways to unblock live TV streams while traveling for better methods.
Tor works by bouncing your data through different nodes around the globe. The process makes your data untraceable. If someone were to trace your data, they would find the IP address of the Tor network exit node, not your originating IP address. An exit node is where Tor network data re-joins the regular internet.
Here’s our unofficial guide to Tor. Read through it and set your Tor browser up.
Most of the time, you should leave your Tor settings well alone. A poorly configured Tor browser can expose your data. However, you can specify the exit node country. In this case, changing it to the UK (or, GB, as you will see) gives you a chance of watching BBC iPlayer.
After you first open and configure the Tor browser, it creates the “torrc” file. The torrc file contains configuration information, and you find it in the Tor installation folder. For instance, my torrc file is found at: “C:\Users\Gavin\Tor Browser\Browser\TorBrowser\Data\Tor. ” You can edit the torrc file using a text editor, like Notepad or Notepad++. Right-click the torrc file and select Open with > Notepad. (Or your text editor of choice; I’m using Notepad++, but the process is the same. )
Now, you need to add the following lines to the torrc file:
EntryNodes {your country code} StrictNodes 1
ExitNodes {gb}, {uk} StrictNodes 1
You can find your country entry code using the Tor country codes list.
Save the file, overwriting the existing file. When you open Tor, your exit node preferences will update, and you should be able to access BBC iPlayer.
Yes, You Can Watch BBC iPlayer in the US!
As you can see, you can watch the fantastic range of programming from the BBC from wherever you are in the world, including the US.
The BBC is making it increasingly difficult to watch iPlayer, with geo-restrictions, limitations on programming, and known proxy and VPN server blocks standing in your way. However, by using one of the methods outlined above you will be able to unlock BBC iPlayer.
It isn’t just BBC iPlayer that comes loaded with geo-restrictions, mind. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and a heap of other video-on-demand services struggle with geo-licensing restrictions. In all honesty, a VPN is the best option to skirt those restrictions.
With that in mind, here is our guide to the best VPN services to get you started.
The Top 12 Things to Do When You’re Bored OnlineTrying to kill time but can’t find anything that’ll hold your attention? Here are some fun things to do online when bored.
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About The Author
Gavin Phillips
(976 Articles Published)
Gavin is the Junior Editor for Windows and Technology Explained, a regular contributor to the Really Useful Podcast, and a regular product reviewer. He has a BA (Hons) Contemporary Writing with Digital Art Practices pillaged from the hills of Devon, as well as over a decade of professional writing experience. He enjoys copious amounts of tea, board games, and football.
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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.
Are VPNs safe to use? And are they actually legal? | T3
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Let’s start this right away by being super clear – you can use the best VPN completely legally. That makes it sound like you won’t need to read on but that’s not the case. You see, guns are legal too in some places, but they can still get you in a lot of analogies aside, a VPN, or virtual private network, is legal to use in itself but it simply depends what you do with it. The VPN gives you privacy online which is, or should be, your right. But privacy is a very difficult area both in real life and online, as it means treading the line between personal freedom and being able to hide illegal activity from the authorities. To avoid getting too political we’ll just focus on what a VPN does that is and isn’t can a VPN do that is legal? A VPN is a very useful legal tool which can protect you online. Say you’re on holiday and want to connect to hotel Wi-Fi. Since this is an open connection it might not be secure so to protect yourself from being snooped on you can use a VPN which will mask your identity. This applies to all open Wi-Fi when you might be at risk and anonymity can be your friend. A VPN can also make you appear somewhere you’re not – whether that be a paid-for or free VPN – allowing you to get around geo-restricted to know more? We’ve gone in-depth with our guide on what is a VPN and how they I watch BBC iPlayer legally on a VPN? Perhaps you’re in another country and want to catch up on a BBC iPlayer show from back home. If you’re a UK TV licence payer then you’re legally allowed to watch, no matter where you are. But, since the BBC controls this by limiting it to the UK, you may be blocked when away. A VPN can simply make you appear to be in the UK by bouncing you through a UK based server. There’s nothing illegal about ever, if you’re not a licence payer and you do this, then you’re technically stealing. And you don’t need us to tell you that’s a bad thing! Using the best Netflix VPN on the other hand is a direct breach of the streaming giant’s terms and conditions. That doesn’t seem to stop people doing it a VPN illegal for torrents? Some, not all, VPNs support P2P or torrent traffic. This is where files are shared between devices across the internet. This is a very difficult territory. While the sharing isn’t strictly illegal, it can be. The point here is what you are actually if you’re downloading a free book which is distributed via a torrent, then fill your digital bookshelves with the stuff. However, if you’re downloading a Hollywood movie it’s more than likely this is being illegally distributed and you are I be caught for illegal VPN use? All the illegal activities you can do with a VPN, you can mostly do without a VPN. It’s the use of a VPN that will keep you anonymous if you do carry out those acts. While that technically means there is less chance of you getting caught, it’s still not impossible should you be just remember, a VPN isn’t illegal, it’s what you do with it that defines if you’re breaking the law or not. And that’s a whole other article, we’re afraid!
Luke is a freelance writer and editor with over two decades of experience covering tech, science and health. Among many others he writes across Future titles covering health tech, software and apps, VPNs, TV, audio, smart home, antivirus, broadband, smartphones, cars and plenty more. He also likes to climb mountains, swim outside and contort his body into silly positions while breathing as calmly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions about proxy to watch bbc outside uk
How can I watch BBC content outside the UK?
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.
Is using a VPN to watch BBC illegal?
Perhaps you’re in another country and want to catch up on a BBC iPlayer show from back home. If you’re a UK TV licence payer then you’re legally allowed to watch, no matter where you are. … A VPN can simply make you appear to be in the UK by bouncing you through a UK based server. There’s nothing illegal about this.Apr 13, 2021
What VPN works with the BBC?
What is the best working BBC iPlayer VPN? Right now, ExpressVPN tops our list of the best BBC iPlayer VPNs. It hasn’t always been, but right now it’s a really robust, reliable service that also boasts excellent speeds and a brilliantly easy-to-use interface on desktop, mobile, streaming devices, Smart TVs and more.Sep 22, 2021
