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In today’s digital age, accessing your favorite TV shows and movies has never been easier. However, for fans of British television residing outside the UK, streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer can be frustratingly out of reach due to geo-restrictions. But fear not! With the right tools and know-how, you can unlock the door to a world of British entertainment from anywhere in the world. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK, from registration to streaming on various devices.
Quick Step: How To Watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK using a VPN
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To watch movies/TV Shows & Live Sports from a platform that is geo-restricted in the UK, we recommend ExpressVPN OR NordVPN
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Download the VPN and connect to a UK server.
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Log in to your streaming platform.
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Find your favorite movie or show and stream it no matter where you are.
How Do I Register BBC iPlayer Outside UK?
First things first, to access BBC iPlayer from outside the UK, you’ll need to register for an account. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN service: Since BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, you’ll need a VPN to mask your IP address and make it appear as though you’re accessing the platform from within the UK. Two highly recommended VPNs for this purpose are ExpressVPN and PIA VPN.
- Download and install the VPN app: Once you’ve subscribed to your preferred VPN service, download and install the app on your device.
- Connect to a UK-based server: Open the VPN app and connect to a server located in the UK. This will give you a UK IP address, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions.
- Visit the BBC iPlayer website or download the app: With your VPN connected to a UK server, visit the BBC iPlayer website or download the app on your device.
- Sign up or log in: Follow the prompts to sign up for a BBC iPlayer account or log in if you already have one.
- Provide a UK postcode: During the registration process, you may be asked to provide a UK postcode. You can easily find valid postcodes online.
- Complete the registration process: Fill in any required information and complete the registration process.
- Verify your account: Follow any additional steps to verify your account, if necessary.
Why Do You Need a VPN To Watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK?
BBC iPlayer is one of the UK’s most popular streaming platforms, offering a wide range of TV shows, movies, documentaries, and more. However, due to licensing agreements and copyright restrictions, BBC iPlayer is only available to viewers within the UK. This is where a VPN comes in handy.
A VPN, allows you to route your internet connection through a server in another location, effectively masking your IP address and making it appear as though you’re accessing the internet from that location. By connecting to a UK-based server with a VPN, you can trick BBC iPlayer into thinking you’re located within the UK, bypassing geo-restrictions and giving you access to the platform’s full library of content.
Best VPNs To Watch BBC iPlayer Outside UK
When it comes to choosing a VPN for streaming BBC iPlayer outside the UK, reliability and speed are key. Here are two top VPN providers known for their performance in bypassing geo-restrictions:
🔵ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is a top-tier VPN service known for its fast speeds, reliable connections, and strong encryption. With servers located in multiple locations around the world, including the UK, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for streaming BBC iPlayer from anywhere. Plus, it offers a user-friendly interface and 24/7 customer support.
| Plan | Price (per month) GBP |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | $10.22 |
| 6 Months | $7.88 |
| 12 Months | $5.26 |
🔵PIA VPN (Private Internet Access): PIA VPN is another popular choice for streaming BBC iPlayer outside the UK. With a large network of servers in the UK and around the world, PIA VPN offers reliable connections and fast speeds. It also boasts strong encryption and a no-logs policy, ensuring your online privacy and security.
| Plan | Price (per month) GBP |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | $9.43 |
| 1 Year | $2.63 |
| 2 Years | $2.12 |
| 3 Years | $1.73 |
Can I use a free VPN to Unblock BBC iPlayer outside UK?
While there are free VPN services available, we do not recommend using them to unblock BBC iPlayer outside the UK. Free VPNs often come with limitations such as slow speeds, data caps, and unreliable connections. Additionally, many free VPNs may not have servers located in the UK, making them ineffective for bypassing geo-restrictions.
BBC iPlayer Subscription Price and Plans
One of the best things about BBC iPlayer is that it’s absolutely free to use! Unlike many other streaming platforms that require a subscription fee, BBC iPlayer allows users to access its vast library of content at no cost. Simply create an account and start streaming your favorite British TV shows and movies.
What is BBC iPlayer Channels List?
BBC iPlayer offers a wide range of channels, covering everything from news and current affairs to entertainment and sports. Some of the most popular BBC iPlayer channels include:
- BBC One: The flagship channel of the BBC, offering a diverse range of programming including dramas, comedies, documentaries, and more.
- BBC Two: Known for its thought-provoking documentaries, arts programming, and in-depth analysis of current events.
- BBC Three: Geared towards a younger audience, BBC Three offers a mix of reality shows, dramas, and comedies.
- BBC Four: Focuses on arts, culture, and educational programming, including documentaries, music, and science programs.
- CBBC: Aimed at children aged 6-12, CBBC offers a mix of educational and entertaining programming.
- BBC News: Provides 24/7 coverage of news and current affairs from around the world.
Compatible Devices to Watch BBC iPlayer outside UK
You can watch BBC iPlayer outside UK on the below devices:
How To Download to Watch BBC iPlayer On Android Phone?
If you’re using an Android phone and want to download and watch BBC iPlayer content, follow these steps:
- Download the BBC iPlayer app from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and sign in or create an account if you haven’t already.
- Browse or search for the content you want to download.
- Tap on the download icon next to the content you want to download.
- Once the download is complete, you can find the downloaded content in the “Downloads” section of the app and watch it offline at your convenience.
How To Download to Watch BBC iPlayer On Smart TV?
To download and watch BBC iPlayer on your Smart TV, follow these steps:
- Make sure your Smart TV is connected to the internet.
- Navigate to the app store on your Smart TV.
- Search for the BBC iPlayer app and download it to your Smart TV.
- Once the app is downloaded, open it and sign in or create an account if you haven’t already.
- Browse or search for the content you want to watch and start streaming.
FAQs
Is BBC iPlayer free to watch?
Yes, BBC iPlayer is free to use. Users only need to create an account to access its content.
Why is BBC iPlayer not available abroad?
BBC iPlayer is not available abroad due to licensing agreements and copyright restrictions.
Which free VPN works with BBC iPlayer?
While there are some free VPNs that may work with BBC iPlayer, they often come with limitations such as slow speeds and data caps.
Is it legal to watch BBC iPlayer in the US?
While it is not illegal to watch BBC iPlayer in the US, you may need to use a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions.
Summing It Up
In conclusion, accessing BBC iPlayer from outside the UK is possible with the help of a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN or PIA VPN. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can register for a BBC iPlayer account, bypass geo-restrictions, and start streaming your favorite British TV shows and movies from anywhere in the world. With a vast library of content and channels to choose from, BBC iPlayer offers something for everyone, making it a must-have for fans of British entertainment. So why wait? Unlock the world of British television today and start streaming with BBC iPlayer!
