How To Watch BBC iPlayer When You're Abroad

BBC is the UK’s largest broadcaster, and it has plenty to offer when it comes to the best of shows and entertainment. You basically have to be located in the United Kingdom to be able to access these, mainly because the favorite of BBC programs are geo-restricted.

If you’re looking for a way to sidestep this problem, this article has some of the best suggestions.

For one thing, you can use a VPN. With the right VPN provider, you’ll be able to conceal your location while at the same time avail of the service even when you’re abroad.

Choose the best VPN service to sign up on so that you can direct your internet connection via a UK server.

What If You Are Outside The UK? Can You Access BBC iPlayer Without A VPN?

Yes, you can, but your options are limited. BBC has actually cited on its website that the most viable way of watching BBC programs when you’re traveling is to download them on the iPlayer app while you’re in the UK and prior to leaving.

Apparently, this solution is only applicable to movies and previous shows, and not pertaining to the latest episodes of your preferred comedies and dramas. Then there is live sports, which is totally out of the question.

It used to be that a proxy server was utilized to go around this issue, however, BBC has blocked any attempts to use this software.

The best shot, by far, is to use a streaming VPN so that you will not miss BBC content when you’re out of the UK.

5 Easy Steps To Unblock BBC iPlayer Content

It seems to be a demanding task to re-route your IP address, but not with the use of a good quality VPN. Such providers have been designed to make this process virtually effortless. All you have to do is download and log-in to the app on your laptop, phone or tablet. Below are the practical steps for doing it.

• Sign up for the most suited VPN service. You can reference from credible reviews about the best VPN services to determine what befits your needs.
• Download and install the VPN tool on your device. See to it that the version you’re considering is compatible with your device.
• Connect your device to the speediest UK servers you can access. It is sensible to choose one that is from London, or else any of the major cities in the UK.
• Go to the BBC iPlayer website and then log in. If you don’t have an account yet, you’ll need to sign-up for one. 
• Press “play” and have a fantastic time watching your favorite BBC shows.

Installing Your VPN App On Different Devices

Just like downloading and installing a new app, it is very straightforward to set-up your selected VPN service on your computer or smartphone.

Then again, it is rather complicated in terms of streaming devices. There may be easy-to-use dedicated VPN apps such as those offered by Amazon Fire Stick, but it is not the case with Roku and Apple TV.

A VPN works with an Apple TV by manually setting up your DNS IP address with that which you can find on your VPN website. Your other option is to connect it through your router. Meanwhile, on Roku, it is necessary to configure the service on your router. Extra steps will have to be performed, but it is not that tricky to install your VPN on Roku.

What about on Android TV? If you want to be able to watch BBC iPlayer on it, you’ll need to check the Google Play Store and locate the app of your VPN provider. For the rest of the other operating systems, the most workable option is to install a Smart TV VPN on your router in the same way that you would do with a Roku or Apple TV streaming device.

Can You Access BBC iPlayer Through A Free VPN Service?

This deed is quite a challenge. Finding a free VPN service that can unblock BBC iPlayer, that is. These software are generally banned by the Beeb, and such free services have trouble contending with it. There are in fact free VPN providers that block streaming, and you’ll have to upgrade to a higher plan to circumnavigate it.

The positive side to this is the free trials typically offered by premium VPN providers, normally in the guise of a 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s a huge advantage if you want to tryout the service’s premium features without ultimately shelling out a dollar.

Is It Illegal To Watch BBC iPlayer With The Use Of A VPN?

Bluntly saying, and as a good news, the answer to this is “No”.

Having paid a UK TV license means that you can legitimately watch BBC iPlayer wherever you are in the world. What a VPN does is merely facilitate you in being able to stream your favorite TV content regardless of your location by concealing where you are currently based and redirecting you to a UK IP address.

Well then, it is absolutely legal. In the BBC terms of use, it is indicated that “If we detect that you might be using a VPN, you’ll be unable to play programs. This is because we need to be confident you’re in the UK.”

Should your breach be detected, the worst thing that can happen is that you will no longer be able to stream. You’re not breaking any law in this sense.

If it so happens that you didn’t pay for a UK TV license (which isn’t validated by BBC), you are technically prohibited from using the service. Likewise, you may or may not be able to get hold of a BBC catalog with a VPN. Essentially, you can still use BBC iPlayer with a VPN under this circumstance, but at your own risk.

Final Thoughts

As long as you paid for a UK TV license and found the VPN provider that works best with BBC iPlayer, there shouldn’t be any difficulties in streaming the service when you’re abroad. It’s entirely easy to install and use a VPN with BBC iPlayer and have a splendid time watching your favorite content.