How To Watch BBC iPlayer in Russia? [Easy Ways In 2023]

BBc-Iplayer-In-Russia (1)

Wondering is BBC available in Russia? No, BBC iPlayer is not available in Russia. However, you can watch BBC iPlayer in Russia hustle-free with a quality VPN like ExpressVPN.

The UK-based free online streaming service BBC iPlayer provides a vast selection of media content, including well-known television shows and movies. Examples include the 17th season of “The Apprentice,” “Young MasterChef,” and many other new seasons.

Unfortunately, the platform is geo-restricted for viewers outside the UK. That means, if you are in Russia, you will only access the platform with a VPN service. However, due to the platform’s strict VPN detection features, it is challenging for most VPNs to unblock BBC iPlayer in Russia.

To get around these geo-restrictions, ExpressVPN will enable you to stream BBC iPlayer in Russia by concealing your non-UK IP address and replacing it with that of the UK. This article will show you how to watch BBC iPlayer in Russia.


How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Russia? [3 Quick stesp]

Due to licensing agreements and copyright restrictions, BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK. Therefore, you must use a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer in Russia and other regions outside the UK. Below is how to do so.

  • Subscribe, download, and install a quality VPN such as ExpressVPN on your streaming device.
  • Connect to a VPN server located in the UK (Recommended: Docklands).
  • Go to BBC iPlayer website, log in with credentials, and start streaming right away!!

Note: If you don’t have an account on BBC iPlayer yet,  Sign up to BBC iPlayer today and enjoy your favorite content.


Why do you need a VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer?

Due to licensing agreements with content owners, BBC iPlayer is only available to users in the UK. If you try to access BBC iPlayer outside the UK, you will encounter a BBC iPlayer error code that reads,

“BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues.”

geo-error-bbc-iplayer-russia-sb

Geo-error message of BBC iPlayer when we tried to access it in Russia

To bypass the geo-restrictions imposed by BBC iPlayer, you must use a VPN. With the help of a VPN, you can conceal your physical location and give the impression that you are in the UK by changing your IP address.

By doing this, a VPN enables you to get around geographic restrictions and access BBC iPlayer in other regions like in Russia.

You would be glad to know that there is no BBC iPlayer cost as the service is entirely free. Go for the BBC iPlayer free trial and enjoy unlimited content on BBC iPlayer in Russia.


How to Sign-Up for BBC iPlayer in Russia?

Similar to other streaming services, the BBC iPlayer registration process is straightforward. Here are the steps you must follow in order to sign-up for BBC iPlayer in Russia.

  • Subscribe to a quality VPN such as ExpressVPN.
  • Download and install the VPN app.
  • Login to the VPN using your credentials.
  • Connect to a VPN server located in the UK (recommended Docklands and East London servers).
  • Visit BBC iPlayer and select the Sign-in option.sign-in-bbc-iplayer-russia-sb
  • Click the Register Now button down below since you don’t have an account.register-now-bbc-iplayer-russia-sb
  • Select your age.verify-age-bbc-iplayer-russia-sb
  • Select the United Kingdom as your current region and insert a valid postal code.verify-region-bbc-iplayer-russia-sb
  • Provide BBC iPlayer with your Email address and create your login credentials.
  • You will be prompted for a UK TV license, Click “Yes” and move to the next step.
  • Once you have shared all the needed details, click on the Register button.
  • You’ll now receive an email to confirm your registration.

If you no longer need the platform’s services, you may choose to delete your BBC iPlayer account to reduce the amount of personal information shared online.


What are the Best VPNs To Watch BBC iPlayer in Russia? [Detailed Analysis]

After performing thorough research in a market full of VPNs, we narrowed them down to the top 3 VPNs to watch BBC iPlayer in Russia. These VPNs are the best in terms of strong security, super-fast servers, and limitless bandwidth, ensuring a smooth streaming experience.

ExpressVPN: Best VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Russia

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for a number of reasons, including its outstanding speed and lightning-fast servers. ExpressVPN has a large network of servers, over 3,000+ servers in 105 countries.

Including five servers in Wembley, Docklands, Midlands, East London, and London in the UK. With those servers, you can access platforms restricted only in the UK, such as BBC iPlayer.

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BBC iPlayer smoothly unblocked in Russia by ExpressVPN

Recommended servers: Docklands and East-London servers.

ExpressVPN stands out due to its extensive security features, such as a Network Lock kill switch, Lightway protocol, Private DNS, etc. These features ensure to keep your online activity is safe and private.

To safeguard your online data and privacy, ExpressVPN employs AES-256 encryption, which is regarded as the gold standard in online security. Security professionals around the world rely on it to protect sensitive data. With ExpressVPN you can also unblock BBC iPlayer in other regions such as accessing BBC iPlayer in Mexico or BBC iPlayer in Colombia.

While connected to the Midlands server, we experienced video buffering. Therefore, we wouldn’t recommend it for streaming.

ExpressVPN is compatible with many devices, including Windows PC, Android, iOS devices, etc. However, not all devices are compatible with VPNs. Therefore, ExpressVPN consists of a Smart DNS tool known as MediaStreamer. You can also watch BBC iPlayer in Malaysia with ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN was able to measure a download speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps over a 100 Mbps connection. Therefore, ensuring you a buffer-free streaming experience.

speedtest-expressvpn

ExpressVPN gave us satisfactory speed results while streaming BBC iPlayer in Russia

With a single ExpressVPN subscription, you can connect a maximum of five devices at once.

ExpressVPN is a VPN provider with reasonable costs and several pricing tiers. The current best offer is US$6.67/mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free.

Below are ExpressVPN’s Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Large Server Network.
  • No-Log Policy.
  • 5 Simultaneous Connections.
  • User-Friendly interface.
  • Quick and reliable connections.

Cons
  • ExpressVPN is Expensive.

ExpressVPN Quick Features

  • ExpressVPN real-location: The British Virgin Island
  • Servers: 3000 servers located in 94 regions.
  • AES-256 Best-in-class encryption.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • 24/7 customer care support
  • Compatible with a wide range of devices.
  • 5 simultaneous streams.

 

Surfshark: Budget-friendly VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Russia

Surfshark goes easy on the wallet because it costs less than other top VPN services. Surfshark is affordable, making it available to a wider range of users at US$2.49/mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee.

Additionally, Surfshark has a large server network of over 3200+ servers in 100+ countries, ensuring quick speeds and various options for users. These servers are enough to access BBC iPlayer in Pakistan without any lags.

To access BBC iPlayer in Russia, you must connect to a UK VPN server. Surfshark servers are available in Edinburgh, Manchester, London, and Glasgow in the UK. Connecting to one of those servers will unblock BBC iPlayer outside the UK.

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Surfshark successfully unblocked BBC iPlayer in Russia

The recommended servers are Glasgow, London, and Edinburgh

The servers are equipped with security features that ensure online safety, such as CleanWeb, Strict no-logs policy, Kill Switch, Private DNS & leak protection, etc. Surfshark will protect your data with AES-256-GCM encryption, the best in the industry. With Surfshark you can also unblock BBC iPlayer in other regions such as accessing BBC iPlayer in Brazil.

In addition, Surfshark has a smart DNS feature. This feature will help you change the IP address on your device to DNS addresses based in the UK. Therefore giving you access to UK-based streaming services. You can use this feature on devices that aren’t compatible with VPNs.

Surfshark servers are super-fast, recording a download speed of 88.14 Mbps and an upload speed of 83.72 Mbps.

surfshark-speed-test-for-hotstar-in-russia

Surfshark speed test results were amazing while streaming BBC iPlayer in Russia

The Surfshark plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Once subscribed, you can connect an unlimited number of supported devices.

Pros
  • Unlimited device connectivity.
  • Reliable and steady connection.
  • Easy to use.
  • Available in many regions.
  • Pocket-Friendly.
  • No log policy.

Cons
  • Some of the servers are slow.

Surfshark quick features

  • Servers: 3200+ in 65+ countries.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections.
  • A 7-day free trial.
  • No-logging policy.
  • Military-grade 256-bit encryption.
  • Get BBC iPlayer in Russia with Surfshark VPN!

NordVPN: Largest Server Network VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Russia

NordVPN is focused on giving its users a high-quality VPN service with a large server network. It has over 6000+ ultra-fast servers in 61 countries. Out of those servers are 440+ servers in the UK. All the servers are capable of unblocking BBC iPlayer in Russia.

After connecting to server #2398, we enjoyed streaming BBC iPlayer without experiencing any issues. However, streamers should avoid the Edinburg server, as it didn’t work as well as the rest.

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NordVPN unblocks BBC iPlayer in Russia swiftly

The servers are equipped with security features such as Meshnet, Dark Web Monitor, Private DNS, etc. NordVPN has a Smart DNS feature known as Smart Play, which allows you to access all kinds of geo-restricted platforms, including BBC iPlayer.

In addition, NordVPN servers follow the no-logs policy and have AES 256-bit encryption, which is used by the military. Therefore, ensuring online safety. NordVPN is compatible with many devices such as Chromecast, PlayStation, Windows PC, Android, Linux, etc.

Due to its lightning-fast servers, which have a download speed of 86.49 Mbps and an upload speed of 79.42 Mbps, NordVPN ensures that you will have an uninterrupted streaming experience.

NordVPN-Speed-test

The speed test results were exceptional with NordVPN while streaming BBC iPlayer in Russia

With just one NordVPN subscription, you can connect 6 devices at once. NordVPN’s best plan costs US$2.49/mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee and a 30-day money-back guarantee on a 2-Year Plan).

Pros
  • Large Server Network.
  • No log Policy.
  • Super-fast servers.
  • Well-optimized security features.
  • User-Friendly interface.

Cons
  • Sometimes, it takes too long to connect.
  • NordVPN quick features
  • Large Server Network.
  • Six Simultaneous streams.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • 256-bit encryption protocol.
  • No Log Policy.


How to Watch BBC iPlayer without paying a single penny in Russia?

You can get BBC iPlayer in Russia without paying a dime in Russia. By changing to a UK postal code and obtaining a TV license, you can access BBC iPlayer for free in Russia. However, despite the app being free, a TV license is needed to access its content.

Getting a TV license, and changing your postal codes, are the two ways you can access BBC iPlayer without paying anything.

What are the UK-Based Postal Codes to Sign Up for BBC iPlayer in Russia?

Here is a list of the Russian postal codes for BBC iPlayer in Russia.

States or Territories Postal Code
England  

BA21 5BT

BA22 9SJ

BA21 5BZ

BA22 9RH

BA21 5BW

Wales  

CF10 1AA

CF10 4BX

CF10 1BA

CF10 3EQ

CF10 2WT

Scotland  

IV12 4AA

IV12 4AD

IV12 4AB

IV12 4AF

IV12 4AL


What are the Different Channels of BBC iPlayer?

You can watch your preferred content on a variety of different channels on BBC iPlayer. Here is a list of channels available on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer Channels
BBC One BBC Two BBC Three BBC Four Radio 1 CBeebies
BBC Alba BBC News Live BBC Parliament BBC Scotland S4C CBBC

What can I Watch on BBC IPlayer in Russia in 2023?

You can watch a variety of entertainment content in 2023 on BBC iPlayer in Russia, including comedies, TV shows, and more.

TV Shows Documentaries Films Horror movies Comedy Programs
The Capture Putin vs the West The Levelling Poltergeist Crazy Rich Asians
His Dark Materials Emily Atack: Asking For It? The Imitation Game The Babadook I, Tonya
Bad Education Defenders UK Portrait of a Lady on Fire What we do in the shadows Our Flag Means Death
The Apprentice Great British Railway Journeys Storyville Night of the living dead Search Party
Charlotte in Sunderland My Kind of Town Defiance The Fear of God: 25 Years of The Exorcist Heb Burn

What Sports are Available to Watch in Russia?

If you are a sports fanatic, here are some of the sports to watch on BBC iPlayer in Russia.


What are BBC iPlayer Alternatives?

We’ve compared BBC iPlayer with a few other over-the-top streaming platforms to make it simpler for you, so you can pick the one that best fits your requirements and preferences.

BBC iPlayer vs Netflix
BBC iPlayer Netflix
On any of the supported devices, the entire BBC iPlayer catalog can be downloaded Netflix also permits downloads, but only on a select few devices.
All of the devices that can use BBC iPlayer have access to the same range of content. All you’ll need is a VPN. Its library differs in every region.
It’s a free streaming platform Netflix costs $9.99/month on an ad-free Basic plan.
BBC iPlayer vs Disney Plus
BBC iPlayer Disney Plus
BBC iPlayer is a free streaming Platform Disney Plus costs $7.99/month.
On BBC iPlayer, ads are made up of trailers for recently released TV shows and movies. Disney Plus is ad-free
You can Download BBC iPlayer content for offline viewing. You can Download Disney Plus content for offline viewing.
BBC iPlayer vs Peacock
BBC iPlayer Peacock
BBC iPlayer is free to use. It’s free to access Peacock Basic Plan.
BBC consists of original shows and documentaries. Peacock TV doesn’t air much original content.
BBC iPlayer, ads are made up of trailers for recently released TV shows and movies Ads interruption while streaming.

Which Devices are compatible with BBC iPlayer?

Below is a list of BBC iPlayer-compatible devices.

Note: Usually the main issue of BBC iPlayer not working is because of device incompatibility. Before you cancel BBC iPlayer subscription, first you must ensure the device you are using is compatible with BBC iPlayer.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on iOS Devices?

If you are using Windows or accessing BBC iPlayer on a Mac, there is no need to download the BBC iPlayer app because you can use a browser. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow to watch BBC iPlayer on iOS devices.

  • Subscribe to a quality VPN like ExpressVPN.
  • Download and install the VPN app on your iOS device.
  • Login to the VPN using your credentials.
  • Connect to a VPN server located in the UK (recommended Docklands and East London servers).
  • Click the App Store button on the Home screen.
  • On the search menu, search for BBC iPlayer.
  • Tap on the BBC iPlayer App and select download.
  • Once downloaded, you can launch the app, log in using your credentials, and enjoy streaming BBC iPlayer.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Android Devices?

BBC iPlayer on Android is available. Therefore, you can enjoy streaming BBC iPlayer content on your Android device. Here are the steps you must follow to watch BBC iPlayer on an Android device.

  • Sign up for a quality VPN, like ExpressVPN.
  • Download and install the VPN app on your Android device.
  • Login to the VPN using your credentials.
  • Connect to a VPN server located in the UK (recommended Docklands and East London servers).
  • Open the BBC iPlayer App and log in to your account.
  • Start watching BBC iPlayer on your Android device.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Roku?

You can watch BBC iPlayer on Roku by following these steps:

  • Sign up for a quality VPN, like ExpressVPN.
  • Download and install the VPN app on your Android device.
  • Login to the VPN using your credentials.
  • Connect to a VPN server located in the UK (recommended Docklands and East London servers).
  • In the Streaming Channels section, click “Search Channels”.
  • Search for BBC iPlayer on Roku and select the “add channel” option.
  • That’s it, login to BBC iPlayer and enjoy streaming your favorite shows.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Firestick?

Below are the quick steps for you to follow in order to watch BBC iPlayer on Firestick.

  • Subscribe to a quality VPN (ExpressVPN is the recommended VPN).
  • Download and install the VPN app.
  • Login to the VPN using your credentials.
  • Connect to a Docklands server in the UK.
  • Go to the Amazon Appstore on your Firestick and search for BBC iPlayer.
  • Install the BBC iPlayer app.
  • Open the BBC iPlayer app, sign in, or if you don’t already have an account, create one now.
  • Search for the content you want to watch.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Chromecast?

By following a few easy steps, you can stream BBC iPlayer on your TV using Chromecast. Here are the easy steps on how to do so.

  • Sign up for a quality VPN like ExpressVPN.
  • On your device, install the VPN app.
  • Connect to a UK server. Docklands server is the best choice.
  • Once your device detects Chromecast, the cast icon will become visible in the app.
  • Cast the content on BBC iPlayer to your TV by tapping the Cast icon on the app or browser.
  • Use the play button to watch a show.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Apple TV?

Enjoy your favorite BBC iPlayer shows and films on your big screen by following the steps below to watch BBC iPlayer on your Apple TV.

  • Subscribe to a quality VPN like ExpressVPN.
  • Download and install the VPN app.
  • Login to the VPN using your credentials.
  • Connect to a VPN server in the UK (recommended Docklands and East London servers).
  • Go to App store and search for BBC iPlayer.
  • Select the BBC iPlayer App and install it.
  • After installation, you can launch the App and enjoy streaming BBC iPlayer on your Apple TV.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Smart TV?

Download the BBC iPlayer app to your smart TV to enjoy all the BBC’s exclusive content on a large screen. Here are the steps on how to do so.

  • Subscribe to ExpressVPN.
  • Download and install the VPN app.
  • Login to the VPN using your credentials.
  • Connect to a VPN server located in the UK (Docklands and East London are the recommended servers).
  • Go to the app store on your smart TV and search for the BBC iPlayer app.
  • Install the BBC iPlayer App.
  • Log in to the BBC iPlayer app.
  • Enjoy streaming BBC iPlayer on your Smart TV.

FAQs – BBC iPlayer in Russia

Yes, BBC iPlayer is free to watch for those with a valid UK TV license. If you reside in the UK and have a valid TV license, you can watch BBC iPlayer cost-free. It’s a free streaming platform.

Yes, you need a TV License to watch BBC iPlayer in Russia. However, you can cancel BBC iPlayer subscription if the desired content is no longer accessible on the platform.

Yes, as long as you don’t use a VPN to access websites that the government has blocked, using a VPN in Russia is legal. This includes watching BBC iPlayer in Russia.

  • To get started, go to Unlocator and sign up for a free 7-day trial.
  • On your streaming device, configure Smart DNS.
  • Visit the BBC iPlayer webpage.
  • Enjoy unrestricted access to the complete BBC iPlayer collection.

Yes, you can use a free VPN to watch BBC iPlayer in Russia. However, most free VPNs are unsafe, for they will store and sell your data to third parties to make money. Therefore, we do not recommend the use if free VPNs.

Even when using trusted VPN services, you might occasionally experience difficulties when accessing BBC iPlayer in Russia. In that case, you can try one of the following fixes.

  • Change your VPN server.
  • Restart your browser after clearing the cookies from the settings.
  • Ensure that your VPN’s leak protection is enabled.
  • Set the UK as your new time zone.
  • Use a different device.


Wrap-Up

BBC iPlayer is one of the best streaming platforms in the UK. Unfortunately, it’s geo-blocked and unavailable outside the UK. However, with the VPNs mentioned above, you will be able to watch BBC iPlayer in Russia.

We highly recommend ExpressVPN for you will enjoy streaming BBC iPlayer and unblock other geo-restricted content in the UK without experiencing any issues.

Lily Bart

Lily Bart is your guide to the streaming universe. Let her help you navigate the world of entertainment with passion and insight into thrilling sports events, the hottest movies and so much more! From riveting documentaries to captivating series, Lily unravels stories that transcend screens. Join the journey through a multitude of genres, where every click reveals a new adventure.

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