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Wondering, how can I watch BBC iPlayer from outside UK? As of May 2023, BBC iPlayer is unavailable outside UK due to geo-restrictions. So the question arises; is BBC iPlayer available in other regions than UK? No, it’s not. However, the best way to get BBC iPlayer outside UK is through using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN.
BBC iPlayer service is a popular British streaming platform that is home to the best BBC iPlayer movies, and shows, including the popular Magpie Murders, Better, The Gold, and many more. BBC iPlayer has it all.
Do not miss to watch King Charles III Coronation anywhere on BBC iPlayer as it is broadcasting it live for Free.
Without further ado; let’s take a look at How can I watch BBC iPlayer for free outside UK?
How to Watch BBC iPlayer outside UK? [Easy Steps]
As of 2023, watching BBC iPlayer live outside UK is not an option though a VPN will help you get it. Follow these four easy steps on how to bypass BBC iPlayer sign in in 2023:
- Subscribe to ExpressVPN. We highly recommend it because of its fast-speed servers!
- Set up and log into the ExpressVPN app.
- Connect to a British server (preferably East – London) from the list.
- Now head over to BBC iPlayer, Sign in, and start streaming BBC iPlayer outside UK for free without buffering.
Note: If you don’t have a BBC iPlayer subscription outside UK; it’s very easy to register for a BBC iPlayer account.
After registration, you can also watch BBC One Live stream outside UK, and if you’re done binge-watching then you can also cancel BBC iPlayer account by following our easy guide.
Comparison of the best VPNs for Watching BBC iPlayer outside UK
In case you’re thinking can I watch BBC iPlayer outside UK with VPN, then yes. That’s the best way you actually can watch the streaming service outside the UK. Here is the comparison table of the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer outside UK:
| VPNs | Total Server Count | Simultaneous Connections | Price |
| ExpressVPN | 3000+ servers in 94+ countries | 5 | GB£5.39/mo (US$6.67/mo) (Save 49% and get 3 extra months FREE with 12-month plan) |
| Surfshark | 3200+ servers in 65+ countries | Unlimited | GB£2.01/mo (US$2.49/mo) (83% Off on 2 Years Plan) |
| NordVPN | 5310+ servers in 59+ countries | 6 | GB£2.66/mo (US$3.29/mo) (Save 60% on 2-year plan) |
| CyberGhost | 6000+ servers in 88+ countries | 7 | GB£2.22/mo (US$2.75/mo) (Save 79% on 1-year plan) |
| IPVanish | 2000+ servers in 75+ countries | Unlimited | GB£0/mo (US$/mo) (Save 70% on 1-year plan) |
| PureVPN | 6500+ servers in 75+ countries | 10 | GB£1.61/mo (US$1.99/mo) (Save 82% on 2-year plan) |
Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer outside UK?
If you’re wondering whether you can watch BBC iPlayer outside UK free without VPN. No, you can’t. You need a VPN to bypass BBC iPlayer geo-restrictions. BBC iPlayer outside UK is geo-blocked because of the copyright policies and licensing agreements and can only be accessed through a premium VPN like ExpressVPN, which is the best way to use BBC iPlayer outside UK.
Therefore, when you try watching BBC iPlayer outside UK without a VPN, you will be instantly blocked by the service and come across the following BBC iPlayer proxy error:
“BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to right issues.” 
So, if you wonder Can I watch BBC iPlayer outside UK with a VPN? Yes, By connecting to UK servers, a VPN will hide your local IP address and swaps it with one from the United Kingdom, tricking BBC iPlayer into thinking that you are watching their service from the United Kingdom.
Besides BBC iPlayer, with the help of a VPN, you can access a number of other British-based geo-restricted websites too! You can also check our detailed guide if BBC iPlayer is not working with a VPN.
How Do I Create an Account for BBC iPlayer outside UK for Free?
Creating a BBC iPlayer account outside UK is easy. Follow these steps to sign up for the BBC iPlayer account outside UK for free:
- Download and sign-up for a VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN because of its high-speed servers).
- Login to ExpressVPN and connect to one of the servers from the UK (East – London).
- Now, head to the BBC iPlayer website and click on the “Sign in” option.
By clicking ‘Sign in’, you will be redirected to a new page!
- A new page will appear; click the “Register Now” option.
Start the registration process!
- Now it will ask about your personal information, including your age, date of birth, name, email address, and postal code. For Postal Code, use SW1A 1AA for London, E1 OAA for East London, and E16 2JE for Docklands.
Provide your details, including your DOB and valid email address!
- Enter all these details and select the “Register” option, verify your email, and start watching BBC iPlayer outside UK.
Note: While subscribing to BBC iPlayer outside UK, you might get a notification asking you if you have a TV license since. Don’t fret; all you need to do is click the “Yes” option, it will allow you to access the content immediately without inquiring any further.
What are the Best VPNs to Watch BBC iPlayer outside UK?
We’ve tested 50+ VPN services for unblocking BBC iPlayer outside UK for free, among which we chose the best 3 BBC iPlayer VPNs. These VPNs were chosen based on the highest security features, unblocking capabilities, and countless servers. The top VPNs which work with BBC iPlayer are:
1. ExpressVPN – The Best VPN for BBC iPlayer outside UK
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer in the United States due to its fast speeds. On a 100 Mbps connection, it averages 89.42 Mbps in downloads.
We tested the East London server, and the VPN unblocked BBC iPlayer immediately. ExpressVPN offers a total of 3000+ servers in 94+ countries.
The test results gave us an 89.42 Mbps download speed, and 84.64 Mbps upload speed, which is enough for high-end streaming. With this speed, you won’t have any problem accessing BBC iPlayer outside UK.
The East London server also worked well for us while watching BBC One outside UK; however, the Docklands server should be avoided because it is the slowest one!
ExpressVPN has a MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) option that allows it to connect to any devices or operating systems that don’t have a specific VPN app.
It offers support for Android, iOS, Linux, and Windows. Moreover, ExpressVPN is compatible with PC, PlayStation, Firestick, Roku, Xbox, Apple TV, and Smart TV.
It allows up to 5 simultaneous connections per account which cost GB£5.39/mo (US$6.67/mo) (Save 49% and get 3 extra months FREE with 12-month plan) and comes with an exclusive offer of 12 + 3 months free on their yearly package, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Works with BBC iPlayer outside UK
- 30-Days Money-Back Guarantee
- Supports 5 Simultaneous Connections
- Verified & Audited “No-Logs” Policy
- 7-Day Free Trial on iOS and Android
- Slightly Expensive Pricing
2. Surfshark – Pocket-Friendly VPN for Streaming BBC iPlayer outside UK
Surfshark is the most affordable BBC iPlayer VPN in the United States. It comes with an affordable plan with a tag of GB£2.01/mo (US$2.49/mo) (83% Off on 2 Years Plan) and also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
We tested Surfshark UK servers and found the Manchester server to be the fastest and the Edinburgh server to be the slowest, the latter should be avoided at any cost!
For connectivity, users have access to 3200+ servers in 65+ countries, among which 4 servers are available in UK cities. Users also have access to 5 static IPs in the United Kingdom. Surfshark servers work on BBC iPlayer perfectly well without any throttling.
On a standard 100 Mbps connection, Surfshark gave us a download speed of 88.14 Mbps and an upload speed of 83.72 Mbps. The difference in speeds might seem significant, but rest assured, Surfshark servers don’t affect your streaming experience.
Our streaming experience with Surfshark was great because of its consistently fast speeds!
The best part of all: streamers can enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription. It also lets you watch other channels outside UK.
Moreover, Surfshark supports Linux, Windows, Routers, Android, iOS, macOS, and gaming consoles. It is also compatible with streaming devices such as PlayStation, Roku, Xbox, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Wi-Fi routers.
- Affordable prices
- Unlimited simultaneous connection
- Chat support is available 24/7 for problem-solving
- 256-bit AES channel encryption and no logging problems
- Money back guarantee of 30 days is available
- Weak social media presence
3. NordVPN – Largest Servers Network VPN for BBC iPlayer outside UK
NordVPN has perhaps the largest server network for unblocking BBC iPlayer in the United States with ease. For bypassing geo-restrictions, users have 5310+ servers in 59+ countries. These come in handy for watching this service outside UK.
Its applications are quite intuitive and responsive. The interface allows for an easy selection of servers for unblocking. We opted for the London server, and it worked well for us!
On the other hand, NordVPN’s Manchester server gave us a pretty hard time watching BBC iPlayer live outside UK. Therefore, it should be avoided!
According to our test results, you can enjoy buffer-free streaming because there is a tiny speed change after connecting to the server.
On the speed test, NordVPN performed very well! It gave us a download speed of 86.49 Mbps and an upload speed of 79.42 Mbps, good enough for bufferless streaming!
NordVPN’s download and upload speeds are enough for a bufferless streaming experience!
Moreover, it supports Linux, Windows, Routers, Android, iOS, macOS, and gaming consoles. It is also compatible with streaming devices such as PlayStation, Roku, Xbox, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Wi-Fi routers.
You can get NordVPN’s 2-year plan just at GB£2.66/mo (US$3.29/mo) (Save 60% on 2-year plan).
- It is one of the largest service networks, which has a huge range of UK servers.
- AES-256 bit encryption is available, IKEv4 and IPsec
- Chat support is available 24/7 for continuous problem-solving help for customers
- 6 simultaneous connections on a single account
- There might be some glitches that may occur while you are using the app from your mobile phone.
- The IP address remains static
What is the Criteria to Choose the Best VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer outside UK?
Are you curious to know what VPN should I use for BBC iPlayer? Don’t worry. We tested BBC iPlayer VPNs based on the following criteria:
- Consistently unblocks BBC iPlayer outside UK with ease and other popular geo-restricted streaming services.
- It provides optimum speed connections for streaming without a lag.
- It offers strong encryption protocols to protect users’ data with a no-log policy.
- Supports all major devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Smart TV, etc.
- Offers at least 5 or more simultaneous connections on a single subscription.
What You Can Watch on BBC iPlayer outside UK in 2023?
BBC iPlayer is an all-rounder streaming service that offers unique and different content. So if you’re wondering what to watch on BBC iPlayer then you must know that the streaming platform’s library showcases sports programs, cartoons, popular movies, and amazing TV shows.
What TV shows does BBC iPlayer have outside UK in 2023?
Here’s a list of the best BBC iPlayer shows that should be on your watchlist:
What Movies are on BBC iPlayer outside UK 2023?
Here’s the list of the best films on iPlayer that you shouldn’t miss along with the Oscar Nominees available on BBC iPlayer.
| Beautiful Boy | Schindler’s List |
| Wild Life | The Duchess |
| Belle | The Railway Man |
| Don’t Look Now | An Irish Goodbye |
| King of Thieves | The Shawshank Redemption |
| The Omen | King Kong |
| The Last Right | The Ones Below |
Does BBC iPlayer Show Live Sports?
Yes, you can watch the following Sports events on BBC iPlayer:
| Six Nations Men’s Rugby | Football (FIFA World Cup 2022) |
| Men’s FA Cup 2023 | Horse Racing |
| Boxing | Ice Hockey |
| Cycling | Formula 1 |
| Bellator MMA | Golf |
| Athletics | Motorsports |
| Rugby U | Rugby League: Challenge Cup |
| NBA | Women’s FA Cup Final |
| The FA Cup | Irish League Football Live |
| Scottish Championship | Snooker: The Masters |
What’s New on BBC iPlayer to Watch in 2023?
Here’s a list of some amazing BBC titles for the month of May 2023:
- Interior Design Masters
- Gordon Ramsay’s Future Food Stars Final
- Waterloo Road
- Happy Valley Season 3
- Stacey Dooley: Ready for War
- Best Interests
- The Gold
- Guilt
- Daniel Taylor Lawrence
- Mysterious Mr. Lagerfeld
- Granite Habour
- Great Expectations
- Boiling Point
- Inside The Factory
- Ten Pound Poms
- Capture
- Out of the Shadows: Born From Rape
- Colin From Accounts
What Channels Can You Watch on BBC iPlayer outside UK?
BBC iPlayer service also offers live and catch-up TV from all of BBC’s channels, You can watch the following BBC channels outside UK:
- BBC One (Live Stream)
- BBC Two
- CBBC
- BBC Four
- BBC News
- Beebies
- BBC Three
- BBC Scotland
- S4C
- BBC Parliament
- BBC Alba
- Radio 1
- British tv
- BBC News
What Devices Does BBC iPlayer outside UK Work on?
This streaming service offers a large variety of HQ shows, radio shows, and best films on BBC iPlayer that are free of advertisement and is also available on all major devices, you can download BBC iPlayer outside UK on the following devices:
| Amazon Fire TV | Android devices |
| NOW TV Box | PlayStation 4 |
| Sony | PC |
| iMac | iOS devices |
| Toshiba | Roku |
| Apple TV | Xbox 360 |
| OS X | Amazon Firestick |
| Ubuntu | Samsung |
| Boxee | Xbox One |
| Phillips | PlayStation 3 |
| Smart TV | Wii U |
| Chromecast | iPad |
How to Download BBC iPlayer App outside UK?
To watch BBC iPlayer outside UK free outside UK on your device, you must follow this BBC iPlayer download hack which requires you to connect to ExpressVPN first, and then using a different Google account, visit the Play Store and get the BBC iPlayer app, or else the app won’t show up on your regular account.
How to Download BBC iPlayer App outside UK on Android
Follow the steps below to download BBC iPlayer app outside UK on android:
- First, sign in to Google Play Store with two or more different accounts on your Android device.
- Now close the Google Play Store, open the VPN app (we highly recommend ExpressVPN), and connect to East London server.
- Now go back to the Play Store app and search for BBC iPlayer with the existing account you are already logged in to. It won’t show you the BBC iPlayer app but don’t panic.
- Without closing the Play Store, switch to another account.
- Now search again for the BBC iPlayer app, and this time, the app will appear on the screen to download and install.
- Download and install the iPlayer app and start watching best BBC Dramas outside UK.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer outside UK on Chromecast?
If you want to view BBC iPlayer on Chromecast outside UK then follow the seven steps outlined below to make this feasible using the best BBC iPlayer VPN ultimately:
- A reputable BBC iPlayer VPN subscription is necessary (Recommended: ExpressVPN).
- Install the VPN app on your streaming device and then sign in.
- Connect to one of the UK servers using your VPN (Recommended: East London server).
- Search for “BBC iPlayer” on your device’s “Google Chrome browser” and go to the website.
- Sign in to the BBC iPlayer website, or create a new account if you don’t already have one.
- You may now view any content on iPlayer that you want. To access the “playback screen,” go to the “Cast Icon” menu.
- To cast a video, choose the name of your “Chromecast device” from the list that appears, and then enjoy viewing BBC iPlayer on Chromecast.
How do I Install BBC iPlayer outside UK on iOS Devices?
Wondering how to get BBC iPlayer app outside UK on iOS devices. Follow these steps to get the BBC iPlayer outside UK iPhone app:
- Open the VPN app (we highly recommend ExpressVPN), and connect to any server in the UK.
- Go to “Settings” on your iOS device and then click on your Apple ID profile.
- Now tap on the “Media and Purchases” option > select “Country/Region” > tap “Change Country or Region” > select “United Kingdom” and then on the “Terms and Conditions” page, tap “Agree.”
- Now enter all the required details, and for the UK locations, you can provide any address and number from the internet since Apple does not verify it.
- Once your region changes to the United Kingdom, head to App Store and search for the BBC iPlayer app.
- Now download BBC iPlayer outside UK on your iPhone.
How Can I Get BBC iPlayer on Firestick outside UK?
Here’s how can I get BBC iPlayer outside UK on Firestick:
- Turn your Fire Stick on and select the Apps from the Unknown Sources option. Ensure that it is turned on. You can find the option under Settings > Device > Developer Options.
- You must download and install the Downloader app if you don’t already have it.
- Open the VPN app (we highly recommend ExpressVPN), and connect to any server in the UK.
- Launch the VPN application and pick a UK server.
- If “Apps from Unknown Sources” is enabled, restart the Amazon Fire Stick.
- Install the BBC iPlayer app by searching for it from the store.
- Start the BBC iPlayer app and log in with your credentials.
- Start streaming BBC iPlayer on Firestick outside UK.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer Roku outside UK?
BBC iPlayer Roku app is available in Channel Store. However, to watch BBC iPlayer on Roku outside UK, you will require a British-origin account first. Follow these steps once you create a BBC iPlayer outside UK Roku account.
- Start by resetting your Roku device.
- Now, configure a VPN on your router and establish a VPN connection to a British server (we recommend ExpressVPN for Roku users).
- Unite your Roku device with the TV and sign-up with your UK account.
- Now go to Channel Store, search for iPlayer, and install it.
- Once the iPlayer installs on Roku > Launch the app > Sign in to your account and enjoy BBC iPlayer outside UK on Roku.
Note: After setup, a VPN on your router, make sure that the Roku is connected to the same router connection. Otherwise, iPlayer will not allow you to access the content.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Smart TV outside UK?
Here’s how to get BBC iPlayer on Smart TV outside UK:
- First, You need to change your smart TV region to the UK, which you can find on an official brand website like Samsung, Sony, LG, Sharp, Panasonic, Toshiba, TCL, Hisense, etc. (see a full list of Smart TV supported by BBC iPlayer from here)
- Now, set up a VPN on your router and connect it to a UK server (we recommend ExpressVPN). After that, connect your smart TV with the same internet connection on which you set up a VPN.
- Please search for the BBC iPlayer app and add it to your channel list.
- Now open the BBC TV app > Log in to your account or register it by visiting bbc.com/account.
- Open the VPN app on your TV and sign in by clicking the icon on the top left menu and enjoy it outside UK or anywhere.
- Now you can watch BBC iPlayer.
How do I Get BBC iPlayer on Apple TV outside UK?
To watch BBC iPlayer on Apple TV outside UK, you must switch your App Store region to the United Kingdom.
This is because the BBC iPlayer outside UK Apple TV is unavailable, and you can only download the app from the UK region App Store because of content rights. Here’s how to get BBC iPlayer on Apple TV outside UK:
- Connect Apple TV to the TV.
- Now go to “Settings” on Apple TV -> Select “General” option -> Select “Region” option.
- Select the United Kingdom as your region and enter all the required details.
- Once you switch to the British region -> Go to “App Store” and seek the “BBC iPlayer TV app,” download it (You don’t need a VPN until this point).
- Now set up a VPN on your router (we recommend ExpressVPN).
- Once your Apple TV is connected to a VPN via router -> Open BBC iPlayer > Log in to your account and enjoy.
Unable To Watch BBC iPlayer outside UK? – Troubleshooting Tips
If you are unable to watch BBC iPlayer outside UK, then we recommend that you implement the following troubleshooting tips:
- Clear your browser’s cache, cookies, and history before trying to stream iPlayer again.
- Turn off your phone’s GPS service.
- Reconnect the VPN to a different server.
- Reach out to your VPN provider’s customer support team.
FAQs
Can you watch BBC iPlayer outside UK?
Is it illegal to watch BBC iPlayer outside UK?
Is BBC iPlayer free outside UK?
Can I use a free VPN for BBC iPlayer outside UK?
How to Watch BBC One outside UK?
Wrapping It Up!
This ends our guide on Can I watch BBC iPlayer outside UK? here With one of the above-mentioned VPNs and steps, now you can easily watch BBC iPlayer outside UK for free.
While all the listed VPN providers are fully capable of granting you access to BBC iPlayer outside UK, if we had to pick the most reliable, optimized, fast, and efficient VPN for the job, it would be ExpressVPN.
Feel free to comment in case you have more questions on how to watch BBC outside UK for free?
