British audiences frequently use the BBC iPlayer streaming service. Unfortunately, site materials are restricted to UK residents. You will need a UK IP address to access it. It is also recommended that you open a UK based account. This is obviously not possible in a physical sense for those living in another country. However, there is some encouraging news.
Viewers in the US and elsewhere can now access BBC iPlayer by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) (outside the UK). Getting access to BBC iPlayer is as easy as installing a VPN on your device of choice, connecting to UK servers and registering an account. It’s not difficult to use a virtual private network (VPN) to bypass geo-restrictions and access BBC iPlayer from the United States. If you are using one for the first time, follow the instructions.
How to watch BBC iPlayer in the US with a VPN
- A Virtual Private Network (VPN) must be used to access BBC iPlayer from locations where it is not normally available. We advise you to take advantage of the 68% discount on NordVPN right now! We tested it by accessing BBC iPlayer and it worked fine.
- Time to get VPN service up and running on your device.
- Select a UK server to join.
- Visit the BBC iPlayer website and sign up for an account.
- Grab some food and settle in to watch some BBC iPlayer.
Why does BBC iPlayer require a VPN?
As use of BBC iPlayer is restricted to those living in the UK, the only way to view content on the platform is if you have a UK IP address. Therefore, BBC iPlayer content will not be available to you if you are located outside the UK.
For example, if you access BBC iPlayer from a location other than the UK and click on a title, you will see the following message at the top of the screen: ‘BBC iPlayer can only be used in the UK. Apologies, but this has to be done due to rights issues.”
Installing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your device will allow you to bypass the BBC iPlayer problem you are experiencing. The VPN will change your IP address, allowing BBC iPlayer to correctly identify your device as being in the UK.
Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer
With so many choices, finding the best VPN service for BBC iPlayer can be a challenge. However, there are a few standards that should always be followed by a reliable VPN service. Here are some features to look for in a virtual private network:
- Unblocks BBC iPlayer and other streaming services
- It uses innovative technology which provides high speed internet connection
- Provides reliable security featuressuch as an off switch
- Does not support log files from your browsing activities
- Compatibility with all major operating systems
- It can be used on multiple devices immediately
Several VPN services meet the aforementioned requirements. However, I use and recommend the following three for accessing BBC iPlayer:
- NordVPN is the best VPN service to watch BBC iPlayer in the US. It gives you lightning-fast speeds, a premium security package, and a risk-free one-month trial.
- Surfshark is a reliable VPN that offers unlimited simultaneous connections at a budget price. With it, your BBC iPlayer experience will be quite wonderful.
- Atlas VPN is an affordable and easy-to-use BBC iPlayer VPN that covers all the essential features for convenient streaming and browsing.
- PrivateVPN unblocks BBC iPlayer in the US and lets you enjoy high-quality videos.
- PureVPN is a security-oriented VPN that successfully bypasses BBC iPlayer geo-restrictions and performs excellently in providing good quality images.
1. NordVPN – Best VPN for BBC iPlayer
When you’re outside the UK and want to stream BBC iPlayer, NordVPN is one of the best VPNs because it has over 5,500 servers in 59 countries. Virtually any online video provider can now be accessed without restrictions. Thanks to its cutting-edge NordLynx technology, you should still get high connection speeds.
With NordVPN, you can connect up to six devices at once, and it works with all the most popular operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Android, macOS, and iOS. Use NordVPN’s Smart DNS service instead of installing the VPN app if your device does not support installing a VPN app. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, and monthly prices start at $3.09.
2. Surfshark – Cheapest BBC iPlayer VPN
Let’s say you’re in the United States and you want to use BBC iPlayer, but you’re looking for a cheaper virtual private network (VPN). If this is the case, you may find that your needs are met by Surfshark. For just $2.21 per month, you can access around 3,200 servers in more than 95 countries. Surfshark, unlike NordVPN, allows simultaneous use of an unlimited number of devices.
macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android are supported, along with other minor operating systems. WireGuard, Surfshark’s latest tunneling system, guarantees lightning-fast connections. This VPN service has a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with their services.
3. Atlas VPN – A solid VPN choice for BBC iPlayer
Atlas VPN lets you access BBC iPlayer. With over 750 servers in 37 countries, you’ll find your favorite shows. Atlas VPN covers BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Youtube and more with unlimited simultaneous connections. Since implementing WireGuard, its speeds have been among the best on the VPN market.
4. PrivateVPN – Fast and secure VPN for BBC iPlayer
PrivateVPN’s 200 servers in 63 countries offer you access to BBC iPlayer. It bypasses the geoblocking of Netflix, YouTube, Hulu and DAZN. Solid speeds let you stream BBC programs without buffering. PrivateVPN lets you connect 10 devices at once, allowing you to watch BBC iPlayer on any device. Stealth VPN mode, an obfuscation feature, also hides the fact that you are using a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions. PrivateVPN offers a 7-day trial period.
5. PureVPN – Reliable VPN for BBC iPlayer
PureVPN is another good VPN for BBC iPlayer and watching global content. Over 6500 servers in 78 countries. This VPN also unblocks Netflix, Hulu, DAZN and more.
PureVPN offers 10 simultaneous connections and Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. WireGuard makes this VPN fast. This is one of the cheapest VPNs for BBC iPlayer, starting at $1.99/month.
BBC iPlayer does not work with a VPN
If you try to access BBC iPlayer and get an error message, try connecting again later. If you’re already using a VPN but still can’t access BBC iPlayer from the United States, you may need to upgrade to a service that’s more optimized for streaming media, such as NordVPN.
People usually experience several different problems. For starters, if you’re still connected to a server in the United States and see a warning that BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK, your VPN isn’t doing its job. Make sure your VPN connection is working properly and that you are not leaking IP addresses or DNS to resolve this issue.
- The BBC has blacklisted the servers used by your VPN
- The GPS location on your device and on IP addresses are not the same
- BBC iPlayer upgrade its geoblocking protocolsand your VPN is no longer working
- Yours truly IP address is expiring
- You have BBC iPlayer Cookies on your device notifying the BBC that you are not in the UK
- The VPN you are using cannot unblock BBC iPlayer
Here are some answers to the problems described above:
- Try a different browser and clear your cookies
- Contact your VPN provider’s customer support and ask if the server you’re connected to unblocks the streaming services you need
- Look for the VPN leak protection setting and enable it
- If none of the above solutions work, you should change your VPN provider
How to watch BBC iPlayer for free?
You can access BBC iPlayer without paying anything, but free VPNs aren’t exactly recommended. Free VPNs may or may not be safe to use. Your internet speed will slow down as they monetize their work by selling the data and ad space you provide.
Still, free VPNs are available online if you’re trying to cut costs. Remember, there are only two free VPNs we would ever recommend, and they are Atlas VPN and ProtonVPN.
- Unblock BBC iPlayer and other major streaming services without interruptions and a lag-free connection thanks to NordVPN. Monthly plans start at just $3.09 and there are 30 days to try it risk-free.
- Using Surfshark, you can easily unblock BBC iPlayer on an infinite number of devices at once and you will be able to stream videos in stunning HD quality. Plans start at just $2.21 per month and there’s a free trial where you can try it risk-free for a full month.
- IPVanish is a reliable VPN that won’t let you down when trying to unblock BBC iPlayer in the United States. The cheapest monthly plan costs $3.33 and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The best streaming service alternatives to BBC iPlayer
Many people in the UK use BBC iPlayer to watch online videos. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO GO, etc. are great alternatives to BBC iPlayer if you don’t live in the UK.
Netflix is a worldwide streaming service that anyone can use. But his collection varies by continent. The United States of America, for example, has the richest library collection. However, if you set up a VPN, you can watch Netflix from any country.
Hulu, like many other streaming services, restricts access to its content based on the user’s location. As far as I know, this is only available to people in the United States. Once again, a virtual private network connection allows global access to Hulu.
HBO Max is the same as Hulu. You can only view it online if you’re in the US. Outside the US, HBO Max is only available with a VPN.
What can you watch on BBC iPlayer?
BBC iPlayer is one of the most widely used streaming platforms as it provides access to a variety of channels and loads of entertainment.