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Watch shows & movies on BBC iPlayer even if you’re overseas

Catch up on British entertainment from the USA, Europe, or anywhere else in the world!

  • Use a VPN to stream BBC iPlayer from anywhere
  • Watch TV shows without buffering and lagging
  • Get a 30-day money-back guarantee with Surfshark
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How to access BBC iPlayer anywhere?

Get a Surfshark account.

You only need one for an unlimited number of devices!

Connect to any UK server.

Now you can go straight to the BBC iPlayer website.

Create a free account.

With a UK postal code and watch anything you want!

Is BBC iPlayer not working with your VPN?

If you’re here, you’ve seen one of these messages while your VPN was connected: 

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

  • “This content is not available in your location.”

  • “This content doesn’t seem to be working.”

Why BBC iPlayer might not be working


1BBC iPlayer is blocking VPN servers’ IP addresses.

2You have cookies saved on your computer or phone from previous visits.

3The IP address of a VPN and your device’s GPS location doesn’t match.

4Your IP address is leaking.

How to fix BBC iPlayer VPN issues


1Ask your VPN support, whether only a particular server unlocks the streaming service.

2Clear cookies or try opening the site on a different browser.

3To avoid GPS location mismatching your IP address, watch BBC iPlayer on a computer instead of a phone or tablet.

4If the BBC iPlayer still doesn’t work, you might need to go for a different VPN service.

What can you watch on BBC iPlayer?

BBC One

Catch up on BBC News & Eastenders on the original BBC channel. There’s something here for everyone - like the hit show His Dark Materials!

BBC Two

Love documentaries or Top Gear? It looks like BBC Two might be your new favorite channel. Indulge in true crime stories and slightly more serious TV here.

BBC Three

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and Killing Eve are just two of fan favorites on this colorful channel. You can also find investigative journalism videos.

BBC Four

Learn about famous artists like Gauguin or Jonathan Miller. Binge-watch true crime shows or series about archaeology. If you want to learn, this is the right place!

BBC Radio 1

With classics like celebrity Innuendo Bingo, there really isn’t a dull moment on this channel. Listen to some mood-boosting live music by your favorites and watch a documentary or two.

CBBC

Any kids at your house? Children’s BBC is for anyone aged 6 to 12, and it has a ton of fun, age-appropriate content for just about any kid.

CBeebies

If your little one is under six-years-old, they might love CBeebies. It’s got Teletubbies, the educational programming, and everything else the little ones love.

BBC Scotland

Documentary, lifestyle, history, drama, and sports are just a few of the genres that this channel covers. Find your next favorite show on BBC Scotland!

BBC News

BBC News is precisely what it says on the tin. Tune in for your latest scoop of news, insightful documentaries, and important modern world issues.

BBC Parliament

On an even more serious note, you can also watch live and recorded sessions of the Parliament. If you’re really into politics, it also features party election broadcasts.

BBC Alba

We hope your Scottish Gaelic isn’t rusty, because you’re going to need it to enjoy what BBC Alba has to offer. Find sports, music, drama, and even Peppa Pig shows!

S4C

S4C is a Welsh-language channel, but if you’re not a confident speaker or just really like something on it, you can find English subtitles for most of their shows.

Unlock a vast world of
new entertainment

Did you know that with Surfshark VPN, you can unlock a ton of other streaming services?

Not sure if we unlock a specific streaming service? Drop us a line at [email protected] or message us via a live chat for a quick response.

FAQ

Is BBC iPlayer available in the USA?

Yes, you can access it in the US if you use a VPN. However, the BBC iPlayer blocks quite a few VPNs, so you should research your options first. Surfshark is one that still works well with the streaming service.

Do you need a license to view BBC iPlayer?

You need a license to view and record live television in the United Kingdom. That means you need to have a license to watch BBC iPlayer too; however, you don’t need to prove that you have one.

When you’re signing up for your BBC iPlayer account, simply use a UK postal code (you can find one online), and you are good to go. Of course, you need to have a VPN so that the website does not recognize you’re not physically located in the United Kingdom.

How does BBC know I’m using a VPN?

Streaming services like the BBC iPlayer use smart technologies that detect VPNs. They do it by inspecting shared IP addresses. If they see that many different devices connect to their service through one IP address, they suspect that it’s a VPN. Thus, they blacklist it.

Does it cost to use the BBC iPlayer?

No, the BBC iPlayer is free to use, but you have to be in the UK to watch it. That’s why you have to use a VPN if you want to watch it from another country.

All the British goodies are waiting for you

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