• Get Surfshark
A woman wearing a purple blouse looking to her right and holding a tablet next to a play icon.

How to watch BBC iPlayer safely with a VPN

  • Stream BBC iPlayer securely and privately
  • Connect to over 3,200 lightning-fast servers in 100 countries
  • Get a 30-day money-back guarantee
Get Surfshark
30-day money-back guarantee

What is BBC iPlayer?

BBC iPlayer is a free video streaming service that lets you watch all BBC programs live and on demand. It’s available on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, PCs, Macs, and smart TVs. The iPlayer is free of commercial advertising; however, it’s only accessible to viewers in the UK.

What is BBC iPlayer?

Why use a VPN for BBC iPlayer?

Using a VPN to access BBC iPlayer adds an extra layer of security and privacy. A VPN is beneficial:

  • On public Wi-Fi: to protect your data from hackers preying on unsecured networks;
  • When traveling: to access BBC iPlayer securely from anywhere in the world;
  • To maintain privacy: to prevent ISPs and third parties from tracking your online activity.
Why use a VPN for BBC iPlayer?

How to use BBC iPlayer with a VPN

Get a Surfshark account

1. Get a Surfshark account

Choose a Surfshark subscription plan that fits your needs and create an account.

2. Connect to any UK server

Select a UK city closest to you for the fastest connection and get a UK IP.

Create a free account

3. Create a free account

You will need your UK postcode for this step. Once you are done, tune in and watch BBC with Surfshark.

Disclaimer: We prohibit using Surfshark services for any unlawful purposes as it is against our Terms of Service. Please be sure to act in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of streaming service providers.

Why is Surfshark a great BBC iPlayer VPN?

The closer you are to a server, the faster your connection. With Surfshark’s 212 VPN servers spread across London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, you won’t have to worry about speed. Even when you travel, Surfshark lets you safely catch up on your favorite shows without lagging or internet throttling.

Fast & safe HD streaming

Home shows on the go, wherever you are

Throttle-free streaming at home

How to stream BBC iPlayer on your TV with Surfshark

Ready to take Surfshark for a spin? There are three ways to ensure a secure and fast stream of uninterrupted entertainment on your TV:

Need more details on setting up a VPN for iPlayer? We’ve got you covered — set up a VPN on your smart TV with ease.

Premium vs. free VPN for BBC iPlayer

If you’re considering googling “BBC iPlayer VPN free,” don’t. In the best-case scenario, free VPNs equal slow connection speeds and an excessive number of intrusive ads.

At worst, your data could be sold to third parties and your device infected by malware or malvertising.

You will always be better off streaming BBC iPlayer with a paid VPN like Surfshark, both in terms of quality of service and your online privacy.

Premium vs. free VPN for BBC iPlayer

30-day money-back guarantee

We’re confident you’ll love Surfshark, but if you decide to cancel for any reason, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Try Surfshark and enjoy secure access to BBC iPlayer risk-free.

Get Surfshark
30-day money-back guarantee

Frequently asked questions

Yes, BBC iPlayer works with a VPN. Moreover, if you’re a traveling UK resident or expat, using a VPN can be the ONLY option for accessing BBC iPlayer. If you’re looking for a VPN provider, consider Surfshark — we offer one of the best BBC iPlayer VPNs out there.

To resolve BBC iPlayer VPN issues:

  • Make sure you are using a reliable VPN such as Surfshark;
  • Switch to a different UK server;
  • If step 2 doesn’t work, disconnect from the VPN, clear your cache and cookies, and switch to a different UK server.

Since you need a TV license to watch and record any live TV in the UK, it’s required for BBC iPlayer as well.

Get Surfshark and BBC iPlayer from Google Play. Run Surfshark first, connect to a UK server, and leave the app running. Then launch BBC iPlayer and select the sports program you want to watch.

If your device doesn’t support VPNs, you can watch BBC iPlayer on Android using the router method:

  1. Download a VPN and install it on your router.
  2. Select a UK server or IP in your VPN panel.
  3. Connect your Android device to the Wi-Fi hotspot you created.
  4. Go to your Google Play app, download and install the BBC iPlayer app.
  5. Open the app and sign in to your BBC iPlayer account.

Streaming services such as BBC iPlayer detect VPNs by looking for shared IP addresses. If they see a lot of different devices connecting to their service from one IP address, they block it. That’s why choosing a VPN provider with a vast server network is so important.

BBC iPlayer is free, but you need to have a TV license to watch it. Your mobile operator may also charge you for data — please contact them for details on mobile data costs or to check your data allowance.