How to watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK

BBC iPlayer has evolved into one of the best streaming services in the UK — free to use, with high-definition streaming and download support across multiple platforms. But if you're travelling outside the UK, you'll likely run into problems accessing iPlayer. That's because, being a UK-only service, access is blocked from outside the country.

Fortunately there are a few workarounds, all of which are relatively simple.

First, the legal stuff

To legally watch BBC iPlayer, you need to be a UK resident with a valid TV license. With that out of the way...

1. Download before you travel

If you don't want to mess around with roaming or VPNs, you can always download the shows you want before you travel. You can do this through the BBC iPlayer Android app (opens in new tab), or on your Windows or Mac computer with the iPlayer downloads app.

Downloads will be available for up 30 days after they're broadcast on TV, depending on the show. Also note that not all types of content can be downloaded — for example, live sport is often excluded from iPlayer downloads.

2. Use a VPN

A paid VPN service is the most reliable way to use iPlayer outside the UK.

This is probably the most reliable way to use iPlayer from outside the UK. A VPN (virtual private network) can mask your actual IP address (and thus your location) by routing traffic to a server in another country of your choice. If it's a UK-based VPN server, bingo, iPlayer will work.

Our VPN service of choice is TunnelBear (opens in new tab), which is extremely simple to use. A basic free account gets you 500MB per month, or you can pay $6.99 per month for unlimited data. Pay yearly and it's the equivalent of $4.16 per month. (Naturally, if you're streaming more than one show a month from iPlayer, you're going to have to pay.)

TunnelBear has apps (opens in new tab) for Windows, macOS, Android (opens in new tab) and iOS (opens in new tab), and there are also Chrome and Opera browser plugin if you don't want to route all your network traffic through the VPN. (Ideal if you're just accessing streaming services like iPlayer.)

To get started, install the app on your platform of choice and set the country switch to "UK," then simply browse to iPlayer on the web or through the mobile app.

3. Use roaming data

This isn't an ideal solution, as data roaming can be extremely expensive. But if you've got a large roaming data allowance — for example, through Vodafone's Data Traveller program — you'll be able to download or stream iPlayer content over a cellular connection. This is because international roaming works like a VPN, routing your traffic back to your UK-based provider, so it looks like you're still at home.

As always, tread with care when using data-intensive apps over a roaming connection, and double-check prices before you do anything.

Alex Dobie
Executive Editor

Alex was with Android Central for over a decade, producing written and video content for the site, and served as global Executive Editor from 2016 to 2022.

7 Comments
  • You only need a tv licence to watch live programs on the iPlayer, if your watching non live your fine with out a licence, but you need to be a uk resident
  • The BBC are blocking lots of VPNs now. Is Tunnel Bear still working? Posted via the Android Central App
  • They'll be articles about Kodi soon Posted via the Android Central App
  • Shhh, the first rule of Kodi is don't talk about Kodi!
  • The BBC should just have a subscription for non UK residents. This is the same issue as with US only deals.
  • Ip Vanish is one VPN service that works with BBC iplayer. It doesn't work though with Channel 4 if you want to look at Formula 1. For ITV all of them seems to work. BBC has announced that from January 1st you have to login to see iPlayer abroad and then it will work without VPN. But you need a license to login. Posted via the Android Central App
  • I would subscribe if they'd offer a subscription to US residents.