The BBC iPlayer is the online version of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Since its founding in 1922, the BBC has become well known as being a source of quality programming. Whether you are talking about radio or TV, many Brits and expats enjoy the shows. As you probably know, the network has several channels and they feature an extremely wide variety of genres. The iPlayer contains content from all of them. Over the years, it has been responsible for producing some of the most iconic shows in history. If you are a fan of the network or want to become one, you need to be in the UK. If you are outside of that area, you can unblock BBC iPlayer with a VPN.
Quickstart Guide for Using a VPN with BBC iPlayer
If you want the quickest and easiest way to watch the BBC iPlayer, follow these steps.
- Sign up for ExpressVPN (includes a 30-day money back guarantee).
- Once you have opened the client, locate a server in the United Kingdom.
- Open a browser and connect to the BBC iPlayer. Keep in mind you will need to sign in or register on their website first before you can watch anything. When you do so, you will be asked for a postcode. If you remember yours, enter it now. If not, you can look it up on the web. Make sure to say yes if you are asked if you have a TV license if you have not already.
- Watch, listen, and enjoy all of the great programming options of the British Broadcasting Corporation.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the best choice for unblocking popular BBC iPlayer and live sporting events. The ExpressVPN team has combined their VPN service with a Smart DNS feature called MediaStreamer. The combination will protect your privacy and unblock access to a wide range of content all over the world. You can run the ExpressVPN app on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and router. The MediaStreamer service extends support to streaming media devices (Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Kodi boxes, etc.), Smart TVs, gaming consoles (PS4, Xbox One, Switch), and more.
The team at ExpressVPN is currently offering our visitors a discount on their all-inclusive VPN service. You can enjoy unlimited access to both their VPN network and MediaStreamer service for 49% off with 3 months free. In addition, they are offering a 30-day money back guarantee to all new members so you won’t feel rushed while testing the service. You’ll have a month to watch live events, unblock streaming services, and fully experience the advantages of ExpressVPN. You can expect to be quite impressed with the service.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer with NordVPN
NordVPN is a good choice for unblocking live sporting events and streaming services. The VPN will help you unblock Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and many more channels. You still need a subscription for paid services like CBS All Access but NordVPN will help you unblock the geo-restrictions. They are one of the few VPNs that can still access Netflix US from outside the United States. This makes NordVPN a great choice for those who want to stream content from other regions of the world.
As you can see, the NordVPN app is easy to use. You can select a server location from the map or from a list of countries. Unfortunately, NordVPN doesn’t let you choose a specific city in locations like the United States. However, it will pick a server based on your current location. We found this to result in slower speeds than ExpressVPN. At times we had to try a few different servers to find one that offered the performance we desired. Otherwise, NordVPN offers everything you need to unblock your favorite websites.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer with PIA VPN
Private Internet Access, often referred to as PIA, is one of the most popular VPN services in the world. They are headquartered in Silicon Valley and have contributed heavily to the privacy community. You have likely seen PIA in the news as they support a wide range of privacy-related campaigns. From full-page ads to promote privacy bills to support of the open source community, the PIA team is a strong privacy advocate. You will find the VPN service offers everything you need to encrypt your connection and unblock access to many of your favorite web sites.
We have experienced positive results when trying to access Netflix through PIA. You will find that popular streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer are getting good at blocking VPNs. It’s a game of cat and mouse in which the VPNs find ways to stay ahead of the game. In addition to unblocking restrictions, PIA is also very popular in the file sharing community. Torrent users turn to PIA to secure their privacy with sites like TorrentFreak promoting the service. You will find that PIA has a lot to offer for a very reasonable price.
After looking at those options, here’s a look at some popular shows available on the BBC iPlayer. Below, we have them divided by category.
- Drama & Soaps – EastEnders, Our Girl, Hidden, Holby City, Poldark, Versailles, The Bridge
- Documentary – Celebrities of the NHS Frontline, The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, Rich Hall’s Working for the American Dream
- Current Affairs – Panorama
- CBeebies – Hey Duggee, Bing
- Entertainment – Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing
- Comedy – Mock the Week
- CBBC – Tracy Beaker Returns, Hetty Feather
Of course, there are many other options. Those include sports, movies, news shows, and more. Remember, you have to register before you can use the iPlayer. You also need to be connected to a VPN first, or you will be geo-blocked.
About Geo-blocks
Geo-blocks are often annoying. Because of world licensing and broadcasting rights, the media companies block anyone outside of their targeted area. In other words, if you are traveling, want to watch region specific coverage, or just want to watch something new from an area, the blocking software will stop you. Since it can detect IP addresses, it can tell if you are outside of the targeted area. By connecting to a VPN, the blocking software will think you are located someplace else. Of course, you can watch more than just the BBC iPlayer when you use one.
Not All VPNs Will Unblock the BBC iPlayer
The truth of the matter is, the community is littered with ineffective VPN products. Though they may help you in other ways, you are removing one of the biggest benefits of a VPN if it does not unblock geo-restrictions. Even some of the more well-known providers do not work well to get you past those types of blocks. There is no point in trying to access the BBC iPlayer if you are having issues with the VPN. That is why we suggest the options we mentioned above.
You now have some great tools to use so you can unblock BBC shows. Though there are other providers available, we think you’ll be happy with our choices. If you are a fan of BBC programming, you don’t have to miss out on great shows because of where you are. If your goal is to unblock the BBC iPlayer, this post will help you.
