Enjoy Unrestricted Access To Your Favorite Channel Anywhere in the World with a VPN

How to watch BBC iPlayer in USA [Updated July 2021]

How to watch BBC iPlayer in USA [Updated July 2021]

Don’t know how to watch BBC iPlayer in USA? No need to worry about it anymore. You can now download and watch BBC iPlayer despite its services available to the UK only. This detailed blog will help you understand how to access the BBC iPlayer step by step to watch your favorite shows.

BBC iPlayer is one of the biggest British OTT services like Channel 4, but the irony is that it is geo-blocked. Whenever you try to access BBC iPlayer in the USA, you will see the following error:

BBC-iPlayer-geo-restriction-error

You can only access it in the UK unless you use a VPN provider to unblock this service in the USA.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer in the USA with a VPN [Easy Guide]

Here is a simple 6 step process to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA or anywhere outside the UK.

  1. Sign up for a VPN like ExpressVPN that has high-speed servers in the UK.
  2. Download and install the app on your device
  3. Open the VPN app and log in with your credentials
  4. Connect to a server in the UK, preferably Glasgow.
  5. Visit BBC iPlayer to create a Free Account.
  6. Sign in to access the content from different channels of BBC in the USA.

Buy ExpressVPN Now

How to Watch BBC iPlayer in the USA with a VPN [With a Video Tutorial]

You can watch this video to learn more about the unblocking process:

 

Why Do You Need a VPN  to Access BBC iPlayer in the USA?

BBC iPlayer is a British streaming service, and you might not be able to access it from anywhere except the UK, just like you cannot watch Sky Go Outside UK.

An IP address is assigned to the user every time they surf the Internet. In simple words, an internet service provider has access to the local IP address. An IP tracking system identifies and blocks the users streaming the content of BBC iPlayer outside the UK.

Also Read: How to Watch Channel 9 Outside Australia

Therefore, when the user tries to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA, the streaming service tracks the local IP and immediately restricts the user from accessing the content. But for every problem, there is a solution. The user can unblock BBC iPlayer by using VPN, as it will allow them to overcome the geo-restrictions imposed by BBC when the user changes local IP with UK IP address.

This trick will allow the user to unblock the BBC iPlayer in the USA and enjoy the content anywhere.

 

Best VPNs to Watch BBC iPlayer in USA or Anywhere in 2021

Not all VPNs can unblock BBC iPlayer outside UK and However, we have listed a few VPNs below that are best for watching the BBC iPlayer in the USA:

ExpressVPN – Most Secure VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer

This service is extremely secure and reliable, giving users an excellent unblocking ability that many other VPNs fail to provide. Its fast service gives an edge to the user to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA with no noticeable buffering. ExpressVPN has high-speed servers in UK that unblock BBC iPlayer instantly. It can unblock any site, even with its browser extension.

expressvpn-unblocks-bbc-iplayer

ExpressVPN’s 1-year plan is available for $6.67/mo, and you can try this service with a 30-day back money guarantee. All of its servers have AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, and it follows a strict no-logs policy. Use ExpressVPN to watch Hotstar in UAE using its Indian servers.

Buy ExpressVPN Now

Surfshark – Fastest VPN to Unblock BBC iPlayer in USA

This is a user-friendly service and ideal for those who are new to the world of VPNs. It enables all security features by default and has a powerful unblocking ability. Its London and Glasgow servers are the most optimal server for unblocking BBC iPlayer. Overall it has 3 servers in UK and 3200+ servers all over the world.

surfshark-unblocks-bbc-iplayer

You can get Surfshark’s 2-year plan for $2.49/mo as it is the lowest price available in the industry. With Surfshark, you will be able to share your account with as many people as you want because of its unlimited multi-logins feature.

Buy SurfShark Now

 

NordVPN – Reliable VPN to Unblock and Stream BBC iPlayer in the US

NordVPN majorly focuses on user privacy and security and is considered one of the best budget VPNs. With NordVPN, the user can bypass the geo-blocking measures and live stream BBC iPlayer in USA or from anywhere in the world. It has more than 5400 servers in 59 countries, and all of them are protected by AES 256 bit encryption and have no issues with IP or DNS leaks.

purevpn-unblocks-bbc-iplayer

You can avail of its 2-year package for $4.89/mo and enjoy unlimited bandwidth. You can also share your account with your family and friends because it allows up to 6 simultaneous connections. NordVPN can also let you access Rai TV outside Italy via its Italian servers.

Buy NordVPN Now

Can I Watch the BBC Abroad with a Free VPN?

No, you cannot watch the BBC iPlayer with a free VPN because they cannot bypass geo-restrictions. Even if they were, I would suggest you not opt for them. The reason being, free VPNs put you at risk because of their poor security protocols and because they leak DNS and IP addresses.

The cherry on the top is that free VPN providers also keep user logs and track user activity. This is a non-negotiable for every VPN user, and people use VPNs to stay anonymous. Why would somebody opt for a VPN provider that does not respect the user’s privacy itself?

How to Sign Up for the BBC iPlayer

Signing-up for BBC iPlayer isn’t much of a hassle, and you can do it within a few minutes. You will have to enter generic details for registering, like your date of birth, your postal code, and our email address. You can use any postal code, which does not necessarily mean that you have to prove your location, which is nothing to worry about.

Moreover, you also do not have to worry about the TV license. You might see a warning or notice that you need a TV license for watching anything on BBC iPlayer. However, the platform will not block your access or stop you from streaming for not having the license. Therefore, you do not have to worry about it at all.

How do I Download BBC iPlayer App in the USA?

For Android Users

Android users can download BBC iPlayer on their device by following these simple steps:

  1. Go to Google Play Store and search for ExpressVPN.
  2. Download the VPN app and install it.
  3. Now log-in to the ExpressVPN app and connect to a UK server.
  4. Now open the Google Play Store, but with a different Gmail id.
  5. Search for BBC iPlayer. (If you are not connected to a VPN server and using the same Gmail id you used for downloading ExpressVPN, you will not see the BBC iPlayer in the search result).
  6. Download the BBC iPlayer app and install it on your device.
  7. Log-in to the app using your credentials.

Now, you can start streaming without any problem. Make sure you are connected to the VPN server.

For iOS users

The procedure of downloading BBC iPlayer on iOS is a little different than Android as you cannot just go to the App Store and download the app right away. Secondly, due to the complexity of the OS, the method seems to be quite distinct.

I have discussed the procedure in a simplified form. Follow these 8 easy steps:

  1. Go to your device’s ‘Settings’  and tap on your Apple ID profile.
  2. Click on ‘Media and Purchases‘ > Click on ‘Country/Region‘.
  3. Select “Change Country or Region” > Choose “United Kingdom.”
  4. Now ‘Agree’ to the ‘Terms and Conditions.
  5. Enter your details and add a random UK address or phone number.
  6. Now go to the App Store and search ‘BBC iPlayer.’
  7. Download the app and install it on your iOS device.
  8. Now you can easily stream BBC iPlayer on your iPhone or iPad.

Devices to Watch BBC iPlayer

Not just one or two, but there is a long list of compatible devices to Watch BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

  1. Roku
  2. PS3 & PS4
  3. Windows via browser
  4. Mac OS via a browser
  5. Android via official iPlayer app
  6. Apple TV
  7. Xbox 360 & Xbox One
  8. Firestick
  9. iOS (iPhone and iPad) via official iPlayer app
  10. Chromecast
  11. Android Smart TV (specified support)

How to Watch BBC iPlayer in the USA on Roku?

You can watch the BBC iPlayer on Roku, but you will need a Roku UK account first. Once you have the UK account for Roku, then you can follow these 6 simple steps to watch BBC iPlayer on Roku:

  1. Reset your Roku device.
  2. Now set up ExpressVPN on your router and connect to a UK server.
  3. Connect your Roku to your TV and sign-up through your Roku UK account.
  4. Now go to Roku Channel Store and search for ‘BBC iPlayer.’
  5. Download and install the BBC iPlayer app.
  6. Open the app after installation and sign-in to your account.

Now you can watch all your favorite BBC iPlayer shows on your Roku device.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Apple TV in the USA?

Before installing the BBC iPlayer on your Apple TV, make sure you have changed your App Store location from the USA to the UK. You cannot watch BBC iPlayer on Apple TV in the USA unless you have changed the region. You can follow these 7 easy steps to download and install BBC iPlayer on Apple TV:

  1. Connect Apple TV device with your TV.
  2. Open ‘Settings’ and click on General.
  3. Click on ‘Region’ and select ‘UK.’
  4. Configure ExpressVPN on your router and connect to a UK server.
  5. Now, open App Store and search for ‘BBC iPlayer.’
  6. Download the app and install it.
  7. Now you can sign-in to your account and start streaming.

BBC Channels and Shows to Watch

List of all iPlayer Channels:

  1. BBC Scotland
  2. BBC Alba
  3. BBA Four
  4. CBeebies
  5. Radio1
  6. BBC News
  7. BBC One (Live stream)
  8. BBC Parliament
  9. BBC Two
  10. S4C
  11. CBBC
  12. BBC Three

List of Top BBC shows to Watch on iPlayer

  1. His Dark Materials
  2. Peaky Blinder
  3. Luther
  4. Dracula
  5. Doctor Who
  6. Bodyguard
  7. Giri/Haji
  8. Killing Eve
  9. Pose
  10. Fleabag
  11. Dublin Murders
  12. I May Destroy You
  13. Scrubs
  14. Great British Breakoff

FAQ’s



To watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK, you will need a VPN subscription. The most recommended VPN are NordVPN and ExpressVPN to access BBC iPlayer.



Yes, you can watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland by simply subscribing to ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN has few dedicated UK servers which can change your current IP to UK-based IP.



Yes, you can watch the BBC iPlayer on your mobile and tablet if they have a compatible operating system required to run it. You can find BBC iPlayer on compatible Android, Amazon Fire, iOS mobile, and tablet devices.



Yes, you can watch programs anywhere, whether you are at home or on the go, by downloading off the BBC iPlayer. You can still enjoy watching your favorite shows even if you are away from Wi-Fi or your broadband is buffering.



You don’t have to pay anything to sign up for BBC iPlayer. However, to watch the BBC iPlayer on your TV, you will have to pay a TV  license fee of £147 a year in the UK, but this fee is not for iPlayer. This fee is legally required to be paid to watch television in the UK.



Yes, you can have more than one user signed in, and both can watch simultaneously. Once you are signed in, all you have to do is click on the Sign-in icon on top of your screen and select Add user.



You can watch BBC iPlayer for free anywhere by using a VPN. However, it is recommended that you use a premium VPN to access the BBC iPlayer outside the UK.


No, you cannot use a free VPN with BBC iPlayer because iPlayer can block VPNs and free VPN providers are not good enough to bypass geo-restrictions and VPN blockers. It is recommended that you use a premium VPN like ExpressVPN to bypass the geo-restrictions and slip through VPN blockers.

No, it is not illegal to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA or anywhere outside the UK. Although, this is an open violation of section 7a of BBC’s Terms of Use that refrains users from”accessing content from outside the UK that you aren’t allowed to.” Despite that, if you are accessing BBC iPlayer abroad with a VPN, you will not be involved in anything ‘illegit’.


No, BBC iPlayer does not require a subscription. It is free to use service, but you will have to subscribe to a VPN if you wish to use it outside the UK.

Conclusion

I hope reading this blog was useful, and it helped you understand how to download and watch BBC iPlayer in the USA. Using one of the VPNs mentioned in the list above, like ExpressVPN, you will be able to have access to the BBC iPlayer and enjoy binge-watching your favorite programs on your mobile phones, tablets, and TV anywhere outside the UK.

If you have any questions or need clarity, feel free to drop in your queries in our comment section, and we will get back to you on it as soon as we can!

 

 

 

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Arsalan Rathore

Arsalan Rathore

Arsalan Rathore is a business graduate who loves to pen down his thoughts and views related to various aspects. He loves writing about Technology, Entertainment, Fiction and Science. He loves binge watching shows from various genres and then sharing his views with the world.


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