How to Watch BBC iPlayer in France Free? [March 2023]

bbc-iPlayer-In-France

Want to access BBC iPlayer in France? If yes, you have come to the right place. BBC is a UK-based live and on-demand video streaming service that has some of the best content to offer, from high-quality dramas to documentaries. But due to geo-restriction, you cannot access BBC iPlayer in France without a VPN.

A VPN allows viewers to access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. Our top recommended VPN is ExpressVPN due to the high-speed servers and top-notch security protocols it has to offer.

Currently, there are some of the best shows that are currently available on BBC iPlayer in 2023, like Interior Design Masters, Bellator, and all the top movies from Oscar Nominee’s 2023 selection.

So now, let’s just find out how you can get BBC iPlayer in France hassle-free with the help of our guide.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer in France? [Quick Steps]

Follow these simple steps and enjoy watching the amazing content of BBC iPlayer in France.

  1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN.
  2.  Install it on any of your streaming devices.
  3. Connect to a UK-based server. (Docklands recommended).
  4. Go to the BBC iPlayer website and try to live stream.
  5. Start streaming your favorite shows on BBC iPlayer in France.

Note: If you are not registered to BBC iPlayer, you must check the registration steps mentioned below.

Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer France?

BBC iPlayer is a geo-restricted platform and due to copyrights and distribution issues, you will need a VPN to be able to access the platform in France. When we tried to watch BBC iPlayer in France without a VPN, we got the below geo-error message:

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

bbc-iplayer-geo-restriction-error

BBC iPlayer geo-error message in France

You get this message due to the infringement policies on the platform. However, using a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN allows you to virtually change your location, giving you access to the full range of content available on BBC iPlayer. In addition to unblocking streaming services, a VPN can protect your online activity by encrypting your data and keeping it secure from hackers.

Whether you’re a fan of British comedies or football matches, a premium VPN will help you get access to your favorite shows on BBC iPlayer in France or anywhere in the world. You can also get BBC iPlayer in India with a VPN service.

If you don’t have an account on BBC iPlayer yet and you are wondering about the cost of BBC iPlayer, you will be glad to know it is a free streaming service. You can go for the BBC iPlayer free trial right away and watch your favorite content within seconds.

How to Sign up for BBC iPlayer Account in France? [Easy Guide]

You may wonder how to register for a BBC iPlayer account, just follow these steps and start streaming your favorite content on BBC iPlayer in France:

1) Download ExpressVPN and install it on your streaming device.

expressvpn

2) Sign up or log in to ExpressVPN.

3) Connect to a server in the UK. We recommend using the server in Docklands.

Connect-expressvpn

4) Go to the BBC iPlayer website and choose any show you want to stream.

start-watching-bbc

5) Select the ‘play’ button, and you will get a prompt to register for the service.

signin-or-register

6) Select whether you are above or below 16.

select-your-age

7) Input your date, month, and year of birth.

enter-your-date-of-birth

8) Use your email to register and ensure you input the UK as your location. You can enter the UK Postcode (e.g. PE10 9EG)

enter-your-info

9) Choose whether you want to get updates on your email or not.

10) You will be asked whether you have a TV license. Select ‘I have a TV license,’ then continue to the next step.

got-license

11) Choose ‘play without PG lock.’

choose-without-pg-unlock

12) Start watching your favorite movies on BBC iPlayer from wherever you are.

Note: In case, you face the issue of BBC iPlayer not working, you can always cancel the subscription any time you want.

What are the Best VPNs to Watch BBC iPlayer in France?

We tested more than 50+ VPNs based on privacy, server count, unblocking abilities, speed, and security. Afterward, we concluded that the following VPNs are the best to access BBC iPlayer from French territory so that you can enjoy your favorite shows without hassle.

ExpressVPN – Best VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in France

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer in France, and it’s for great reasons. It is popular to have fast speeds, we discovered that it provided speeds greater than 100 Mbs, clearly constrained by the speed of your standard Internet connection.

ExpressVPN’s vast server network spans over 3000+ servers in 94+ countries, including 4 server locations in Wembley, London, East-London, and Docklands. Out of these four, we tested and found that the East-London server streams without lagging.

express-vpn-unblocks-bbc-iplayer-france

ExpressVPN bypassed the geo-restrictions on BBC iPlayer after connecting to the East London server!

In the speed tests we conducted, ExpressVPN offered a download speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection. With this speed, you can easily stream BBC iPlayer in Italy as well.

expressvpn-speed-test

On a 100 Mbps base connection, ExpressVPN provided incredibly fast results.

Recommended Server: London, Wembley, Docklands

It allows for five simultaneous logins, so you, your family, and your friends can use its features. In addition, each of its servers is equipped with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and adheres to a stringent no-logs policy, allowing you to BBC iPlayer in Peru without lagging issues.

With the help of the ExpressVPN Media Streamer, you’ll have no trouble accessing the geo-restricted content on devices that don’t usually work with VPNs. Additionally, it provides additional features such as Split Tunneling and a Kill Switch. You may also watch BBC iPlayer in Thailand if you use such a premium VPN.

ExpressVPN is compatible with various devices, and you can use it to stream BBC iPlayer on Apple TVs, Smart TVs, Firestick, and Roku, as well as operating systems like mac, iOS, Android, and Windows.

You can test ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee and pay only US$ 6.67 /mo - Save 49% and get 3 extra months FREE with 12-month plan. Additionally, it provides support via live chat around the clock. The East-London server is not recommended due to the slow speed.


Pros

  • High-speed servers
  • Top-notch military-grade security protocols
  • Threat Manager
  • MediaStreamer feature
  • 24/7 customer support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee


Cons

  • A bit more expensive than other VPNs on the market
  • A mobile app may have some glitches


Surfshark – Budget-Friendly VPN to watch BBC iPlayer in France

Surfshark consistently proves to be one of the best economic options for streaming BBC iPlayer. It costs only US$ 2.30 /mo - 82% Off on 2 Years Plan, including unlimited logins.

Surfshark activates all security mechanisms by default and possesses a potent ability to unblock content and services. It has over 4 server locations in the UK and 3200+ servers in 65+ countries. Of all the servers, we recommend using the server in Manchester to unlock BBC iPlayer in France.

surfshark-unblocks-bbc-iplayer-france

Surfshark bypassed the geo-restrictions on BBC iPlayer after connecting to the Manchester server!

It offers a download speed of 88.14 Mbps and an upload speed of 83.72 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection, letting you stream BBC iPlayer in Guernsey hassle-free.

Surfshark-Speed-Testing-in-france

Surfshark is capable of offering fast, consistent speeds to support Ultra HD streaming.

Recommended Server: London, Glasgow, Docklands

This means smooth, uninterrupted streaming and minimal buffering. You can use Surfshark to unblock BBC iPlayer in the Netherlands and stream from various devices such as Apple TVs, Smart TVs, Roku, Firestick, and iPhones. Moreover, you can also stream on operating systems like iOs, Windows, mac, and Android.

256-bit AES encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill button are some of the remarkable security and privacy features included in Surfshark. With Surfshark you can now watch BBC iPlayer in Belgium.

In addition, it includes a money-back guarantee for thirty days and assists via live chat 24/7. The East-London server is not recommended due to the slow speed.


Pros

  • Budget-friendly VPN
  • Camouflage Mode and MultiHop feature
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • 24/7 customer support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee


Cons

  • Speed is inconsistent
  • No split tunneling
  • Browser extensions have bugs


Watch BBC iPlayer in France with Surfshark30 days money back guarantee

NordVPN – Largest Server Network to watch BBC iPlayer in France

NordVPN has the largest server network which makes it the most suitable option to unblock BBC iPlayer in France.

When it comes to VPNs, speed is of the utmost importance. Nobody wants to wait for pages to load or videos to buffer. It has 5543+ servers in 94+ countries, and also it has 440+ servers in the UK. These servers allow you to watch any kind of content from various streaming platforms, just like you can watch SonyLiv in the USA easily.

nord-vpn-unblocks-bbc-iplayer-france

NordVPN bypassed the geo-restrictions on BBC iPlayer in France

Fortunately, NordVPN offers lightning-fast servers that allow you to stream your favorite TV shows and movies without lag. We tested it under a 100Mbps connection; its upload speed is 79.42 Mbps, while the download speed is 86.49 Mbps, letting you watch BBC iPlayer in Spain in a bufferless manner.

nordvpn-speedtest

It offers fast speed for streaming when tested on a 100 Mbps connection.

Recommended Server: #2398, #2450, #2421

Out of all these serves, the best one to use to stream BBC iPlayer in the UK is server #2398. The #2422 server is not recommended due to the slow speed.

There are no known concerns with DNS or IP leaks on NordVPN’s servers, including 256-bit AES encryption for maximum security. You may also watch BBC iPlayer in Malaysia with NordVPN.

NordVPN supports streaming on devices such as Apple TVs, Firestick, Android, Windows, and iPhones. Moreover, one NordVPN subscription can be connected by up to 6 users simultaneously. You can also get BBC iPlayer on Smart TV with NordVPN.

The NordVPN service has a monthly cost of US$ 3.49 /mo - Save 60% on 2 Years Deal and a money-back guarantee for 30 days. This VPN service also provides live chat help available around the clock.


Pros

  • Large server network
  • Fast connection with huge bandwidth
  • IKEv4 and DNS IP leak protection
  • 24/7 customer support
  • 30-day money back guarantee


Cons

  • Inconsistent speed
  • No router App
  • IP address tends to remain static


Watch BBC iPlayer in France with NordVPN30 days money back guarantee

How to select the Best BBC iPlayer VPN

There was a set criterion that helped us to pick the best BBC iPlayer VPN. The basic pointers to consider are as under:

  • Unblocking capabilities: The VPN should be able to unblock BBC iPlayer in France within seconds.
  • Compatible devices: It should be compatible with multiple devices like iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux devices.
  • Security and Privacy protocols: The VPN should offer military-grade security and encryption protocols to keep the user’s information safe.
  • Speed limits: The VPN should give optimum speed while streaming BBC iPlayer.
  • Price rates: It should be priced at a reasonable rate to attract users.
  • Ease of use: The VPN should be easy to use for the users in order to ensure superior performance by all means.

What Channels Can You Watch on BBC iPlayer?

Like other British content fans, you’re looking for a way to watch BBC iPlayer in France. There are numerous channels you can tune in to watch British content. Some of the channels available on BBC iPlayer include:

BBC Parliament Radio1
BBC Two CBeebies
BBA Four BBC One (Live stream)
BBC Alba S4C
CBBC BBC News
BBC Three BBC Scotland

What is the best BBC content to Watch in France?

If you’re looking for something to watch on iPlayer, then you can’t go wrong with any of the BBC iPlayer shows on this list.

The Gold Question Time
EastEnders Happy Valley Season 3
Better Amanda and Alan’s Italian Job
The boy, the mole, the fox, and the Horse The Apprentice S17

Movies to Watch on BBC iPlayer

There’s nothing like curling up on the couch with a good movie. Luckily, it has a great selection of iPlayer movies available to stream. Here are 6 of our top picks:

The Notebook The Beach
Fast Girls Kung Fu Panda 3
Chicken Run Dunkirk

Sports to Watch on BBC iPlayer

There is a ton of sports content available on BBC iPlayer as well, from live sports events you can watch documentaries on athletes and stream other sports programs as well. Here are some of the latest sports events:

Scottish Championship Six Nations
Northern Irish Premiership (NIFL) Formula 1
Super Bowl LVII FA Women’s Super League
FA Cup 2023 Scottish Women’s Premier League

What Devices are Compatible with BBC iPlayer?

Most people know that you can watch BBC iPlayer on your computer or laptop, but did you know that there are other devices that you can use to access the popular streaming service? Below are some different devices you can use to watch iPlayer.

iPhone Android
LG TV PC
Mac Apple TV
Chromecast Xbox One
FireStick PS4/PS5
Smart TV Roku

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on iPhone in France?

Follow these steps to watch BBC iPlayer on iPhone in France.

  1. Purchase a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN.
  2. Download ExpressVPN and install it on your iPhone.
  3. Sign in and connect to a server located in the UK. You can use the one in Docklands.
  4. Go to the App Store and change your location to the UK.
  5. While still in App Store, download the BBC iPlayer app.
  6. Log in to BBC iPlayer and start streaming your favorite shows.

How Do I install BBC iPlayer on Android in France?

Keep reading to learn how to install BBC iPlayer on Android in France.

  1. Purchase a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN.
  2. Download ExpressVPN and install it on your Android.
  3. Connect to a server in the UK. We suggest you use the one in Docklands.
  4. Create a new Gmail account and set your location to the UK.
  5. Go to Google Play Store using your new Gmail to download the BBC iPlayer app.
  6. Launch the BBC iPlayer app and start streaming your favorite shows.

Can I access BBC iPlayer with a free VPN?

Yes, you can access BBC iPlayer with a free VPN. However, did you know that using a free VPN to access the BBC iPlayer can result in blocked access. BBC iPlayer employs unique IP detecting technologies and regularly adds IP addresses associated with VPNs to their blacklist to prevent users from bypassing regional restrictions.

The reason behind free VPNs getting blacklisted is first that, free VPNs tend to have limited server options, meaning your internet usage may be slower than before. But more importantly, there is no way to verify who is running the server, making the connections insecure. You can now watch BBC iPlayer in Portugal with a free VPN service.

Secondly, your personal information could potentially be sold or used for malicious purposes without your knowledge. In contrast, premium VPNs offer increased privacy and security measures and larger server networks for improved performance.

In our opinion, when it comes to protecting your online data, it’s worth investing in a trusted premium  VPN rather than falling prey to the potential dangers of a free VPN service. By using a VPN you can also get BBC iPlayer in Germany now.

FAQs  – BBC iPlayer in France

Yes, it is entirely legal. BBC iPlayer is UK-based streaming and therefore it is not available in France. You can be blocked out but it will not be counted as illegal if you try to watch BBC iPlayer in France.

No, it does not have French subtitles. It currently has subtitles available in UK English only.  

Yes, you do need a TV license to watch BBC iPlayer. Simply select the option of ‘I have a TV License,’ and BBC iPlayer will not ask you any further questions to verify whether you have a license.

There are two ways to watch BBC iPlayer in France:

  1. Proxy server- A proxy server consumes limited infrastructure and resources than a VPN and is generally less expensive to set up. However, having found a trustworthy and dependable server to get BBC iPlayer in France or other countries abroad can be difficult—a web search can be overwhelming unless you know exactly what you’re looking for.
  2. Chrome Extension- Chrome extensions are small programs that add new functionality to your browser. Many people use the Adblock and Adblock Plus browser extensions without even knowing it. When you go to the extension icon, you are connected to a server in the UK and can easily view BBC iPlayer or other geo-restricted channels located in the UK.


Wrap Up!

BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK. To stream BBC iPlayer in France, all you need is a VPN. A VPN allows you to conceal your IP address and hide your real location by routing your internet traffic through a server in a different country. However, not all VPNs are equal.

Our team has researched and discovered that ExpressVPN is an ideal option to get BBC iPlayer in France. It has some of the best security and encryption protocols with guaranteed high-speed streaming on the platform.

So, save yourself from the headache of trying multiple options, just get the subscription from a trustworthy VPN, get connected to its UK server, and enjoy your favorite BBC iPlayer shows in France.

Chris Mack

Chris Mack

Chris is a technology and entertainment writer whose main interests revolve around the art of writing and expression. He loves writing research-based articles in different niches and translating his thoughts into words that inspire others.


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