How to watch BBC iPlayer in USA [October 2020 Updated]

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 UK only. This detailed blog will help you understand how to have access BBC iPlayer step by step so you can watch your favourite shows.

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

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

Best VPNs to Watch BBC iPlayer in USA or Anywhere in 2020

Not all VPNs can unblock the online streaming service as BBC is strict with its accessibility protocols and continuously invests a huge amount of resources into improving its geo-restriction measures.

However, we have listed a few VPNs below that are best for watching the BBC iPlayer in the USA:

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 very strong unblocking ability. Its London and Glasgow server is the most optimal server for unblocking BBC iPlayer. Overall it has 3 servers in UK and 1700+ servers all over the world.

You can get Surfshark’s 2-year plan for $2.49 per month 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.

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 unblocks BBC iPlayer instantly. It can unblock any site, even with its browser extension.

ExpressVPN’s 1-year plan is available for $8.32 per month 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.

PureVPN – Reliable VPN to Unblock and Stream BBC iPlayer in US

This service majorly focuses on user’s privacy and security and is considered to be one of the best budget VPNs. With PureVPN, 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 2000 servers in 140+ countries and all of them are protected by AES 256 bit encryption and they have no issues of IP or DNS leaks.

You can avail its 2-year package for $2.91 per month and enjoy unlimited bandwidth. You can also share your account with your family and friends because it allows up to 10 simultaneous connections.

What is BBC iPlayer?

BBC iPlayer is one of the best television and streaming services from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) exclusively available to residents in United Kingdom. The iPlayer offers online streaming, TV and catch up service from the channels such as BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, BBC News and Radio 1. It is available on a wide range of devices including smartphones and tablets, personal computers and smart televisions.

Why Do You Need a VPN  to access BBC iPlayer in USA

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 UK.

Therefore, when the user tries to watch BBC iPlayer in 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-restriction imposed by BBC when the user changes local IP with UK IP address.

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

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 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 )

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

Conclusion

I hope reading this blog was useful and it helped you understand how to download and watch BBC iPlayer in the USA. By using one of the VPN’s mentioned in the list above like Surfshark, you will be able to have access to BBC iPlayer and enjoy binge watching your favorite programs on your mobile phones, tablets and TV anywhere outside 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!

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.