How to Watch BBC iPlayer Overseas With a VPN
If you don’t want to read the whole article, here’s our list of the best VPNs for Watching BBC iPlayer:
- ExpressVPN Great for Speed, top-notch security, large server network and keeps your anonymity and privacy.
- NordVPN Has double VPN, six simultaneous connections, above-average privacy features.
- Surfshark Large network of servers, No data or bandwidth limits, Unlimited simultaneous device connections.
- Cyberghost Vast amount of servers, Quick connection speeds, and competitively priced.
- ZenMate Hundreds of fast servers in over 30 locations around the world.
- ProtonVPN ProtonVPN has more than 500 servers in 42 countries.
Using The BBC iPlayer Abroad
Because of something called geo-restrictions, the BBC is required by law to restrict its content to anyone outside of the UK due to rights agreements and licensing regulations.
Since only UK citizens pay taxes that cover the mandatory licensing fees, only UK citizens rightfully have access to this entertainment.
The problem is, much of that content can only be streamed on devices with a UK IP address. Content licensing restrictions block certain videos based on your location. So, if you happen to be anywhere outside of the UK, you can look forward to a message like this: “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues.”
Fortunately, there is a simple solution to get around these geo-restrictions. With the help of a VPN, you can access all your iPlayer shows and channels no matter where you are on the globe.
The Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer (That work)
#1 ExpressVPN – SPECIAL DEAL (3 months free with annual subscription)
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer, as it has six servers located in the UK, ultra-fast speeds, and is especially known for getting new servers up and running quickly, in case BBC blacklists one.
Why it’s a hot choice:
- Six UK server clusters
- Industry-leading speeds
Start from as low as $6.67/month + 30 days money back guarantee
To read the full ExpressVPN review click here
#2 NordVPN
This no-log provider is a staple favorite for the privacy conscious. NordVPN only has one server in the UK, but it’s a reliable name with bulletproof security that is a good choice to access BBC iPlayer abroad if you are very concerned with keeping your data private.
Why it’s a hot choice:
- Its no log policy mean that connections are totally anonymous
- Double encryption is a further boost to security.
Starts from as low as $2.99/month + 30 days money back guarantee
To read the full NordVPN review click here
#3 Surfshark
Surfshark repeatedly gets recommended by us as we have found it to be a highly capable and reliable VPN provider that offers a whole host of features that make it efficient to use. In terms of watching iPlayer abroad, it is perfect as it has several UK servers that mean you can be confident that you will be able to gain a UK IP address allowing you to access the service with no troubles at all.
Why it’s a hot choice:
- Surfshark does not impose any data usage restrictions
- An unlimited amount of devices can be connected at any one time
Starting from as low as $1.99
To read the full Surfshark review click here
#4 Cyberghost
Cyberghost is a great VPN all-around. It has many servers in various locations including the UK (great for BBC iPlayer), super-fast speeds, and a no-logging policy that keeps your data secure.
Why it’s a hot choice:
- It has a large number of servers located within Europe (including the UK)
- It has a super easy setup process, even beginners can’t go wrong
Starts from as low as $2.75/month + 45 days money back guarantee
To read the full Cyberghost review click here
#5 ZenMate
ZenMate offers users hundreds of fast servers in over 30 locations around the world, including optimized servers for platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO GO, and Amazon Prime Video. While it has jurisdiction in Germany, there is a strict no-logs policy, and the desktop and mobile apps offer military-grade protection to ensure your data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
Why it’s a hot choice:
- There is a free version which allows for 2MB of data and has four locations that you can connect to
- This is one of the best options for beginners, as the interface is incredibly simple to use
Starting from as low as $2.05
Sign up with your ZenMate here
To read the full ZenMate review click here
#6 ProtonVPN
This VPN is brought to you by the people who introduced the world to ProtonMail, the biggest encrypted emailing service in the world. If you’re big on security, this is the VPN for you.
Why it’s a hot choice:
- ProtonVPN has more than 620 servers in 44 countries
- Its based in Switzerland, which means it must comply with some of the strictest user privacy laws in the world.
Starting from as low as $4 .00
Please note that all of the paid plans are billed annually.
To read the full ProtonVPN review click here
Choosing the Best VPN for BBC iPlayer
There a tons of VPN options available, but not all of them are created equal. In fact, some of them, like IPVanish, do not work with BBC iPlayer at all, so it’s important to do your research. These are the most important factors that go into choosing the best VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer:
- Bypassing Geo-Restrictions – Possibly the most important feature, as the reason you can’t watch is because your location is blocked by BBC iPlayer. Try ExpressVPN, which easily bypasses all of BBC iPlayer’s geo-blocks.
- Speed – You will most likely be streaming your content from BBC iPlayer, so you’ll need the fastest connection possible to not experience lagging and buffering time.
- Number of Servers/IP Addresses – The more working servers and/or IP addresses a VPN has, the easier it is to stay anonymous.
- Server Location – You can have hundreds of servers, but if you don’t have at least a few located in the UK, you’ll remain geo-blocked. Fortunately, most quality VPNs have servers all over the world, particularly in the UK. Multiple UK servers are even better.
- Privacy Policies – To put it bluntly, streaming content from a place that’s trying to block it, is illegal. You need to make sure that your identity is securely hidden and that the VPN service you’re using isn’t keeping your data logged.
NordVPN is based in Panama, so there are no government issues to worry about, and no logs are kept at all, more info about VPN Jurisdiction.
My VPN isn’t Working with BBC iPlayer
BBC is a major corporation that is aware of the fact that people are trying to hack the system and get past their geo-restrictions. Because of this, BBC is always updating its security and catching “fake” IP addresses.
When it finds a bogus IP, BBC blacklists it and it no longer works to unblock their content If your VPN isn’t working, most likely BBC iPlayer has blocked the specific IP address you’ve been using. From here, you have two options:
Option #1: Choose a different VPN server (each VPN has multiple servers/IPs)
Having a VPN with multiple servers and IP addresses is important because when one stops working, you can just switch to another and keep on streaming.
Option #2: Get a VPN dedicated IP
A Dedicated IP VPN locks down one IP address that you use every time you want to surf the web from an anonymous location. Having a Dedicated IP VPN significantly lowers any suspicions companies might have when they see you logging in from multiple IP addresses. Most notably, Dedicated IPs are harder to blacklist since the shared IPs are typically the ones on the BBC’s radar to try and shut down.
Of course, using only one IP address does make it easier to lock down, however your data is still encrypted, and your true location is still completely hidden. NordVPN offers an excellent dedicated VPN option.
Proxy Error
Up until recently, if you wanted to access geo-restricted content like the BBC iPlayer, you would simply set up a proxy server, and Voila!
Today, the BBC has a proxy blocker, so your traditional proxy server won’t work anymore. As mentioned, the BBC is really cracking down on infringement, so it’s not surprising that this simplified version no longer works.
Unblocking the BBC iPlayer Radio
BBC iPlayer Radio features popular talk shows, news reporting, entertainment, music, and offers top quality radio for anyone in the UK. The same geo-restrictions apply to this subset of the BBC iPlayer, and the same workarounds (i.e., your reliable VPN) help you access your favorite radio stations, uninterrupted.
Conclusion
BBC iPlayer has some of the best programming available today, so naturally, people from all over the world want to access it. If you are tired of getting the “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK” messages, then you need to act. Only a strong and reliable VPN will get you past the BBC’s geo-blocks and to your favorite shows, so get connected with the fastest and most anonymous VPN out there today. The Best 2020 VPN for BBC iPlayer is ExpressVPN.
None of the Express VPNs work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi George,
We are sorry to hear that you are having trouble with ExpressVPN. Have you tried switching to a different server location? ExpressVPN is the top VPN available on the market, so there must be something going wrong either on your end or possibly with your subscription. you should contact customer support and see how they can help you further.
BBC is blocked when connected to self hosted VPN on Digital Ocean servers located in UK
Can any one help. Until a few days ago was able to download with no problem. Now though I am using Express VPN and I keep getting the same message Download unavailable – Error code: 2 please check my connection.
I am also downloading from Channel 4 with no problem
Can someone help, but please don’t get too technical. Thanks
Update to my last post about BBC iPlayer connection through NordVPN. If you contact there chat line they will tell you which of there server connections in the uk can access the BBC. Well done to them – great servic
Hi David, I am glad that you were able to sort it out and that NordVPN was able to assist you in finding the best possible server to watch BBC iPlayer.
Both NordVPN and expressvpn are now blocked by the BBC iPlayer. Ive been with TunnelBear for the last 18 months but they are also blocked. I signed up for the free trials with NordVPN and ExpressVPN today to see if they would work with the iPlayer. They don’t. I connected to the Expressvpn chat line. They said they are working on it and they are aware. It’s a shame they haven’t withdrawn their advertising stating they can access the iPlayer it would have saved me time. I’ve run out of options now. Does anybody know of a vpn that does have BBC access as at 1April 2018?
TunnelBear worked great for me up until last week. Then I get the dreaded “rights issue” message. ITV still works fine. Very sad. So much great programming on BBC. Why the heck don’t they just sell people outside of the UK a monthly subscription? We are paying it to VPN sites anyway. The BBC could get all that money for themselves? Seems really, really stupid from a business standpoint.
I’ve been living abroad for 35 years. I would happily pay the license fee to legally watch the BBC – even if it cost more for non residents. What stupidity .. forcing us all to chase VPNs that get blocked after a few weeks. Wake up BBC!
After trying out various VPNs, I found out that ExpressVPN is the best VPN service you can use to bypass regional restrictions. This includes being able to stream BBC iPlayer outside the UK quickly as well. ExpressVPN makes it possible for overseas users to stream contents of BBC iPlayer quite easily. Thanks to this VPN as I no longer have to view the geo-error message “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues”, every time I try to catch-up TV on BBC outside UK.
Even though BBC started blacklisting VPN IP addresses back in 2015, ExpressVPN still works just fine for me.
The new restrictions are so unfair and pretty annoying. I’m using Express VPN and it’s giving me a kick knowing I’m still able to win despite their horrid measures. Thanks a lot.
Even though this is a good read for those who are looking for ways to access the BBC iPlayer outside the United Kingdom, it has been out dated as of now BBC has blocked off all VPNs from gaining access to iPlayer as the server first needs to make sure that user is IN the UK for which the end point must be detectable which is not possible for private networks that are established by the VPNs. However, even though ExpressVPN was the best call, its limitation of having connection logs for internal use (aggregated ones) could have still proved to be bothersome for users trying to gaining unbound access to their favorite iPlayer. Doesn’t it now look like that a more powerful VPN is in high demand?
Hi, and thanks for bringing this issue up! The BBC has become more vigilant about blocking off access to VPNs, and indeed has succeeded in making it harder to access their content when outside the UK. However, it’s still possible to access the service on many VPNs, though generally ones with more server options available per country. ExpressVPN’s minimal logs could be a non-starter for some who prefer to be completely private online, but the company continues to test well for access to iPlayer thanks to its broad server list. It’s also worth noting that as companies get better at blocking VPNs, these companies have also fought back to keep offering their customers access to the content they want, no matter where they are.
IPVanish servers have recently been detected by BBC iPlayer and it’s impossible to watch outside the UK at the moment in spite of the fact that they have tons of UK servers. I’m hanging on hoping they find a solution but don’t hold out much hope. So can anybody confirm which VPNs actually work currently with iPlayer?
Received a reply on IPVANISH facebook they have given up trying to access BBC iplayer and they had to remind me their service is a privacy service fundamentally. To bad I have a 2 year contract.
Hi Rob, Thank you for your information, we messaged with IPVanish and they said the same thing:
*Despite our best technical efforts, IPVanish can no longer support access to BBC. Our hope is to make IPVanish work with as many websites as possible, but it is more important for us to remain transparent with you about this restriction. The BBC has taken measures to block all VPN connections from IPVanish. Though we have implored the network not to target those protecting their online privacy with our service, these pleas have fallen upon deaf ears.*
*While our team works hard accommodating service access for streaming video, we wish to gently remind you that IPVanish is primarily a privacy product and should be used as such. We apologize for any inconvenience.*
We will update this article accordingly.
I too had that response and to be quite honest I got a brutally rude response when I suggested that I had specifically checked bout BBC iPlayer access before I signed up. Since I was now outside their 7 day guarantee period I received a response basically telling me ‘tough’!!!
Thanks for giving us the important information about various VPN Used for streaming BBC iplayer and what i do if my vpn block or not working. Can you suggest me the best vpn for this ?
I was using Zenmate for a while without any issues but suddenly I’m without access!!! Any idea what the problem is? How can I be sure that I won’t run into the same problem with any of the VPN services listed here?
Hi Tim,
Nothing against Zenmate, but we can assure you that at the time of writing, all of the VPN above effectively work to unblock BBC iPlayer. You can try the 30-day money back guarantee period and decide for yourself whether you want to move forward with a contract for a cheaper price per month if the service is to your satisfaction.
How about a class action against the BBC to force them to allow the millions outside the uk to pay the licence fee or an equivalent sum. The Beeb needs the money so why on earth do the stop me from paying? They appear to be stupid….
I have emailed the BBC at least 3 times to suggest just that. I would be delighted to pay the licence fee to get good TV and no B*** adverts.
Hello Mr. Daniel R. Stevens, am sorry, I don’t agree with you on this…I have used ExpressVPN and IPVanish VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer, and from my experience, I must tell you that IPVanish supposed to be the #1 on this list. It’s still the best for me. Thank you
I live in Turkey and there are few videos that I have been told that are available on iplayers, after dozens of my attempts to get into iplayer they recognise my IP address as suspicious. I really need to get access to their iplayer, can you help me out or do you have any VPN that could help me get a stable UK IP address?
Hi Jawad,
As I don’t have a Turkey IP, I can’t really get the answer that would be helpful for you. Please communicate with any of the VPN services above. By experience, all – ExpressVPN, NordVPN, SaferVPN, etc. have excellent customer support via their live chat option.
Hi Daniel R. Stevens, you saved me! BBC iPlayer is damn good and many people love the awesomeness. But for me, it’s not working and getting access back was really tough with new rules. I searched a lot and finally, I have found this cool article. Outstanding job, Daniel. This post is exactly what I needed to resolve my issue. Keep posting more info. Cheers!
I was able to access the iplayer using Nord and Express VPN. For some reason, both suddenly stopped working .Could this be because I changed my device?
Hi Susan,
I would strongly recommend getting in touch with them through their live chat. You will get immediate assistance and troubleshooting to find the solution. ExpressVPN and NordVPN are very quick at this!
I don’t think that HideMyAss should be on this list of recommended VPNs, it doesn’t work for BBC iPlayer.
This is what they said on their community forum one day ago:
Unfortunately we still have no updates. Our server team is working on a permanent solution and tho they have shared with us there were some advancements, BBC access is not yet functional.
I apologize for the inconvenience caused by this delay and assure you that this is our top priority.
Hi Tonia,
I thank you for your input and will include a note in the article to this effect.
Thank you Tonia,
We’ve taken this into consideration and updated our list accordingly. Your input is valuable to us!
Sometimes in the past, my ExpressVPN can’t access BBC iPlayer buy it rocks now. You should try it now because I thing the service was recently updated.
Nordvpn rocks on this… I have been using this to access BBC Iplayer from China.
I tried the ExpressVPN, worked for a while then stopped. Probably the IP was detected….. Going to try again soon. Very informative post. I would like to know if there are any other VPNs I can use
I’ve been using PureVPN to watch BBC iPlayer and my review is positive. Significant areas of improvement include server connection issues and other minor issues.
BBC iPlayer is accessible with ExpressVPN and NordVPN. I use ExpressVPN though but my friend uses NordVPN and I’ve never heard himcopmlain before. The two VPNs are perfect for BBC iPlayer!
ExpressVPN stopped working with iPlayer with me about two months ago. Their customer service was diabolical with patronising “help” telling me to do things I’d already told them quite clearly did not work and offering no clue to to when, or indeed if new servers that were not blocked would be coming online I had no choice but to cancel.
express vpn was working now blocked,support is helpful but cannot seem to be able to dodge bbc
Hi Graham,
Please try their customer service live chat so that they can trouble shoot together with you and walk you though it. They’re very helpful for all of our queries.
I used to use Astrill but it has stopped working this week, will try in a few days again to see if they get access again
Hi Ingrid,
You can test 1 of the services we recommend above and use it for 30 days.
Thank you!
So much for NordVPN. Being seriously blocked!
i have just tried nordvpn from aus to watch bbc iplayer. it worked fine yesterday and has now stopped so its obviously detected my vpn. Would kodi work or is that a non starter as it still needs a vpn?
thanks
Adrian
No, Kodi won’t work as you will still need to use a VPN.
NordVPN has more then 115 servers IPs in the UK. You can try switching to a different server, that should solve the problem. You can find the full list here.
Hi,
You may be interested to know that,following numerous problems, I had an email today from Pure vpn saying they were no longer able to provide support for access to uk bbc/netflix due to the blocking activities of both. They stated this was in the interest of ensuring that customers would not be misled. I thought that this was a pretty honest admission as most vpn providers lure customers into long term contracts on the basis of glowing statements regarding geo blocking despite the seemingly increasing determination by Auntie Beeb particularly to stop you enjoying yourself. Why on earth dont they just allow expats to cough up for the licence fee to help out with their ever diminishing income. Frustrating or what but what else can you expect from the brits these days!
Hi Michael, I contact them purevpn via their customer service live chat for them to confirm whether they are able to access Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Their answer is yes. here are the steps:
1. Download the browser extension:
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/purevpn-–-best-vpn-proxy/bfidboloedlamgdmenmlbipfnccokknp (Chrome extension )
https://support.purevpn.com/purevpn-firefox-extension (FireFox )
2. Login
3. Select which website you would like to access – you will see there is an option for Netflix and BBC
Have you tried ExpressVPN or NordVPN today? Nearly all VPN with servers in the UK are geo-blocked from BBC iPlayer and in some cases bbc.co.uk/news. “bbc.co.uk” is being rewritten as “bbc.com” which indicates that the BBC assumes that the connection is being made from outside the UK. Given the new technology that the BBC is using I doubt that any VPN service will be able to access BBC iPlayer.
Accessing BBC iplayer from outside the UK using VPN has come to an end.
Hi Niemand,
I was advised by customer service to try disconnecting and reconnecting to the VPN once or twice to try to watch iPlayer.
Your feedback is always appreciated.
Thank you,
Ilana
I v’e been using PIA now for 3 years all ok with BBCiplayer then on 21st Aug 2017 the BBC started blocking me (I was logged in from London or Southampton).
Question now is “who does a VPN that can beat BBC?”
Hi John,
We would suggest ExpressVPN or NordVPN for BBC iPlayer.
Thank you! Ilana
A few years back, I set up my own VPN (openVPN) server in my house in the UK hosted on a ‘RaspberryPi I was able to do this because 1) I have a good enough upload bit rate of 10MB/sec and 2) I know how to achieve this. I have. to say, it .has never let me down.
More recently, I was keen to see how my little home grown set up worked compared to a VPN subscription with PIA VPN. I set it up on my Firestick using the ‘OpenVPN for Android’ client.
As for the iplayer, it all seems fine but I know that the BBC are trying to stop folk from using a VPN and I guess it must be by learning IP address ranges owned by VPN servers (Looks like Netflicks have done just that). So, I would like to think that an ‘expat’ can ask a relation living in the UK to help by setting up a VPN server along with a Dynamic DNS. Also making sure they don’t watch things they shouldn’t!!!!
As an expat Brit living in Canada I would love to get legal access to iplayer. I did briefly make it work with Hula but that stopped after a few weeks. I am puzzled as to why the BBC don’t sort out the licensing or copyright issues so I can purchase a monthly subscription through whatever source. There was a BBC subscription service on the Apple Store a couple of years ago but they shut that down after a year or so. I would gladly pay $15/month to get “auntie BBC” and then cut my cable connection. I installed an antenna last year which gives me more than enough local OTA TV channels. So come on BBC get with the program and earn some more revenue!
Found this article & comments interesting. Don’t understand enough technically to be able to grasp some of the comments, however thought I’d mention a couple of things re-VPNs I’ve recently encountered. I’ve tried several different VPN companies, & at present am using IPVanish. I’d been accessing BBC iplayer OK, when on holiday in Europe, then after 1st Oct it suddenly detected my VPN supplied UK IP address as not my actual geo location, even though I always have geo location off. What has proved interesting is that Channel 4’s All4 App sometimes, but not always, accepts or declines access to their programmes, and with IPVanish I’ve discovered that its mostly using one of their 30+ London based servers that allows them to detect my IP address as a VPN one, so I usually switch to another town location, usually with success.
However………. since moving to France recently, I need much more frequent, regular access to BBC content on iplayer, and recently started buying Programmes from the relatively new BBC Store App. Bear with me here, as it has now become clear that since I started, as recently as Dec 2016, BUYING BBC Store programmes, which I can both download AND watch on BOTH the iplayer App AND BBC Store App, somehow Auntie Beeb’s iplayer App has determined that because I’ve bought the programmes, it ignores the VPN IP address and lets me download & watch them, BUT then if I try and download & watch an iplayer programme, unbought, it immediately refuse ps me access, saying I’m out of the UK! Go figure! What the BBC seems to be doing here is disallowing my VPN IP address to access ‘non bought’ programmes, but even though I’m still signed in using my BBC ID, it ignores my detectable VPN IP address if I purchase a programmes, even though it IS STILL a legal requirement only to both buy & download ALL BBC content while in the UK. It seems Auntie Beeb is not only playing clever at catching out VPNs but also playing ‘fast ‘n loose’ by ignoring them to allow one to both purchase & download programmes!
Its looking like the headline should read …….”Public Service Broadcaster Cafe” offers an expensive crop of ‘rehashed meals’ on its Menu. Takeaway service at extra cost on request”
The BBC is blocking VPN’s now, of course some vendors make it easy for them by making their IP’s easy to track.
Sadly privateinternetaccess.com is one such sloppy network, I even used their hidden IP’s that are only available once connected but all seem to be banned. Hell even basic popular sites that do not need a VPN do not work with many PIA IP’s.
Their support is a bit dire, rude staff on chat (when it is working) and a 4 hour response time on messages. They also refuse to help on geo issues around content (e.g. the BBC)
I would take issue with you promoting HMA, based on your own criteria. HMA not only keep logs but they DO NOT SUPPORT torrents and will even terminate your service if they get a report from a content provider that you have used their service for that purpose.
I have not heard of your headline deal called Buffered VPN, I will test it myself if it does indeed have a money back guarantee.
I would also like to suggest some other criteria
1. You should not have run your PC as an Admin to use the service (this is highly dangerous and exposes your PC to malware)
2. They should openly support Torrents
3. Not doing data logging is not enough, there needs to be no accessible customer records, it was bad enough when Russian authorities raided PIA and took all their servers but the US too gets injunctions. There has to be a chinese wall between the payment info and the customer name (which should always be anonymous).
4. Ideally you should not need an App to use the service. PIA have a way to do this where you create an LL2P config in windows, they provide the LL2p login in their portal. Apps are OK I am just saying you should have a choice.
5. The other thing that is needed is a huge number of servers in a lot of Countries. HMA wins with the sheer number of servers and Counties but a bit pointless if you can’t do torrents. PIA has not been bad for torrents, although from time to time the server connection crashes out exposing your real IP.
Sadly a lot of sites are refusing to even work if they detect a VPN is in use, so we may be forced to use the dark web in future.
Hey David,
Thank you so much for this information and feedback, I saw your other comment and I apologize for not getting back to this sooner, I didn’t check the comments over the holiday. I’m certain this will help other readers.
Best,
Lyndon
I have been using MediaHint to watch BBC iPlayer. It worked fine until last week. Now I can’t get it to work at all.
Hello Carol,
How odd. Have you tried contacting their customer service or support options to see if you can get an explanation from them?
Best,
Lyndon
I just paid for Buffered VPN and it doesnt work with BBC iplayer 🙁
How do I get my money back?
Hello Louise,
Sorry to hear about your issues, it seems to be a constant back and forth between content providers and VPN service providers. I would recommend contacting their customer service department to see if there is anything you can do.
Best,
Lyndon
Ipvanish is not working anymore for BBC iPlayer… tested all locations but they see its VPN i guess its because of their domainnames of the servers… all ipvanish in it. Posted a question of their Facebook page.
Hey Alfred,
Sorry to hear about this. Chances are it’ll be a constant back and forth here for quite a while. Let us know if you find out anything!
Best,
Lyndon
BBC have blocked VPN access to iPlayer. Looks like some VPN providers have a fix for this already, hopefully Totalvpn will soon too
From France connecting to the BBC iplayer using BufferedVPN and Firefox in Win10 does not work. I player is blocked.
Sorry to hear that Andy, unfortunately its a constant struggle of workarounds and blocks with these services. Hopefully BufferedVPN can fix the problem soon so people can enjoy the BBC iPlayer again.
Best,
Lyndon
A UK VPN IP number is no longer sufficient to access iPlayer. It’s fraudulent to suggest to people that they should pay for a VPN so that they can get iPlayer; when the BBC are blocking all recognised VPNs ‘and’ requiring browsers to have geo-location enabled…. which is an additional layer of geo-information that the user needs to be able to spoof.
M Davison,
We have tested the Buffered VPN after you made this comment from the USA and we were able to access BBC player. Have you tested this yourself or are you just saying that ? We tested this 24th of June 2016.
I tried to access and download BBC iPlayer last week using BufferedVPN from South Africa. Despite trying all of their locations within the UK, BBC iPlayer is blocked. This article explains why https://torrentfreak.com/bbc-iplayer-blocks-uk-vpn-servers-over-piracy-concerns-151016/
It’s time that BufferedVPN acknowledged that the BBC has them stumped, so they should stop advertising their UK VPN’s because it causes a huge amount of frustration!
Thanks David,
We have updated our recommendation to BufferedVPN, their servers don’t seem to be getting blocked by BBC. It is a bit of a hit and miss situation at the moment where things are fluid and changing daily. Give them a try and let me know how it goes.
Thanks for the update.
BBC Iplayer dose not work – don’t buy it
Jason,
Can you describe how BBC Iplayer isn’t working for you ?
Nope – none of this because
BBC . If we detect you might be using a VPN, you’ll be unable to play programmes. This is because we’re unable to detect the end point of your private network; we need to be confident you’re in the UK.
Hey Jen – nice name 🙂
You are right – due to piracy concerns, as of October 2015, VPN users have been blocked from using the BBc iPlayer.
At least we can still catch a lot of those shows on Netflix and Hulu
https://securethoughts.com/how-to-watch-netflix-outside-the-usa/
Thanks for the comment!