The BBC is known for its smash-hit TV shows and its global news services. But the broadcaster’s streaming platform, BBC iPlayer, might be equally well known for surprising you with a ‘BBC iPlayer only works in the UK’ error message when you try to stream while traveling abroad.
But don’t worry – if you want to keep up with the latest episodes of Doctor Who, The Apprentice, or EastEnders while you’re traveling abroad, CyberGhost VPN can help. Our streaming-optimized server for BBC iPlayer allows you to access the service just like you would back home, with no glitching or error messages getting in the way.
Quick Guide: How to Watch BBC iPlayer with a VPN in 3 Steps
Here’s how to avoid error messages when you watch BBC iPlayer abroad with CyberGhost VPN:
- Become a Ghostie. It’s fast and easy!
- Install the app on your device and connect to our streaming-optimized server for BBC iPlayer.
- Stream your favorite BBC shows!
Why You Need a VPN to Fix BBC iPlayer’s ‘Not Available in Your Location’ Error
BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK, and it uses your IP address to determine your location. That means you’ll probably see the “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK” message when you try to watch a show while traveling overseas.
Getting around this error message is easy when you use a VPN. Simply connect to a UK VPN server to get an IP address from back home. This will make it look as though you’re watching from within the UK, allowing you to stream as usual.
Where Is BBC iPlayer Available?
The BBC’s video-on-demand service is available in the UK. Anyone with a valid UK TV Licence in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, or the Isle of Man is entitled to access the service free of charge.
Why CyberGhost Is the Best VPN for BBC iPlayer
CyberGhost VPN has a global server network which includes a streaming-optimized server specifically for BBC iPlayer. We monitor this server closely to ensure that you’ll always be able to access the platform .
Our network offers blazing-fast VPN speeds, meaning you can watch in the highest resolution available with no buffering. We also deploy 10-Gbps servers in our busiest locations so you’ll never experience slowdowns caused by overcrowding. CyberGhost gives you unlimited VPN bandwidth, so you can stream as many episodes of your favorite shows as you like.
Whatever device you prefer to use to get your iPlayer fix, we’ve got you covered. You can download CyberGhost VPN apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Android TV.
You can try it risk-free with our 45-day money-back guarantee.
How to Create a BBC iPlayer Account
Creating a BBC iPlayer account is super-simple; all you need to do is follow these five steps:
- Get CyberGhost VPN and connect to our streaming-optimized server for BBC iPlayer.
- Go to the BBC iPlayer website and click on Sign in.
- On the sign-in page, click Register now.
- Enter your credentials when prompted.
- Confirm, then start watching BBC iPlayer.
Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer?
Unfortunately, most free VPNs won’t help you access BBC iPlayer because the service actively blocks IP addresses it identifies as being associated with VPNs. Free VPNs don’t usually have the resources to bypass these blocks.
In addition, free VPNs typically have much smaller networks that can’t manage a lot of traffic and only provide users with limited bandwidth. As a result, you’ll likely have to deal with poor video quality and buffering. Even worse, you might get cut off in the middle of your streaming session.
You can easily avoid all of this by using CyberGhost VPN. We have a streaming-optimized server for BBC iPlayer, which ensures you can access the platform without running into the BBC iPlayer content not available in your location error message. Plus, our super-fast connection speeds mean that you can watch in picture-perfect 4K.
BBC iPlayer and CyberGhost VPN: Two Peas in a Pod!
Streaming BBC iPlayer with CyberGhost VPN is as easy as it gets.
We have a huge network of high-speed servers, including 10-Gbps servers in our busiest locations, ensuring you’ll always get a fast connection for smooth streaming. Our streaming-optimized server for BBC iPlayer gives you reliable access to the platform even when you’re traveling abroad.
CyberGhost VPN has apps for the most popular streaming devices, so you can stream on your laptop, smartphone, smart TV, and other devices, both at home and on the go.
The next time you go on an overseas holiday, don’t forget to install CyberGhost VPN on your primary device – you can try it risk-free for 45 days.
Can I Use a VPN to Unblock BBC iPlayer Outside the UK?
Some VPN users connect to a server in the UK to watch BBC iPlayer from outside the country, but this is against our terms of service and is not acceptable.
CyberGhost is a privacy-forward no-logs VPN, meaning we can’t view your online activity and we never share your browsing data. While we don’t know what you’re doing online, you should always comply with BBC iPlayer’s terms of use, our terms of service, and any applicable law, including copyright.
FAQ
You can use CyberGhost VPN to change your location on BBC iPlayer. The platform determines your location based on your IP address, so connecting to our streaming-optimized server for the platform will virtually relocate you in the UK, allowing you to stream BBC shows as you would normally.
BBC iPlayer is restricted to UK residents only because the service is paid for by UK TV License holders. If you’re traveling abroad, you can use a VPN to get a UK IP address to maintain access to the service.
If you’re a UK resident visiting the US, you can connect to CyberGhost VPN’s streaming-optimized server for BBC iPlayer. This will allow you to unblock the platform and watch like you would back home.
Most streaming services are only available in certain countries, and most that are widely available have different content libraries for different countries. This is usually because of licensing agreements for individual titles. If you’re traveling to a country where your favorite show isn’t available, you can use CyberGhost VPN to keep watching.
One reason might be your app version being outdated or your device not being compatible with it. A slow or unstable internet connection might prevent the app from loading. It may also be that iPlayer is blocking your IP address. To fix this, get CyberGhost VPN and connect to our streaming-optimized server for BBC iPlayer.
It’s a great idea to use a VPN while watching BBC iPlayer. By encrypting your internet connection, it will help prevent your ISP from detecting that you’re streaming, and deliberately slowing your connection because of it. A VPN also keeps your personal data safe from cybercrooks when you’re streaming on unsecured public Wi-Fi.
CyberGhost VPN is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer. We have a streaming-optimized server specifically for the platform, which ensures that you’re able to access it without any glitches or error messages when you’re traveling abroad.
Leave a comment